don04

Hello all.

I searched, and did not find my answers so I will post a new thread.

Newbie rider, Clyde... 5'8 ~285 lbs.

We have been looking for new road bikes, and after much looking and driving, I have narrowed the choice to two.. Specialized Allez Elite, and Specialized Roubaix Triple.

I road an Allez, and it felt great, however it was a 56cm, and I was fitted to need a 54. The bars and everything felt excellent. The LBS said that since it was a bigger size, the height of bars will be a bit lower on the 54 that I need. While looking, it was suggested from the LBS, that given my size and newness, the Roubaix Triple may be more comfortable to me, with its more upright geometry.

The Roubaix has the full Shimano 105 components, and the higher head tube felt pretty good. I tried a Roubaix comp, in a 54 cm.

They said that the Allez can probably be setup to fell great also with adjusting the head tube. It has the Shimano Tiagra components.

I also tried a trek Pilot 2.1, but the Specialized bikes seemed to feel a little better.

I am just starting on my road adventure, budget is under 1500. I am wondering in your opinion if the extra $400 to upgrade to the entry level Roubaix is a smart investment. Is it possible to buy too much bike? The upgraded components seem like a smart idea, and the higher front bar seems smart given my belly may get in the way. OR is the upright thing just a sales pitch?

So my question for you seasoned road riding clydes... is the roubaix a smart investment for the extra ~$400? Or should I save the cash and go with the Allez?

TIA.
don04

zpl

Hi don04,

I think your bike purchase is going to be a personal decision based on the bike's fit and other subjective factors (look, etc). One thing to consider though is how much you've budgeted for accessories - helmet, gloves, pump, tools, cycling shorts, etc. If you don't have these accessories yet you can easily spend a few hundred dollars on them when getting started.

Both of those bikes are great machines.

Scott

couleeman

Couple things here:

Generally speaking, you almost always do better buying a better bike from the get-go. Its more $$ to upgrade later in most cases. This certainly does NOT mean that a more expensive bike is always better, however.

Its also generally a VERY bad idea to buy the wrong sized bike and then try to make it fit.

That being said, and if they were BOTH the right size for you, Id buy a roubaix before Id buy an allez (especially if I wasnt in primo physical condition). You DO have plenty of other options in different bike lines though. Have you ridden a Giant OCR?

don04

Thanks for the responses.

couleeman, I did try the Giant OCR lines, and they did not feel right, hurt my knees and shoulders. Either of the bikes will get ordered, and be the correct size... and the shop offers 30 day satisfaction, or $$$ back, but I am hoping to make the right choice the first time.

I tried...
Giant OCR1
Felt Z80 (X80) don't remember exactly
Cannondale something
Trek Pilot 2.1
Specialized Allez
Specialized Roubaix
and a whole host of hybrids that were even less comfortable.


zpl, we did factor in $$ for accessories. The $400 is not going to break the bank, I just don't want to needlessly spend $400.

Thanks again.
Don

couleeman

In that case, perhaps you dont like the relaxed geometry after all (Giant OCR, Felt Z80, Roubaix). I also was thinking that Id like the more upright frame designs like these but wound up going for a slightly racier frame when I was shopping.

If you want to try a couple more, you might try test riding a Felt like the F75 as they have JUST slightly compact geometry compared to a Trek 2100 (as an example). I ride an 06 F65 and found it to a great mix of racy and relaxed. Its very smooth and fast, but to me, less punishing than some of the others I rode (incidentally I found the Allez elite a bit harsh but of course, thats just me, and there are plenty who really enjoy the Allez line.) Another bike I really liked quite a bit was the C2C Bianchi Via Nirone series

If the Allez suits you, then of course go for it but right now you are doing yourself a great service by trying a mix of bikes and styles. Sounds like you have your comfort dialed down pretty well.

mjerine

See this thread from between me and Specialized. If you weigh 285, you want to forget about any bikes from Specialied that have carbon components. The frame will work for you, but the seatpost, forks, etc. are not recommended;

________________________________________________________________________

To whom it may concern:

I'm interested in S-Works Roubaix SL or Roubaix Pro. However, I am 6'1' and weigh 250 LBs of solid steel and sex appeal. Can I expect this carbon frame to withstand the punishment that I will deliver? My LBS has been counciling me to buy a Litespeed or Merlin Ti bike. Please advise.

Thanks,
Mjeirne

_______________________________
Store CustomerService to me

Mjerine,

Our carbon frames have no weight limit. Either of the frames on those bikes will hold up fine for you. With guys of solid steel like yourself the wheels are what end up taking the most abuse. Now our carbon parts and components do have a weight limit of 240 lbs so your solid steel and sex appeal may prove to be too much for our carbon parts and components.
Feel free to e-mail back if you have any other questions.

Thanks for your interest in Specialized products and good riding to you.

Robert 148 lbs worth of peanut butter and jelly sandwich.


Specialized Customer Service/Online Store
1137 South 3800 West
Salt Lake City UT 84104
877-808-8154



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: MJerine
Sent: Mon 6/11/2007 11:05 AM
To: Store CustomerService
Subject: Interested in a Roubaix

Robert:

You may be 148 lbs worth of peanut butter and jelly sandwich, but that is perfect for riding a bike :-)
Question: are any of the carbon parts and components that have a weight limit of 240 lbs come on the S-Works Roubaix SL or Roubaix Pro configurations?

