cwcaesar

It was recommended to me in another thread that I should consider a second bike, so I have begun trying to fing me a frame. I really like the idea of the Roubaix or Secteur by Specialized. They are the same frame, but one is aluminum and the other is carbon. I am leaning toward the Secteur as I am not sure how a full carbon bike will hold up to a clydesdale. Plus, I have heard that using them in a stationary trainer is pretty hard on the carbon frames. Plus, I am unsure if there are any maintenance issues that are specific to carbon, and I would prefer to not have to worry about scratches.

The problem is that I only want the frame, and Specialized does nott sell the frame only for the Secteur, but they do for the Roubaix. I would prefer to find just a frame so that I can add the components that I prefer and not have to worry about selling off the already installed parts. Looking at Craigslist and ebay I seem to be able to find Roubaix bikes/frames more easily than I can for the Secteur.

Should I wait for the right Secteur to come along, or should I get a Roubaix if I find a good price? It seems that I would be waiting longer for the Secteur.

Or, should I go to the LBS and get properly fitted and all that jazz, and just swap for the parts that I really want down the road as I sell off the barely used/slightly used other parts?

TrojanHorse

How heavy are you? I started riding my roubaix at 240 and I know there are a lot of other clydes on here with roubaix as well. I reckon you'll be fine.

I found mine used on ebay for $500 (2007 model, still works fine, nearing 2,000 miles on that thing this year alone)

Use your Motobecane as a trainer if you're worried about putting a carbon frame in there. You can get an inexpensive group to put on it if you intend to move your ultegra bits to your new bike.

I don't know why you've decided that you need a roubaix - obvoiusly I'm fond of mine - but you can also go cannondale synapse in either AL or Carbon, and Giant Defy in either carbon or AL as well. Lots of options. Trek makes H2 geometry frames that might be analagous too from a geometry standpoint.

Mr. Beanz

I've got two broken aluminum frames so I don't put much weight into the carbon vs alum debates anymore. Neither alum frame lasted more than 14,500 miles under my weight at 230-250 so if the new carbon frame last that long, I'll be impressed

I worry more about frame design as my CAD3 is still pretty solid but bigger tubes (1998/6000 miles since 2005 and probably about 12,000 before I started logging on bikejournal)

I've got nearly 2000 on the new frame, 12,500 more to go.


Before and after, one of the frames

PhotoJoe 

I agree with TrojanHorse. I'm not sure why you settled on the Specialized offerings, and they may be the absolute BEST bike for you, but if you haven't gone out and ridden other options, you're selling yourself short. I did a full day of test rides around the LA area one day. I rode Roubaix, Synapse, Felt F5, Giant Defy Advanced 2 and 3 (now Defy Composite 2 and 3), Orbea Onyx, Specialized Tarmac...and I feel like I'm missing one or two. The Giant Defy spoke to me where others were absolutely not for me. You may find the same thing with any one of your options.

With all that said, I ended up buying a Lynskey Ti with absolutely no test ride. It worked out really well as I enjoy this even more than the Defy, but I'll admit I was nervous until I got on it for the first time.

And before anyone can speak to carbon holding up to your weight, we really need to know what that is. I'll bet you'll be just fine, though!

digibud

As with everything there are plusses and minuses and it depends on your needs. I'll bet you've thought about all of the pros and cons. If you weight 280 maybe I'd stick with the aluminum frame but short of that, there is no problem with a carbon frame even for people in the 240lb range. I was well over that when I got my Roubaix and I've had no problems. If you want to keep the bike for 15 years the aluminum frame is probably a better bet. If, like me, you ride a lot of chip seal and need a compliant bike that will make for a smoother ride, the Roubaix is a better bet. Obviously, be careful on ebay but there are good deals to be had. Either frame will work but do be sure to do some test riding on them and other brands so you feel confident you have a great fit and don't hesitate to swap stems. Both have similar, somewhat upright riding positions so be aware of that and choose your frame size based on weather you want to accentuate that upright style with a larger frame or if you want a bit more of an aerodynamic position with a somewhat smaller frame. For -most- people, you may well fit in two frame sizes and can adjust with a custom stem.

magohn

Ive been riding a 2010 carbon Specialized Roubaix from new. Started at 320lbs now at 280lbs. Closing in on 4000 miles on the bike - zero problems.

