Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Specialized Roubaix - Anyone have one?

I am getting very close to getting a new bike. I currently have a Sirrus. I like it but think I would like a road bike better. I am really liking the Roubaix. I am looking at the Triple. Does anyone have any advice, opinions... about the Roubaix?

I also cannot decide whether to keep the Sirrus for commuting or get a MTB for my 10 mile commute and have for the occasional MTB ride.

I have been looking at a new road bike also- I tried the Trek 1.2 and 1.5 also the two levels of Specialized Sequoia and the lower two Roubaix. Of the ones I tested the Roubaix seemed the fastest and also the most responsive, but was out of my range unless they could work a pretty good deal. I also tested the Allez and it was very uncomfortable. I actually am looking at buying a Sirrus in the near future, maybe the Expert, I think I just like the flat bar for the type of riding I am doing. How do you like the Sirrus?

I have ridden a Roubaix (Roo-bay) recently and they are really, really nice bikes, no question. They are usually mentioned positively in the threads I have read too. I believe there is no longer a bottom-of-the line non-carbon Roubaix. Try doing a search and see what you come up with.

I do not have the Roubaix, but was very close to buying the S-Works Roubaix SL2 Dura-Ace. Reality set in and I am sticking with my Allez. I would avoid the triple unless you ride a lot of hills and don't have the endurance/strength and need it.

my 70-year-old riding buddy bought one and now has nearly 7,000 miles on it - he loves it!

the only problem he had was breaking spokes on the crap wheelset (don't remember the name) - after the fifth broken spoke (three front, two in the back), i gave him a set of Mavic Equipes and there have been no problems for the last 6,000 miles...

I have a Roubaix but its my first real road bike so I can't really offer a comparison. The Roubaix looks like it will have more of lean than the upright Sirrus. It may take a little getting used to. The only problem I've had with my Roubaix is a squeaky seat post. Otherwise its been great.



I am getting very close to getting a new bike. I currently have a Sirrus. I like it but think I would like a road bike better. I am really liking the Roubaix. I am looking at the Triple. Does anyone have any advice, opinions... about the Roubaix?

I also cannot decide whether to keep the Sirrus for commuting or get a MTB for my 10 mile commute and have for the occasional MTB ride.

I've owned one for 13 months now and I love the bike. I put a different saddle on it and Open Pro wheels. If you buy one I would work out a deal to upgrade the wheels. As far as the saddle goes you just have to keep looking for the one that works for you. The next day after getting the bike, I rode 50 miles and it was very comfortable. I bought the bike at the age of 68 and I wanted something comfortable and for long distance. I believe I picked the right bike. Anyway good luck, with your search.

I am getting very close to getting a new bike. I currently have a Sirrus. I like it but think I would like a road bike better. I am really liking the Roubaix. I am looking at the Triple. Does anyone have any advice, opinions... about the Roubaix?

I also cannot decide whether to keep the Sirrus for commuting or get a MTB for my 10 mile commute and have for the occasional MTB ride.


I have a 09 Specialized Sirrus Expert and have on order a 09 Specialized Roubaix Expert-triple. I have tried several bikes but I keep coming back to the Specialized. Since I am more of the long distance/comfort vs competitive racing I think the Roubaix has the better geometry.

I have a 09 Specialized Sirrus Expert and have on order a 09 Specialized Roubaix Expert-triple. I have tried several bikes but I keep coming back to the Specialized. Since I am more of the long distance/comfort vs competitive racing I think the Roubaix has the better geometry.


Just sent you an email.

I test-rode several models of Roubaix when I was trying to decide which new bike to buy. Actually wanted to buy the Pro frameset, but they were back-ordered for months! In any event, they're a fantastic bike. I loved the Expert, but the Elite is probably 95% as good for quite a bit less money. Really loved the ride of the Roubaix; the frame soaked up most of the road "noise" but was still very responsive. Both bikes felt light and accelerated quickly, the the Expert had a clear edge in this area. The only thing I didn't like was the curved top tube; didn't like the look of a bare cable dangling in space and wasn't sure how I'd manage to attach my frame pump.

If I were you, I'd play with the gearing calculator over on Sheldon Brown's website before deciding on a triple. In terms of the available gears, there's actually very little difference between a standard road triple and a compact double. I'd been riding an Ultegra SL triple, but went with a SRAM Red compact double on my new bike. The compact double shifts better than the triple and I haven't found any rides that I can't get through using the compact double...

