mwinely

Anyone who has a Specialized Roubaix interested in posting a review of it? If so, would you state the strengths and weaknesses? Also, could you say what drivetrain you have (Dura-ace, Ultegra, etc.) and possibly anything you think you would change.

Also might be interesting for those reading to state how many miles you've ridden on it and what other bikes you either have owned or compared to Roubaix when you purchased.

furiousferret

I've never ridden one but I'd buy one in a heartbeat. Several cycling magazines rate it very high, the owners I've met rave about it, and it seems like a good deal for the components you get.

531Aussie

61 reviews of the different 2005 Roubaix models:

https://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/la...6_5668crx.aspx
https://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/la...3_5668crx.aspx
https://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/la...4_5668crx.aspx

as far as I know the frames are the same in each model

Grasschopper

I have got to say man..do a stinkin search...there have been dozens of posts in the last couple of months on the entire line of the bikes.

Strengths, everything...weaknesses seriously can't think of one. Light, stiff where it should be but soft where it is designed to be. Very stable due to the long wheel base and nice and comfy due to the tall head tube. Not just an old guy bike, plenty of Roubaix with big saddle to bar drops. IMO the 06 Comp is the sweet spot of the line in terms of price...which is why I got one...and then sold off all the components save the crank and rebuilt with Campy Record.

Here is mine. Less than 19 lbs as shown including computer (which isn't in the photo) and there is 1.6 lbs of crap in that saddle bag. That with the stock heavy stem and seat post...and a fairly heavy crankset.

Flywolf

Grasschopper, the Specialized website is showing a Zerts insert up in the stem area, do you know where is it exactly? stem or handlebar? just curious incase I want to change the stem.

It look like it should have 4 total zerts total

Here is the link

https://www.specialized.com/bc/techlab_zertz.jsp?a=b


mwinely, great bike, I just bought one, no regrets at all

Yes, a lot of reviews here on BF

Good luck

Pico

There's "zertz" in:
- fork arms
- seat stays
- seat post

The non-Pro models also have a piece of soft plastic between where the stem clamps down on the handlebar and the actual aluminum tubing of the handlebar. The Pro has carbon fibers instead.

I tend to thing that the zertz itself doesn't dampen vibration. I think the hole in the carbon fiber creates a weak spot, which bends easily compared to straight tubing and absorbs more vibration. And that the zertz inserts are just there to stabilize the weaker carbon fiber structure.

Pico

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I just bought one a month ago. It's a great bike, probably not the first choice for racing, but great for recreational rides. It fast and light without punishing you.

Here's my '06 Expert:

1955

No time for a review, but I have an "04" Roubaix Pro with just over 4,000 miles on it and for me there are NO weaknesses...well, one; the stock saddle. Who keeps stock saddles anyway.

cheeseflavor

Bought my 2005 about a year ago. At the time of purchase I was dumb as a sackful of hammers regarding bikes. Every day I own that bike, I feel smarter for it. Best purchase I ever made. I've put over 3,600 miles on the original Ultegra components. Upgraded to Dura-ace earlier this year. All told it's got over 4,000 miles on it.

My one complaint has been the seatpost. It's probably a decent post, but the adjustment can be a pain on some saddles.

You won't be sorry if you purchase one.

Take care,

Steve

CheeseLouise

Pico, that is one loooong seat post. How tall are you?

As far as the Roubaix - I have a Ruby, the Roubaix's brand new baby-sister and I love it! Had a Roubaix but I was just too streched out on it.

Pico

I'm 6'4" with a 37" inseam, the frame is a 61cm (as big as it gets). I have a little over 3" of saddle-bar drop even with a 130mm +16deg stem.

af2nr

Well I have only had mine for about a month but I have been lusting over it for a few months before I finally bought it. I have had no weaknesses as far as the bike itself goes, did have the left crank fall off in less than 200 miles but not due to the bike! I had a LeMond Buenos Aires before this one and it is a WORLD of difference between full CF and the CF/steel spline design of the BA, also had a LeMond Etape as my first bike. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the full CF models, and the base Roubaix wasn't too shabby either on the test ride I took on it. As far as drivetrain that is going to vary between the models and individual tastes. Here is a pic of my 06 Comp, 105 10 spd, FSA SL-K compact cranks.

