55/Rad wrote;

{Have you ridden anything else?

While the Roubaix is a nice bike, the fact is that it falls into the category of decent Aluminum frames with quality components adding up to good value.

There are many bikes in this category.

I'm not going to tell you that Aluminum isn't right for you at 52 because it CAN BE stiff and somewhat harsh on SOME PEOPLES bodies - but how will you know if you haven't tried anything else?}

Thank you for bringing this up. That's way I joined this wonderful bike forum, to gather intel before I go and spend hard earned cash on a bike. What other options are there at this price range? Can a well equipped steel road bike be had for about the same money? Or the specialized Roubaix be a better choice for my age? Please chime in with some input...

Peace
TQ