Road Cycling - Specialized Roubaix or ...... ?

Now that I have put 1600 miles this year alone on my trek 7300FX commuter, I am ready to move up. I love my hybrid, but I am starting to see the limitations.
I am yearning for a faster ride, one that I can take on longer tours. I would like to find a bike that I can use to train for, and eventually ride on, a century. Something that will help me raise my fitness level, while I take it to the park and do laps or, eventually commute (when I don't have much to carry...) with. I would like to go faster, but that is not the *ultimate* goal. I am not looking to race, but I want something that will respond if I want to push it a little....
I do not want to spend more than $2000. I would prefer a full Ultegra and a good set of wheels. I am too much of a novice to know about whether I care that the bike has a steel, aluminum or carbon frame...

On paper, the Specialized Allez Comp is what I was looking for. Alas, I tried it last night, and I was not comfortable on it... too aggressive. I felt like I *had* to go fast on it... I don't think I could have stayed on it for too long. I don't know… too low, too streched out… The LBS guy said it was a good fit though.

The bike shop recommended I try the Roubaix Elite and, despite the fact that the bike was too small for me (56 instead of 58) the change was amazing!! I was really comfortable on it, yet I could sense the responsiveness of the bike... This was a bike I had completely overlooked in my search (this forum, plus manufacturers web site)...

Anyone has any feedback on this bike? What about the wheel set ?
Is there another bike I should look at in this price range with similar features?

I am done narrowing choices based on specs… need feedback from those riding, not building or selling!!!

Thanks!!!!

i found the roubaix to be a fantastic bike when i rode it. very comfortable and smooth. i wanted to get it myself but the allez comp was much cheaper (it was an end of the year closeout sale) so i got that instead.

if you're looking at specialized i would say the roubaix would fit in really well with what you want to do. it would do well as a race bike even i'm sure.

i'd do some research on frame materials. with a budget like that your next bike will last you a long long time and you'll want to take some test drives and learn some stuff before you pull the trigger.

friend of mine just got this for $1095 and is waiting for it to ship:
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/legacypro.htm

it's an offbrand, but that was the best overall deal he found with reynolds 853 steel frame and full Ultegra.

i'm looking at getting a Fuji Roubaix Pro (not the specialized) because bikes like the one above don't come in a 64cm

good luck!

I rode both the Roubaix and the Allez Comp. I bought the Allez. I wanted an agressive bike. There are some days when I am out riding for a few hours where I wish I had the Roubaix.

If you have time, test ride a steel frame and see if you like it. A good steel frame is not that heavy and they are sweet rides.

a good steel frame isn't heavy at _all anymore, right? it's not even a matter of 'not that heavy'

sorry - not trying to nit pick =)

See.. here's my point.. at this stage, I don't think the material of the frame, albeit important, is the most relevant factor in finding the right bike... I realize I have much to learn on that matter, but when you read the raging debates on these forums around steel vs aluminum, and then you talk to the LBS, you quickly realize that it boils down to a matter of personal preference... some people LOVE steel bikes, others, well, don't... and at this point I don't have the experience to have a preference.
I would much prefer to focus on the wheels, components, geometry, type of bike....
Am I going about this the wrong way ?

I am open to any material, brand,....Please point me to a bike, tell me why you love it or think it would be worth for me to take a look at it, and I will find an LBS in the area that carries it....

boze, many people believe that steel is heavy. That is why I said that. And I would say that on average steel frames are modestly heavier than other materials.


NYC, the best bet is to get out an ride a ton of bikes. I rode everything in my price range before deciding on my Specialized Allez Comp. The Specialized geometry suit my preferences, the bike was light, responsive, and has good components. The Geometry of the Giants didnt work for me. (anyone else think bike sizing in S,M,L, is kind of stupid?) I didn't like the handling of the Treks. I wouldnt know that I had these preferences unless I spent time riding many different bikes.

Hi,
this bike (with the carbon fork) is the smoothest riding bike I have ever been on. http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/habanero.html
I also really like the Gunnar Sport. This is what a bike should be, fun, quick, comfy, and lite. If you get one, get the Waterford paint job.The basic paint job keeps the price low; but chips easily. http://www.waterfordbikes.com/gunnar/data/mainframe.htm

I would go to an online fit calculator to see what size you should be riding. I got a crazy variance of sizes from different LBSs. Some of those guys are good but most don't have a clue. http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO

If you are changing from a hybrid, the bike that "feels" good when you first get on it could be totally wrong fit-wise. I came from MTB so I know that a properly fit road bike feels wrong at first. The too small too upright bike will feel good.......but not for long.

Ride all of the different frame materials yourself and see what they feel like. I tried them all, except for some of the mixed material frames, and absolutly fell in love with the way Ti feels. You may like something different, but find out for yourself.

Please do the size calculator. Fit is the MOST important. I would have been lead WAY wrong by several LBSs.

Avalanche,
Which shops did you wrong? Just curious and it will be good info for others local to the area.