Fifty Plus (50+) - Anyone own a Specialized Roubaix?

I went to my LBS tonight and for the fourth time began perusing the road bikes. I initially thought about the lower end Specialized Allez, but the guy at the shop told me the Roubaix was more appropriate for doing longer distances such as centuries. Anyone here own a Roubaix and have any reports for me?

Can't answer your question, but I will say you are starting to sound like me. Careful -- indecision is a fickle master! :D

I went to my LBS tonight and for the fourth time began perusing the road bikes. I initially thought about the lower end Specialized Allez, but the guy at the shop told me the Roubaix was more appropriate for doing longer distances such as centuries. Anyone here own a Roubaix and have any reports for me?

I can without hesitation say the Roubaix is one fine bike. I love mine. Single best investment I've made in years. I keep thinking about what I'd choose if I were to ever replace the bike, and I keep coming full circle back to the Roubaix. The ride is as great as some of the reports you've problably seen on it. I've had it since it was new a little over a year ago now. I have just shy of 6,000 miles on the frame.

What info are you looking for?

Here's mine, upgraded just a bit :)

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/6708/roubaix8jg.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I test rode a Roubaix. Very nice indeed. Too far out of my price range tho. I bought a Sequoia Elite instead. It was on sale and rode(rides) beautifully.

I own a Specialized Roubaix Pro. I've done centuries, metric centuries and other long rides on it. I had the frame replaced under warranty this spring and was given a Trek Madone 5.2 as a loaner until they finished the work. I'll take my Roubaix any day of the week! It is surprisingly stiff up hills and remarkably comfortable for all day riding. The Trek Madone was a little tigher/quicker, very appropaiate if you're going to be racing shoulder to shoulder with 30 other riders. Although the Roubaix frame was ridden in the last two TDFs. The stock wheels aren't the fastest, but they've held up very nicely and I'm 200+ lbs. Your LBS dealer is correct, it is much more comfortable than the Allez, which I rode for two 30 mile rides before buying the Roubaix. I concur with Cheeseflavor, if I had to replace it, I'd look for another. Oh, yeah... I've got about 6,500 miles on the old frame that was replaced and 1,700 on this one. The original frame was replaced because the bonding agent holding the bottom bracket gave way. Someone tried to take out the bottom bracket and was trying to turn the drive side the wrong was. Specialized said that this didn't matter. It should have held, but didn't. Specialized replaced with no hassle at all.

I have ridden the Allez, but haven't had a chance to ride the Roubaix yet. They seem to never have my size frame when I stop by.

I've got a base model Roubaix & I love it. I haven't tried a century yet with it (maybe this fall), but I would not hesitate to use it. I regularly do 50 mile rides & it's very comfortable. I just put a Fizik Arione on it & my rear is much happier too! Take your LBS's advice!

Thanks! I keep getting great reports on this model.

While new to this forum, I have both a Roubaix and a Sequoia. Both are extremely comfortable on long rides. The Sequia I use for touring because it is set up to take panniers and all the stuff needed on a self-contained trip. I have ridden over 80 miles a day on numerous occasions and it is extremely comfortable. My Roubaix , I use on local daily rides, is also comfortable but in a slightly different way, more compact and precise. I have ridden it over 50 miles a day and it is also extremely comfortable. The difference, in my opinion between them, can be summed up like this--the Sequoia is an extremely comfortable SUV with power steering and the Roubaix is a sportscar.

Brian

My wife has a Roubaix, and she loves it. We shopped around quite a bit (I'm always game for bike shopping), and the Roubaix rose to the top very quickly. Great ride, and a geometry that's aggressive enough that some people race it, but still relaxed enough to be comfy over the very long haul. She did 56 miles on hers a few days ago (she's still braggin' about it! :) ), and not a single complaint. Highly recommended.

I can without hesitation say the Roubaix is one fine bike. I love mine. Single best investment I've made in years. I keep thinking about what I'd choose if I were to ever replace the bike, and I keep coming full circle back to the Roubaix. The ride is as great as some of the reports you've problably seen on it. I've had it since it was new a little over a year ago now. I have just shy of 6,000 miles on the frame.

What info are you looking for?

Here's mine, upgraded just a bit :)

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/6708/roubaix8jg.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


Cheese-do I spot a new crank and a new set of Zipp's on that thing?? What a machine you have there now!!!

I'm shopping for some 404's myself. Really nice upgrades!!

I have a two year old Roubaix Pro set up with a Full Ultegra drive train, over Bontrager Race X Lite wheels. It is a fantastic distance road bike. It really soaks up the road chatter better than any other bike I have found.

Do you have rack and panniers with carbon seatstays? Is this a good idea?





