zvez

So, approx 8 or so years ago, got into cycling with a Jamis road bike, after only a few months I got into an accident (long story) - the top tube on this bike telescoped into itself and bike was toast!

Fast forward, my friend's been talking about his enjoyment of riding and I'm revisiting that now. Been doing loads of research, I visited our local bike shop yesterday and over lunch with the owner we discussed cycling in general. I'd pretty much settled on an endurance type road bike, more comfortable, but speed potential, light, looks good too. Zeroed in on the specialized line after looking at my friend's Roubaix.

This morning, back to the bike shop and they had a demo roubaix model I really liked and it was right size (58cm). The owner spent 30-45 minutes setting the bike for me, lots of measuring and adjusting. Really impressed by attention to detail at this place, they emphasize proper fit. Man have bikes come a long way since 2004!

Friend and I went out on the river walk and probably rode a couple hours altogether. MAN, do I have a lot to learn, was really impressed by the Ultegra shifting, very smooth, but will admit it's going to take some time to get the hang of which paddle/lever does what.

Enjoyed it! So want to wait a few days just to make sure the ride didn't exacerbate the sacral nerve injury from my cycling accident some years back, if not, end of the week I'll go in and order the bike.

I'm 53.

OldTryGuy

Good luck.

phread59

I just got a Rubaix Elite with Apex drivetrain. The Apex is fair. The rear derailer is going to be replaced this week with an X9 unit. The cassette is going from 11-32 to 11-36. To help with the moauntains around here.

I love the way it rides. Even with the cheapo 60 TPI Espiore's on it. I'm gonna roll them off and ditch them for some Vittoria Rubino pro's in 25mm. You'll absolutely love it. Chip seal roads become just another road. The frame gobbles up rough stuff like no one's business. And it can still get you rolling good. I just posted a 53.5 MPH downhill this week. Rolling at 22 on the flats is not much trouble at all.

All in all it's a heck of a machine. Get one and you will not regret it.

Mark Shuman

CbadRider

It sounds like you found a nice bike shop. Let us know if you purchased the bike!

BluesDawg

I got my 2011 Roubaix Expert when I was 54. I still love it.

zvez

HI Guys,
Thanks for the kind words! I definately plan to get the bike, probably going to opt for the roubaix elite compact. It doesn't have he ultegra gear but think at my experience level it'll more than meet my needs.

I'm going to get the carbon satin finish I think.
Will go next friday to negotiate. Since I need gear too I think I can probably get a bit of a break on price.

Blues Dawg, you're not too far from me I'm in Columbus. U a blues fan?

Rwc5830

Zvez, good luck on the bike. I really like my spec roubaix. Had it 14 months and put around 9,000 miles on it so far.

TromboneAl

I went through that when switching from my downtube shifters. It will quickly become second nature.

BluesDawg

Blues fan and blues harp player. I used to front a blues band before throat cancer messed up my voice.

I'll be coming to Columbus for the BRAG Bike Fest in October. I'll probably do the century Saturday as my birthday ride. I'll be 58 on Oct. 9th.

Zinger

Don't know a thing about Carbon Fiber but the Specialized S-works Roubaix SL4 came out top in a test of 4 endurance bikes in VeloNews a couple of months ago. The Trek Domaine 6.9 came in a close 2nd with most of their testers (some liked the Trek).....For whatever their opinion might be worth.

And Johnny Guitar Watson (his early '50s stuff) and Otis Spann are my favorite blues artists.

CraigB

The best mnemonic I ever heard for this is to remember the large lever moves the chain to the larger-diameter cog or chainring.

zvez

Update, went to the bike shop today. All set to order a 13 Roubaix Elite Compact unfortunately Specialized doesn't have any in the size color I want, soooooooooooooooooo, I ordered a 14 Roubaix SL4 Comp Ultegra C2, it's 11-speed and comes with ultegra gear. Should be here around the 14th.
Chris

zvez

ah! thanks for that!

KenshiBiker

Thanks for that. I love living vicariously through the purchases of others.

Remember, Pics or it didn't happen.

phread59

You won't regret it one bit. Glad you got exactly what you wanted. I compromized, but I'm pleased as punch now that I got some gears in the back. Get it and ride it like you stole it!!!!

Mark Shuman