If you like the Specialized Roubaix, you might also take a look at the Felt Z-series road bikes. I test-rode the Z25 and Z35 when I was looking. They feel a bit heavier than the Roubaix and don't accelerate as quickly, but have one of the plushest rides I've ever experienced. Locally, they seem to sell for a bit less than equivalent Specialized models.

i am also looking at getting a roubaix here really soon. b young i will be riding for jdrf st louis chapter, where you thinking about riding at this year?

I've owned one for 13 months now and I love the bike. I put a different saddle on it and Open Pro wheels. If you buy one I would work out a deal to upgrade the wheels. As far as the saddle goes you just have to keep looking for the one that works for you. The next day after getting the bike, I rode 50 miles and it was very comfortable. I bought the bike at the age of 68 and I wanted something comfortable and for long distance. I believe I picked the right bike. Anyway good luck, with your search.

I forgot to say, I have the Elite Triple and am I glad. Here in Texas, I don't need it, but when I went to the mountains it sure came in handy.

Glad to hear the positive reviews on the Roubaix. I thought about the compact double, but with my weight right now I thought I might need all of the help I can get. But so far I have not used the smaller 3rd on my hybrid, so maybe a double compact would be ok.

I also cannot decide whether to keep the Sirrus for commuting or get a MTB for my 10 mile commute and have for the occasional MTB ride.[/QUOTE]

Since you can never sell anything for what you paid for it, keep the Sirrus and save up for a MTB! I havent heard anything bad about the Roobay, so gopher it!

I'm 6'6" and 230lbs and I bought a Roubaix Expert 64cm last year and put 9,000km on it. It is the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden for long distance riding and I have a ti and a steel frame to compare against.

I wanted a triple also, but when you work out the gear inches using a 50-34 compact and a 12-27 cassette the gear inches are very close to those of a triple with a 12-25 cassette. The cpompact is ok.

I had to get a better set of wheels for my weight and I bought a set of American Classic Hurricanes 32 spoke as I have used these on other bikes and they are light but very strong.

I own a both a Roubaix triple and a Sirrus. Have been riding from the time I weighed in at 380 down to 280 lbs(6'1"), both bikes have served me well as they are very comfortable for my 50 mile rides. I live in south Florida and use the small ring on triple quite a bit climbing some of the bridges we have here , you'll be happier with the triple.
Since getting the Roubaix I now use the Sirrus for commuting and just riding around. Keep both if you can, its better to lock up a Sirrus outside while at the supermarket/gym then the Roubaix. I did get a mountain bike for when I have my kick some dirt mood's.
Like posted above, change the wheels I had Mavic open pro's and went with Kyserium's elites. The originals were always needing to be trued.

Glad to hear the positive reviews on the Roubaix. I thought about the compact double, but with my weight right now I thought I might need all of the help I can get. But so far I have not used the smaller 3rd on my hybrid, so maybe a double compact would be ok.

If you look at the available gears, there is really very little difference between a road triple (50/39/30) and a compact double (50/34) when using a 12-27 cassette. The easiest gear on the triple (30-27) is 29.3 gear inches while the second-easiest gear is 33.0 gear inches. With the compact double, your easiest gear (34-27) is 33.2 gear inches.

Bottom line: you're probably not going to notice a whole lot of difference between the gearing of a standard road-going triple crank and a compact double in most situations. I certainly didn't notice any change when I went from a triple to a compact double...

the sirrus is a commuter, not a long distance bike.

i'm saving my clams for a roubaix.

My '05 Roubaix is the only road bike that I've ever owned, so I can't compare it with others. The relaxed geometry was the big selling point for me, as I ride for fitness and recreation (not racing). I weighed 245 lbs when I got the bike. The Alyx wheels that came with it didn't hold up for me - I broke a number of spokes. I switched to Easton Orion's and haven't had a wheel problem since. I also did the pro-fit procedure for the bike setup. I've got 10K miles (including a couple of MS150's) on my Roubaix; it's been great the whole time.

George, you going to the state championship game on Saturday? Looks like our respective high schools are playing each other.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.

I have an '08 Expert triple. My only regret is not getting the compact. I found I was hardly using the big ring in front and never using the smallest ring, so spending 90% of my time on the 39 ring. i simply switched out the 53 for a 50 and now use at least the outer two rings.

Great bike for the money. I'm 6'4" and 225 or so. No wheel issues at all. Others have commented on the Toupe' saddle. I hated it and got a Selle Anatomica and love the combination of that saddle with the relaxed geometry. Put about 3000 miles on it this season. Not as much as others, but enough to be able to say that the Roubaix was a great choice for me.

