Specialized Roubaix Elite Triple

Price Paid:  $1500.00 at Bob's Bikes - B'ham

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Anywhere

Bike Setup:
Neuvation R28 w ceramic bearings
Mavic SSC brakes
Record triple front
Record rear, soon to be Centaur (for rebuild of Record)
Brooks Swift saddle

Summary:
Said I would shut up at third review, but I think potential buyers may find some value in a 5000-mile report, since this frame now shows on sale on eBay.

Now that this bike is very personalized for me, I can tell you that the stock frame and seatpost are still outstandingly comfortable. It is true that I changed out most everything else, but I am a Campy man, and the Mavic brakes were just a good and far less expensive than Campy. I am an old hard butt, so the newer saddles are not for me, even with the weight savings, but I thought that the Avatar and Alias were fine, if you like that sort of saddle. I am a big fan of Neuvation products, and the stock wheels were the first thing to go. Remember, I am NOT commenting on stock on ay model newer than 2005.

This is a great riding bike, I use a rack trunk because I commute to work, but even with the trunk it is sprightly and easy to maintain. Plenty of little chips in the clear coat, but the subdued color scheme has held up well.

This is one of the few bikes still sold with a triple as a feature, and though I did not buy mine as a triple, I put my review here because I ride it as a triple. I may go back to a compact double in the future, there are truly a lot of crossings and duplications with the triple and finding long cage derailleurs may become in the future, since triples are barely hanging in the marketplace, but if you are looking for a comfortable bike to eat up the miles and not get beat up, this is a wonderful bike, and the newer models should be investigated if you cannot find one of the older frames or are not comfortable with anything not brand spanking new.

Strengths:
Very comfortable and responsive

Weaknesses:
Most stock parts did not suit me, but they were fine for the price paid.

Similar Products Used:
Not applicable for this review

Price Paid:  $1400.00 at Sonoma Cyclery, Sono

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
anywhere

Bike Setup:
Stock set up. The only thing I've changed is the seat, because I wanted a woman's for more comfort.

Summary:
Overall I love this bike! I couldn't be happier to be able to say "I am Specialized!" This bike was the perfect fit for my riding style. I've had 4 surgeries on my shoulder, so the more upright position that I'm in is so comfortable. Having an all carbon frame is a dream and the bike handles great.

Strengths:
Super comfortable riding position. The handle bar stem can be adjusted into 4 different positions. Shimano 105 components shift smoothly and easily.

Weaknesses:
Not to sure of the brakes on the hills. Unfortunately can't race down very many of the hills around here and I'm not feeling it as far as stopping quickly with these brakes. They will be the first thing I replace.

Similar Products Used:
I can't even begin to compare my old bike to the Roubaix, it is so far superior.

Price Paid:  $1475.00 at Wheel Away

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Lake De Valle

Bike Setup:
Bontrager wheelset Racelite
Shimano 105 brakes, shifters, crankset
Carbon seatpost
Specialized Zertz roadbars

Summary:
Bought the bike for my wife since she was getting into road riding and training for a 65 mile ride. She came off a mountain bike so naturally the bike will feel light. Also we had a certain pricepoint which we stayed in.

Strengths:
Carbon frame, Shimano 105 parts, color design, saddle and seatpost.

Weaknesses:
WHEELSET! The mavic open sport rims are tanks. Bought my wife the new Bontrager RaceLite wheelset and she said she gained 3 to 4 mph.

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $2000.00 at The Bike Shop

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Any open stretch of road.

Bike Setup:
56cm 2005 Robaix Elite Double
Easton EA70 Wheels
FSA OS-115 Stem
FSA K-wing bar
Time Saddle (rebadged Selle Italia SLR Kit Carbonia flow.

Summary:
I didn't do a lot of research before I chose this bike. It was more a choice based on looks and price which I know is wrong but boy did I luck out. I bought it in 06 and it was leftover 05. This was before the bike was downspecked in 06. It is painted the beautiful blue hue that you can see the carbon through. The bike looks stunning and gets lots of looks. The geometry is very comfortable but is definitely not comfort geometry. This bike is built for many miles in the saddle! The FSA Pro Carbon cranks are very stiff and complement the bike very well. The fork/fram dampen vipration very well and the zertz inserts absorp the vibrations that are missed. The components work flawlessly and I've only upgraded the stem/bar for lust factor. The only problem area was the ALX 295 Wheels. They are quit heavy and spin up slowly. I put on a set of Easton EA70's recently and the bike woke up even further. It's an absolute pleasure to ride. And all that carbon for $2000 is an amazing deal!!

Strengths:
Full carbon frame/fork/seatpost/crank. Mostly ultegra with a bit of 105. Comfortable and dampens vibration very well. Looks!!!! Pretty much everything is fantastic.

Weaknesses:
The ALX wheels are heavy and slow. And actually dont look that great.

Price Paid:  $1399.00 at Ride On Sports

Model Year:
2007

Bike Setup:
Standard 2007 setup. Shimano 105 components.

Summary:
The last time I did any riding was back in the mid-80s. At that time I had a Raleigh Competition. A great bike for it's day.

Before making a decision, I rode Scallante, Raleigh, Trek, Orbea, GT, as well as the Specialized Roubaix Elite Triple. The Roubaix was one of the last that I test rode. I rode a different bike and then went back to the Roubaix. It just fit like a glove, while the others were OK, they weren't any where near as comfortable as the Roubaix.

It was last years model and at a good price so I bought it on the spot. After about a month of riding, I have absolutely no regrets with that decision.

For me, the main criteria is that I have a bike that can keep pace, but not at the expense of comfort. I'm getting back into riding to get some good aerobic exercise and try to keep fit (as I now have an office job that doesn't give me much exercise).

The triple really comes in handy on the very steep slopes around El Paso. The only change I made to the equipment so far is to change out the brake pads and calipers. The pads aren't very good for braking on a downhill run, and the calipers are fairly inadequate. I put Campy Chorus calipers (2006 units are on sale for $99), and Kool Stop pads. Now I feel confident about being able to stop. The rest of the components are Shimano 105 and they seem to be more than adequate for my needs. Shifting is smooth and fairly precise.

I love the frame. It makes riding on the less than well keep roads around El Paso much less tiring than an aluminum frame. The response of the bike is quite nice. I'm no road racer, but I definitely feel that once I get my endurance up, I will be able to keep up with a group of riders.

All in all, for the money I paid, I don't think I could have found a better bike for my needs. If you're also 50+ and want a bike for recreational riding and maybe a bit of light racing, the Roubaix is an excellent choice.

Strengths:
Great value. Most components are suitable for recreational riders. Fantastic frame.

Weaknesses:
Brake calipers and pads are inadequate for any area with mountainous riding.

Similar Products Used:
Raleigh Competition (old school), Raleigh Super Sport (also old school), test road major brands before purchase.