FasterNearGirls

I'm making progress after posting my orginal thread where I laid out my first options of first road bike purchase:

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...-Bike-Purchase!

Now I am thinking Specialized Roubaix Elite VS Neuvation FC100. I am weighing on one side, the advantages of a personalized, human contact, LBS, purchasing experience, and on the other side the great value that the neuvation is convincing me to be.

If I do go with the Neuvation - Ultegra or Force?? Aero seat post for no addition would seem like a no brainer. (?) .

All comments are greatly appreciated. You can better understand my newbie yet extremely enthusiastic background on above pasted thread.

Thanks!

squamish5

It has never failed me.............

FasterNearGirls

Please excuse my cultural and language blockages, but does that mean Roubaix or FC100 ?

svtmike

The tubing and geometry on the FC100 is very reminiscent of my old bike -- a 2008 KHS Flite 900. It had the same lugged frame and tubing details on the top tube and down tube. I sold it this year and bought a Roubaix SL2. The Roubaix is much stiffer in the rear triangle and much more comfortable to me to ride long distance.

Between the bikes you're considering, there's a lot more difference than just the LBS experience vs. the value. The bikes will provide very different riding experiences. You can ride the Roubaix and figure out if you like it or not before buying. The Neuvation you'll have to take a chance on.

Nils

Looks more like the Blue RC4.

BentLink

I got my hands on a 2008 Specialized Roubaix about 3,000 miles ago. It fits me well and helps damp the buzz on the notoriously bad PA roads. I also rode a Trek 2.1 and Cannondale Synapse. The Roubaix felt best. Test ride or gamble, your choice.

SkinnyLegs

The geometry and thus the fit/handling on the Roubaix is quite different than the FC100. Perhaps you should first decide what type of bike you want to end up with.

svtmike

Agreed, that too. I think it's a fairly generic frame.

eminefes

Why not consider the Neuvation FC500? It's about the same price as the Roubaix Elite.....unless you're getting a major discount on the Roubaix.

tagaproject6

Have a talk with John at Neuvation or one of his other representatives..."buy the seller". See the type of rapport you can establish with the folks at Neuvation and go from there. Either way you can still buy the Roubaix if you so choose.

TeamCNY

I actually have been pondering this very same question. I am going to pick the Specialized, even though it is heavier.

- I want the comfort
- I like the looks (hey it matters!)
- The gearing options are insane! I plan on riding up walls!

I already own a decent set of lightweight wheels, which I can swap in to replace the set on the Elite. I weighed the Elite at the LBS, 13.6 with no wheels, 20.6 with wheels (and reflectors!).

I weigh 200+lbs,and feel this will be a good option for me. I know I can get "more bike" at Neuvation, but I'm going to spend the money locally. Loyalty to this shop owner is a key factor for me. If I didn't have that (10+ year) relationship, I'd probably be buying online.

FasterNearGirls

Thanks to all who responded.

I understand they are very different bikes, I'm just all over the place as you can see from this post and the linked one.
I mentioned the FC100 since I saw and read such great reviews, but I guess the FC500 is also on the table!

FasterNearGirls

What are the gearing options for the Roubaix? I thought it was just the stock 105 whatever sizes it is on the one the guy at the LBS is pushing me.

Creatre

Could always go with the Alloy Neuvation, get a better component set, and then some deep dish carbons or a powertap hub wheels for the same or lower price than the carbon frame!

cooleric1234

I really want to like those Neuvation bikes, but I personally can't handle the wrinkled look of the top tube and down tube. If they were smooth I'd be all over that bike, looks like a great value.

mike868y

I'd get the Specialized just because it isn't as god awful ugly as the Neuvation.

ptle

I'd go with the FC500, but that's because I don't really care much about the LBS relationship. I'm a bike mechanic and work on my own bikes. You'll probably get more components for the money with Neuvations.

Also, if you're deciding between SRAM or Shimano, go with whichever you like the most. Force is going to be better than Ultegra (mainly because of weight), but many would choice Ultegra because they look how it works more than SRAM.

Also, I think I'd skip out on the aero seatpost. It looks ugly and adds a few extra grams.

SkinnyLegs

Sounds like a 2010 model. Unless you're getting a really good deal I'd pass over that for the 2011 model. You get the SL2 frame that was top of the line last year (albeit with lower grade carbon) and Sram Apex groupset all for a list price $200 lower.

FasterNearGirls

Yeah, it's the 2010 Roubaix Elite that is the option.. And no special deal, just list $2200.00 with the 105s I coud as well go with the Neuvation FC500 at that cost.. How do the frames compare?

hopsing08

Roubaix. Specialized customer service is Awesome. The bike handles incredibly, especially for its relaxed geometry. I Love My Roubaix Pro

Neuvation
https://testrider.com/fly.aspx?layout...9&preroll=true

Roubaix
https://testrider.com/fly.aspx?layout...2&preroll=true

chasmm

I've got the 2010 Roubaix Elite and I love the bike. It's as comfortable on a century as anything I've ever ridden.

Charles

hopsing08

i will say i like my neuvation r28 aero4 wheels alot. but i put them on my Roubaix pro

TeamCNY

I was looking at the 2011 Elite with SRAM Apex. the gearing was:
- Compact crank 50-34
- cassette (10speed) 11-32.

That's a higher AND lower gear than the 105 TRIPLE, while only riding a double. And since "normal" cassettes fall within the working range of the medium-cage Apex derailuer, you can throw on a set of different wheels when you want lighter wheels.

Val23708

This. The Neuvation is FUGLY