The Roubaix tires are the perfect match for the rider who wants the ultimate in performance without the harsh ride. Comfortable large volume 25c casing, merged with fast-rolling 23c Dual Radius Tread (DRT) ensure a supple ride that rolls fast and corners extremely well, all in one tire. Now with the Armadillo Elite technology: the ultimate in lightweight puncture resistance.
Armadillo Elite technology: the ultimate in lightweight puncture resistance
Casing: 25c 120 TPI casing
700 x 23c dual compound tread
DRT design for low rolling resistance and great cornering
Strengths: Durable, low rolling resistance, best selection/lowest weight. Great ride, good comfort, 165lb. rider at 100psi. 200 miles/week
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
Ride more, fix less flats, train consistantly, great all-around, all season tire. 23/25c size is optimal for this application of secondary road w/ mucho debris (broken glass, cactus tumble weeds)
Strengths: Very Durable, Offers a good ride. If you combine with a liner, you could consider these BOMBPROOF! No flats, no drama, they just ride and ride! Also I run these at 110psi. at 174lb.
Weaknesses: The tire is a little bit wide, and does require you to squeeze the tire through the brakes. Check to make sure your frame/fork has enough clearance. I didnt experience any clearance problems. I have the elite version on the back wheel, Pro version on the front, but I do not think either of these wheels really grip super well when you have to get on the brakes, the braking grip I will say is just average. I have gotten a small slit in the center of the tire from road debris but it has not effect the performance at all!
Bottom Line:
I have used this tire for about 3 months now (front tire). I have just under 3k miles on them and have not had any similar problems to the other reviews. The 23/25c setup is kind of interesting at that I have not found any other tires the same, and it works. It provices a bit more cushion than a 23c with less contact patch than a 25c.
Strengths: Flat Protection--Nothing even comes close
Flat Protection--Armadillos rule!
Did I mention Flat Protection?
Weaknesses: Will wear out quick under big riders
A little pricey
Limited distibution (Since they have the "Specialized" name on them, the only place you tend to find them are Specialized dealers and the Specialized web site)
Bottom Line:
If you would rather spend time riding then fixing flats then you need to consider this tire. Yes, it looks big, yes it is a little slower and doesn't roll as well as your cool race tires, but they WILL NOT Flat. I would especially recommend this tire to any rider over 200 lbs. Big guys, and really big guys, believe me, this is the only tire you need. I am 6'6" and my summertime riding weight is about 260 and I have destroyed more Michelins, Vittoras, annd Contis than most of the little guys can ever dream of. I have used these exclusively for over a year now, and after close to 2000 miles I have not have a flat. And this is riding on the same roads that I could not go 100 miles without flatting other tires. Highly recommended for big guys, and also recommended for those of you who are past the wannabe-racer- gotta-look-cool-like-a-racer mode, and just want to ride without fixing a flats. The only major downside is that big riders will square off the back rather quickly. But by rotating them, you should be able to get more than 1000 trouble-free miles out of a pair (much more if you are a little guy). Don't get me wrong, I like to push myself and try to go fast, and I love the road feel of some of the racier tires, but they just do not offer the protection of these tires for a big rider like me.
Strengths: puncture protection
sticky - for wet conditions
Weaknesses: VERY difficult to get on rims.
Slow and bulky
Bottom Line:
Personally, I hate these tires. While it may be true that you increase your puncture protection with these tires, you do so at the expense of increasing your chances of a compression flat. These tires need a lot of air. They are bulky and feel like you are on a touring bike. I bought these specifically for riding downtown to avoid puncture flats, but overall my "flat-tire rate" is no different than when i had Michelin pro 3 racing tires on my bike.
Overall, i guess these tires ARE designed to do what they do, but you may find you are unnecessarily compromising on other aspects of your ride by using them.