While new to this forum, I have both a Roubaix and a Sequoia. Both are extremely comfortable on long rides. The Sequia I use for touring because it is set up to take panniers and all the stuff needed on a self-contained trip. I have ridden over 80 miles a day on numerous occasions and it is extremely comfortable. My Roubaix , I use on local daily rides, is also comfortable but in a slightly different way, more compact and precise. I have ridden it over 50 miles a day and it is also extremely comfortable. The difference, in my opinion between them, can be summed up like this--the Sequoia is an extremely comfortable SUV with power steering and the Roubaix is a sportcar.

Brian

My Sequoia has aluminum rear seat stays and the rack bolts right to the frame like a water cage. No problem with the rear panniers. I do not use front ones as my front fork is carbon. Everything fits just right in the rears and the bag on top of the rear rack. I do not put racks or panniers on my Roubaix. Sorry if there is any confusion.

Brian

I managed to find a Roubaix in my size at a LBS not too far from me. If it's within an hour drive, I consider it local. :D Hopefully sometime this evening I can go and give it try.

I've owned a Roubaix base model for 53 days and have put about 400 miles on it. I'm well pleased. I tried a Sequoia Elite, which was fine, but I preferred the Roubaix for about the same money. The only mod I've made so far was to change the original all-condition tires to Armadillos upon purchase, which probably stiffens the ride a bit. But it's been easy to take on 30+ and 40+ mile rides. I'm 53 and had not ridden a road bike for a few years, having given up my 70s model Motobecane for a hybrid in '03. I'm loving the 105 shifting, and the Avatar saddle works fine for me.

That's more good news, since I am almost 52 and already have an avatar saddle on my Sirrus! I look forward to checking it out.

I don't have one, but a friend bought his about three months ago and says it's by far the best bike he's ever owned for "real cycling," which for him is long distance rides over moderate- to bad roads and lots of miles. He's about 6'3" and 200 pounds, a serious cyclist for 25 years, and he says it's the first bike he's had in a long time that he uses "just to go for a ride." Once in awhile he'll hop on it and jam around the block, just because he likes it so much. he's trying to talk me into getting one, but I have a couple of bikes I'm happy with and I don't think the Roubaix comes in my size.

I have a Roubaix triple comp (don't have the sweet Zipp 404's I see on Cheese's fine machine). The Roubaix is an outstanding bike, great for climbing, great for long distances. I can't say enough about it. The ride is very tight but smooth, all the pedal energy goes directly into the frame amd moves the bike forward., no flex at all. I've ridden Cannondales for 20 years, got the Roubaix last August and have over 3500 miles on it and have a tough time getting back on the Cannondale. You won't regret getting this bike at all

So anyway....I didn't ride Sunday after the long ride on Saturday, so I decided to ride to work today. Legs felt great and I felt real confident on the bike despite the high temps. On the way in, I'm thinking I will go and test ride the Roubaix tonight. Later in the evening I get to the bike shop that has two in my size about fifteen minutes before they closed. I really didn't expect them to be happy about someone wanting to take a test ride and I had decided not to ask being as it was so late. The disappointing thing was the way I was treated when I went in the door. One employee looked at me like I was speaking Greek when I asked where the Specialized Roubaix was located. He didn't have a clue so he asked the older fellow behind the counter. He replied, "yeah..there over there...". I walked over and closely examined both bikes, pulling them out of their racks, lifting them, practically begging for someone to ask me if I needed any assistance. Nada. Nothing. Ok, so the most I have ever spent on a bike so far is $549.00. I think that whether you are looking at a $500.00 bike, a $1200.00 bike, or a $12.00 pair of socks, then someone might offer to treat you as a customer who might make a purchase. Anyway, they totally ignored me. On the way out I called the shop where I bought my Sirrus and explained that I had stopped at the other shop to test ride my size in the Roubaix since his shop didn't have one. I also told him that I had bought two other bikes from him and that as soon as I could decide if I wanted to purchase the Roubaix, that I would be ordering it from him! As a small business owner, I am very sensitive to the quality of customer service that I receive. So, I at least got to admire the bike I like. Hopefully I will enjoy riding it soon!

I think that whether you are looking at a $500.00 bike, a $1200.00 bike, or a $12.00 pair of socks, then someone might offer to treat you as a customer who might make a purchase.
This is so universally the case, it makes me wonder how shops can stay open. I don't even feel the least bit guilty about buying through the internet any more, because every time I stop myself and say, "I should go over the my LBS," they treat me like crap.

This is so universally the case, it makes me wonder how shops can stay open. I don't even feel the least bit guilty about buying through the internet any more, because everytime I stop myself and say, "I should go over the my LBS," they treat me like crap.