George, you going to the state championship game on Saturday? Looks like our respective high schools are playing each other.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.

I would like to, but I have to go over to my sons house in Sugarland. I did make 3 of the Katy Tigers game and they are a great team.:thumb:

Sorry guys for the temporary high jack.

Look at the tire room--will it REALLY fit the tires you should be riding? Most of us Clydes should be on 28c tires; many contemporary road bikes, especially the trendier and more carbon-happy brands, have inadequate room for them.

I haven't tried it myself, but other people on the 50+ forum have put 28mm on and they fit with no problem.

Have a 07 Trek Pilot 2.1 Test rode the Specialized Roubaix Triple as well. It was a coin flip between the two. Came down to I trust the shop at the store I bought the Trek from. Had some issues with my son's bike and the brakes at the shop that sells specialized here. Let's just say I don't like to mess with brakes on my bike, and when it comes to my son's they better watch out! I still wonder what the roubaix would have been like to own, and I REALLY think you'll be happy with it!

Thanks to all for the reponses. I have been away for a couple of days.

I have a set of Mavics for my Sirrus that I can switch to the Roubaix so I am not concerned if the wheels do not hold up.

I am trying to work out a swap of the gears and it sounds like it may be a good idea. I would like a 53 or 54, 39, and a 27 with the 12-27 cassette. I can get the elite triple for somewhere between $1500-1700. We have a lot of hills in my area that I like to ride. I have been told by some the triple is not needed and others say get it. The only thing I am giving up by getting a triple to me is the weight. Big deal, I am heavy anyway. You don't gain a lot with the stock triple but you do get an extra low end gear or two. That would make a big difference on my Sirrus. But the Sirrus is a lot heavier bike so it may not be needed.
What would be an advantage of not getting a triple?

I am thinking I will keep the Sirrus for a while. It needs a new cassette, chain, and tires. At least now I will go up to 32's instead of the 25's and get a more comfy ride. Someone mentioned that it was a commuter and not a distance bike. I will agree with that but I have ridden to my in-laws 3 times which was 115 miles over hills which is why I am leaning to the triple.

From the comments above it sounds like I am getting the bike I am looking for. My LBS sells Felt bikes as well so I will look at the two listed above.
Thanks
Brian

i am also looking at getting a roubaix here really soon. b young i will be riding for jdrf st louis chapter, where you thinking about riding at this year?


I really want to ride this year. I am not sure which ride will be the easiest to get off work for. Which ride are you doing? My son is the one with Type 1. Do you have type 1? We lived in Hazelwood for a couple of years in 99 and 00. We missed it a lot.

Do you keep up with or heard of Team Type 1 (http://www.teamtype1.org/). They are a pro bike team.

I am getting very close to getting a new bike. I currently have a Sirrus. I like it but think I would like a road bike better. I am really liking the Roubaix. I am looking at the Triple. Does anyone have any advice, opinions... about the Roubaix?

I also cannot decide whether to keep the Sirrus for commuting or get a MTB for my 10 mile commute and have for the occasional MTB ride.

I have Roubaix full carbon with compact. Size 61 - I am 6'2" and 230, had to replace rear wheel for popped spoke, but other than that I love that bike.

I am trying to work out a swap of the gears and it sounds like it may be a good idea. I would like a 53 or 54, 39, and a 27 with the 12-27 cassette. I can get the elite triple for somewhere between $1500-1700. We have a lot of hills in my area that I like to ride. I have been told by some the triple is not needed and others say get it. The only thing I am giving up by getting a triple to me is the weight. Big deal, I am heavy anyway. You don't gain a lot with the stock triple but you do get an extra low end gear or two. That would make a big difference on my Sirrus. But the Sirrus is a lot heavier bike so it may not be needed.
What would be an advantage of not getting a triple?

The gearing you want isn't possible with any current derailleur.

Most front derailleurs that are designed to work with two chain rings only allow a difference of 16 teeth between the two rings. Derailleurs designed to work with three chain rings typically allow a difference of 22 teeth between the small and large rings. Rear derailleurs have similar limitations. Shimano will tell you, for example, that an Ultegra RD can handle a smallest sprocket of 11 teeth, 27 teeth as the largest sprocket, and has a "total capacity" of 37 teeth. Total capacity, is the difference between the largest and smallest chain rings added to the difference between the largest and smallest sprockets. So, for a compact double (50/34) used with a 12-27 cassette this number would be 31 (50-34 = 16, 27-12=15, 16+15=31).

