Fifty Plus (50+) - Interesting Comfort Road Bike from Specialized

In their 2010 lineup, Specialized has introduced the Roulux series. The top of the line is the BG Roulux, the BG standing for Body Geometry. The frame is a relaxed comfort road bike frame. The components include a 105 group set, 50/34 double crank, 12-27 cassette, and 700x28 tires.

The surprising elements are:
1) It has one of those "light suspension" forks that were on some Klein bikes a few years back, and on some Trek FX fitness hybrids last year. Has just 35mm of travel and is their primarily to reduce vibration and smooth small bumps.
2) It has a moustache-type handlebar.

Both of these fit in with the overall comfort theme.

It also had a rear view mirror as standard equipment.

They are promoting it as being not only comfortable around the town, but also on long distance rides. I like the concept. The top model doesn't come cheap, list is $1800.

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=45695&eid=4356&menuItemId=9265

Looks like it also has an elastomeric damper rear suspension like some LeMond bikes from a few years back too.

Looks like it also has an elastomeric damper rear suspension like some LeMond bikes from a few years back too.

Yes, I forgot to point that out. Both LeMond and Klein used them. I rode an aluminum Klein that had one and it really smoothed out the ride.

Interesting... though I don't care for Mustache bars, got 'em on 2 bikes but that's another story.

Interesting. Specialized also has a new steel Allez with DT shifters. What's old is new again.

Interesting. Specialized also has a new steel Allez with DT shifters. What's old is new again.

I like that

I liked their new Globe city bikes.

Especially this one - belt drive, Alfine rear hub, big cargo carrier on the front.

http://www.globebikes.com/us/en/globe/GlobeBike.jsp?pid=10LIVE3

I liked their new Globe city bikes.

Especially this one - belt drive, Alfine rear hub, big cargo carrier on the front.

http://www.globebikes.com/us/en/globe/GlobeBike.jsp?pid=10LIVE3

I like much about that bike, but have concerns about it being a fairly heavy all aluminum bike (with AL fork) with fairly narrow tires (32mm). I would expect you'd get some stiff jolts from bumps. I'd want tires around 38mm-40mm with that bike.

I was looking at a Trek Soho the other day that had belt drive and the Alfine hub. I like that setup.

Looking over the BG Roulux, it comes to mind that it is probably a more comfortable ride than a Rivendell bike. The geometry is more relaxed and the dual mini-suspensions should result in less vibration than a rigid steel frame. At $1800, it is certainly less expensive than a fully built Rivendell.

Looking over the BG Roulux, it comes to mind that it is probably a more comfortable ride than a Rivendell bike. The geometry is more relaxed and the dual mini-suspensions should result in less vibration than a rigid steel frame. At $1800, it is certainly less expensive than a fully built Rivendell.

Strange comparison! I really don't think the two are comparable.

Strange comparison! I really don't think the two are comparable.

Some of the Rivendell bikes are sold as comfortable riding road bikes and they push their moustache bars as a drop bar alternative. I would think there are customers looking for a road bike that is more biased toward comfort than speed, who would make this comparison.

But normallly, I agree, the Rivendell bikes are targeted at different people. I like how they advocate for using 32mm-35mm tires on many of their frames.

That bike is begging for a triple crank.
Wonder how long before Specialized offers one?

It looks like something my SO would like. She need an upgrade.

Change it to a steel frame and a non-suspension fork, and we're in business. Oh, wait.... I already have that in the Surly. :love:

Edit: And offer a color other than white. :eek:

That bike is begging for a triple crank.
Wonder how long before Specialized offers one?

The Roulux 1 is a triple (50Ax39Sx30S replaceable) Shimano FC-R453, Octalink spline crankset. In burguney (looks more red on the website) and silver.

It doesn't look like the rear can take a full fender.

Looking over the BG Roulux, it comes to mind that it is probably a more comfortable ride than a Rivendell bike. The geometry is more relaxed and the dual mini-suspensions should result in less vibration than a rigid steel frame. At $1800, it is certainly less expensive than a fully built Rivendell.

Why is "more relaxed than a Rivendell" a good feature? First, there's nothing aggressive abour Riv's geometries. All their drop bar bikes are designed to place the bars near saddle height, their wheelbases are sorta long, and their seat tube angles are small.

The isolated suspension - THAT is a comfort feature.

Some of the Rivendell bikes are sold as comfortable riding road bikes and they push their moustache bars as a drop bar alternative. I would think there are customers looking for a road bike that is more biased toward comfort than speed, who would make this comparison.

But normallly, I agree, the Rivendell bikes are targeted at different people. I like how they advocate for using 32mm-35mm tires on many of their frames.

Maybe you're not being clear enough for me. I think Rivendell drop-bar bikes ARE designed to be comfortable, and to emphasize comfort over speed.

Their different designs are not racing v. comfort. They're more like distance road, distance paved/dirt, adding in touring load carrying as a functional variation.

Grant is capable of designing a racy bike - recall the Bridgestone RB-1 and note the recent Roadeo. But the former is long out of production, and the latter is in its infancy. Some other early Riv designs were more in the randonneur pattern than the touring style, like the Rambouillet.

I've never gotten the moustache thing. When I want to be stretched out, I want a large number of hand positions.

Grant is capable of designing a racy bike - recall the Bridgestone RB-1.

No need to recall. I just hop on it and ride. :)

I have a Specialized dealer near me so when, if they have one I may test ride it. However, having bicycle that costs that much around here, is a theft target.

I have an old 1964 Moulton - Huffy with front and rear rubber suspension and it rides nice. However, Moulton needed suspension due to the small wheels, 16".

Rivendell, makes touring bikes from what I can see, so yes, they are more relaxed.

The Specialized looks like they making a fast hybrid, with comfort. By why no fender and rack mounts.

That bike is begging for a triple crank.
Wonder how long before Specialized offers one?

With a 50/34 double crank, you are only losing 1 low-end gear vs a 50/39/30 triple, depending upon how the rear cassette is geared. Many 12-27 cassettes use a 24t as their 2nd lowest gear. Some have a 25t.

30:24 will yield almost exactly the same gear inch ratio as the 34:27 does. So the only gear you gain with the triple is the 30:27 gear. That gear might be very important to some riders! But I think many people think having that 30t crank buys them much more than it actually does on the low end.