Pita

Just be wary of the seapost.Since I last checked(I could be wrong) Specialized don't reccomend that
riders of a heavier persuasion use their posts.Also there is an account on Roadbikereview of one
breaking under a big dude.
Nobody wants to be impaled on a shard of broken carbon.

curiouskid55

Have an 05 Pro. Ride it. Race it. Train on it. Wheels are a bit clonky for racing (Mavic Equipe). If I had a thousand dollars I'd upgrade them but they are fine for now. Have DA Ultegra FSA. You might consider less expensive groupo and upgrade stock wheels. Only real complaint is the right brifter rattles. But it just reminds me I drove over a pot hole. No big deal. For a complete package pretty awsome. Next bike will be a build up on a Look frame.

Rushfan

I have an '05 Comp. Ultegra/DA 9-speed drivetrain. 1200 miles on it. I upgraded the wheels to Ksyrium Elites, swapped the seat out for a fizik Aliante Gamma. The bike is great for my goals, stepping up to a double century this year. I'm way more fresh at the end of long rides, fresher the next day and the day after, too. I'm also faster-went 1.2 mph faster on my normal training loop over my best previous time.

The only slight downside is the stock tires-Specialized All Condition Pros-have flatted a little more frequently than other tires I've used.

Previous bike was a Specialized Allez.

DD48

I have an '05 aluminum w/carbon seat stays (also known in some circles as the Roubaix 27), Shimano 105 group with Ultegra rear derailleur. It's fantastic. Bought it last Thanksgiving, after the guy at the LBS finally convinced me to try one out, and now I can't stay off it. I've put on 800 miles so far, and setting new personal distance and speed records each week!! I'm now in the best riding shape of my life, because the Roubaix is such a blast to ride and doesn't beat me up, I go out more often and go harder and longer. All positives, and no negatives. I did change out the stock Alex wheelset to Neuvation M28 aero wheels (in silver - - looks super with the silver "Dream" frame paint) and then switched from the stock tires to Specialized Mondo Pro tires. Definitely noticed an 2-3 mph improvement in avg. speed, better top speed, crisper handling, and ride quality.

I was so impressed with it I recently bought an '05 Specialized Dolce (the aluminum version of the Ruby) for my wife, and she likes the bike. The key to these two bikes is that you can go farther with less effort and more comfort.

Quit hesitating........buy one and get riding. Many swear by the carbon frame, but I have to say, mine seems to marry the best of both carbon and aluminum worlds. BTW, the zertz inserts really do work. I've ridden Specialized's Sequioa, Sirrus Elite, and the Roubaix...all with zertz, and the ride is noticeably smoother than a conventional metal bike.

DesertRoller

I've got the same bike as DD48. It'll be a year old Friday, with about 2600 miles. I've really enjoyed it. I know that the stock Alex wheels don't have a good reputation but mine have stayed true & I haven't broken any spokes yet. Since I don't race, I don't think I can complain much. I don't have an extra $300-$400 to upgrade wheels anyway. The stock tires were pretty good for stock tires but I did end up putting Gatorskins on. I thnk it rides pretty smooth, but I've never test ridden a full carbon bike. I'd recommend this bike to anyone, especially older folks who might be wary of a "race" bike. The compact position is very comfortable - I more comfortable in the drops than on the hoods. The adjustable stem makes it easy to tweak your position between being more aero or upright. I'm still debating the saddle - I may want a narrower version of the BG Avatar that I've got, but it's really good for a stock saddle.

bikechic

What do they consider "heavier"?

bigskymacadam

test rode one in summer '05. ultegra. no complaints.