Is there a better endurance road bike than the Specialized Roubaix?
01-12-15, 08:41 AM
#76
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Sorry for the massively delayed response. I don't come here a whole lot...
Anyhow, the number one mistake I see people make with the single bolt compression style posts is to throw lots of grease it at. Usually when you want something to not budge, just put grease on it and torque the hell out of it, so that's the first idea people have. But when you have a torque spec, it makes no sense to give two pieces even more ability to slip. On my compression clamp, it's just a bit of fiber grip and the specified 16 nm and it hasn't budged since. When I did get a post that slipped in the shop, I usually opened it up and found grease all over it. I would clean it off, put in fiber grip, torque to spec and I never saw that bike come in with a slipping seat again.
I would agree with you on avoiding certain bikes because of tech "features" and I wholeheartedly understand you avoiding that type of seatpost if you've had nothing but bad luck with it.
As far as interchangeability, I had the same problem with the Synapse seatpost. The previous cut-to-fit generation was a huge pain and we had to hunt down a special alloy post we had for test rides. And now the problem with the 25.4 seatpost is that the bolt is hard to access and hard to get right without a torque wrench, further complicating test rides. And yeah, you're pretty much stuck with whatever Cannondale manages to get other companies to make for it. It will never sell enough models for other manufacturers to bother making one, and I don't see the size becoming hugely popular across many manufacturers, unless you want to rock a BMX saddle.
On the Trek, I knew I was stuck with the Treak seatpost, but it's kind of a really nice seatpost. It's a beautiful naked carbon, lightweight, and it works really, really well for me. They also sell it in 5mm and 20mm offsets.
I also understand not liking pressfit BB's but those are kind of hard to avoid these days. I had a Cannondale CX bike with the BB30, and it needed adjustment more than the Trek. And as much as I love Campy, the Shimano cranks are a thing of beauty. Super simple to adjust if needed, and nearly just as easy to pull and grease. Something to do on a weekend if you're bored and want to play with grease and waste 5 minutes.
On the interior bike rack, I think I have a picture. Let me dig it up in my phone and post it.
Anyhow, the number one mistake I see people make with the single bolt compression style posts is to throw lots of grease it at. Usually when you want something to not budge, just put grease on it and torque the hell out of it, so that's the first idea people have. But when you have a torque spec, it makes no sense to give two pieces even more ability to slip. On my compression clamp, it's just a bit of fiber grip and the specified 16 nm and it hasn't budged since. When I did get a post that slipped in the shop, I usually opened it up and found grease all over it. I would clean it off, put in fiber grip, torque to spec and I never saw that bike come in with a slipping seat again.
I would agree with you on avoiding certain bikes because of tech "features" and I wholeheartedly understand you avoiding that type of seatpost if you've had nothing but bad luck with it.
As far as interchangeability, I had the same problem with the Synapse seatpost. The previous cut-to-fit generation was a huge pain and we had to hunt down a special alloy post we had for test rides. And now the problem with the 25.4 seatpost is that the bolt is hard to access and hard to get right without a torque wrench, further complicating test rides. And yeah, you're pretty much stuck with whatever Cannondale manages to get other companies to make for it. It will never sell enough models for other manufacturers to bother making one, and I don't see the size becoming hugely popular across many manufacturers, unless you want to rock a BMX saddle.
On the Trek, I knew I was stuck with the Treak seatpost, but it's kind of a really nice seatpost. It's a beautiful naked carbon, lightweight, and it works really, really well for me. They also sell it in 5mm and 20mm offsets.
I also understand not liking pressfit BB's but those are kind of hard to avoid these days. I had a Cannondale CX bike with the BB30, and it needed adjustment more than the Trek. And as much as I love Campy, the Shimano cranks are a thing of beauty. Super simple to adjust if needed, and nearly just as easy to pull and grease. Something to do on a weekend if you're bored and want to play with grease and waste 5 minutes.
On the interior bike rack, I think I have a picture. Let me dig it up in my phone and post it.
Does Trek spec Fiber Grip for this saddle clamp? 16 Nm is a lot of torque...and a bit higher than what Specialized specs for their single bolt saddle clamp.
01-12-15, 12:23 PM
#77
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That's like asking is there a better ice cream flavor than vanilla out there. Some people will say, yes, chocolate
01-13-15, 10:01 PM
#78
Vain, But Lacking Talent
Do you use Fiber Grip on the saddle clamp interface to keep the saddle from tilting? Seems like a good idea to increase resistance to tilting.
Does Trek spec Fiber Grip for this saddle clamp? 16 Nm is a lot of torque...and a bit higher than what Specialized specs for their single bolt saddle clamp.
Does Trek spec Fiber Grip for this saddle clamp? 16 Nm is a lot of torque...and a bit higher than what Specialized specs for their single bolt saddle clamp.