With your proposed setup, you'd need an RD with a total capacity of 41 teeth and a FD that could handle a 26- or 27-tooth difference between the large and small rings. Not to mention the fact that you may have a difficult time finding a 27-tooth front chain ring that will work with a road triple's 74mm BCD (bolt circle diameter)...

Within the limitations of current derailleurs, the 50-34 compact double combined with an 11-28 or 12-27 cassette is really a pretty good compromise. As mentioned, if you play around with Sheldon Brown's gear calculator (http://sheldonbrown.com/gears/) you'll see that there isn't a whole lot of difference between a 53/39/30 road triple and a 50/34 compact double. If you're able to ride up hills with your current triple-crank setup, you'll also be able to ride up them using a compact double.

FYI, the primary advantage of a double crank setup is faster, more precise shifting. The primary advantage of a triple crank is the large number of duplicated gear combinations, not the availability of additional easy-to-pedal gears...

SSTORKEL,

Thanks for the advice. I guess I should take a comp out for a week and see how it does. My LBS has tried to get me to get a comp and said I shouldn't notice a lot of difference except some hills I normally sit and ride I may have to stand a bit on. A lot of my riding is commuting 10 miles. Outside of that I do 40 -115 miles with hills and want something to help on the steep climbs. I know a lot of it is my weight and leg strength but gearing should help as well. This will be a lot better bike than I currently have and I am sure in itself will make some difference. Plus I won't be able to put my rack and pannier on it so that should help too. Looks like I still have some research to do. Thanks again.

I know this can be a nerve-wracking decision! A new bike is a lot of money and you don't want to end up buying the wrong thing. After years of riding a triple, I went through the same thing when purchasing my latest bike...

Here's what I'd suggest: run Sheldon Brown's gear calculator and plug in the numbers for your current chain rings and cassette. The 2009 Sirrus, for example, has 48/28/28 chain rings and an 8-speed 12-25 cassette. The calculator will tell you that the three easiest gears are 36.0, 32.9, and 30.2 gear inches. Next, plug in the numbers for the bike you're thinking about buying. A 2009 Roubaix Compact has a 54/30 compact double and a 10-speed 12-27 cassette. The calculator says that it's easiest gears are 33.8 and 30.0 gear inches. Guess what? Between these two combos, the Roubaix actually has a gear that's slightly easier to pedal than the Sirrus! And that's before you factor in the lighter weight or any other factors!

When I plugged the numbers in, I found that my 10-speed road triple had one easier gear than a compact double. So I rode my current bike around for a couple of weeks and purposefully made sure not to use that gear. I was able to complete all of my normal rides without using the gear that the compact double would eliminate, so I felt confident in choosing the compact double for my new bike. You could do a similar experiment with your current bike to see how much, if any difference, you'll notice should you decide to switch to a compact double.

That said, there really isn't a huge difference in weight or performance between a compact double and a triple. If you feel more confident choosing the triple, because that's what you're familiar with, then by all means do it. I will suggest, however, that you don't do what I did: start with an 8-speed triple, then buy a 10-speed triple, then do the research and decide that a compact double is the way to go...

I've been lurking and the exchange you guys have been having has been interesting. I have a road tripple and recently bought a new road double which I'm changing to a compact, so I've been thinking about this stuff. My advice is +1 on using the compact demo bike and see if you like it. But I would also do the gear calculations sstorkel mentions with the three or four easiest gears, and not just with the last, easiest, gear. As sstorkel mentions... don't forget the possible 11-28 casette. Cost= about $100ish for the SRAM.

I will suggest, however, that you don't do what I did: start with an 8-speed triple, then buy a 10-speed triple, then do the research and decide that a compact double is the way to go...

Thanks, it is exactly what I am trying to avoid. I have a 07 sirrus 8 speed. Help me with one other thing. I plug the numbers in the calculator and I get the ratios. I am not seeing how you get the gear inches?? I have a few spreadsheets in excel that I have been playing with on this. I wish I would have found that calculator on SB site.

I've been lurking and the exchange you guys have been having has been interesting. I have a road tripple and recently bought a new road double which I'm changing to a compact, so I've been thinking about this stuff. My advice is +1 on using the compact demo bike and see if you like it. But I would also do the gear calculations sstorkel mentions with the three or four easiest gears, and not just with the last, easiest, gear. As sstorkel mentions... don't forget the possible 11-28 casette. Cost= about $100ish for the SRAM.

