Summary: I just bought the 2009 Specialized Roubaix Expert Double (Ultegra everything) in the large frame. I just changed from a 2006 a highly upgraded Giant TCR comp 2 (which is for sale by the way.) and the difference is unreal. I had alot of very good rides on my Giant but getting on the Roubaix is like driving a Porsche. Though this bike has a higher head tub stack height and is more of a distance orientated frame geometry, it still handles like a snappy compact frame...though much more stable. With a 1.5 inch steer tube which is reduced to a 1 1/8 inch fork, the amount of torque that this frame can withstand is phenomenal!!! The ZERTZ fittings on the backstays, front fork and seatpost diminish vibrations exponentially and is a sweet feature. Also, have to give props to Scott and the guys at DNA bikes off Mayo road in Scottsdale AZ for customizing my bike to exactly what I wanted with no change to the price. talk to them about their shipping as well, these guys really take care of you!!!
Anyway, back to the bike. The paint job they slapped on this beauty is astonishing!!! It is a pearl white with Carbon accents (all the lettering on the bike is in carbon...gorgeous!!!) I went with pretty much white everything and just a couple of black accents....straight stormtrooper sytle!!!
I tested the TREK Madone 5.2 compact with all Ultegra comps (this was the only bike really comparable in the field) and the Specialized blew it away. Feel free to email me with any inquiries if you are thinking about picking this bike up. Oh and also, specialized is offering an instant $500 rebate on this trim level of the Roubaix...and they are not making anymore bikes until the 2010's come out in August so I would think harder if you are thinking about picking one of these up.
Strengths: All Ultegra comps, Zertz fittings, very stable and fast!!!
Weaknesses: does kicking too much ass count as a weakness?
Similar Products Used: 2009 Trek Madone compact 5.2
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Bike Setup: SRAM compact Rival with Fulcrum Racing 5 wheelset.
Summary: In my recent quest for a new bike I test rode many, but this one stands alone. If I had to describe the bike in one word it would be SMOOTH. From the SRAM shifting to the way it smoothes out the rough PA roads. I've put about 500 miles on the bike in the past month and have no complaints.
Similar Products Used: Bikes I test rode prior to purchasing the Roubaix include Trek, Fuji and Felt. None were as smooth as the Roubaix.
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Bike Setup: Ultegra SL components and wheels. Shimano Flight Deck and Cateye V3.
Summary: Though I've only got a couple hundred miles on my new 2009 Roubaix Expert, I am both happy and impressed. The bike is stable, fast and as advertised - very comfortable. Coming from an all aluminum bike that was much heavier but quite comfortable in its own right, I didn't want to give up too much in the comfort area. Some of the roads and bikepaths I ride on are fairly rough, and I'm 57 years old, so comfort means something to me. So, a comfortable bike that feels really solid and reliable, corners and handles well, and is as fast as I'm able to ride. Biggest difference between this bike and the aluminum bike it replaced is the big difference climbing. Major difference! I'm taking the hills on my route 3 to 5 mph faster than on my old bike, and I'm much less tired at the top of the hill.
Strengths: Solid and smooth. Everything works well. Comfortable yet responsive.
Weaknesses: None noted.
Similar Products Used: Specialized Sirrus, Trek 2.1
Bike Setup: 2008 Shimano Ultegra Group
2009 Shimano Ultegra wheel set
speedplay
Specialized Computer
Summary: Pulled the trigger on a 2008 Roubaix Expert Compact Ultegra. Comes with a complete Ultegra groupo which is very smooth. Ultegra wheel set looks to be a very good match for this Expert. I have less than 100 miles on the bike but the ride is very smooth, absorbs the roads vibrations really well and it a quick bike. Not a quick as a racer but then again the geometry is different. Feels nimble for its design. It bike ascends with good authority. (I'm 5'10, 190lbs). This bike replaces my 2004 Roubaix, which is a aluminum/carbon bike with the 105 groupo. After riding for 4 years I can really tell the difference between the two bikes. I'll do another review after I've ridden the bike all spring/summer.
Strengths: Accelerates well, handles good and mostly importantly, after long rides I don't get off the bike and feel sore.
Weaknesses: As soon as I find one, I'll let you know
Similar Products Used: No that are similar.
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Favorite Ride: up to skyline via kings mountain road (Woodside, CA)
Bike Setup: 2007 S-WORKS ROUBAIX SL frame set
full SRAM Rival group
Mavic Kysrium Elite rims
Specialized Roubaix Pro tires
Sppedplay X/2 Stainless pedals
Garmin Edge 305 with HR and Cadence
Summary: 2007 ROUBAIX EXPERT COMPACT RIVAL
After a minor problem with the frame specialized swapped the frame to the S-WORKS ROUBAIX SL - seems they didn't have the expert available at the time!
Coming from MTB I opted for the roubaix to have a more comfortable set up. So far (longest ride 52 mls) I have to say it paid off, the bike is very comfortable yet very agile and fast. The only time I get a bit uncomfortable is during long descents, but I guess that's more due to my lesser experience with road riding.
Shifting is very smooth and exact, the SRAM rival (compact) group shifts like a dream and better than anything else than I rode when test riding wheel shopping for the bike. I also like the clean look with the cables underneath the taping of the handle bar coming out just in the middle of the stem.
Braking is good, aggressive and precise, no fading, but not as good as I'm used from the disk brakes on my MTB and also (of course) not as comfortable gripping the brakes during a long descent.
P.S. the minor problem with the frame: the thread of one of the bottle cage holders fell INTO the frame just when taking the screw out the first time to attach a bottle cage, no way of getting it out of the tube, so specialized swapped the frame - no hassle except for waiting less than a week to get the new frame and the component swapped from the old frame ... well worth the wait with the free upgrade!
Also great shopping and service experience with MikesBikes in Palo Alto!
Strengths: Great bike for road bike novice coming from MTB, light, comfortable, superb handling, agile and fast.
Great buy for the money, good quality and components!
Weaknesses: none so far
Similar Products Used: for MTB I ride a 2006 Santacruz Blur LT
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