Big Paulie, I just luv it when you talk your righteous indignation trash! You make me swoooooon! :D

Big Paulie, I just luv it when you talk your righteous indignation trash! You make me swoooooon! :D
It's the charm I have over women...even real ones!

Me, right after the war...

Dauphin: Yes, when given a choice, always buy from the shop that gives you the best service. Sorry you didn't get to test ride one. Once you've determined that it's the bike for you (and I'd be very surprised if you don't) then get your favorite dealer to order it. Might even consider sending a post card to the other dealer telling him or her why they lost the sale. Then again, that would likely being wasting energy you could better spend on pumping up your new tires and riding!

I bought a 2005 Elite, all carbon, etc. The closeout price was great, but still much more than I dreamed I would pay for a bike. I chose it based on the reviews that talked about comfort. I am not a racer or anything more than a fitness rider, so it probably is more bike than I need, but I can ride 40 miles and do that weekly. Not sure if a lesser bike would have allowed me to ride it as much. I find the stock seat and all the components to be fine, too. The older 2005 have a higher grade of components than the 2006, so check around, you may find a really great buy.

So, after some more searching I found another (friendlier) LBS that has my size frame in the Roubaix. The place is actually on the route I took Saturday when going for my long ride. They said I should come on over and test the Roubaix, so I plan to do so this evening. Hopefully with better service than the last place!

I've been looking at the Roubaix and a used Trek 5000. The Roubaix is quite a bit more money, but it just seems to call out to me. Now, if I can figure out how to convince my wife it is really the used Trek!

Ok, so I go to the bike shop in Folsom and there it is. Roubaix in black/silver and in my size. I leave the guy my driver's license and head off along the bike path by the shop. This section of the path runs along Lake Natoma. It's about five pm and that part of the path is shaded by overhanging trees. Lots of folks pass me as I try and figure out how to smoothly shift the gears on drop handlebars. This is only my second time doing this so I am being extra careful. Give me the rapid fire shifters on my Sirrus and I can do it in my sleep. The second thing that I notice immediately is that 23 tires make my 28s seem like mountain bike tires. After a while, I began to become more comfortable with the shifting and start to pick up some speed. I get the feeling that I could ride this bike to Oregon if I forget to turn around. I think the bike shop might frown on this, so I reluctantly turn around and head back. Just for good measure I take out a Trek Pilot which is in the same price range and I am told comparable to the Roubaix. I am sure the Trek is a fine bike, but I couldn't wait to get back and see the Roubaix again. I think I might just have to figure out a way to get this bike!

I think I might just have to figure out a way to get this bike!
Look what happened to the last three guys who "figured out a way" to get a Roubiax!"

My sides are still hurting from laughing so hard....

Dauphin,
Buy the bike, or thoughts and regrets for not doing so will buy you. You've worked hard all your life, taken the garbage out, patiently endured 18 year old LBS clerks, logged miles on a "trainer" bike. Now, like Cortez with one boot in the New World, you look out upon endless miles of golden, unexplored cycling.
With your past history behind you, infinite possibility before you, can you really afford not to go forth well-mounted? Buy the bike...........your future Self, a faster, longer rider, is depending on you. ;)

Granny,

They should pay YOU the commission...

Ditto to what foxden said. If you can find a 2005 Elite leftover, go for it. I saved $500.00 off of MSRP and the componetry is better although it is 9 speed not 10. Honestly it does not matter. The local shop also swapped out the 53/39 FSA carbon crank for a 50/34 no charge. I picked up my new steed on a Friday night and did a 50 mi charity ride the next day. It was my longest ride this year so far and I was sorry that I didn't do the 75. It was that much different from my other bike (rigid frame Marin Indian Fire Trail w/ 1.25 Specialized Fat Boys @ 90PSI) Comfort, speed, climbs like it has a motor (almost), I'm in lust!
Craig

I'm pretty new to this, but I'm pretty sure my wife can't tell the difference between a used Trek and a new Roubaix. Except that one says "Trek" on it and the other says "Specialized". But hey, I'm almost 57, I've taken out the garbage for a long, long time, etc, etc.


And I've got 2 neighbors, one slightly older and one slightly younger, who both had open lung surgery. One guy had a malignant tumor and the other one had some weird inflamation or auto immune reaction. Last night, when walking the dog with my wife, we ran into the guy who had the tumor removed. He's going to be fine, but it occurred to me that a day may come quicker than I want when I won't be able physically do a lot of things I can do now and want to do. Thats my personal current justification for spending more money than I should on a bike.

