Road Cycling - Specialized Roubaix vs. Steel Bike for Smooth Ride?

I'm looking to purchase my first road bike (+/- $1500) and was leaning toward steel for the smooth ride. I tried one a while ago and really liked how it felt. Unfortunately, the LBS doesn't have any steel bikes in my size (62+ cm) now but they recommended the base Specialized Roubaix. I tried it out and was impressed. I thought it was much smoother than the other aluminum bikes. But, I just can't remember how its ride compares to steel. I know ride quality depends on lots of things, but in general, is the ride quality of the Roubaix anywhere near that of a similarly priced steel bike? Thanks....

I have a Giant OCR Elite which is similar to the Roubaix. It has a carbon fiber rear triangle, fork, and seat post. I also test road some steel bikes. IMO the Al with carbon combination was smoother than the steel bike and it had less flex. I personaly prefer the bike to be stiff. So I think that design combining the two materials is a good way to provide a smooth riding stiff bike. Also it's lighter!

you might try reading through some of the links on this thread that all deal with questions similer to yours

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=64820

My current bike is all steel (pre-1980 vintage Viner frame) and I've always thought it rode nicely. I test rode a Roubaix today, though - sweeeet. When I hit a bump on the Viner, it vibrates noticeably after the impact. With the Roubaix, the impact itself felt less sharp and there was no noticeable vibration. Note that this was based on a 10 minute test spin on platform pedals, so there will be some sensation changes with real pedals and long rides, but I was impressed. I wouldn't be surprised if I have one in a week or two.

did

i only own a $1400 steel bike and i like the ride, but nobody makes a carbon bike in my size so i've never even test ridden one. not only that but they're a bit priced out for me as i was already pushing up my budget to get my steel bike.

the roubaix comp looks like a terrific bike - i saw an '04 at Hudson Trail Outfitters for $1750 recently too, which i think is a very good price.

I took my new Roubaix out for its maiden voyage this evening. My only experience with steel frames was from test rides, so my comparative knowlege is limited. However, now that I've put a few miles on the Roubaix, I'm convinced I made a good decision. Whether their "zerts" make a difference or not, I don't know, but bumps were noticeably less jarring than other bikes I've ridden, and vibration from bad pavement was minimal. In all, I'm extremely pleased with the purchase.

I would never ever ride a Specialized.

I took my new Roubaix out for its maiden voyage this evening. My only experience with steel frames was from test rides, so my comparative knowlege is limited. However, now that I've put a few miles on the Roubaix, I'm convinced I made a good decision. Whether their "zerts" make a difference or not, I don't know, but bumps were noticeably less jarring than other bikes I've ridden, and vibration from bad pavement was minimal. In all, I'm extremely pleased with the purchase.

I think it's the carbon fiber that does all the bump and vibration soaking. Anyway congrats on your new ride!
:D

I would never ever ride a Specialized.

Why not?

The Roubaix is an amazing frame... its the smoothest I have ever ridden, and I do firmly believe the Zerts are a good design and can make a difference in the ride quality. I never road a carbon bike I liked... all were much too flexible for my tastes, but the 17lbs Roubaix we built at work the other day is the first carbon bike I have ridden that I haven't been able to induce excessive BB flex in. Rides like buttah. Almost makes me want to trade my steel in!

Why not?
just to piss off ChAnMaN. :D

just to piss off ChAnMaN. :D

He's just trying to resuscitate his dying thread.

Buy what you want, not what they want you to buy.

Work with them, maybe they can get what you want.

If not, leave. Try some where else. If you want that bike, go back later. Maybe they will come down on the price.

Lottsa 04 Models around, this time of year you can get a deal.

Don't make an expensive mistake.

I thought the basic Roubaix was steel. Is it aluminum?

I thought the basic Roubaix was steel. Is it aluminum?

The frame is aluminum. However, it has carbon seat stays and fork. In the seat stays and fork it has those zerts things. I'm not sure about zertz but I can say from the experience with my Giant OCR Elite, which has carbon fork and both stays, that the carbon connected to the wheels certainly makes an aluminum frame ride smoother. It's like the best of both worlds. It's comliant where it needs to be and stiff where it needs to be.

He's just trying to resuscitate his dying thread.

well its not illegal,.... especialiy sence this thread directly deals with what I am talking about in my thread

its not like im out there going "everybody click on this link!" http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=607770#post607770
ohh wait......

I think 'Roubaix' geometry is like Gary Fishers 'Genesis Geometry' - A large companies shift towards what geometry actually works for most people, as opposed to this 'shorter and steeper is magically better' philosophy that we've all been believing since the early 90's.

It's what a lot of the smaller companies have been doing for ages for people who have more of a deeper understanding of geometry. More fork rake, longer stays, slacker seat angles, longer top tubes, shorter stems.....makes a lot of sense.

So yeah, err, thanks Specialized. :rolleyes: