Bike Setup: Ultegra pedals off my old bike. Still work fine.
Specialized Comp Computer--this thing is crap BTW. It goes to 30 mph and counts backwards (?!?!?), the cadence doesn't work and the thermometer is off by like 15 degrees.
Summary: I bought the 2008 Roubaix Comp (I couldn't select 2008 above--only 2007). I have 500 miles on the bike and love it. I do centuries and my starter aluminum bike transmitted a lot of road vibration to my hands, wrists and lower back. The difference btwn my old bike and the all-carbon Rbx is night and day. A 60-mile ride that I often do across bad pavement has been tamed by the Rbx. I used to search for smooth pavement on my old bike but on the Rbx I just don't feel the vibrations and jarring that I did previously. They're gone. Period. The 58 cm Rbx weighs in at 20 lbs--a few pounds lighter than my old bike. On hills the bike climbs well and I can feel it spring fwd when I stand and when I sprint. BTW I'm 6'1", 195 lbs.
Strengths: Smooth ride
Seems stiff and fast when sprinting or standing to climb.
Weaknesses: I can't get used to the compact crank. May get a standard.
Not sure about the seat. May go back to my Fizik Arione which is just awesome. The stock seat is just SO hard.
I wish the bike were 2 lbs lighter. I may go with a lighter crank and ditch the 105 for Ultegra. Maybe lighter wheels in the future.
Similar Products Used: I tested a similarly priced Felt (the F3?) but the geometry was too severe and it didn't feel as fast as the Rbx. The Madone 5.1 felt a bit faster (perhaps) and lighter but it transmitted a lot of vibration and cost $700 more. The $2000 LeMonds were not at all competitive with any of the aforementioned bikes.
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Bike Setup: 58 cm size ( 6'1", 195 lbs rider). Bike is stock. I added Speedplay pedals.
Summary: Finally replaced my 30+ yr old Reynolds 531 bike. Mainly wanted to get more speeds and newer shifters/components. I set out to buy an Aluminum bike at the 1000.00 price point. Once I tried a few of the new bikes, I was blown away by the changes. It didn't take long before I was looking at full carbon frames at double the cost. The Roubaix was one of the first bikes I tested. I selected it over the Tarmac primarily because of the compact double gearing. Otherwise, the two bikes share the same ride quality and level of components. So far, I have put about 400 mi on and I am very happy with my choice. I like the dual compound tires and the flattened handlebars shape. I suspect these do more for ride comfort than the "zertz" inserts in the frame.
Strengths: Lightweight, high quality components, nice wheels and tires, silky smooth ride, good local bike shop support. I feel comfortable that Specialized has good carbon frame experience and a strong warranty. The local bike shop support is excellent.
Weaknesses: Faint clicking noise from headset (read this in other reviews, too). Clamp-on front derailleur inter. Saddle took some getting used to. Much better after first 300 miles.
Similar Products Used: Specialized Sequoia Elite, Raleigh Comp, Trek Pilot 5.2, Specialized Tarmac, Trek 5000
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Bike Setup: Stock - for now (until I change the seat)
Summary: Just purchased this bike and WOW what a difference. Great bike overall. Smooth as silk! I have jsut gotten back into riding after a few years absence and I am really glad to have pruchased a more forgiving and quick bike. Great bike for people who do not want to contort their bodies in unnatural ways and for those of us who are a bit older and wiser and want to enjoy the thrill of riding for longer than 10 minutes at a time. I have tried the
Strengths: - Smooth - vibration free ride
- Good package (Full 105 group, Mavic Open Pro, kick-*ss paint job)
- Stable ride
- Extremely comfortable (couldn't imagine a road bike oculd get this comfortable)
Weaknesses: Seat - I might change it...
Similar Products Used: Trek 1500, Cannondale Synapse 1 (alum), Trek Pilot 5.1, Pilot 2.1, Giant OCR 1 - have tried all the comfort bikes and the Specialized won over them...
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Bike Setup: Stock apart from Fizik Aliante saddle. The combination gives the smoothest ride I could imagine.
Summary: Bought this bike after writing off a steel Mercian Audax. Only wish I'd done it sooner. Got a good discount for cash but even at list price this bike is a bargain. Does everything the marketing blurb claims. Had my old bike professionally fitted but the Roubaix was more comfortable straight out of the box.
Strengths: Extremely comfortable.
Light weight
Handsome machine
Positive handling
Value for money
Weaknesses: Saddle - do your backside a favour and invest in an Aliante.
Similar Products Used: Carbon Trek 5200
Trek 1400
DeRosa Wing
Mercian Audax in 653 steel - all too real imho.
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Summary: This is my first carbon bike, and first road bike. Previously I spent most of my saddle time blazing trails in the woods. I don't what to say about the Roubaix Comp other than I love it. It does everything it's suppose to, It comfortable, I get very very little buzz from the road. Some riders have complained about the stock seat, but it's has been fine for me thus far. The only thing I want to change are the bars. They're 6061 Alum. and I'd rather have carbon.
Strengths: Comfort... one of the most comfortable bikes I've ever been on.
Weaknesses: Haven's really found anything yet.
Similar Products Used: Test road, Trek 5000 & 5200, Specialized Tarmac.
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