jgjulio

OK I went and rode the Roubaix. The LBS has a 2009 Elite (with 105 compact) that he will sell for $1500.
The 2011 Elite with SRAM Apex he will sell (does not have my size in stock) for $1800.

I loved the Roubaix's ride. This was the first full carbon bike that I rode. I rode over chip seal roads and could not believe how smooth the ride was compared to my aluminum bikes.

Please comment on the two above bikes mentioned. It seems that $1500 for a 2009 is a bit steep. What do you think?

sstorkel

Doesn't the Roubaix Elite retail for around $2200? If so, being able to buy one for $1500 seems like a pretty decent price; I doubt there's much profit left for the dealer at that point....

Personally, I like SRAM better than Shimano, though, so I'd pay the extra $300 for the 2011 model.

chasmm

I know the retail for the 2010 Elite was $2200 (I've got one). From what I've read over in the Road forum, the 2011 Elite will have a "better" frame than the preceding years. That may or may not have some impact on your decision.

Since this is the Clyde forum, I'll also mention that there was some discussion about what the weight limits are on the Specialized bikes. It seems (from Spec's own website materials) that their suggested weight limit on the carbon framed Roubaix is 240 pounds total weight (rider and cargo). With that said, I'got mine when I was at 280 and have been riding it without any concerns.

Charles

Laserman

FWIW Jacks bikes has the 2010 Elites listed for $1980 on their closeout list.
The Apex 11-32 cassette would be a better fit for me than the 105 12-27 on the 2009 and 2010 models.
I would need the lower gearing for hills.

chasmm

Laserman, I don't know how you feel about triples, but the 2010 model does/did come in a triple option. I don't know if you could find one though. That's the bike I have, and I've been extremely happy with it.

Charles

dbikingman

I don't know what your market is, but the LBS had a sale recently where the 2010 models were more discounted than what your LBS is asking for the 2009 model. For what that is worth.

3dMark

I'm also in the market for a Roubaix. My LBS has the 2008 Elite and is selling it for $2,400 CDN. I was mightily unimpressed. Is the CDN pricing for these bikes really so out of whack? ($1 CDN is about $0.95 US these days, so exchange rate isn't a big factor.)

FrenchFit 

My son rode 'em and decided the Comp triple was the winner for him, but couldn't pay $2,400. He seached, found a '10 about 2 hours away for sub-$1800 with about 100 miles on it. My advice was to commit to THE bike you want, then go searching for a deal. He's put about 1K on the bike, the love affair continues.

MattG42C

I am currently riding a 2005 Roubaix Elite with a standard 39-53 double, 9-speed 105, wheels upgraded to Ksyrium Elites. (I am 6', currently 194 lbs, down from about 218 late last year.)

I test rode the 2011 Roubaix Elite w/ Apex a few weeks ago - loved it! From what I could tell in a relatively short test ride, the gearing felt very usable across all gears, and has a couple really nice climbing gears. I think this bike is going to be a huge seller, and Apex is very compelling.

Additional thoughts - The frame definitely feels more alive than my bike, but without feeling harsh. Everything felt more responsive. Especially notable for me was the brakes, probably due to the difference in leverage that the Apex brifters give. So IMHO, it's worth it to go with the 2011 and Apex, with the disclaimer that I have never ridden a 2009.

Laserman

When I was checking out the Roubaix earlier this year I ran the chainring and cassette numbers through a gear calculator and dismissed the double as too aggressive for me.
Then I found an article on the Apex group and those numbers came out much closer too what I was looking for, much better than the 105 group.
The Roubaix remains a potential reward for myself if and when I lose another 50 pounds. Maybe by then the 2011 models will be on closeout.