Fifty Plus (50+) - Replacement for Lost Bike

I went to the LBS and scored a 2010 Specialized Roubaix Expert. I was torn between this fine bicycle and the 2011 Expert. I could not get a delivery date for the new model and didn't want to be without a road bike.
http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/yy30/gtragitt/Expertcomp.jpg

ooohhhh nice!
well done

Nice looking ride Greg.
Now all you need is for someone to find your other one and return it.
That would be to good to be true, right. Anyhow nice bike, enjoy.:thumb:

Nice bike. I took a few test rides on a blue one just like it. I was relieved when they sold it because I couldn;t afford it at the time. Now that I find myself without a fast road bike, I am looking seriously at the 2011 Roubaix Comp with SRAM Rival.

Wow, very kewl bike, I love the paint!
I am lusting for a road bike & was looking at a Specialized last week. Did you consider any other brand?
What brand bike did you "lose"?

My 2007 Roubaix Expert is the same red color but doesn't have the badass wheels with the white spokes and hubs, or the World Champ stripes. Your bike is way cooler.:thumb:

Wow, very kewl bike, I love the paint!
I am lusting for a road bike & was looking at a Specialized last week. Did you consider any other brand?
What brand bike did you "lose"?
I lost a 2009 Roubaix Compact. It had 40 CM Ritchey carbon bars and Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels.

I rode a Giant TCR Advanced. It was quick and very responsive. It fit and was a great bike. They wouldn't deal on it even though it was a 2010 and the 2011's are coming out.

I also rode a Cervelo RS. The geometry didn't work for me. It was probably a good thing because it was way expensive.

My 2007 Roubaix Expert is the same red color but doesn't have the badass wheels with the white spokes and hubs, or the World Champ stripes. Your bike is way cooler.:thumb:
Thanks for the compliment! I hope the Roval wheels perform as well as they look. The Mavic Ksyrium Elites were perfect for me.

Nice bike. I took a few test rides on a blue one just like it. I was relieved when they sold it because I couldn;t afford it at the time. Now that I find myself without a fast road bike, I am looking seriously at the 2011 Roubaix Comp with SRAM Rival.

I was way luckier than you in how I lost my bike. Mine just came out of the rack and I had no injuries.

I hope you get a good insurance settlement so you won't have to compromise on what you buy.

Is that a demo model? I didn't see that color offered in 2010.

Is that a demo model? I didn't see that color offered in 2010.
Yes it is a demo model. It will be rare to see that color on a 2010. That was part of the reason I bought it instead of waiting for the 2011. I was surprised Allegheny Jet had one that color.

From what I could read in Cycle News and on the Specialized web site the 2011 SL3 frame is 100 g lighter.

It will be rare to see that color on a 2010. That was part of the reason I bought it instead of waiting for the 2011. I was surprised Allegheny Jet had one that color.

.

Here is my 07' after taking the white bar tape and saddle off. The accent graphics are different than you model. I have since moved the Mavic Elite wheelset to my Tarmac Pro SL. I estimate the wheels have at least 19,000 miles on them with no issues or adjustments to date.

Thanks for the photo of the 2007. I was planning on black bar tape when my carbon bars arrive. The LBS included new bar tape with the bike. They will wrap the bar when they install the new Ritchey 40 cm ergo bar.

I am also going to lose that heavy white saddle and plan on a lighter black one.

Jet, how do you like the Rival components on your Roubaix? any issues with the crank/BB?

Jet, how do you like the Rival components on your Roubaix? any issues with the crank/BB?

There have not been any issues with the crank or BB. At first the LBS couldn't seem to dail in the shifting from the little to big ring, but eventually got it worked out. The Rival on my bike has the "FD trim" on the small ring. I seldom use the small ring and experiance some rubbing at either end of the big ring depending how it's adjusted. I believe the newer Rival has the trim in the big ring. My Tarmac has Sram Force which has the trim in the big ring, which works wery well for me.

Buying a new bike to replace a disappeared bike does not satisfy n + 1.

Buying a new bike to replace a disappeared bike does not satisfy n + 1.

Only in the sense that nothing satisfies N+1. No matter how you get to your current value of N, you still need one more bike.

But losing a bike does qualify as N-1, and buying a new one qualifies as N+1. N is the number of bikes you have, regardless of how you got there.

Looks great.

Only in the sense that nothing satisfies N+1. No matter how you get to your current value of N, you still need one more bike.

But losing a bike does qualify as N-1, and buying a new one qualifies as N+1. N is the number of bikes you have, regardless of how you got there.

That makes perfect sense.

Nothing satisfies n + 1.

That's quite a bike, though.

My deductible was greater than the value of the bike. The mods were close to the original cost of the bike. There was no claim.

I am not sure what my insurance options are for the new bike. The deductible for a Homeowners Policy is 1% of the total insured value. I was trying to find a separate policy for the new bicycle.

gtragitt, I'm not sure if it was due to a different style bar or the shape of the DA hoods, but I learned I'm fairly sensitive to lever placement. Ride the bike after the bar change, but before the tape is installed to ensure you can shift, brake comfortably and the hoods are in the right place... riding without tape is an odd sensation too, try to dismiss that.

