Bike Setup: Roubaix Pro(upgrade from the Comp) with 105 throughout
Summary: All I have to say is "buyer beware". This bike seems like a logical purchase for most people, but looks can be decieving. Yes the Roubaix is usually an amazing bike, but this particular model, the 2007 Roubaix Comp, has some serious faults. Specialized even stoped making this specific frame after 2007. The reason is that the head-set is faulty. If there is even chance that you will ride this bike in the rain, or if you ever plan on washing it, DO NOT PURCHASE THIS BIKE. The bearings in the headset will rust, and the only way to get them out to be replaced is to pound them out very aggressivly. The result will be a cracked frame. When this happened to me i was told that they knew this would happen with this bike. It is Specialized one fault. Luckly my frame was under warenty so i got a new frame for free, but the hassel for a broken frame after 6 months was aggrevating. Again all 2007 Roubaixs are faulty and were taken out of production. I of course learned this after i purchased it.
Strengths: Smooth Ride, comfy, and not too pricy
Weaknesses: Faulty head-set.
Similar Products Used: BH Speedrom
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Bike Setup: Stock except for SRAM 10-28 cassette (was standard setup on 2008).
Summary: I bought this bike based on reviews and a short test ride. Got a 2007 at the end of season at a nice discount. At first, I wasn't wow-ed but now love the thing. I would tell anyone buying a recreational road bike that the most important issue is comfort particularly on 30+ mile rides. You just can't get your legs to move if your back, neck or shoulders ache. That being said, I find the geometry on this bike to be ideal. I upgraded from a Novarro from REI with standard geometry and an aluminum frame. The bike doesn't move any quicker but after 45 minutes without unclipping I am aching to sit up in the Novarro and still pedaling with the Roubaix. I was somewhat anxious about switching from a triple to a compact. I just recently swapped out the Shimano cassette for a compatable SRAM 11-28 cassette and the lowest gear ratio (34/28) is almost identical to the triple (30/25). Found that climbing requires less effort and I do think the shifting on the compact double is much smoother. After this purchase, I would tell any novice buyer to spend their money on frame composition and geometry. Other than wheels, components have little effect on ride quality, speed, etc. and can easily be upgraded at a later time if you maintain the frame.
Strengths: Ride comfort
Weaknesses: Anxiety about switching from a triple to compact double but eased after swapping out the Shimano cassette for SRAM Rival 11-28.
Similar Products Used: Novarra Strada
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Bike Setup: 2008 comp [double] stock 58 cm - 105 plus ultegra deral, then put on black seat upgrade and blk handlebar tape for looks.
Summary: Immediate comfortable position on board.
105 ok. Also road a Trek 5.2 for $1200 more with mild improvement in response but less comfort [53 yo 6'1" 170 lbs]. Shop very knowledgeable - four locations but liked the Scottsdale location
Strengths: Carbon with good geometry, good not great shimano but will upgrade. 2009 up to $2700.
Weaknesses: Will be lighter in upgrades as parts wear out
Similar Products Used: Old aluminum Schwinn, Trek 5.2 test
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Summary: 2008 Roubaix Comp, carbon and red, 52cm with compact double. I am 55, 5'7" 150.
I found this bike on sale discounted from $2400 msrp. I also stumbled into a TDF special offer from Specialized. The price range of my purchase gave me $250 worth of Specialized gear so I picked up bike shorts, gloves, BG shoe insoles, and an inflator kit as a bonus. I really like the extra arch support of the BG insoles for my flat feet which have replaced the OEM soles in my Sidi's. The Specialized bike shorts ($150) have a little more comfortable chamois than my Giordana's but the waist band is a little higher and tighter.
I have been riding a 2005 Trek 1500 aluminum for 3 years. The Roubaix absorbs road irregularities with panache while maintaining exceptional directional stability and road adhesion. I used to have problems with hand numbness and that has almost completely gone away. The slightly more upright position is sooo much easier on my neck which is cranky from a whiplash injury. The Roubiax has even tamed the Grand Canyon (large road crack) which caused a bottle launching and run over episode ending in a near wipe out on the aluminum Trek. There are a couple strips of pa've on my regular route I always got out of the saddle for on the Trek, now I just ride across on the Roubaix. Amazing!
It is easier to achieve a slightly higher average speed over my 25 mile circuit because this bike fits me better. The Roubaix puts me in a position were I feel less neck, hand, and shoulder strain. I don't feel nearly as beat up and buzzed out from road vibration.
I was looking at the Tarmac and it felt slightly more responsive during test riding but the position was more stretched out and with greater drop. At my age and being a nonracer I am glad I went toward the comfort end of the scale. At the same time I feel like I have given up precious little on the performance end.
If you are dealing with any neck or back issues the Roubaix will let you enjoy high performance with less aggravation. If you are thinking of moving up from an entry level bike like I did you will be stunned at the difference. I tested a Roubaix expert also which listed for another grand more. I could feel the difference in ride between the Comp and the Expert but it was nothing compared enormous gap in ride quality between my Trek 1500 and the Roubaix Comp.
This seems to be a nice price point.
Strengths: Carbon frame smooths the road and dampens vibration significantly.
The Specialized Toupe saddle that came with the bike is a big surprise. I became accustomed to my Terry Carbon Fly on the Trek. Even though the Toupe is the gel version 5 miles into my first ride I thought it was so hard I would change it out for the Terry Fly. By the end of the ride I couldn't tell the Toupe was there! It is firm but that keeps your tender spots from sinking into the saddle. You sit right on your sit bones which feels hard at first but you get used to it quickly. With the Terry I often felt the ridge in the cutout, not so with the Toupe. The Toupe also offers a larger range of seating positions fore and aft than the Terry. I usually spin lightly sitting forward when warming up then shift back for more power once I am warmed up and stretched out.
I ride in FL, its freaking hot, I like my two new Polar insulated water bottles and for a little bling two new Profile Design Carbon Cages.
I like the flat top handlebar. I am thinking of upgrading to a carbon bar with a flat top.
105 brakes are much more powerful and easier to modulate than the entry level junk on the Trek.
Weaknesses: The Specialized Pro tires don't seem quite as supple as the Continental gp 4000's I put on the Trek. The 4000's were a huge upgrade in comfort, speed, and cornering for the Trek over the Bontrager Selects. When the Specialized Pros wear out I will likely put some 4000's on and won't be surprised if the ride and cornering improve some.
Similar Products Used: 2005 Trek 1500 Aluminum
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Summary: Wow. Decided to retire my 9 year old Allez triple and treat myself. Smooooth and fast. Added 3 km/hr to my regular Wed. nite 20 km ride. LBS did great job with set up.
Strengths: Smooth ride, great acceleration.
Weaknesses: Wish I had bought it sooner.
Similar Products Used: Specialized Allez
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