foxden

Well after multiple posts seeking all sorts of advice from you experts,k I went ahead an purchased a 2005 Specialized Roubaix Elite. I chose that year because a few more of the components were ultegra vs. 105 and the crank was carbon, too. I worried a lot about the double not being enough for me to climb over one of the larger fixed causeway bridges in our area so I had them swap out the 105 12-25 cassette with an ultegra 12-27. The crank is the standard 53/39

Today I rode it for the first real ride, 34 miles. I was amazed that moving from a hybrid to the road bike was pretty easy. The seat, although firm, didn't create any issues at all and the wind and smaller inclines were virtually nothing compared to the effect they had on me when I ride my hybrid.

I also was able to climb the causeway in the 24 tooth rear gear, so the 12-25 probably would have been sufficient, but I do have a lower gear for when I will be climbing and heading into the wind. What I should have worried about was coming down the hill, that was something else. Had to use the brakes a bit to slow me down - didn't want to take a big spill on day one.

I didn't have my cyclocomputer installed so I don't know my speed, average, max, etc. but judging from the total time of the ride, I must have added about 3 mph to my average speed.

The bike is great, and I am sure I will adjust. I guess you do get what you pay for. Now I need to decide whether to keep the 5 month old hybrid or sell it.

Kimbercop

I'm sorry, but we here at BF do not advocate selling bikes at all. I'm afraid you'll have to keep the hybrid. Use it for commuting, riding with the kids around the neighborhood or as an extra training bike for days when the roadie might be a little overkill, (tho I cant really imagine any). Congrats on the new bike and I'll say it before anyone else gets the chance.

This thread is useless without pics!!

the beef

"This thread is useless without pics."

linus

What a useless thread!!!!

FormerBMX'er

I knew it was coming

dekalbSTEEL

I'll pile on