jskwarek

After much reading and discussing I picked up a new and my first road bike last night. Purchased a Specialized Roubaix Compact. Did a lot of fitting and decided to upgrade a few things while I was at it. Flipped the Avatar seat for an Alias 155, splurged on some Keo clips and new Sidi shoes that they had in stock in my size (size 15 euro 50). Biggest upgrade was a Reynolds Anatomic Pro Carbon bar. I went back and forth on the bar but wanted something with bigger drops to fit my huge paws and kept going back to this bar. I didn't want to spend the money but one of the techs had them on his bike mounted there for me to take ahold of and take a look at and once that happened there was no turning back. Right now I'm on a loaner set of Mavic Kysrium Elite rims from the shop while they build up a set of Velocity Fusion rims in all black that I won't tear up. Thanks for the advice and education over the past months or so while I've been lurking.

Jason

Here's a picture:

chipcom 

Looks sweet - enjoy! I run the Fusion's myself on two of my bikes...you'll like em.

Stujoe

Congrats!

JumboRider

That looks fast just sitting there.

freemti

I'm an ex-clyde having slipped under the 200 lb mark a month or so ago, but I keep tabs on this forum because 198 is still no lightweight.

However, I am looking very seriously at a Specialized Roubaix for my next bike - my current Trek FX 7.6 will become my full time commuter, w/rack, 32mm tires, fenders etc... - and the roubaix will be my road bike, group rides, exercise etc... I'd like to hear how you like it, any gotchas or teething issues, ride quality, do hills feel easier etc...

I'm also considering the Cannondale Synapse, Trek Pilot, Giant OCR and some other smaller names, but all fitting the loose definition of a "plush" performance road bike, but the Specialized Roubaix is number one on my short list.

Wogster

Sweet.....

Congrats.

CheesyD

Oh man that is sweet... Roubaix is on my dream list for when I lose the weight.

jskwarek

freemti, you and I seem to be similar. I was riding a 7.5FX which will no turn to the commuter and rain bike, this one is for the long group rides and moer excercise. Trying to stick with a program now that requires lots of time and I just wasn't packing on the miles for the time in the seat I thought I should.

When shopping it was between this, a Pilot, and the Synapse. While the Pilot and Roubaix were about the same I felt that I got the best bang for the buck with the Roubiax when comparing like models and their drivetrain. As for the Synapse, the LBS I bought the Roubaix from is also the towns only Cannondale dealer and even their sales manager who helped me through my sale couldn't sell me on the Synapse. Heavier bike and more expensive in the end to get into a comparable model. Go ride them all and pick the one you want but for me the Roubaix was the way to go.

As for hills and other terrain, I've been riding the same routes for a few months now and the hills I used to dread were a lot easier to climb today. I don't know if it's because I had the energy of a new bike under my but or what, but today's ride was a lot more nimble and smooth. I still can't get over how smooth and light this bike is compared to my 7.5. Weighing the two today, the Trek is at 26 pounds riding weight and the Roubaix is at 19 pounds riding weight, I'm sure that has a lot to do with it. Good luck on your search, I'll let you know how things go over the next few weeks as I don't think the wife is going to be able to pry me off of it.

Thanks for the kind words guys,
Jason

rs hunter

Check my post in the "Soooooo close I can taste it" thread. I've ridden all four of these bikes, and give a quick line on all but the Pilot. I would put the Pilot right about where the Synapse scores, perhaps a tad softer in its ride.

Cheers

Lecterman

Nice on Jason.

There are some great BFers there in your area that you should check in with over in the "Texas" subforum.

They'd be glad to have you on a ride to give you company as you break in the new bike, as well as drool over it.

jskwarek

Thanks Lecterman, I'll go check it out. I found this forum through a Google search one day and haven't ventured out through the rest of the forums as I enjoy this one so much.

Jason

old and new

Nice rig ... good choices all around.

jsharr

Nice new ride, I see you found the Texas forum already. Where in Plano are you? I am at 190/Custer area and ride down to White Rock Lake or do the RBM 27 mile route on a regular basis (ie: when it is not pouring rain or chores or both.)

jskwarek

I'm at Park between Ave. K and Jupiter. Might have to catch up with you guys on one of the runs now that I've got a bike that will support it. Also looking at doing the Saturday morning ride from Plano cycling with the wife one weekend. But like you sometimes the chores and the rain lately have gotten in the way of a good morning ride.

Jason

Stray Cat

Can't tell from the picture... full 105? Looks awesome. Hit me up sometime if you wanna ride!

jskwarek

Yep, full 105. Let me get used to this thing and I'll give you a shout. Right now I'm still really nervous clipping and unclipping in traffic and my heart rate is about 10 points higher the entire ride, as soon as I get back to normal I'll look you up.

Jason

Stray Cat

I spot a double. Wanna trade with my triple? (Just picked up my brand new bike)