EDIT: To elaborate, carbon on metal requires very specific torque values to avoid breakage, which is why brute force is a bad idea, so fiber grip in limited torque applications is best to avoid slippage of any sort.
07-23-15, 08:41 PM
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No, not at all. After months with this bike, I'm still in honeymoon mode. It impresses me more every time I ride it. And if I had it all to do over again, I would still buy another Roubaix today.
Due to weather, I can't ride as much as I would like right now. So when I can't ride, I like to read, discuss and learn about bikes. This thread is more of a curiosity than anything. Learning what other endurance bikes people enjoy.
If there were no Roubaix's, I would look at the Giant Defy next or might check out the Edmonda based on reading in this thread. I spent $2100 on my Roubaix, my buddy got his Defy for $1600. It's hard to spend $500 more on a similarly equipped bike and feel completely comfortable about it. Though after riding them both, if I was doing it over, I would go Roubaix again despite the cost difference. Although, since then I've learned a bit more and would approach it differently.
The one thing I would do differently is go for the 11-speed Ultegra groupset instead of the 10-speed 105's. Actually, if I was buying today, I would likely buy this for $589.28:
Shimano Ultegra 6800 11 speed Compact Groupset - Grey Sports & Leisure | ProBikeKit.com
And then take that to my LBS and buy the closeout 2014 Sora Roubaix that have on sale for $1,499 and have them swap out the components. That way you'd end up with a full 11-speed Ultegra SL4 Roubaix for around $2,100 + tax/labor. Considerably cheaper than buying a $3500 2015 SL4 with the 11-speed Ultegra with the components already on it.
Due to weather, I can't ride as much as I would like right now. So when I can't ride, I like to read, discuss and learn about bikes. This thread is more of a curiosity than anything. Learning what other endurance bikes people enjoy.
If there were no Roubaix's, I would look at the Giant Defy next or might check out the Edmonda based on reading in this thread. I spent $2100 on my Roubaix, my buddy got his Defy for $1600. It's hard to spend $500 more on a similarly equipped bike and feel completely comfortable about it. Though after riding them both, if I was doing it over, I would go Roubaix again despite the cost difference. Although, since then I've learned a bit more and would approach it differently.
The one thing I would do differently is go for the 11-speed Ultegra groupset instead of the 10-speed 105's. Actually, if I was buying today, I would likely buy this for $589.28:
Shimano Ultegra 6800 11 speed Compact Groupset - Grey Sports & Leisure | ProBikeKit.com
And then take that to my LBS and buy the closeout 2014 Sora Roubaix that have on sale for $1,499 and have them swap out the components. That way you'd end up with a full 11-speed Ultegra SL4 Roubaix for around $2,100 + tax/labor. Considerably cheaper than buying a $3500 2015 SL4 with the 11-speed Ultegra with the components already on it.
07-23-15, 09:00 PM
#80
Senior Member
I think the Roubaix is the better bike. It is very balanced on the road. Trek front end is stiff, and bites well but feels unbalanced overall.
I don't feel like I made a mistake in buying the Domane but if I had to do it all over again, I would have bought a Bianchi Infinito CV. I did not buy the Bianchi because it was $1500 more than the Domane 4.5c and now I regret it.
Also, what's up with using a carbon fork with an alloy steerer on a $3000+ bike and using 105 brakes and a non-series R650 crankset?
07-23-15, 09:06 PM
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Yes, there are adaptors for running Shimano cranks in BB30 shells. But it might not be worth changing out vs. an FSA SLK.
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07-23-15, 09:40 PM
#83
Senior Member
Specialized and Trek: both great companies. To answer the question you have to be willing to spend $300 or more because you like the company and really want a particular bike; otherwise, I think there are better deals. The geo of the Roubaix definitely looks very good on paper and it has a lot of satisfied buyers. However, after you pick the level of components you want, Felt's Z85 will come in with the better value. Trek's Émonda looks really good on paper too but it's probably even pricier than the Roubaix.
07-23-15, 09:57 PM
#84
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No. The Domane has a split personality and not a very good design. This is my opinion. The bike is inordinantly harsh in front and soft and springy in back. It feels disconnected. OP, a better bike is the Emonda if you like Treks. I don't like the one bolt seat mast on any Trek and why I stay away.
To me, the best endurance bike is the Roubaix but not the latest SL4 which has a very stiff rear triangle. It rides more like a Tarmac. So I like the SL3 Roubaix.
The big discriminator for me is the crappy seat posts that come on many bikes including the Domane and Cannondale. Specialized puts a std. 27.2 diameter post on their bikes other than the Venge which allows you to run the post you prefer which for me is a 2 bolt post with the setback I prefer.
I believe the SL5 Roubaix will be the bike to get as no doubt they will tame the rear triangle stiffness. Similarly, I suspect that Trek will resolve the front end harshness of the Domane by incorporating what they did with the Emonda which gives the bike what many describe as a magic carpet ride.