Brad

Nice bike :love:

gtragitt, did you chance to note your lost bike measurements somewhere? At least if you knew the frame dimensions you could get the appropriate stem lenth & bar width/drop and work your way back from there, including what BradTX is suggesting. Have whoever's best at fit at the LBS put you on a trainer and spend the time to get you positioned right. That new bike's too nice to not fit right and be comfortable.

I am buying the same bar that I had on the old one. The new stem is longer and the bars are lower. I think the wider saddle is the biggest issue for me now.

Oh, yeah, definitely replace w/ whatever saddle was working well for you on your last bike(s).

Oh, yeah, definitely replace w/ whatever saddle was working well for you on your last bike(s).

I can't find that saddle. I bought it from Performance Bike. It was an E3 Form with Ti rails. It was 130 mm and so light.

Specialized has the right concept of offering saddles in 3 widths. I think the Specialized Saddle that came on the bicycle is a dog, however.

I am dissapointed with you- but you are only the latest in the line of people that have made this error.

I know a new bike was required- but you didn't asked for opinions from the forum. What you are supposed to do is come up with a list of 4 bikes that you are looking at and ask for our opinion and Experiences with the bikes you have listed. We then tell you all the faults and advise you of 25 other bikes that are not on your list. These range from the Giant OCR3 up to the Pinarrello Dogma in team spec and colours. You then comment on all the bikes referred to and it makes for a good posting in future for others to refer to that are in a similar position to ask the same question.

You have bypassed all of that and stopped us from voicing our opinions. Makes no difference though as besides the OCR and the Dogma- you have bough the model that would get the most support from us. It must be a good bike as you have rebought one.

Glad you got sorted so quick and that you got a deal on it- Makes the pain of replacing a bike easier.

I am dissapointed with you- but you are only the latest in the line of people that have made this error.

I know a new bike was required- but you didn't asked for opinions from the forum. What you are supposed to do is come up with a list of 4 bikes that you are looking at and ask for our opinion and Experiences with the bikes you have listed. We then tell you all the faults and advise you of 25 other bikes that are not on your list. These range from the Giant OCR3 up to the Pinarrello Dogma in team spec and colours. You then comment on all the bikes referred to and it makes for a good posting in future for others to refer to that are in a similar position to ask the same question.

You have bypassed all of that and stopped us from voicing our opinions. Makes no difference though as besides the OCR and the Dogma- you have bough the model that would get the most support from us. It must be a good bike as you have rebought one.

Glad you got sorted so quick and that you got a deal on it- Makes the pain of replacing a bike easier.

You are WRONG. I did solicit advice and did get some. I did ride other bikes. I had a 58 cm Roubaix. The Expert Geometry is the same.

If I had used the majority opinion on this Forum, I would have bought a bike with 32 spokes made of steel. I don't want that. It is probably a good selection for many people, but I want a bike very close to what I had.

The Expert is lighter and has good wheels. I would have paid a similar amount for the low end Roubaix and the purchase of Ksyrium Elite wheels.

The issue is more the fit than the bike. I need to get a seat and stem that fits me. There is no sense changing the stem until I get the bar that I ordered. The LBS will swap the stem and wrap the new bars at no charge.

What is wrong with the bike I bought?

Are you so good that you can fit me over the internet?

I also went to 2 different LBS and utilized their expertise. One member suggested a Cervelo. The LBS indicated it was probably too aggressive for me. I rode it anyway and he was correct.

I think stapfam had his tongue at least partway in his cheeck with that post... :-)

I greatly valued the input from George who has seen me ride. He knows what works for me. I totally respected his input.

I think you made a good choice but then I have that bike in S-Works trim. Same size too, a 58cm.

When I test rode the Expert, it didn't have a speedometer on it. It is hard to truly evaluate the performance from seat of the pants feel. I did have a speedometer when I rode yesterday and wasn't so happy with my average speed.

I think you made a good choice but then I have that bike in S-Works trim. Same size too, a 58cm.

S-Works must be truly awesome.

I believe they both have the same geometry, just a different lay up of carbon fiber. I think you made out pretty good.:thumb:

I think stapfam had his tongue at least partway in his cheeck with that post... :-)

Or perhaps, was being a cheeky monkey about it. ;)

I think stapfam had his tongue at least partway in his cheeck with that post... :-)

After losing a bike, having to spend a lot for a replacement and not finding the seat I want - I have not been in a mood for jokes.

Now that I've figured out what an E3 is, does your LBS have a loaner saddle program where you can try out all manner of different saddles until you find one that doesn't trash your butt? There are some saddles that look like the E3 and in fact, some Big Bike Business Company must have made the saddles private label for Performance/Nashbar, so maybe try looking at the offerings from Selle Royale, Selle Italia, etc and maybe it'll put you back on the right track? I know it's really a drag when the saddle that fits you like a glove gets discontinued, so hang in there.

