"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Race Bikes?

OK I plan to start racing next season and I currently ride a Roubaix Comp. I started toying with the idea that I "needed" a new bike for racing. Well I went to one LBS and they told me point blank that I needed something else besides my Roubaix to start racing. I then went to the LBS I bought my Roubaix from get a tune-up and asked them about what they would recommend they said "What's wrong with what you have?", I said I guess it would be good to get started on and they said "It is more than suffice for any kind of racing you want to do, you could start and continue on it, you'd probably be just as well off upgrading components as you would bikes." I was completely surprised that they steered me away from buying a new bike.

So anyway my question is what kinds of bikes are you guys racing on, anyone racing on a Roubaix?

My LBS told me the same thing, race with what you got. I have a trek 5200. However, I got a great deal on a specialized s-wroks e5 from ebay and decided to build it into my race bike. So that's what I did even though the 5200 is more the sufficient for racing.

Ride what you have there are people racing on far less than what you have. A second bike is a good idea in case you crash your main bike but it's not necessary. You may want a 2nd set of wheels though.

I'm on the 05 Fuji Team Pro with Chorus.

I assume you mean the Specialized Roubaix? That bike is a perfectly fine racer. Chances are it's the same frame as the $4400 Roubaix Pro. I know Cat 2's on less bike than that. Just get some races under your belt and see if you like it first. Move up in categories and in a bit, treat yourself to a new ride when you know what exactly you want out of a race rig.

It'll be fine and good luck.

[QUOTE=WCroadie] So that's what I did even though the 5200 is more the sufficient for racing.[QUOTE]

Ha! Didn't Lance win the 1999(and 2000??) Tour de France on that Trek frame? I'd say it is more than sufficient for racing at any level.

I assume you mean the Specialized Roubaix?

It'll be fine and good luck.

Yes it is a 06 Specialized Roubaix Comp. Thanks!

Man, 'comp' stands for competition, what groupo does it have? 105? 105 is a great entry-level component set, and with a Specialized underneath you, you'll do just fine, just don't expect to win every race.

The Roubaix is fine. They actually race the Roubaix at Roubaix. One of Gerlostiener's top sprinters prefers it to the Tarmac frame.

I've raced on a couple of Roubaix frames.

None of this should stop you from buying a new bike though :)

Whatever you do... don't go back to the LBS that told you that you NEEDED a new race bike. Sounds like they are trying to rip you off.

Nothing wrong with the Roubaix! That LBS is just trying to sell you a bike. I've been looking at the Roubaix online the past couple weeks and I believe the comp is the exact same frame as the Expert, Pro, or S-Works version.

http://specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/2006/bikes/06RoubaixComp27_Red_d.jpg

http://specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/2006/bikes/06RoubaixComp18_Ger_d.jpg

Your Roubaix frame is fine. The Comp through Expert share the same frame. The Pro and various S-Works flavors are all different.

Your bike's fine. You might consider your position. Sometimes bikes like that are set up a little upright. So I'd look at the drop from the seat to the bars, but if it's not what you want for racing, thats as easy as moving some spacers.

If you want to spend any money, I'd buy a nicer set of wheels. Nothing wrong with the wheels you have, but its helpful if you're going to race to have a spare set of wheels. So you can buy a nice set of race day wheels, and use your crrent wheels for training, and the spares for the wheelpit when you race. But you don't actually need to buy or do anything. Your bike stock will be just fine to race.

Several people on much crappier bikes than the Roubaix have upgraded to the 4's well before me and my Flyte... It's almost like there's some other non-bike factor at work there.... hmmmm.....

I agree- don't go back to that LBS. You said "race" and they saw dollar signs.

I race an 8 speed 24 pound steel bike. Its very fast. Its too nice to race realy. Get a crapy carbon or aluminum bike so if you crack it up you won't feel bad.

I race an 8 speed 24 pound steel bike. Its very fast. Its too nice to race realy. Get a crapy carbon or aluminum bike so if you crack it up you won't feel bad.

Heh.....another person who has yet to ride a carbon bike ;)

Several people on much crappier bikes than the Roubaix have upgraded to the 4's well before me and my Flyte... It's almost like there's some other non-bike factor at work there.... hmmmm.....


Very true, I know someone racing in the 3's with an early 90's steel bike.... with downtube shifters :eek:

If you have the money to spare, why not?? But don't get stuck thinking you have to own an expensive race bike to do well. You'd see more benefits taking that money and buying a trainer/gym membership and/or a power tap, and time off work :). You have a good bike...

I appreciate all the input everyone! I really don't have any complaints with my bike and I can still get into a more aggresive position if need be. I just needed some BF reassurance!!!