MeSteve

I am about to buy my first new bike. I am currently riding an old Trek mtb that I had tuned up and road tires put on it. A group of friends and I are starting to ride more recreationally, at 30 milers now so I started looking

I am looking at the Roubaix sport 105 and the Secteur elite. I understand build materials and the comp group differences but that is where my decision capability ends.

-Do I want/need a cf frame yet?
-Will I notice a difference between the 105 and the next step down? (Sorry on my phone and it's acting up or I would search the name)
-Will I notice the difference in wheels?

TIA

Long Tom

You will think you've died and gone to heaven if you go from an old Trek MTB to a Roubaix w/105. Can't speak to the Sectaur (sp).

I started on an old Trek MTB last spring. Trust me.

Jay68442

Yes, you want carbon
Yes, you want 105's and you would notice the difference between 105 and a lesser group.
When I upgraded to my first carbon/105 bike I was extremely happy with my decision. Carbon removes so much of the road buzz that you feel with an aluminum frame. A 105 group shifts so much better then lesser groups. If you chose to go with a bike that is a step down from carbon/105 you will regret your decision half way through the season.

seymour1910

There are several things you won't "need". An aluminum bike with 105 is a great bike honestly. I am not against carbon at all, but a good aluminum bike with the right tires (and tire pressure) will give you all you need.

BruceHankins

+1 on aluminum being a great upgrade. I still ride a vintage steel bike with newer sora drivetrain and DT shifters and love it. You'll be in a different world with a 105 equipped AL frame. If you know you want to keep cycling and keep pushing harder and farther get the carbon. Soon you'll have the upgrade/new bike bug. But either way you go you'll be happy.

MeSteve

All good feedback. so far there is are 2 go all in, 1 get an aluminum frame with 105 (unfortunately not available from the store I want to deal with), and 1 go with aluminum and newer drivetrain because it will be better than what I have.

Best bang for buck though: carbon frame w/105s or aluminum frame with Tiagra and spend some money saved on new wheels?

I am pretty certain the lesser bike will be a HUGE improvement over what I have now, but is the better bike worth the extra $$$. Do you think I, as a beginner, will know what I am missing?

Thanks again for sharing the collective knowledge.

peckma

At the price range for Roubaix 105, a better bike is generally worth the money. As others have written, there is a noticable difference when moving up in the componentry - i.e. Sora to Tiagra to 105. After a several year hiatus, I got back into cycling with a Roubaix 105 setup. It's a great bike. The only upgrade I've done to it is some custom wheels once I trashed the stock Mavic Aksiums.

Consider this:most expensive bike you buy is the one you don't ride. If you're confident you'll ride your new bike often and put it through some use and abuse - get the better bike.

Long Tom

I will say.... Tiagra is actually quite good. But if the OP can afford it, 105 is even more gooder.

Niloc

I guess if you're looking at new bikes in a shop CF is more and more what you're going to get. I don't have a problem with AL but I prefer steel. Steel has a lot to recommend it in terms of feel and longevity for any rider, and it is still available, just not as commonly in shops from major manufacturers.

Going from a mountain bike to any decent road bike will blow you away in terms of how fast you'll feel and how much fun you'll have on the pavement. I envy your first ride on a road bike!

For components I can't really say too much, my bikes have older high end stuff (Dura-ace / ultegra or Campy) that I got used but there's something to be said for not buying the cheapest stuff even if you're a beginner. In the Shimano line-up I believe you hit quality at 105, at least it used to be that way. Going up to Ultegra or Dura-ace mostly just got you a little more polish and a little less weight. You don't necessarily need that on your first road bike, but I think it's worth getting 105 over Sora for the performance and feel in the long run.

BruceHankins

As stated, you will be very happy with a tiagra or 105 bike. Get the one you think looks the coolest and will want to ride the most. Test ride both and see if YOU can tell the difference and if it means that much if you can tell a difference.

squeakyschwinn

It all depends really. I'd rather get an aluminum frame with upgraded components than a carbon fiber frame with basic gear. Then again, others on here will say that you can upgrade. Also, how proficient are you on a road bike? If it's a first real road bike, I'd go aluminum for durability. I've already had one unclipping incident on my new Fuji and I'm glad I started off with a $700 aluminum frame vs a $2k carbon frame because I would have been even more furious at myself than I already was.

Bahnzo

If you can afford a carbon frame, then sure, buy it. But an alum frame with carbon fork...will be good too.

In the last two (now going on three) years I went from a MTB>MTB with road tires>80's steel touring. I just bought a 2005 road bike (low end Giant OCR).

Here's what I would ask. How much do you know about what you are buying? Are you confident that what you are buying is what you really want? Or does it just seem good to you right now? How much would you regret paying $1500+ for a bike vs $500? And do you really know what that kind of price difference will get you?

Are you buying a carbon frame just because you think it'll make your dick larger than your friends dicks? Then prolly not the right answer. Buy a bike that you are sure of, and you won't feel bad about spending the money on when the summer is over.

CoachManny

If you are a recreational rider and just want great but not the greatest the Roubaix 105 is a super option.

I was at a Bike Expo last night and that bike sold within an hour of me being there from one of the bike shops selling it.

Made me think of this post.

Manny

Jay68442

My 2008 Roubaix elite, carbon, 105 has served me well for 5 years. This was my second road bike. I upgraded from a giant ocr3 aluminum, tiagra after just a few months. I knew I loved cycling at that point and felt I was ready to step up a little. The difference between the 2 bikes was night and day. I wish I skipped over the giant but hindsight is 20/20. I recently upgraded to 2013 Roubaix Expert. Carbon frame, carbon crank, ultegra. This will be my last step up for quite some time. I can't imagine needing anything better.

Btw, I'm selling my 2008 Roubaix if you're interested. Size 54.

MeSteve

I pulled the trigger on the Roubaix Sport 105 last Friday. Saturday we went for a 35 mile ride. When I asked a cycling buddy of mine about his 'old' bike and how long he had it, he said 4 months, so I quit the hemming and hawing and just got the better bike up front.

(Now I just have to get my back side used to a cycling saddle, but thats another thread)

Jay68442

Congrats, Enjoy! Now let's see it.

Null66

Nice bike!

iamtim

Pics or it didn't happen.

Samfujiabq

Carbon,at least with the 105,don't let these guys talk you into anything less than 105!and aluminum if you like living in the past,but,with it be sure to pull out your old Walkman for tunes,,lol

MeSteve

Here it is...

iamtim

That's an awfully pretty bike. Good buy.

flagrl

thats an awesome bike. have fun with it

SirHustlerEsq

Not bad.

Jay68442

Sweet bike, Enjoy! You made the right choice.

nastystang

Great looking bike. Enjoy and go ride.