Thanks,
Mjerine

______________________

Store CustomerService to me


It looks like our S-Works Roubaix bikes come with carbon seat posts, stems, handlebars, and cranksets that would have this 240 lb weight limit. Our other Roubaix bikes have our carbon seat posts, stems, and handlebars with this weight limit. Some shops are pretty cool about switching out parts to suit customers needs for whatever the price difference would be but it really depends on the shop and their market.
Hope that info helps.

Cheers!

Robert


Specialized Customer Service/Online Store
1137 South 3800 West
Salt Lake City UT 84104
877-808-8154

jskwarek

I'm 269 (finally broke 270 last Friday) and have ridden the Roubaix Comp with carbon components for several hundred miles now with no problems. I had this same conversation with Specialized, and it seems to be a little CYA if you know what I mean. I passed my concerns onto the folks at my LBS and they told me not to worry, and that if I did break the parts then they would cover them for me under warranty. I really wanted the carbon stuff so I was happy with that answer. Plus 240 is a nice goal to strive for.

Good luck on your decisions don04. If it helps I did a lot of what sounds like the same test driving as you and went with the Roubaix for the more comfortable fit. I just felt a little to tense and uneasy on the sportier race style frames. Then again I'm 6'5" and was about 280 at the time of purchase so I ain't no sporty guy.

Jason

RoRo

Hi Don04,

I myself was faced with this exact dillema this past winter. I really liked the ideas/differences behind the Roubaix vs. the Allez, but in the end I decided that the extra cashola would be better served in getting good padded shorts, bike shirts, shoes, pedals helmet etc.

Now I'm riding my Allez Elite about 50 miles a week and I just LOVE it's handling. It can feel a little chittery over bad pavement... but I hardly ever think about that post ride... but I DO remember zipping along the lakes and passing others in my groups as I can accelerate on the uphills (and as a clyde, down of course) while the others punish themselves.

I'm weighing 275lb right now (5'11"). My LBS told me the same thing, not to worry about the carbon parts at all, that they would support me without the thought of any problems.

PLUS, to be honest the Allez just looks SWEET! The other day I had the bike in the shop and a gentleman shopping for his first bike saw mine and said Wow, that bike looks Awesome!... of course it was the previous years model (all red) and considerably different from the 2007s.

Overall, I'd just say, I was nervous about the decision too, and I've had many, many times when I've been thankful I chose the Allez. Oh yeah and the Triple ring too!!! Very handy on the big hills... don't be macho, get the triple, you'll be glad you did.

v1k1ng1001

You really need to get the Roubaix. This is a no brainer.

*edit* I actually like a more aggressive bike, but I despise aluminum. Also, it's nice to be riding 105.

jeff711

+1 for the Roubaix. I'm weighing in at 232 right now and riding a Roubaix expert triple. It's been a trouble free 1200 miles so far this year. I replaced my trek 1500 with the Roubaix (after dropping 40 lbs.) and I couldn't be happier. I preferred the relaxed geometry of the Roubaix vs. the Allez although they both can be set up close to the same. Bike fit is extremely important, especially if you plan on riding more in the future. If the Roubaix is a better fit, and it's in the budget range, I say go for it.

Jeff

ronjon10

+2 on the Roubaix with a catch.

I'm 235 riding a Roubaix Pro. It rides like a dream. However, I crushed the rear wheel in 5 weeks. Specialized replaced it under warranty. But I'm in the process of replacing the wheels with another set.

Beyond that, it's the most comfy bike I've ever ridden. It absorbs all the shock rolling over bumps and rough patches.

ultraman6970

allez vs. roulaix **********???

Kuota Kharma with campy record group. All your need to go fast everywhere...95 kgs, 5,10' here... listen to me... get the kharma (guaranteed for life also)

I saw i rode the Giant OCR? Well TCR is the way to go in giant... OCR isnt as good as the TCR. Probably to go and buy bread to the 7eleven down the street but with the TCR u can ride forever and ever... same as with all the Kuota's

nights.

oddiseeus

I HAD a 2005 Roubaix triple and I loved it. When testing bikes I tried many brands and several bikes from Specialized (Allez, Roubaix, Tarmac) If price wasnt a consideration i would have gone with the Tarmac. In the beginning the upright position of the Roubaix was great but as i became more used to the bike i had them lower the handlebars for a more racy stance.

Two weeks ago while on a ride i head two "tinks". I inspected the frame when i stopped and noticed two cracks (one in the weld seam at the top tube and seat tube and one horizontal crack in the top tube near the junction). I'm 6'3" 260. with that being said. My LBS, whom i swear by, took the bike back, contacted specialized and was able to warranty out the frame for a new 2005 Tarmac Pro frameset for no extra charge. I feel lucky being able to upgrade for the total cost of replacing the front deraileur.

My points being. It seems that aluminum is only as strong as the weakest weld point. As you get used to riding and have increased flexibility you may want to go with a lower riding position. I am very happy with specialized for standing behind their product.