InTheRain

These two bikes are on my short list.


https://scottusa.com/us_en/product/69/750/cr1_pro


https://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22197

I currently ride a touring bike but I would like to get a bike for club rides that climbs a little better. I did the STP (Seattle to Portland) ride last year on the touring bike. It was OK comfort wise (nothing is really comfortable for 200+ miles) but I feel like a really paid a price climbing hills. I'm fairly heavy - 225 lbs and I assume that these frames and wheels will handle my weight without any issues. I like the fit of the Roubaix and I understand that it is a very comfortable road bicycle. I assume that I would be able to get a fairly comfortable fit with the CR1 also, through getting the correct stem and angle for the position that I would like to ride in. How will these bikes compare on a distance ride with my touring bike (Rocky Mountain Sherpa 30) as far as comfort goes?

I'd like to hear pro's and con's of these bikes... and even some alternatives if you have some. The one thing that I don't know about are the roval wheels on the Roubaix... how do these wheels compare with the Mavic Ksyrium's on the Scott CR1?

gmorris

I've never riden either one, not that if I had I'd be good enough to tell a difference, but I love the way the Scott looks.

CastIron

I have the CR1 ('06 w/ Chorus) and will tell you up-front you're looking at two different rigs.

Having said that, at your weight (very close to mine) the CR1 becomes a bit more compliant and isn't nearly as harsh as some seem to suggest. No complaints for big days in the saddle. It does shine when climbing rather nicely. The handling is fairly neutral for a full boat race bike, being both quick and sure, but never (to me) 'nervous' or 'twitchy'. I'm quite happy with it, even if it is, as some have called it, "Taiwanese plastic".

stonecrd

I think the CR1 is better compared to the Tarmac rather than the Roubaix. I have an 06 CR1 Pro w/Ultegra since about June. I rode both the Tarmac and the CR1, I did not ride the Roubaix as I was looking for something with more race geometry. I found the CR1 compared very well with the Tarmac Pro but in the end I like the look of the CR1 better, it fit me a bit better and was quite a bit cheaper. I have about 3,500 miles on it so far and I am very happy with it.

rog

I have the 08 CR-1, and it is nothing short of a fantastic bike. No experience with the specialized, but I've always wondered about those zertz inserts...I can't help but think if it needs them, it might not be as well engineered as it could be. I'm probably wrong, but that's my gut feeling.

For that $4100 that the Specialized lists at, though, you could get the CR-1 SL, with Dura Ace...

https://scottusa.com/us_en/product/69/2504/cr1_sl

...although I personally feel the Pro is a more attractive machine... :-)


*edit* Whoops, scratch that...I didn't see on the Scott site that the SL costs $5549. Damn. For the difference between what I paid and that, I can upgrade to Dura-Ace.

Skewer

I would guess that the Roubaix would be a more comfortable, smoother long distance ride. After all, it was originally designed to be raced on the cobblestones of Paris-Roubaix, and it has those zertz inserts located in the seatpost, chainstays and fork to smooth out the ride.

CEE

apples and oranges

formula4

CR-1. Thread Closed.

BHBiker

Thread Opened...Specialized Roubaix for the OP's intended use. My 2 cents worth.

80vette

Go ride them.

You are looking at two completely different rides.

FASTandLIGHT

I have an '06 CR1 pro and as others have mentioned it's just a fantastic setup. You won't go wrong here.

Unagidon

Look 595 - on sale with full DA for $4999 But to be honest, I haven't ridden any of them so I'm just giving my free unsubstantiated advice. Other considerations include Cervelo RS with full Dura-Ace for $4k.

InTheRain

The price I can get the '07 Specialized Roubaix is $3000. The '08 Scott CR1 Pro is $2849. These are the prices at two different LBS's. I'll buy from the LBS because I like each owner, I visit their shops regularly, and they provide great service (lifetime free tune-ups on the bicycles purchased at their shops... one is close to home, the other close to work.) The price difference or the LBS isn't an issue that I'm considering in this purchase.

I think both bikes look great... but I do prefer the CR1. I have a feeling that the Specialized may be a little more comfortable on a long day in the saddle. I can't say that I have read much negative about either bike. I feel more confident with the CR1 wheels... but that's because I don't know much or have much feedback on the Roval wheels.

I guess I will have to ride both. Typically, how long is a "test ride" on a bike? I have a route in mind... about 20 miles round trip... includes some lengthy flats and some rolling hills. Is that a reasonable ride to expect from a bike shop before making a purchasing decision?

InTheRain

Why do you say that these are completely different? I've seen both bikes on the different rides that I've participated in.

