I just did my first Tri and now am interested in a new bike but want to stay with a road bike (I'll add aero bars, etc). I'll buy a tri bike someday but for now I need a bike for me to do century rides, too.

I'm looking for speed, climbing and comfort. My bike coach recommended a Specialized Roubaix (all Carbon) because of my measurements...49=53 or shorter. The Roubaix has a real short top tube.

I'm just curious if anyone has done a tri in one of these.

Also = what's your opinion of Ultegra vs. Dura Ace. Will I notice the difference. My Salsa Campeon is all Dura Ace.

Thanks all!

Chasyboy

We sell a lot of Roubaix's at my shop and people certainly do Tri's on them. It isn't ideal as the relaxed angles and taller head tube make it hard to get a flat back when fitting aero bars. It's a great century bike though and unless your competing to place in your age group the aero benefit of steeper angles and lower head tube aren't worth the discomfort.

-s

Purchased a Roubaix for the purpose of a couple tri's per year and the comfort of doing long weeekend rides/ occassional century. Just finished an Olympic distance last week. As a heavier rider (6'1" 200 lbs.) comfort is awesome (I test road Cannondale R2000; Litespeed); speed was ok. I'm much faster on this bike, but still get smoked by the folks on the zip wheels.

Bottom line: If you're a serious triathelete, go for something else. Otherwise, a good buy for all around use.

Dan