gtragitt

I rode a Specialized Roubaix S-Works SL3 today in the first leg of the 2012 Ride the Rockies. It was a 56 cm unit with Dura Ace Di2.

I think my 2010 Roubaix Expert appears more stable. It may be due to my bicycle having a 58 cm frame or Michelin Race 3 tires vs Specialized tires on the S-Works. I didn't perceive the Dura Ace brakes performed better than the Ultegra brakes. I think the Dura Ace Di2 front derailleur shifts slightly better than the Ultegra Di2. I could tell no difference for the rear derailleur.

I had no trouble climbing with the S-Works. It had a 172.5 mm crank and a 11-28 cassette. Mine has a 175 mm crank and a 12-30 cassette. I think climbs will be easier on mine tomorrow.

The wheels were nearly identical to the Roval wheels on mine. They surely roll well.

That S-Works surely was a great bicycle, but I can't justify an upgrade.

qcpmsame 

Nice ride report on the S-Works Roubaix. The entire Roubaix line intrigues me as do the Synapse Cannondales. Your report on the Dura Ace Di2 interests me the most. Those I have read ride reports from liked the Ultegra Di2 better for just the reasons you stated. The brakes are not a surprise to me either. Several riders I know have expressed their preference for the Ultegra or 105 brakes. My R500 had 105 brakes I added and I found them to be more than adequate. Your cassette sounds better for mountains. What crank set did you ride? I thought the Di2 was regular road double only or is a compact now available?

Thanks for the report, hope you entire ride goes well and that all the 50+ riders enjoy the challenge.

Bill

gtragitt

The S-Works had a FSA compact crank. My Roiubaix has an Ultegra compact crank. I am not certain if the FSA has any advantages over the Dura Ace crankset. I think the biggest weight difference between Ultegra and Dura Ace is in the crankset.

qcpmsame 

gtragitt,
Okay, thanks for the information. I kind of figured you were on a compact with the terrain you are riding on in the RtR. I suppose the compact v. road double is moot in the Di2 but I understand a triple will not work with the Di2 FD. Good riding and ride safe.

Bill

stapfam

So how did you manage to cadge a ride on a loan bike? But not the ideal thing to do on a multi day ride-use a bike that is strange to you and is probably not set up as well as yours. Great to try bikes on a decent ride but you could pay for it later. I have two bikes that are set up for me- The N+1 from earlier in the year still does not have enough miles on it to be "Right" for me yet but on the Dure Ace V. lower components. DA is set up for performance and to an extent only shows its strength when being pushed for that performance. My main bikes are a mix of Ultegra/105 and the New Pinnie is Tiagra. So far the Tiagra has not shown any deficit in performance for me. Probably because I don't need any better. However on the tyres- I ride Michelin PR's and I like them. The Pinnie had a cheaper tyre fitted and I did not like the feel. Changed them over to PR3's and it made a big difference so the Specialized tyres are not up to the same feel as your usual tyre. On brakes-They either work or don't. I have some cheap brakes on Boreas and they work. I set up the TCR with the same brakes and they didn't. Had to change them to 105's.

But from what I have heard- you are going to need the 30t on your own bike shortly so good luck.

gtragitt

Specialized was one of many vendors at RTR offering demos. They took care of my bicycle when I rode the S-Works. I had no desire to ride any other bicycle and didn't want to regress to a demo with mechanical shifting. The first day was chosen because the climbs were less stringent than the second and third days.

This was a fantastic option for riding a a Roubaix with an SL3 frame under conditions that would allow an intelligent comparison between my SL2 and a new SL3.

I was quite happy to have the 30 tooth sprocket on a steep climb over McClure Pass.

When I rode the Cape Argus Cycle tour in Cape Town South Africa earlier this year I rode a Giant rental bicycle. I had no trouble adapting to the Giant and felt it was a very good choice for a rental. I had no regrets. From this experience, I knew a demo on a Roubaix S-Works would not cause remorse.

stapfam

Good on Specialised. That was a true test ride on a bike and I presume they set it up for fit. Testing bikes last year and there were several of the big name bikes that I rode and they were not for me. Looks like the bike you have does not need replacing yet. But remember the N+1 rule----It will hit eventually. Testing bikes is only the start of the process.

BluesDawg

Too bad they couldn't put you on a bike the same size as yours to make a truer comparison.

gtragitt

That is definitely true, but I was also interested in knowing how well the 56 worked since I am sort of in between sizes. They definitely set up the bike for my fit using my bicycle for measurements. It fit quite well but I think I will stay with a 58 if I ever upgrade.

qcpmsame 

Specialized did you well on this one. I have come to think a Roubaix would be the only bike I'd want other than my CAAD 10 4. Different horses for different courses I guess. Glad you enjoyed the loaner and got in a comparison. I went to a 56 for the N+1 after all these years on a 58 and it does fit me better. the shop I bought from felt it would after fitting me and test riding both sizes.

Bill