Unagidon

Fine - stay under $3k! But do try out 08 Madone 5.2 - my lbs was offering it to me for $2.9k.

Roubaix - comfort bike. CR1 - firmer, more aggressive race geometry bike. How about Look 555 ultegra at Jenson for $2249?

Between Roubaix and CR1, I think I would pick the CR1.

BHBiker

Those CR-1 Forks are the bomb and probably the best aerodynamic forks in all road bikes! I would probably choose the CR-1 myself if I were the one facing the choices....


HOWEVER test ride em both as my feedback on the CR-1 is that its very stiff and the rear derailler hanger is not replaceable. You damage it in a crash and say good bye to your sub 3 grand. Then again you ar more a long distance tourer type of a rider so it shouldn't be a problem. Then again if you are a tourer-type then the Roubaix will probably suit you better....but...looks like aesthetics has got you choosing the CR-1 so its totally up to you.

Not that I am predicting you will crash or if you do crash the derailleur hanger will be damaged but at the end of the day its a risk you have to face up to for a $2,800++ bike.

stonecrd

The CR1 is stiff and light but I do weekly 75mi ride and never felt uncomfortable on the bike. I would not worry about crash damage, Scott has a very good rep for crash replacement and then there is alway Calfee. Since the geometry is different on each bike you need to ride them to see which is better for you. 20mi ride would be great if your LBS allows it, for me a spin around the parking lot on the CR1 and Tarmac Pro convinced me the CR1 fit better.

BHBiker

Does Scott provide warranty even in crash related damage? I doubt that but if indeed they do then I would be the first to tell you get the CR-1! How much does Calfee charge on carbon repairs? Not that it will 100% happen though.

I agree test em' both if you havent made up your mind.

roshea

Regarding the derailleur hanger on the CR1 - Scott can replace this for a couple of $100 if it gets damaged. There has been a lot of discussion about this on various forums, but I have only read of one incident where the hanger had to be replaced so it is NOT a common event.

I have had my CR1 for a year and done around 6,000 km. If I had to replace it today, I would buy another one.

stonecrd

Scott has a crash replacement program as does many frame mfgs. They provide you a new frame at a reduced price. Calfee seems to be around $300-$500 to fix broken top tubes, bottom brackets etc. They guarantee the fix will be better than new and from pictures I have seen you can barely tell that there was a repair done.

af2nr

I have first hand experience here. I had an 06 CR1 Pro and currently have the Roubaix Pro. They are different bikes, that doesn't mean you can't use them for your intended purpose. The Roubaix will leave you a lot "fresher" after a ride but the CR1 doesn't by any means beat you up. You will notice the BB being stiffer on the CR1 also.

Also the rear hanger is replacable on the 08's so that shouldn't be any concern.

rog

For someone that is at the final point of making a decision, between two bikes, 20 miles shouldn't be a big deal. If I'm just tire kicking, I wouldn't go more than around the block, but if I'm dropping $3k, I want at least a half an hour, with my pedals, saddle, and possibly rims.

BTW - I think you'll be suprised at how comfortable the CR-1 is for all day rides, especially if you're 200 lbs or over.

rog

How so? My CR-1, as it came stock, is already in a fairly upright position, though it can easily be made more aggressive by removing the spacers, and flipping, or replacing the stem. But out of the box, it's not that aggressive. Does the Roubaix have a significantly shorter top tube, or is it that much more upright? Or are we talking about something other than geometry here?

Skewer

How about general frame warranty? Not for crashes but for general use? Specialized used to sell bikes with a lifetime warranty on their frames, and probably still do. Considering the rider weighs 225 pounds, a good warranty for a lightweight frame might be another good thing to have. I collected on a Specialized frame warranty once, but it was clear back in 1999. Nonetheless, it was a nine year old M2 mountain bike frame that finally cracked, and Specialized fully warrantied it nine years in to its life with no trouble or resistance.

The OP might want to check out the wheel warranties as well between the two models since wheels can sometimes be the most troublesome component for heavier riders. Further speaking of wheels, I have always heard favorable comments about the durability of the Ksyrium Elites that come on that Scott. I don't know much about the Specialized Roval wheels. There are probably reviews on both the bikes and the wheelsets over at roadbikereview.com though.

af2nr

Well the geometry is part of it but not in the way you mention, more on the side of the seat and chain stays. You do end up in much more of an upright position on the Roubaix. I "feel" like the drops on the Roubaix are about equal to the hoods on the CR1. The Roubaix soaks up much more of the road than the CR1, which leaves you "fresher" after rides.