Btw, OP...a bike to consider if you are a speed guy is a S2 or S3 Cervelo. It has the ride of an endurance bike...or close to it, but is very aerodynamic and the geometry won't break your back. A great bike...but also has a crappy proprietary one bolt seat clamp which is also a shame.
PS: what Paul stated above about the Roubaix being twitchy is absurd. It is 'thee' most stable handling bike I have ever ridden including high speed descending. The bike handles like it is on rails and every test review says the same thing.
Spesh Engineer's review of the SL4 Roubaix...every inch of the bike is thoughtfully designed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YfP70Na6ws
To me, the best endurance bike is the Roubaix but not the latest SL4 which has a very stiff rear triangle. It rides more like a Tarmac. So I like the SL3 Roubaix.
The big discriminator for me is the crappy seat posts that come on many bikes including the Domane and Cannondale. Specialized puts a std. 27.2 diameter post on their bikes other than the Venge which allows you to run the post you prefer which for me is a 2 bolt post with the setback I prefer.
I believe the SL5 Roubaix will be the bike to get as no doubt they will tame the rear triangle stiffness. Similarly, I suspect that Trek will resolve the front end harshness of the Domane by incorporating what they did with the Emonda which gives the bike what many describe as a magic carpet ride.
Btw, OP...a bike to consider if you are a speed guy is a S2 or S3 Cervelo. It has the ride of an endurance bike...or close to it, but is very aerodynamic and the geometry won't break your back. A great bike...but also has a crappy proprietary one bolt seat clamp which is also a shame.
PS: what Paul stated above about the Roubaix being twitchy is absurd. It is 'thee' most stable handling bike I have ever ridden including high speed descending. The bike handles like it is on rails and every test review says the same thing.
Spesh Engineer's review of the SL4 Roubaix...every inch of the bike is thoughtfully designed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YfP70Na6ws
- Re:
- One personal exception:
07-23-15, 11:38 PM
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07-24-15, 05:26 AM
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I would LOVE a GF01 w/Ultegra Di2. However they did just update the paint job for 2016 model and its hideous!
2015: https://racycles.blob.core.windows.n...1_Disc_Ui2.jpg
vs
2016: https://www.bmc-switzerland.com/filea...71dc586ddb.png
I mean, not like I can afford one anyway, but still. It's extremely ugly now. However the new Teammachine SLR02 w/ 105 is gorgeous!
https://www.bmc-switzerland.com/filea...c9c9f1798e.png
2015: https://racycles.blob.core.windows.n...1_Disc_Ui2.jpg
vs
2016: https://www.bmc-switzerland.com/filea...71dc586ddb.png
I mean, not like I can afford one anyway, but still. It's extremely ugly now. However the new Teammachine SLR02 w/ 105 is gorgeous!
https://www.bmc-switzerland.com/filea...c9c9f1798e.png
07-24-15, 12:17 PM
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Talked about converting my current bike over to 11 spd and they said it would be too expensive. At their cost of parts I imagine it would be but at the price of the 11sp 6800 group set posted in this thread it is within the realm of possibilities for me.
My my alluminium allez is still beating me up pretty good on rough roads so I may be better of changing frames, buying the group set, building rims at a cost under the 3200 otd quoted the 2015 roubaix expert with a blck and white color I don't even like
07-24-15, 01:20 PM
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Just a quick note. Enve now makes a 25.4 mm seatpost for the Synapse.
07-24-15, 01:33 PM
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Nice (though a little much for my budget). I heard that the new CAAD 12's are 25.4 as well? If so, there should be a few more options in due time. I'm running the stock 'C3' post on my Synapse for now, but eyeing a change at some point.
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"The older you do get, the more rules they're gonna try to get you to follow. You just gotta keep livin', man, L-I-V-I-N." - Wooderson
'14 carbon Synapse - '12 CAAD 10 5 - '99 Gary Fisher Big Sur
"The older you do get, the more rules they're gonna try to get you to follow. You just gotta keep livin', man, L-I-V-I-N." - Wooderson
'14 carbon Synapse - '12 CAAD 10 5 - '99 Gary Fisher Big Sur
Last edited by dtrain; 07-24-15 at 01:39 PM.
07-24-15, 01:49 PM
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Hey, no fair. OP is asking about new technology bikes, and you respond with a steel Mercian, the king of bikes, as beautiful and competent a bike as has ever been built. Like comparing amateurs to a pro. Different league. OP doesn't want a real endurance bike, he wants a carbon endurance bike. Try to stay focused on the topic. 
Seriously, I really don't know how wonderful the Mercian is. I just know that those people have been building, comfortable, gorgeous steel bikes since the beginning of time. I have always wanted one, but just never gotten around to it. Shame on me.