TrojanHorse

It's really not the frames you need to worry about anyway - it's the dadgum wheels.

Actually, if you want the lifetime warranty against "defects" that comes with a new bike, you should buy the frame new. I decided to self-insure and that's why I went used.

You have lots of options though. Happy shopping!

jpapa4

Hey guys I got a Scott CR1 Pro full carbon with all Ultegra components and Mavic Krysium Elite wheels. I'm at 260. Fabulous bike that I compared side by side with the Synapse and the LBS owner recommended it based on the wheels and $200 less money. LOVE IT!!!

JakiChan

If you're looking at the Roubaix then consider springing for the SL4 expert disc when it's out. I was looking at the expert but my fitter things the disc version will be good. More stopping power plus it comes with stronger carbon wheels. I can't wait until November when I plan to buy a road bike.

cwcaesar

I have always liked Specialized, but I am not set in stone on them. I am just interested in the more relaxed geometry. My current setup is pretty aggressive, and I would rather be able to sit in the saddle all day without pain or numbness. I will look further at the Cannondale, Felt, and Giant. I am not a Trek fan. I know they make good stuff, but they just don't blow my skirt up. My LBS carries Specialized so I figured it would be easier to test ride a few frames from their line.

My weight is 258, down from 268 a month ago, when I started back into cycling. Wheels I have covered. I just built a set of HED C2 with DT Swiss spokes and White Industries hubs. They seem to be pretty solid.

mcrow

My understanding is that unless you are nearing 400 pounds the material of the frame matters little. At the point you are near 400, then steel is the best option. However, when you break it down material vs material, it's the construction not the material that is important. You can find well made carbon frames that will hold up to just about anything steel or aluminum does. Early carbon frames were suspect but most of the major manufacturers are now making excellent carbon frames. It's just a matter of time, steel has been the longest used material and thus the most perfected, aluminum next and now carbon. It's to a point now that the main consideration is budget and weight concerns.

mikehattan

Not sure I would agree with this. I was looking at the Secteur, but concluded it couldn't handle 28mm tires (which was a top need for me). The LBS owner assured me the Roubaix would, but doubted 28s would fit on the Secteur. Never tried the 28s on the Secteur though.

I started out looking for aluminum and carbon frame sets, but concluded there was nothing I liked in my price range. Ended up going with steel (All City Mr. Pink).

paisan

The Secteur is available in two different framesets, only the top 3 models use the zertz inserts on the stays(like the roubaix), all of the others don't. So while the 2 frames share the same geometry as the Roubaix the top 3 models are the most similar. Even then I doubt they are an exact match due to the differences required with the differing build materials.

Seattle Forrest

If you weight several thousand pounds, you might have a problem.

I've wrecked an aluminum and a steel frame by crashing them. My carbon bike, no.

cwcaesar

So, from what I gather, I would be fine weight wise on a carbon frame. I have heard that scratching it can seriously weaken it though. Should I be concerned about this?

On one of the Youtube videos for the Secteur it was said that it was designed to take up to 28mm tires, just FYI. I don't plan on running anything near that large.

The two frames may not be EXACT, but they are close enough and designed with the same thought in mind. They should still be adjustable to the same places.

paisan

I started riding my roubaix at 260 and havent had any problems. It's hard to say because it would depend on a persons definition of a scratch but for the most part you'll be ok as long as you don't gouge the carbon. Of course if you ever have a concern let the LBS take a look before riding it.

The purpose of me posting that was to say that might have been the reason why the LBS said the 28mm would fit on the Roubaix but probably not the Secteuer. The geometries are identical so you can achieve the same riding position on both bikes.

mcrow

I would imagine it would take some pretty deep scratches and several of them to weaken a frame.

