Specialized Roubaix Expert

Price Paid:  $2250.00 at Corridori, Epsom, En

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Anything smooth without junctions, Hate potholes

Bike Setup:
Dura Ace Pedals, Brooks Swift Titanium Saddle,(Superb) Continental GP 4 Season Tyres. Thinking of swapping seatpost due to micro adjuster on seat clamp slipping.

Summary:
The review date will only set to 2007 but I have the 2009 model Specialized Roubaix Expert with full Ultegra Compact groupset.

Very impressed with the bike overall. I have a very limited edition purple model which is actually a Specialized Test/sample model sold to the dealer at some bike show. Paint finish looked fantastic but on polishing and cleaning I have found two very slight imperfections/blemishes on top tube. Annoying but minor. Not sure if this is because it was a test model or general quality problem. Otherwise looks fantastic and unique as well.
Groupset is as you would expect. I was a bit suspect of compact chainset as never ridden one before but getting hooked. Never seem to run out of gears really although the mountains in Surrey are pretty low ! Perhaps reserve final judgement until I tackle some proper hills.
Wheels are good although the graphics are a little delicate.
Is it me or are Manufacturers tight? Crap tyres and no bottle cages on a £2300 bike is just mean. It wouldn't cost them more than a few pennies to add basic bottle cages for weight weenies to upgrade but get you going for now. As for the tyres, they were the worst I have ever ridden. Come on Specialized. These were pathetic and let down an otherwise superb bike. Lost a point on value score because of their tight fisted finishing.

Strengths:
The frame is amazing. Copes with London's worst potholes and keeps coming back for more. I broke my commuting record on only the second week of riding it. Knocked 2 minutes off my previous best 10 mile time. Perhaps not the lightest bike but so sooo comfortable and light enough.
Handlebar shimmed stem system is great with multiple options for adjustment. Handlebars are pretty good and comfortable. Quite wide which suits me as 6'03" tall. I think they're about 44-46.

Weaknesses:
Standard tyres are CRAP, Specialized Roubaix Pro. Crap crap crap. Did I mention they're crap?
Saddle was awful for me at least. Super light weight & probably fine for a lighter rider but not me. (Big and heavy)
Seat Post saddle clamp moves if riding on the nose of saddle and go over big bump. It allows saddle to move. Tightened as tight as I dare but happened 3 times now. I've done it up again but may swap it out for alternative. (Feeling a need to buy Gucci kit....)

Similar Products Used:
De Rosa Vision with Campag Chorus and Eurus Wheels.
Ridgeback Day 3 with full Ultegra flatbar set-up (Winter bike)
Plus Mountain bikes