WhyFi

Unless you already have an idea of what you're doing, consulting with someone on a structured training regimen will be more effective and much more time-efficient.

lsberrios1 

I do, and I am a cat 5. Crits, road, TT whatever I can fit. The coach does help a lot. Not only on the advice on how to train smarter in shorter amounts of time but also gives you a sense of commitment that you feel obligated not to break. I have to say you probably have it harder in NYC weather-wise but a lot of my training involves stationary trainer time. I put about 5 hours a week on the trainer from Tuesday to Friday. Then another 6 hours Sat and Sunday. All in all average 10-12 hours of riding a week and 160-180 miles. When doing the trainer it helps having a power meter. While speed and HR may be an indicator they can be very inaccurate too. Power on the other hand, is power.

S-Works is not a model but rather a tier in the lineup. It is like saying BMW 3 Series. You have the 328, then the 335, then the M3 on top. The same goes for the Specialized range. It goes from Sport (lower tier) to Comp / Expert (mid) and ends up in S Works (high end). You can have an S Works Venge, S Works Roubaix, and S Works Tarmac. In the car world it would be M3, M5, M6 etc. Most of the time the S Works range has higher Modulus carbon which saves around 150g and is stiffer. Not really worth it if you have a practical mindset but it's cool to have

pdedes

Think of my posts as using a self-authorizing language, for the most part.

pdedes

Full time job, as well as a local cycling advocate, two kids, i train 16 hrs a week sometimes at ungodly times. M1 this year. Need lots of discipline. Got ~40 days of racing on my schedule.

lsberrios1 

While I do have a full time job and train about the same hours (when you include weightlifting 3-4hrs a week) I do have to say the part about having 2 kids definitely takes things to another level. Kudos to you for your hard work and good luck on your Races this year.

Campag4life

No, like everybody else, I will evaluate your posts objectively without preconditions. You simply broke your traditional pattern and actually strung together a continuum of thought which for you is a rare exception. This departure exposes insight that isn't seen often in your typical 'one liner'.

Campag4life

The difference between him and you is vast. He has something to offer which many times gets lost in his brevity.
In your case, you don't...lol.

Campag4life

The difference in stiffness between a top of the model line Sworks Roubaix and any race bike is very small FWIW. In fact its pretty negligible. But because that stiffness is provided in terms of a longer wheelbase and a frame with more horizontal front fork and rear triangle angles, deflection is greater for the same loading and road disturbances which gives an endurance geometry a more compliant ride. Think of a frame as a spring between the weight of the rider and road disturbances presenting vertical displacement. All bikes ride smoothly on smooth roads but most roads aren't smooth. The other thing and btw this vastly trumps the net stiffness of the bike that contributes to greater comfort...or better stated in the context of riding a road bike hard, pain avoidance, is the geometry of longer head tube which increases the height of the handlebar is generally less punishing on a body. This is why all beach cruisers you see have a high handlebar. Human anatomy takes loading the rump better than on the hands.
HTH.

wheelreason

Ok, if you say so. But focus, we've got to find a way to unravel this Rubik's cube of a budding racer before he becomes one abandoned on a shelf with just the one color solved...

Campag4life

No, you, I or anybody don't have to do this in the least. Rather embrace his pursue of getting better by sharing your personal experience.
If you think for example he is misguided in buying another bike or he is overly focused on the pursuit of becoming a better rider with other more important life challenges to face, then say so. Don't lurk in the shades and troll by innuendo. As I told you before, you have more work to do on yourself before you should judge others so harshly.

PS: One of the most astounding accomplishments of Luis is his amazing weight loss. He basically lost 25% of his body weight. Look at him now. He is ripped and obviously worked his ass off literally to achieve a level of fitness most never will. To be congratulated.

bigfred 

"S-Works" is a frame specification level for Specialized. So, for each model, Roubaix, Tarmac, Venge there is a base frame made from a certain grade of carbon, layup schedule and resulting weight. There is then also the "S-Works" version of each of those models made from a higher modulus carbon and perhaps a different layup, resulting in a lighter and potentially stiffer frame.