Seriously, I really don't know how wonderful the Mercian is. I just know that those people have been building, comfortable, gorgeous steel bikes since the beginning of time. I have always wanted one, but just never gotten around to it. Shame on me.
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07-24-15, 05:14 PM
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I've got a 14 s-works roubaix I've turned 5k miles on and love it, the cg post and zertz fasteners give just enough cushion to road shock. I've also got a cervelo R5 (supposedly an endurance bike) which I've never really been happy with.
07-24-15, 05:16 PM
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If I could combine roubaix geometry with the compliance and ride quality of giant carbon fiber...
07-24-15, 07:00 PM
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I would LOVE a GF01 w/Ultegra Di2. However they did just update the paint job for 2016 model and its hideous!
2015: https://racycles.blob.core.windows.n...1_Disc_Ui2.jpg
vs
2016: https://www.bmc-switzerland.com/filea...71dc586ddb.png
I mean, not like I can afford one anyway, but still. It's extremely ugly now. However the new Teammachine SLR02 w/ 105 is gorgeous!
https://www.bmc-switzerland.com/filea...c9c9f1798e.png
2015: https://racycles.blob.core.windows.n...1_Disc_Ui2.jpg
vs
2016: https://www.bmc-switzerland.com/filea...71dc586ddb.png
I mean, not like I can afford one anyway, but still. It's extremely ugly now. However the new Teammachine SLR02 w/ 105 is gorgeous!
https://www.bmc-switzerland.com/filea...c9c9f1798e.png
Last edited by Antonio_V; 07-24-15 at 07:04 PM.
07-24-15, 09:04 PM
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I have lived with a Domane 4.5c for slightly over 1 year and about 4000 miles. I also own a 2012 Roubaix SL2.
I think the Roubaix is the better bike.
I don't feel like I made a mistake in buying the Domane but if I had to do it all over again, I would have bought a Bianchi Infinito CV. I did not buy the Bianchi because it was $1500 more than the Domane 4.5c and now I regret it
I think the Roubaix is the better bike.
I don't feel like I made a mistake in buying the Domane but if I had to do it all over again, I would have bought a Bianchi Infinito CV. I did not buy the Bianchi because it was $1500 more than the Domane 4.5c and now I regret it
07-24-15, 10:25 PM
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Yeah, the CVs an amazingly smooth ride. I like making fun of my friends on the chipseal because my hands barely shake and theirs look like they're resting on a V-twin at idle. I try to make it 'all in fun' but after 10 minutes they look look haggard and abused by their bikes.
07-25-15, 12:08 AM
#99
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Yeah, the CVs an amazingly smooth ride. I like making fun of my friends on the chipseal because my hands barely shake and theirs look like they're resting on a V-twin at idle. I try to make it 'all in fun' but after 10 minutes they look look haggard and abused by their bikes.
07-25-15, 12:32 AM
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In my experience:
Riding a Roubaix back-to-back vs a GF01, the Roubaix was better.
Riding a Roubaix back-to-back vs a Domane, the Roubaix was better.
Riding a Roubaix back-to-back vs a Synapse, the Roubaix was better.
Riding a Roubaix back-to-back vs a Defy Advanced, the Roubaix was better.
By "better" I mean from a comfort standpoint (which is the point of "Endurance"). The Synapse was a bit more nimble (it felt more like a Road/Race with some Endurance comfort) but otherwise all the bikes were pretty close (just not as good at reducing road buzz/bumps as the Roubaix).
I was interested in the Volagi Liscio but all the lab tests suggested it was pretty wobbly (which might add to comfort but there's a certain point where you start to lose stability and it's not worth it IMO). It would have cost $200+ to order a demo bike since there are no LBS for them around here so I skipped it.
I was also interested in the Bianchi Infinito CV but once again there were no LBS that I could demo it at. Maybe someday.
Riding a Roubaix back-to-back vs a GF01, the Roubaix was better.
Riding a Roubaix back-to-back vs a Domane, the Roubaix was better.
Riding a Roubaix back-to-back vs a Synapse, the Roubaix was better.
Riding a Roubaix back-to-back vs a Defy Advanced, the Roubaix was better.
By "better" I mean from a comfort standpoint (which is the point of "Endurance"). The Synapse was a bit more nimble (it felt more like a Road/Race with some Endurance comfort) but otherwise all the bikes were pretty close (just not as good at reducing road buzz/bumps as the Roubaix).
I was interested in the Volagi Liscio but all the lab tests suggested it was pretty wobbly (which might add to comfort but there's a certain point where you start to lose stability and it's not worth it IMO). It would have cost $200+ to order a demo bike since there are no LBS for them around here so I skipped it.
I was also interested in the Bianchi Infinito CV but once again there were no LBS that I could demo it at. Maybe someday.
Last edited by Maconi; 07-25-15 at 12:39 AM.