Originally Posted by
msu2001la
The Specialized website shows Roubaix Expert and Pro using the same frame (Fact 10R). You have to step up to the S-Works Roubaix to get the Fact 11r frame.
The USD price difference between Expert and Pro is $700 ($8000 for the Expert, $8700 for the Pro). Maybe things are wildly different in the Canadian market? Or are you talking about comparing an S-Works Roubaix to a regular Roubaix?
Otherwise you seem to have highlighted the differences bertween the Expert and Pro, which (beyond drivetrain) is really just the handlebar & wheels. It also looks like the Pro is spec'd with a slightly different saddle (hollow titanium rails instead of solid titanium rails, so probably a few grams lighter).
In terms of the wheels - The Roval C38 wheels seem pretty good on paper. Carbon, 38mm depth, 1560g, tubeless 21mm internal and regular DT Swiss 350 hubs. The Roval Alpinist CL's are 200g lighter carbon and have straight pull DT Swiss 350 hubs. Retail cost difference on the wheelsets is around $600 USD ($1100 for the C38 and $1700 for the Alpinist CL's).
So, if you really want carbon bars and the fancier wheels, I'd say the Pro is a good buy if the cost difference is $8000 to $8700 (or the Canadian equivalent). I personally would choose the Expert and maybe just buy a carbon handlebar, keeping the stock alloy one around as a backup.
Beyond that, it's SRAM Force AXS 12sp vs Ultegra Di2 12sp. Both are fantastic drivetrains and I don't think I'd be unhappy with either and would value them the same.
Good info. Thanks.
You’re correct about the type of carbon. That was my mistake. And yes, in Canada the price difference is about $2200 to $2600 depending where you look.
So I’m assuming the biggest weight savings I’ll find will be in the wheels. I suppose something like a pair of Zipp 303 FC wheels would make a sizeable difference in weight but will also cost me another 3k. I could offset that a little by selling the stock C38’s? Just thinking out loud I guess. I value a light bike and know the Roubaix isn’t known for its light weight. So saving where I can to make up for that makes sense for me. The only thing I have to compare it to is my Scott Foil 10 which is quite light IMS. And planning on this being my last bike purchase for some time, I don’t mind spending a little more to shed some grams.
Thanks for the info