terrain

I'm considering the Roubiax S-Works SL3 DI2 Build. Does anyone have experience with both of these 2011 Bikes - looking for some comparisons beyond my parking lot ride. It appears the Roubiax is all new for 2011 - while the Tarmac may go SL4 next year or see some other major modifications.

giantdefy

Get the Tarmac, not unless you prefer to be more upright and want a cushier ride.

Kind of Blued

Do you know anything about bicycle gearing? I'd suggest that the gearing would make a MUCH bigger difference than the frame if you're looking for a "climber".

Lowest gear on Tarmac 39/25, 39/26, 39/27 (depending on model) = 39.8 to 43 gear inches (depending on model)

Lowest gear on Di2 Roubaix 34/27 = 34.7 gear inches

That's a considerable difference.

Bosock

Hey Giantdefy how is that lynskey cooper. I am in the market for a Ti framed bike and looking at the Lynskey r230 or sportive. Also looking at Dean and Erickson. What can you tell me about the Cooper. Like your other bikes as well. I was caught between a Fisher Paragon and Stumpy 29er.

Elvo

R5-CA will be the best climber

slipstream8

Gearing can be changed. The Tarmac is a faster, lighter bike. The front end is awfully harsh, though. I hope they work on that for next year.

hodie21

The best climber is the one that makes your legs more powerful to push your a#$ up the hill.

Weight and Stiffness of the frame have little to do with us mortals.

MegaTom

This doesn't make sense. You can get identical gears on both bikes.

The Roubaix will give you a more upright riding position and a more compliant feel.

The Tarmac has a more aggressive riding position, a less compliant frame, and has a shorter wheelbase.

There's a pretty substantial difference between the two bikes. If you didn't notice it riding in the parking lot, take them for a longer test ride.

All that said, I ride a Roubaix SL3. The Tarmac wasn't even option for me since I don't race and prefer a more comfortable bike over one that 'feels' faster (cuz, really, on either one, the bike isn't the limiting factor in how fast I go....). Mine is the Pro (Ultegra) version though, not DI2.

terrain

I have always wanted a Roubiax -- and a DI2 for that matter - perhaps that's why I was leaning towards the DI2 Roubiax. It looks like it will be another year before the Tarmac has a Di2 clean install. I guess I just don't want to give up anything by going with a Roubiax over the Tarmac. I figure the Roubiax might be a good addition to my other "Race Geometry Bikes", my Dogma and Time RXR.

terrain

Interesting about gearing - Looking at the spec's on Specialized web site I did not see anything about Di2 gearing. Is all Di2 gearing the same? In your example is Di2 Good for Climbing or the opposite?
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...01&scname=Road

Beaker

It's really not about the bike. "Check engine"

BarryJo

You have a Dogma and an RXR?
Why do you need another $7000 bike?

slipstream8

He didn't say "need".

MegaTom

The gears have nothing to do with whether it's DI2 or not. You can run either compact or standard cranks with it, and you can use any cassette that is compatible with Shimano short cage derailleurs. Same goes for non-DI2 Dura-Ace, Ultegra, etc..

BarryJo

Want?

terrain

Yes. Its the other four letter word..... want not so much need. SL3 Rouibax di2 lists at one Buck shy of $10,000 dollars. At 7k the decision would be easier

For 2011 the sl3 Roubiax appears to share alot with the sl3 Tarmac... the most common difference I hear is the comfort factor on the Rouibax is higher. Who would not want something more comfortable but sill racy enough to satisfy that side as well. I find my Pinarellos and Time comfortable enough for anything under 65 mikes but beyond that mark I would not complain about additional comfort.

bostongarden

You'll climb like a Billy Goat on either one.

rbart4506

Ok I have owned one Roubaix Expert and 2 Tarmac Experts....Both bikes setup the same, yes it can be done

Local training climb times for all bikes were pretty identical...Felt faster on the Tarmac, due to the slightly stiffer frame, but the clock did not lie...

You need to figure out what you will use the bike for and which will fit you the best. The Tarmac will get you lower and is a bit more harsh, but not that brutal. I live in Southern Ontario, Hamilton to be exact, and the roads around here are terrible. I ride my Tarmac upwards of 15hours a week and it's fine. The biggest difference I notice is when I swap out my training wheels for the race wheels. With the training wheels the bike feels more harsh...

DonDenver

Both bikes are fab...but for me I ride a 2010 SL2 sWorks roub for CO mountain climbing as well as the longer wheelbase suits me better for the sweeping downhills. I also find the roub gives me more options for some off road dry washboards that pop up (with my K-Edge helping out) along the way. Rock solid, quick bike. Full DA with 7900 c24 tubeless. Good luck with your choice.

terrain

Thanks for all of the replies. I'm going to see if I can get some more time on both of the bikes Today - problem is that my LBS's don't have the Sworks versions for either available to demo. Pro frame will have to be close enough...

Anyone riding Di2?

terrain

After spending time on both I realized I already have Tarmac geometry bikes and decided to go with the Roubaix. I was all set on ordering the matte black di2 sworks but I was able to find a shop that had project black, matte black and the htc side by side. Seeing the htc in person made the decision easy... just enough black matte and white with a bit of green and yellow thrown in. It literally poped in person. According to the spec rep the di2 sl3 Sworks Roubaix hit the wharehouse last week. I had my lbs order one and should have it in hand end of next week.