Specialized Roubaix Comp Triple

Price Paid:  $2000.00 at London

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Berkshire Country side

Bike Setup:
standard

Summary:
I was anspired by the reviews in this site and went out and bought a 2008 roubaix and am not disappointed as only got back when I turned 50 having been in to fast cars till then I have a Specialized Hybrid which really is good but wanted that special feeling and am not disappointed

Strengths:
fab all around just love this bike

Weaknesses:
none at all except wish the weather was good in the UK and the roads smoother they are crap

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Hybrid

Price Paid:  $2300.00 at LBS

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Anywhere

Bike Setup:
Stock
Cateye wireless computer

Summary:
This is actually for the 2008 model. I've been a life long mountain biker so this is my first road bike. Unfortunately, where I live now is 12 miles away from about 5 different off road trails (I really don't like driving to trailheads, but I don't have time to bike there and back) so my 2008 Spec Epic Comp spent most of its time on paved trails and a small mile long section of singletrack.

Finally realized that I should really be riding a road bike, but after riding a FS mountain bike for the past year and a half, I was worried about how smooth the ride would be. The Roubaix Comp has, so far, been just awesome. Super smooth ride and more comfortable, in my opinion, than the Epic Comp. So, if you're a MTBer looking for a good road bike, this is definitely one to check out.

One note: make sure to get yourself sized properly. I read everywhere that, since I was 6'1", the 58cm would almost definitely be the proper size for me. At my LBS I got a proper sizing and measurement and, due to my proportions and flexibility, a 54cm is actually the right size. They also swapped the stem out to one that would fit my riding style better. I'm glad I got it sized, because this thing is so damn comfortable now I could cry.

Strengths:
Super smooth. The vibration dampening/shock absorbent frame really seems to do the trick. It's light weight to me (19.2 Lbs).

Weaknesses:
Nothing really. When I was getting sized I tried an Expert first and fell in love with the Ultegra shifters (the Comp comes with 105s) but I'll survive. And I can always upgrade.

Price Paid:  $1900.00 at LBS

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Mountain Drive

Bike Setup:
Stock with Krysium Elites

Summary:
This bike is a very good fit for a former mountain biker with a beat up back. It is light, pretty stiff and handles well. I tested several bikes in the $1800-$2300 range and all had strong and weak points but the Specialized Roubiax Comp was good at everything and had no weak points (except the wheels). The LeMond Buenos Aires seemed to be super stiff, so while it climbed really well, it was a little harsh. The Orbeas did not fit me but were certainly cool looking and had great components. The Giant TCR C2(?) was very fast in the flats but was twitchy in descents. The Look 555(?) was beautiful and really the best bike with the best parts that I tried. Its frame was a bit too aggressive for me and I did not want to put on a huge stem. I also rode a Torelli steel frame and was very unimpressed - heavy with no so called comfort.

I upgraded to Mavic Krysium Elites from teh Open Pro/Specialized wheels. These wheels seem fantastic - they are super light and along with the frame, really absorb road punishment. The 105 drivetrain operates absolutely flawlessly. I am not sure what you get with Ultegra other than a couple of ounces.

Strengths:
Dark, tough guy looks. Comfortable and fast frame.

Weaknesses:
None really

Price Paid:  $2000.00 at LBS

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Any Winding Road

Summary:
This has been a great bike. I put 2500 miles on it without any problems. It is very comfy on long rides and great on the back. For the more upright position it still keeps a good speed. I did change out the wheel set to some FSA RD600 wheels which helped the top end.

Strengths:
Super great ride that is very smooth. Great looking. Flawless components.

Weaknesses:
Not really any.

Similar Products Used:
Bianchi Brava, Lemond Buenos Aries

Price Paid:  $2600.00 at CycleWorld, Northrid

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Brentwood to Hermosa Beach, CA

Bike Setup:
Out of the box 05(Nov 04).
Modified for climbing centuries.
Zero pedal system, even carbon fiber cages. FSA drive train and Ultegra.
New 23/25 Specialized Pro tires.

Summary:
I am 71 and used this bike to ride two Centuries('05 and "06) at Lake Tahoe for Team-in-Training.
Made a slight modification in gearing to accomodate the tough climbs.
The bike is terrific in that you can ride comfortably in all types of conditions and surfaces. Very stable on downhill. Used Armadillo 28's for the centuries to avoid flats and have since switched to new 23/25 's (great tire)

Strengths:
Compliant and comfortable even on long rides.

Weaknesses:
triple needs to be precisely tuned to avoid tossing the chain on down shifts.
FSA. Clear coat over carbon fiber is easily chipped.

Similar Products Used:
Nothing close. Came off a hand made Ibis mountain bike built for me in 1986.