which bike

[Rob3rt]

just been to my LBS and he said the same thing, great frame but you'll get a better spec on Felt and Lapierre , he said to buy the best u can afford...........................

That is ambiguous to the point he may as well have said "guinea pig wee smells of popcorn".

The best frame?
The best components?
The best compromise?

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

I seem to detect a theme with your postings.... not saying your a Spec fanboy or anything you understand , but I sometimes wonder if you'd recommend anything as long as it had "Specialized" written on the downtube........

For my money the latest Roubaix is seriously underspecced for the money. It may well be a lovely frame (personally I found it didn't fit me, but I wont hold that against it), but I'd want a damned sight better than Sora and some hefty wheels for £1200. Specialized are frankly taking the wee on this one.

I openly admit that I'm a spec fanboy however this is due to my experiences of the customer service more than the bikes, its the very same reason why I will I will not buy specific Italian brands.
If your looking at the bike on spec alone I would agree with you. However if you are viewing the bike on ride quality and guarantee and support I think the Specialized Roubaix wins hands down
Halfords have a varied reputation with regards to the quality of bike building and servicing, let alone support. The nicknames this company has suggests it is not a one off experience.
By contrast the Specialized Concept Stores and Dealers have support from the manufacturer and extensive knowledge of the products. The Specialized frames have a lifetime guarantee and the boardmans do not.
The real question is are you willing to pay for knowledge, experience and support from dedicated cycle experts or do you want a bargain from the bloke who also sells air fresheners for cars?

I don't actually recommend everything Specialized make especially the Venge for everyone as its a really harsh bike, I really love it, its fast but very harsh and unforgiving. I have at times if you look at my post history also advised other brands and suggested people to buy Boardman You state that Specialized are taking the wee, well I feel the same about company's only willing to offer a 2 year guarantee on their frames.
With advanced manufacturing techniques available these days, decent inspection process there is no reason why a frame should not last a minimum of 5 years.. Why not offer this, Why not stand behind your product.

I also find it strange that people compare specs but not service and guarantee's

 

[Alanb]

mmm fair point Mr "v", i went to the concept store first and only popped in the halfords for de-icer and took a look and bikes.not having a road bike before i would know good spec from bad thats why the concept store came out on top, so i'll be going for the Specalized and with the advice from the other post too..............thanks..i'll let u know how i get on

 

[Peteaud]

I openly admit that I'm a spec fanboy however this is due to my experiences of the customer service more than the bikes, its the very same reason why I will I will not buy specific Italian brands.
If your looking at the bike on spec alone I would agree with you. However if you are viewing the bike on ride quality and guarantee and support I think the Specialized Roubaix wins hands down
Halfords have a varied reputation with regards to the quality of bike building and servicing, let alone support. The nicknames this company has suggests it is not a one off experience.
By contrast the Specialized Concept Stores and Dealers have support from the manufacturer and extensive knowledge of the products. The Specialized frames have a lifetime guarantee and the boardmans do not.
The real question is are you willing to pay for knowledge, experience and support from dedicated cycle experts or do you want a bargain from the bloke who also sells air fresheners for cars?

I don't actually recommend everything Specialized make especially the Venge for everyone as its a really harsh bike, I really love it, its fast but very harsh and unforgiving. I have at times if you look at my post history also advised other brands and suggested people to buy Boardman You state that Specialized are taking the wee, well I feel the same about company's only willing to offer a 2 year guarantee on their frames.
With advanced manufacturing techniques available these days, decent inspection process there is no reason why a frame should not last a minimum of 5 years.. Why not offer this, Why not stand behind your product.

I also find it strange that people compare specs but not service and guarantee's

Mrs Aud has just bought a Spesh Dolce.

She looked at the Boardman and really liked it, but Halford would not let her ride it, the Spesh Dealer gave her the bike and said go ahead take it for a spin, a millions times better service, the 6 weeks service is free (not that we bother, but its good to know)

Now i want a roubaix, although i cant afford it (yet) but the dealer has said no problem, if i want one for the weekend let them know

When i can afford one guess where i will buy it from?

 

[Cycleops]

just been to my LBS and he said the same thing, great frame but you'll get a better spec on Felt and Lapierre , he said to buy the best u can afford...........................

The salesman can see his commission cheque getting bigger!