Bike Setup: S-work frame and fork, Mavic R-SYS wheels, Dura ace compact crank and running gear, Zero Gravity brakes, Syntace P6 seat post and F119 stem, Zipp SLC2 carbon bars and a Selle San Marco Aspire Superleggera saddle
Summary: I love this bike! I have been riding a little over 1.5 years and I have owned 4-5 road bikes, includind a roubauix comp. I sold the comp and quickly regretted it since no other bike had this level of performance, comfort and looks. I bought the S-work frame, fork and crank from a gentleman upgrading to a 2009 S-works bike.
I then hand picked the parts to compliment the bike for comfort and light weight hill climbing ability.
I love this ride! Highly recommended
Strengths: I am an over 220lb rider and the bike feels very good. Has great dimension's for long and rough riding roads, but it can keep up with the kids on the block during the short sprinys as well. It climbs like a billy goat.
Weaknesses: Did I say I love this bike. amy weekness the bike may have had I addressed when hand picking the complimentary parts.
NO WEEKNESSES!
Similar Products Used: Marin Argenta, Scott Carbon, 2006 Roubauix Comp, Lemond
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Bike Setup: Campagnolo Centaur/Chorus/Record mix, S-Works Compact 172.5, Campagnolo Record D Skeleton brakes, Neuvation R28 SL3 wheels, FSA OS 99 stem, S-Works carbon bars, Specialized Toupe/Brooks Swift saddles, Speedplay X1, Michelin Lithion tires, Arundel cages
Summary: Note that the price I paid is for a used (2007) modulus (frame, fork, crank, seatpost, saddle), not the whole bike, so I cannot comment on a stock version of this bike. This was not sold to me with the Barmac setup.
Stepping up from my daily commuter, the Roubaix Elite, I decided to treat myself for achieving some weight and distance goals. I plan to stay with the Elite for daily commuting, when I use a trunk or backpack, and reserve the SL for long weekend rides.
After being diagnosed with diabetes, I was wondering if I had a true century left in me, since I kept bonking at abt 77 miles on previous attempts with the Elite. But with this bike, that changed. At just 15 lbs (without my Brooks Swift, tools, pump, and bottles), this machine took me 66 miles to the GA border from Weaver AL and back on Labor Day, and then a full century the following Saturday, for a real morale booster on only my 4th ride. Climbing and descending are exceptional, flat-out is so much lighter and stiffer than my Elite that the SL feels like a racing bike, and since I do not race, that it good enough for me.
Comments about flex from other reviewers are meaningless to me, it flexes where I want it to and not where I don't.
The Toupe saddle is fine for my 20-mile round daily commute, but after 30 miles, numbness set in, so I used the Brooks for my century. I weigh abt 170, so the Toupe would probably be ideal if I were a little more ideal. I have liked my previous Avatars and Aliases, but I am somewhat old-fashioned when it comes to saddles.
I replaced the oversized bearings with ceramics since I wanted the experience to seem as “New” as I could make it, and the wrench had a 3 hour job unscrewing the crank, but that, and replacing the spider with a 2008 model, were all that I had done. I have a full-size crankset in reserve for when I am as big and fast at Tom Boonen, so it may never leave my shelf, but I live in hope.
I highly recommend this model to anyone wanting about the best that you can get. I have never paid an MSRP for any bicycle, so caveat emptor if you are looking on eBay, but I suspect that had I bought it new at ca $5000 I would be just as happy with it. As it was, I have only about a total of $1800 in it, because of eBay wheeling and dealing.
Strengths: Hard to describe, stiff (to me) in the crank, but easy on the butt.
Weaknesses: None so far.
Similar Products Used: Roubaix Elite
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Bike Setup: Dura ace group 39/53-12/25, 175mm crank. look keo hm titanium pedals. WCS stem & handlebar. Toupe 143 saddle. Easton Tempest2 wheels on Conti attack/force tire.