How long until you have your new bars, and can get the fit dialed then - could be messing with your performance?

S-Works must be truly awesome.


I believe they both have the same geometry, just a different lay up of carbon fiber. I think you made out pretty good.:thumb:

Same geometry but yes, a different layup schedule.

The new bar should be here early next week. When I asked for a 40 cm bar. The LBS kept asking if I was sure I wanted such a small bar.

Maybe I am crazy for liking it. I retrofit my 2009 that had a 44 cm alloy ergo bar with the 40 cm Ritchey carbon ergo bar. I loved it as soon as it was installed. I saw no loss in breathing performance. I thought the bike handled so responsively with the small bar.

After you wear out the original tires, you might try 23c tires to replace the 25c that came on the bike. I found that the 23c tires make the bike a bit more responsive without adding much road buzz at my 185#.

You are WRONG. I did solicit advice and did get some. I did ride other bikes. I had a 58 cm Roubaix. The Expert Geometry is the same.

If I had used the majority opinion on this Forum, I would have bought a bike with 32 spokes made of steel. I don't want that. It is probably a good selection for many people, but I want a bike very close to what I had.

The Expert is lighter and has good wheels. I would have paid a similar amount for the low end Roubaix and the purchase of Ksyrium Elite wheels.

The issue is more the fit than the bike. I need to get a seat and stem that fits me. There is no sense changing the stem until I get the bar that I ordered. The LBS will swap the stem and wrap the new bars at no charge.

What is wrong with the bike I bought?

Are you so good that you can fit me over the internet?

I also went to 2 different LBS and utilized their expertise. One member suggested a Cervelo. The LBS indicated it was probably too aggressive for me. I rode it anyway and he was correct.

Lighten up Dude, he was joking.

Nice bike by the way.

Lighten up Dude, he was joking.

Nice bike by the way.

Thanks for the compliment.

After you wear out the original tires, you might try 23c tires to replace the 25c that came on the bike. I found that the 23c tires make the bike a bit more responsive without adding much road buzz at my 185#.

The tires are 23's. I will buy slicks when I replace them.

After losing a bike, having to spend a lot for a replacement and not finding the seat I want - I have not been in a mood for jokes.

That is entirely understandable. You have been on an emotional roller coaster lately. But rest assured, stapfam was not being critical. It took me a while to get his style of humor. Heck, I still can't follow what he means sometimes. But if you'll reread his post, you'll see that he was poking fun, not at you, but at the way we all behave on this forum. In the end, he complimented your choice. Stapfam is one of the good guys (but I'll bet he talks funny).

That is entirely understandable. You have been on an emotional roller coaster lately. But rest assured, stapfam was not being critical. It took me a while to get his style of humor. Heck, I still can't follow what he means sometimes. But if you'll reread his post, you'll see that he was poking fun, not at you, but at the way we all behave on this forum. In the end, he complimented your choice. Stapfam is one of the good guys (but I'll bet he talks funny).

I had trouble understanding his written word. I know for sure I could not understand his spoken word, I have great trouble when I visit the British Isles. The CEO of my company is Scottish and I have trouble understanding him. My greatest challenge was visiting Wales.

Sorry if you took it the wrong way- But out of the habit of smilies.

And yea- Humour over here is somewhat different to the US. Don't come across many "Yanks":innocent: over here but in general they are a dour lot. Sarcasm and Cynisism is the way our humour works and I blame that on John Cleese and Dud. You just didn't have the upbringing that we had.

But Good choice on the bike

And before I offend again---"Yanks" is the word that is still used in the South of England since we had so many visit the area in the mid 40's. America is a big place- There is the southern Continent aswell and they are also Americans.

Sorry if you took it the wrong way- But out of the habit of smilies.

And yea- Humour over here is somewhat different to the US. Don't come across many "Yanks":innocent: over here but in general they are a dour lot. Sarcasm and Cynisism is the way our humour works and I blame that on John Cleese and Dud. You just didn't have the upbringing that we had.

But Good choice on the bike

And before I offend again---"Yanks" is the word that is still used in the South of England since we had so many visit the area in the mid 40's. America is a big place- There is the southern Continent aswell and they are also Americans.

Sorry I was in a bad mood and missed your humor.

Actually I think Yanks isn't such a bad term. I agree that American is too broad a term for people from the United States. Canadians are North Americans. Mexicans are Central Americans. Brazilians are South Americans. Gringo is sometimes used in Latin America to label us, but I think Yank is fine. Many from the Southern United States might be offended when called Yanks, but I could have never supported the Confederacy even though I now live in Texas. Since I wasn't born in Texas, I am reluctant to call myself a Texan. I am a native of Oregon, maybe I should call myself an Oregonian.

And before I offend again---"Yanks" is the word that is still used in the South of England...

Yeah, we use it in the South of the US, too. ;)

Yeah, we use it in the South of the US, too. ;)

Redneck! ;)