Originally Posted by
rebem
2011 SWorks SL3 was my older one. It developed a crack where the top tube meets the seat tube so was replaced with a 2017 model - lucky me.
The ride is completely different. I'm 6'5" and ride a 58cm (all my length is in my legs) so cornering on the SL3 wasn't a particularly smooth experience for me. I tended to sit up quite a bit and the bike was slow through the corners, possibly because of the wheelbase length as well as my height. They say the 2017 model has the Tarmac geometry and I'd believe it. I'm certainly quicker through corners because I feel like it pulls through them faster, but combine that with a suspended handlebar stem which removes any road surface uncertainty and you have a great handling bike.
I suffer a lot from back and neck injuries and this bike has helped that out too I feel. I've forgotten that my head stem is suspended even though I'm using a "service center only" spring which is 60 Lbs/In. I think that's double the firmest spring you usually get with the bike. You just don't feel so beat up anymore after a long ride.
The down side to all this tech is for the people behind you. Imagine riding over every bump you see because it doesn't hurt your hands, braking later into corners because of the discs and taking tighter lines through the corners. No wonder everyone is worried about differing brake systems in the pro peloton.
Thanks for your review. I saw your new Future Shock Roubaix and how much seat post you are showing and wanted to ask your impressions. FWIW I am 6'1" and ride a Roubaix SL3 Pro size 58 I built frameset up in Dec, 2011. I am also more legs than torso...probably a scaled down version of you.
That said, I have done my share of casual racing through curvy courses with good club riders riding hard. I really like the handling of a SL3 but yes, it doesn't handle like a Tarmac which btw, I don't mind. I like how easy the SL3 is to ride.
As to frame size, please don't take this wrong but at 6'5", you should be on a 61. You could even ride a 64 but would be a hint too big...but no doubt there are 6'5" guys opting for the biggest 64cm Future Shock Roubaix.
You mention bad back and neck, the amount of drop you ride because your saddle is so high is a key contributor.
A myth of bike fit is...you would be too stretched out on a 61. No. As the bars come up you need more horizontal reach. Anyway, you made your choice and what matters.
A further myth is about your reference to Tarmac geometry. The word geometry at is turns out has different meanings. There is the three point rider contact on the Roubaix which is virtually identical between the new future shock Roubaix versus the SL3 for example we have both owned...and there is the angles of the frame including head tube angle and trail of the bike which affect handling. As it turns out, Specialized was able to achieve the fit of the old Roubaix which average bike riders prefer and make the bike handle closer to the Tarmac by choice of frame member angles. So, the term geometry really doesn't do justice to the new bike. Geometry in the context of rider fit is preserved. But yes, the geometry of the frame that affects handling is clearly different. Riding position is almost identical to the old Roubaix but agreed, the new bike handles more spritely as you say.
As to the disk brake comments you make, forgive me again, but pros aren't that plussed about different brake systems...disk versus caliper in the peloton. Rather the vast majority, probably 98% of the pro peloton still ride caliper brakes even though disk brakes are allowed. That is a separate conversation. Suffice to say, one of the things that will likely keep me off the new Future Shock Roubaix is the bike isn't offered with caliper brakes which would also make it lighter. I don't want a road bike with disk brakes and the vast majority of pro riders don't as well.
Congrats on the new steed and thanks for sharing your observations with us!