Summary: This is the most comfortable bike Ive ever tried yet. Had issues with headset(bottom bearing loose) & original seatpost(slipping and cracking) a chance that I have technical knowledge to resolve these issues. Beside that, this bike track like crazy going curvy downhill. Going uphill it is good but not the best I had to keep the momentum. On flats this bike will never and will not be my fastest choice because when you power stroke-it to maintain your top speed there is to much vertical power loss (3 to 4 mph less)and a flexy seatpost. This bike is more for the cruising speed of a century. You can ride all day long with this bike to built up you endurance. If you planned to get this bike as a race fit you might be deceived because frame size have the strenght to go with the average rider's weight and height or you may end up with power loss. Well this is my conclusion about-it after 3000 miles. The real advantage comes on bad roads where you will maintain your speed compare to quicker/stiffer bike frame. By the way that frame have a stiff BB and no flexy front end but vertically...
Strengths: Track well, very nice ride all day and long distances bike at good speed.
Weaknesses: Not the fastest, what you get in comfort you loose-it on top speed side and a little at cruising speed.
Similar Products Used: None, this bike is on a specific category but I had Pinarello, Bianchi, Specialized Tarmac, Fondriest Top level (fast!!!), Fondriest Carb level plus (very well balanced). Look 585 and 595(excellent).
Bike Setup: Double click SRAM groupo. I had the bike fitted to me, added a gel seat cover and changed the tires to Continental Grand Prix.
Summary: A rocket on two carbon wheels.
The bike rides like a dream. The SRAM takes a little getting used to but I think I am comfortable with it, as it differs from my other Dura Ace Bike. The bike is well made and seems heavy duty even though it weighs about 15 lbs. My two water bottles seem to weigh down the bike. This bike is a better ride than a friends Italian $$$$$ mega price bike.
If you can go for the bucks its a great bike. You could also get a like new one on line for less if you are comfortable with that.
If you want a great bike for a lot less $$$ the Carbon Roubaix can not be beat.
Strengths: Super fast,well made,great paint job rigid and comfortable
Weaknesses: expensive cost. Seat not best for large person. Tires not best for urban riding. there was a spec of dirt in paint job
Similar Products Used: Roubaix
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Bike Setup: S-Works Stock, Mavic Wheels changed out the cassette to SRAM 11-28 for better performance and fits perfectly.
Summary: Regularly do weekend warrior club rides in Southern California and occasional centuries. I waited until riding the 2008 Sierra to the Sea 430 mile Tour before passing judgment on this major expense. I am a happy rider! This bike perfectly suits me for my type of riding.
As a 56 year old rider suffering from Carpal Tunnel, I had to look towards getting something with a more upright riding position to reduce the hand weight. Additionally, needed less road shock going to my wrists. After doing my multi-brand research and some test rides, I kept coming back to the Roubiax. This one just seemed to give the ride I was looking for and still managed to keep all the performance characteristics well within reach. Getting the S-Works version was a splurge, but you get what you pay for with no regrets. I am looking forward to many years of enjoyment with my Roubiax. I feel noticeably less fatigued after each century or any other long ride. I give it a 5 star rating.
Strengths: Plush-Plush-Plush...Feels so smooth! Eats up the road bumps before they get to me.
An excellent climbing machine as it is so light, and with the compact chain ring gearing. Plenty of acceleration and feels very secure while doing high speed descending or everyday turns. I find myself leaning over much more into the turns than before. This is a good choice for most everyone. Especially those needing a more upright position.
Weaknesses: High cost. The Toupee racing seat is not enough padding for a heavier 190 lb rider and probably is better suited for lighter, smaller, younger person. I gave up as 50 miles is the rear end comfort limit so switched it to a Terry saddle. Centuries feel fine in the behind now. Gearing - 12-26 cassette was changed out to SRAM 11-28 for better range and hill climbing on a planned multi-day tour. Noticeable improvement not spinning out while downhill peddling and better climbing. Shimano should offer 11-28 soon.
Although the 23-25 stock Roubaix tires feel completely secure, they appear to be too prone to flats. Had 3 the first 500 miles and a few thereafter. I am switching to Continental 4000s when they wear down. are glued to the the road
Similar Products Used: Trek 5700 110 Carbon for 5 years. Triple Gearing and Double Crank used at different times. Trek 1220 Aluminum
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