Is the 11-28 a 9-speed? I don't see a combination for a 11-28 in the 10 speed at least by the calculator.
Thanks

Is the 11-28 a 9-speed? I don't see a combination for a 11-28 in the 10 speed at least by the calculator.

The calculator hasn't been updated since Sheldon passed away... and probably a while before that. The 11-28 cassette is sold by SRAM (OG-1070). Technically, Shimano says that a 27-tooth sprocket is the largest you should use with their rear derailleurs, which may be another reason that 11-28 isn't on the form.

FYI, you can enter up to 10 sprocket sizes manually in the "custom cassette" area of the form if there isn't a pre-defined cassette that matches what you need.


I am not seeing how you get the gear inches??

On the Sheldon Brown gear calculator, the third entry on the input form says "Gear Units". His default is "gain ratiio", which is some crazy number that takes the leverage provided by different length cranks into account. You can also select "gear inches" which is what I normally use or speed at various cadence levels (e.g. "MPH @ 80 rpm" if 80 is your standard cadence).

Thanks to all for the reponses. I have been away for a couple of days.

I have a set of Mavics for my Sirrus that I can switch to the Roubaix so I am not concerned if the wheels do not hold up.

I am trying to work out a swap of the gears and it sounds like it may be a good idea. I would like a 53 or 54, 39, and a 27 with the 12-27 cassette. I can get the elite triple for somewhere between $1500-1700. We have a lot of hills in my area that I like to ride. I have been told by some the triple is not needed and others say get it. The only thing I am giving up by getting a triple to me is the weight. Big deal, I am heavy anyway. You don't gain a lot with the stock triple but you do get an extra low end gear or two. That would make a big difference on my Sirrus. But the Sirrus is a lot heavier bike so it may not be needed.
What would be an advantage of not getting a triple?

I am thinking I will keep the Sirrus for a while. It needs a new cassette, chain, and tires. At least now I will go up to 32's instead of the 25's and get a more comfy ride. Someone mentioned that it was a commuter and not a distance bike. I will agree with that but I have ridden to my in-laws 3 times which was 115 miles over hills which is why I am leaning to the triple.

From the comments above it sounds like I am getting the bike I am looking for. My LBS sells Felt bikes as well so I will look at the two listed above.
Thanks
Brian

You're giving up smoothness of shifting. A triple is not as smooth as a double, especially shifting on the front der. Find a bike with a compact setup. It gives you just about the same geaering as a triple when you figure out all the usuable gearing combinations without all the headaches.

It gives you just about the same geaering as a triple when you figure out all the usuable gearing combinations without all the headaches.

Let's be fair: current-day triple-crank setups don't really have any headaches. The Ultegra SL triple I owned was installed in, literally, 5 minutes and after a minor tweak at the 500mi mark didn't require any adjustment over the remaining 5000mi that I owned it. It never missed a shift and only dropped the chain once (due to a stupid simultaneous front/rear shift on my part). If only my top-of-the-line SRAM Red compact double were so easy to get along with...

My 09 Roubaix Expert just arrived at the LBS. I am so looking for forward to getting it on the road. my pedals are due in Monday, but the weather next week here does not look promising. It is a triple Ultegra SL and maybe the double compact would have been a better choice. At my stage and weight I am not too concerned either way. As I progress like I think I will, I will give the compact double a closer look. For now until I get the Roubaix on the road, my Sirrus Expert is doing just fine. Had a nice 20 miler today in mid 60 degree weather. Strange weather to say the least.

The calculator hasn't been updated since Sheldon passed away... and probably a while before that. The 11-28 cassette is sold by SRAM (OG-1070). Technically, Shimano says that a 27-tooth sprocket is the largest you should use with their rear derailleurs, which may be another reason that 11-28 isn't on the form.

FYI, you can enter up to 10 sprocket sizes manually in the "custom cassette" area of the form if there isn't a pre-defined cassette that matches what you need.



On the Sheldon Brown gear calculator, the third entry on the input form says "Gear Units". His default is "gain ratiio", which is some crazy number that takes the leverage provided by different length cranks into account. You can also select "gear inches" which is what I normally use or speed at various cadence levels (e.g. "MPH @ 80 rpm" if 80 is your standard cadence).

The 11-28 SRAM ten speed casette works fine with my Ultegra RD. Just be sure not to put in the spacer that is used behind the casette with the Shimano x-12 casettes. Sizing up the entirety of the thread, I'm kind of leaning toward recommending the OP go ahead and get the tripple. My tripple shifts really well and there is less cross-chaining than with the double.