Don't know what model Trek you have, so can't comment directly about that and have only ever ridden demo or friends' Roubaixs. But, the Roubaix generally gets reviewed and accepted as one of the bench mark frames for defining the best compromise of "laterally stiff, vertically compliant", while possessing excellent handling.

bigfred 

I started as one of the former. But, as we've come to learn more about Luis and see him for what he is, I've come to appreciate him for what he is: An enthusiastic, young, wealthy and competitive rider. Such riders are to be encourageded. Specially in the purchases of new top of the line equipment. Without these racers, Mrs. Fred wouldn't have an 18 month old Colnago that we picked up from the parents of a college team racer who determined that he needed something better, for 35% of it's original purchase price . And, when I needed a donor bike for the build of my proportional ghetto build, I woldn't have picked up a full Ultegra groupset alloy and carbon bike from the parents of a high school racer for pennies and been able to sell the frame, wheels, stem, post and saddle for a profit after burglaring the drivetrain.

We need more of these guys. They keep the shops stocking highend equipment and I, for one, really appreciate the trickle down:-)

+1 Very true.

lsberrios1 

While I may have certain mix feelings about the comment in some places I can't fault you for being honest and pretty much telling it like it is. Thank you for the compliments and on the other hand, you are welcome

Thanks for that Campy, the bike has definitely changed my life. Not only on the weight loss issue but it has taken me out of depression, improved my self esteem and everything else around me has improved exponentially. I have substituted pills for exercise resulting in much more success. As weird as it sounds I've even become nicer to the ones around me and the community in general. I am all for cycling, not only cycling but exercising. Alcohol free since July 5th 2013 and smoke free since sept 22, 2013 Life is good.

Wesley36

+1 on training at ungodly times. I am now in the habit of getting up 4-4:30 am. This gives me enough time to get 1-2 hours in on the rollers or trainer before my 6:30, when it is time to get the family ready for work/ school. Also, I have nothing else scheduled for that time of day, so it really helps me be consistent (no interruptions or last minute things to take care of instead of riding).

bigfred 

Thank you for accepting my comments in the good natured jest with which they were intended.

I haven't commented on the TCR SL. But, as far as I'm concerned, it fits right in there with the Tarmac, Supersix, Madone, etc. as one of the good all around frames that will never limit you. I find it particularly entertaining and ironic that the young guy who convinced his parents the 105 equipped Colnago needed replacing, did so with a DA equipped TCR. It's obviously the value proposition for up and comers.
And as far as fit: Considering that your current fit looks reasonable, the TCR's 20mm lower HT in combination with an almost identical TT means you should have just about any reasonably desired position available to you.

Way to go on the various life changes. I still remember the post university morning that I woke up and realized I had a long list of **** that was past due. Didn't have a toke and got half of it done. Woke up the second morning, wondered if I could actually clear the list if I didn't smoke and low and behold did just that. Woke up on the third morning, wondered how far ahead I might progress if I didn't light up and never looked back. Those three days rank in the top ten of my life defining moments.

Keep up the good work.

Campag4life

Bottom line is...yours is a success story. You have been brutally honest here about your turn around not only now but before. Perhaps one of the hardest things to do in life is hit rock bottom and then somehow emerge as a transformed person. You should be quite proud of yourself and no doubt you are. Most of us here ride our bikes hard for the same reason. Nothing feels better and we see the changes to our bodies no matter what level we are at. Cycling is awesome is the bottom line.
I look forward to hearing about your new bike and a comparison between it and your Roubaix.

lsberrios1 

I think this makes for a great end to a thread that became a little convoluted yet filled with great opinions and advice. I just ordered the remainder of the bike, wheels, tires etc. The build will be mind blowing (at least to me) and I have a feeling I will definitely enjoy it. This will be an addition to the stable rather than a replacement. I will fix the Roubaix and both bikes will compliment each other nicely.

Thanks to everybody for contributing, I am very happy with the end results. Wait for the soon to show up thread named: New baby in the house, ugly but fast!