Golfster

Hi Forum Members,

I'm thinking about adding a second bike. My first is a Trek Madone 5 series with full Ultegra. For the 2nd bike, I'm considering the new Trek Domane 6 or the Specialized Roubaix. Although I've had no issues whatsoever with Ultegra, I'm considering an upgrade in the components as well, to either Dura Ace Compact or SRAM Red, but for my style of riding, I don't know how much benefit versus cost that would give ME. It is possible I would go Ultegra again as I'm not a racer, but like a smooth performing shift and bike.

Between the two makes and models, what is your preference of one versus the other and WHY? I'm not asking the forum to pick the bike for me, but to give me your opinion and reason for preference between these two comfort oriented road bikes. Additionally, with the Roubaix, what are the advantages of going to the S-Works line over the SL3 PRO?

Your feedback is appreciated in advance.

echotraveler

Either would rock! I own a SL3 Roubaix and im very happy with how it perfoms (super stiff) and how comfortable i feel after 70+ miles.

never riden the domane, but i bet it most be pretty nice, and "looks" damn nice!

ride both if possible. get the one that feels/looks right for your taste.

fstshrk

Domane looks to be nice, but I believe at least for this year, it is only available in Project One trim ($$$$$). I ride a Roubaix SL2 and am very happy with it. I like the dark gray/gun metal finish of my Roubaix. Does not show dirt. I just priced this one at $10K plus.

milkbaby

I don't trust that mechanical hinge thingy on the Domane which doesn't seem to be replaceable. For that reason alone, I'd personally choose the Roubaix.

Unless you are trying to lighten both your bike and your wallet, I don't think changing Ultegra to Dura-Ace or Red is a very good upgrade. If you want good shifting, use good quality cables/housing and make sure your cable setup isn't dragging due to too small radius where it curves at the RD. My pals that have electronic shifting love it, so that's a different story...

RJM

I would imagine you get the same lifetime frame warranty as the Madone when you buy a Domane, so if a failure of the hingey thingy (technical term) happens you would get a new frame.

My shop has a domane that I plan on riding, if it is any good I would personally pick that over a Madone. The Roubaix has been out longer, so Specialized has had time to iron out any kinks in the frame. I guess I would pick whichever shop is the best and go with what bike line they carry.

fstshrk

This is partially true. Roubaix SL2 is a different design when compared to the SL3 and the new SL4 (coming out in September as an 2013 frame) is supposed to be a new design as well. I got the SL2 because internally routed cabling is something I definitely did not want to deal with. I presume the SL2 frames will be phased out as soon as SL4 comes out, so SL2 will be the last Roubaix frame with external cable routing.

Campag4life

OP...the Domane is a new bike and therefore you won't get a good survey of owners. The hinge maybe outstanding or not so much. Trek has great R&D and I bet it is a whale of bike. I would like to ride one and see if just how well it works. That said, it has always been the front of the bike that gives me issue for ride quality and don't see where the hinge in back would lessen impact to hands.

Will tell you this. I built a 2012 Roubaix Pro SL3 frameset up with Campy and it is the best bike I have ever owned. I ride with all kinds of fast guys on slammed bikes. If you buy a Roubaix...and even opt for the mac daddy Sworks...you won't need your Madone anymore. There is no reason not to be comfortable when you ride. This bike absolutely rocks.

Adrianinkc

I got a base model 2011 Roubaix with apex that gets more miles than my 6 series Madone. The Roubaix is a great bike.

uncrx2003

BMC Grand Fondo

gtragitt

Get Ultegra Di2 if you are getting a new bicycle.

mprelaw

You're considering two endurance geometry bikes from the two biggest names in the industry.

Both frames are made in Taiwan.

Both have proprietary wheels, tires, saddles, handlebars, etc.

MSRP on the Roubaix is $1000 more than the Domane, for 11 speed Dura-Ace. OTOH, the Domane is a new model with a feature that causes some a bit of concern.

What I guess I'm trying to say is, you need to ride both bikes, and not make a $7000-$8000 decision based on internet advice.

a1penguin

I would pick Ultegra over DuraAce unless you are racing. I think DA is less durable because it is designed to weigh less and that means less material and potential structural issues. Perhaps the difference is unnoticeable unless you ride it hard. $$$ does not seem to be an issue so I recommend test riding Di2. It's amazing, but pricey. I hear good things about the Roubaix, but I hate the look of the snakey seat stays and the zertz inserts are ugly. I like my Synapse which is in the same "plush" category as the Domane and Roubaix. So..... have you made a purchase yet? Personally, I might like to try a nice Lynskey with Di2 for something different.

Mike F

I saw a Domane today at the Trek Superstore with Ultegra for $4900. The pictures on the 'net are cool but they dont do it justice.

ThinLine

The Roubaix would be my pick, and if you want something different try sram force. Very high quality system and shifts with a clank of authority. I have been riding both ultegra w/ DA RD and Force. Force is a more rigid/positive/nicer system than ultegra....although both are excellent groups.

StanSeven

the old 41 thing about don't do it unless you race. Why do you think racing is the only reason someone wants to go fast?

Jfitalia

That is one ugly freaking bike

rbart4506

Get Ultegra...unless you have the cash....

Hinge on a road bike, with a little bushing, brings one thing to mind.....CREAK!

Menel

Both are tour proven bikes, from two of the best designers. I would weigh in customer service from shop. Test ride.

I struggled over the same thing earlier this year. Test rode both the Domane and Roubaix, both had similar stiff jitteryness from road. I ended up with Ti.

Campag4life

Gotta love the 41.

rbart4506

hahaha, you're in Georgia...You don't know what a rough road is...Come to the Northeast for a while

And before you get all up in arms I ride down there for 2wks every spring and my wife and I laugh everytime the locals warn us of a rough road...That's every day for us...

Drag

Yup. Just ride in any state in the salt belt (i.e. uses salt on roads in winter). The constant freezing and dethawing cycles chews up a road - blacktop or concrete - in no time. Thats why where I live (greater Chicago) some will say there are really only two seasons: winter and construction.

JakiChan

The guys from a local Trek dealership had a tent out on a popular bike route today. Told them about my shopping list - the guy said that the Domane is 47% more vertically compliant than the 2013 Roubaix SL4. How they've figured that out I have no idea.

ColinL

They bought a Roubaix and put strain gauges and accellerometers on it. Then they picked the stats that favored the Domane and threw the rest away. :cool:

JakiChan

I wonder how they bought a bike that isn't even close to the shops yet? They won't sell me one...

Menel

They got those stats from Trek, passed down from the manufacturer.

It is available in shops. I could have walked out the door with one from my Trek dealer back in April. They had already sold 2 to other customers as well. Stock may be low at your shop.