However, I do think a downside of carbon is that it isn't as durable to impact damage..ect. Obviously, there's give and take. If you want a bullet proof frame go with a steel frame, if you want a faster frame go with carbon. Carbon frames are not fragile by any means but they certainly are not steel. The bottom line is if weight is a big concern Carbon is the way to go and you won't likely have any issues with the frame.

paisan

Everytime I see someone post that carbon is more prone to impact damage than steel or aluminum I think of this video. They are apparently not as fragile as some people claim and the fact is you can break any frame regardless of material if it's crashed, or ridden hard in the wrong fashion. Some materials can be repaired cheaper than others but in this day and age there are a slew of companies that can repair carbon frames.

KeyserSoze81

I own a 2010 Secteur (base model with Shimano 2300 brifters). After tweaking the fit, I am reasonably happy with it. It is comfortable for longer distances and it will serve me well for the next few years, but I would eventually like to upgrade. The frame can take some punishment and is comfortable for long distances; I've ridden the bejesus out of the thing (my weight has been between 200-250#s). It has relaxed geometry and a stiff frame, so it's a little contradictory on that front.

Still, I couldnt justify the expense of a nicer bike. I will echo what many others have said - test ride as many as you can. If I could do it again, I would probably look more closely at the Roubaix, Giant Defy, or even a Surly CrossCheck (love the ride on it). At the time, however, the price was right (40% off on a Black Friday sale) and I like the shop that I purchased it from.

PhotoJoe 

It's a shame none of the current Secteur's come in the E5 aluminum. I've heard MANY people say the ride of the E5 is hands-down better than the A1.

mtalinm

as othres have said, worry about the rear wheel not the frame. Velocity rims are quite good, esp A23 / Dyad / Deep-V.

I used to be a specialized fan but will never buy from them again since they sued the Volagi guys

but if you are really considering Sectuer vs. Roubaix. it is purely a price question. the high-end SEcteur with the elastomer in the chainstays etc is only a few hundred $ less than an entry level Roubaix, so if you are thinking of the former you should absolutley go for the latter and the CF.

mcrow

I didn't say carbon isn't strong or durable or that aluminum is stronger. The type of damage I'm talking about is more what you would see in a MTB crash where the frame lands on another object, such as the down tube coming down on a log or something like that. On a road bike the whole thing is meaningless. There is little or no difference for the most part between the durability of carbon vs Aluminum or Steel for practical use on the road. The test in the video is interesting but not that sound in proving anything but I think there's no doubt a well designed, high quality carbon frame is every bit as strong as an aluminum frame.

slowride454

rode both again today. Buying a Roubaix tomorrow.

avance

I have a 2012 Roubaix. I'm 285lbs and have almost 1000 miles on it since April 8th.

cwcaesar

Well, I am pulling the trigger on the Secteur. I was really planning on the Roubaix after all of the votes for the carbon, but I think Specialized discounted the Apex Comp by $300. A couple days ago it was $1550, but it was listed at $1250 yesterday. I went to the LBS and rode last year's Secteur in a 58 and it was a pretty good fit. Maybe shorten the stem a hair, but it was a lot more comfortable than my current ride. They said that they could do $1200 for the price, so I said to order one up. It should be in by next weekend, but I probably won't be able to get it fitted till the week after that. This was just a much better deal to me at this price, and I couldn't pass it up. Thanks for the suggestions and I may upgrade to the carbon frame someday.

I really wanted the Sram Apex group as I really like the idea of the 32 cog in the rear. It will certainly help in climbing those 18-20% grades near the house without killing my knees.

My brother has been lusting after my bike for years and he jumped at the opportunity to buy it. It is a Motobecane frame with Ultegra 6600 drivetrain, 3T bars & stem (aluminum), Chris King Headset, and will probably include the wheels from the new bike (DT Swiss something). Do you think $800 would be a fair price?