John

I'm like foxden. Just bought 2005 Roubaix Elite Triple for a good closeout price. I was really settled on the base 2005 Roubaix also on closeout, but the price difference between base (Al frame with Carbon forks/seatstays) and Elite (Full Carbon) was only $300. And of course, after test riding the two models, there was no doubt that the Elite dampened the rough roads much better. I was fitted well enough when I bought it, so now I'm just riding it everyday and have no complaints so far. Okay, well, the wheels will have to be my first upgrade, I suppose.

Anyway, I also showed up in a LBS 15 minutes before closing, and although, wasn't treated the same way as dauphin, I definitely detected a "we really can't entertain you right now" with the way they answered my questions. The owner wasn't there, so I suppose the LBS associates where just hurrying up to close and leave the shop. I bought the Roubaix Elite in a different shop, of course. ;)

Got a chance to test an 06 Elite today. The price was around 1500.00 for the new one. I also rode a Trek Pilot and a Cannondale Synapse. I liked the Cannondale better than the Trek, but neither measured up to the Roubaix.

Oddly enough, I was driving around with a business partner yesterday, and we passed by a bike shop. He asked me to turn in so he could check on a broken part he had taken in to check on the warrenty. And so there I was, face to face with a Roubiax. Of course, I immdiately thought of this thread, and checked the bike out. I was really impressed. It just felt like quality. No time to ride it however...

Love my 05 Comp. Suppose to be one of the stronger carbon frames.

Oddly enough, I was driving around with a business partner yesterday, and we passed by a bike shop.

Wait! You have a business partner? Who is it, and how did you talk him/her into being a business partner?
Lemme guess -- it's Rockerfeller Diego, right? :D

Wait! You have a business partner? Who is it, and how did you talk him/her into being a business partner?
Lemme guess -- it's Rockerfeller Diego, right? :D
Nah, just some Money Business I'm involved with...

LBS has an '05 Roubaix in my size (alloy, base model I think but not sure) for $1200...Nice ride but budget is tight if not nonexistent. I need a @#$%! job, dammit!

BTW, has anyone else here had trouble navigating the Specialized website lately?

I hear ya on the money thingy....and yes Specialized has had some website issues lately.

Cheese-do I spot a new crank and a new set of Zipp's on that thing?? What a machine you have there now!!!

I'm shopping for some 404's myself. Really nice upgrades!!

Can't hide anything from you jppe :)

About the 404s - I was a bit skeptical about their durability, but they're tough and they ride nice!

Take care,

steve

It's decided. After testing lots of other bikes, I will order my Roubaix from the "good" LBS that treated me nice. I have this urge to put in major mileage.

It's decided. After testing lots of other bikes, I will order my Roubaix from the "good" LBS that treated me nice. I have this urge to put in major mileage.

You won't regret it. Light, stable, comfortable and it looks great... what more could you ask for?

Oh, yeah... I've got about 6,500 miles on the old frame that was replaced and 1,700 on this one. The original frame was replaced because the bonding agent holding the bottom bracket gave way. Someone tried to take out the bottom bracket and was trying to turn the drive side the wrong was. Specialized said that this didn't matter. It should have held, but didn't. Specialized replaced with no hassle at all.

This is really weird. I read your post last night and was riding this morning and EXACTLY the same thing happened to my Roubaix. The alloy (?) sleeve that holds the BB to the frame worked its way about an inch out of the nondrive side.

I am 50 yrs. old, 6'4", and 200 lbs. I have a 2005 base model Roubaix ( 63 cm. alloy frame, carbon fork, carbon seatpost, carbon seat stays) with an Ultegra RD, and otherwise full 105 components (including brakes and a Hollowtech triple crankset). I've had my bike for 14 months, and have ridden around 1300 miles (short upstate New York riding season). Simply put..... I LOVE MY BIKE !!!
I did a lot of research, but ultimately put my trust in the hands of an excellent LBS, where I was properly fitted (including my Specialized road shoes and Speedplay X-2 pedals & cleats).
I recommend the Specialized Roubaix without hesitation, as long as you are properly fitted by a good LBS. Good luck, and happy riding !

Rode an Allez and a Giant OCR 2 today. Just goes to show you should never settle. Get what you really want, even if you have to wait for it. :rolleyes:

Originally Posted by NOS88

Oh, yeah... I've got about 6,500 miles on the old frame that was replaced and 1,700 on this one. The original frame was replaced because the bonding agent holding the bottom bracket gave way. Someone tried to take out the bottom bracket and was trying to turn the drive side the wrong was. Specialized said that this didn't matter. It should have held, but didn't. Specialized replaced with no hassle at all.



This is really weird. I read your post last night and was riding this morning and EXACTLY the same thing happened to my Roubaix. The alloy (?) sleeve that holds the BB to the frame worked its way about an inch out of the nondrive side.

Well I got a brand new S-Works frame... as NOS88 said "Specialized replaced with no hassle at all." and upgraded at no extra :D