Originally Posted by
elros14
So what I'm looking for is a road bike that I can compete in cat 4 races, but I can also use for my plans of a light credit-card tour of the alps this summer. A bike that can race with 700x25 or 23 tires, but I can swap out the rims and tires with 700x28. Also a bike that I can put a rear rack on to carry the light load I plan on taking when I tour. I've looked at a few, maybe you can tell me if they are good choices: The Specialized Roubaix and the Cervelo R3.
For what it's worth, I wouldn't use the same bike for those two purposes.
For the tour, you're going to want very low gearing, a comfortable / non-aggressive rider position, and a higher spoke count. I'd also go for a touring-oriented saddle like a Brooks. While it may be a bit of overkill, so what? You've got it, it's all set up for you and ready to go.
For racing, gearing isn't critical; you will want an aggressive setup; and preferably low spoke-count wheels. If you can spring for it, you'll want as many aerodynamic advantages as possible. Comfort is not much of a priority in racing.
I.e. even though you aren't doing particularly hard-core touring, you're still dealing with two very different set of optimal conditions for these two very different tasks.
Also, not sure what your experiences are but there's a pretty good chance that, even through no fault of your own, you will crash while racing and you will damage your bike. I wouldn't race something that I couldn't afford to replace. If you can afford to trash an R3, more power to you; otherwise you might want to get something more in the $2,000 range.