Thoughts on this bike......
 

Just wondering if anyone would dedicate the 2015 Specialized Roubaix SL4 Comp Disc as an all around/all weather commuter. I've been eyeing this bike since I saw it and it's literally even been in my dreams once or twice. The price is a little steep but I can get a semi discount on it through a friend. Anyone that has an opinion whether good or bad, please give your two cents. The bike has eyelets so I can easily throw some fenders on it. The tires are classified as 25mm but they actually measure in at almost 28mm. By the way, the stealth black one is the one I'm eyeing. I attached the link below just to help out with those that don't want to copy and paste.

Specialized Bicycle Components

For commuting I don't think carbon is such a great material. I am not convinced that daily use, with potholes curbs, locking it around poles and the general abuse that commuting bikes take make this a good bike for commuting. Yes, there are people who use carbon for commuting, but look around, what are most people using and ask yourself why?

Again personal preference for me, 25mm tires are not enough for a comfortable commute. You say you may be able to fit fenders in there, but it sounds like you are not sure. The PNW bikes really need fenders. I like the disc brakes, I like the tall head tube, I like the group it comes with, all great features.

Is it a nice bike? No doubt. Worthy of being a commuter bike? Not in my world, but maybe yours. There are so much better options out there for a commuter.

Now if you said the occasional commute and this is your go fast bike for rides outside of commuting, different story and maybe workable. Where are you going to lock this over $3000 bike? What kind of commuting are you going to do? How often are you going to commute? What distance are you traveling? Is this your only bike?

You can almost get a custom made commuting bike from a local frame builder for the money you are going to spend. It won't be a sub 18 pound bike, but you will be helping out your local community. Also in my opinion I would never buy a Specialized bike again in my lifetime, for all the frivolous lawsuits that Specialized can come up with. As a Canadian, I will never let go of the Roubaix Cafe bike store in Alberta go. That was beyond stupid. Maybe you don't hold a grudge like I do. Good luck on what ever you decide.

If you can afford it, and you're going to ride it - then go for it. Bikes are meant to be ridden, and it's better to ride the bike of your dreams rather than only dream about it while you're pedaling some clunker... I know people who commute on carbon in all weather, and who cannot imagine going back to anything else.

I would, of course, first consider the practicability of this proposal. All-weather doesn't sound too bad, if you don't get snow. Dealing with rain requires more bike care, but it's doable. If the commute route is through potholed, congested streets littered with traffic lights and stop signs, I would also ask myself if I'll truly be able to get the bike's value out of riding in such an environment. My biggest concern though would be secure storage. There is exactly zero way I'd lock that bike outside for more than a handful of minutes. You're planning to bring it indoors to a secure spot, right?

If you're getting that bike used and its already dinged up then it'd be fine as a commuter.

If you're getting it brand new that keep that muthaf***** indoors unless you're doing Saturday/Sunday morning group rides.

I don't see a problem with it if: (1) you would have a way to carry your gear, (2) you have a safe place to keep the bike during the day so it wouldn't get stolen, and (3) fenders will fit.

Tires should not be a problem at all if your roads are decent. I commute on 25-28 mm tires regularly with no problems. However, I would not want to leave a $3K bike outside all day unattended unless secured with heavy duty locks. If you can keep the bike in your office or have another secure means of storage, that should not be an issue.

There are places where you wouldn't want to commute on anything other than a beater. However, many of us have commute routes and bike storage situations at work that make it very reasonable to ride a nice bike. None of my bikes are carbon, but I regularly commute on a custom steel bike that would cost well over $3,000 new just for the frame and fork (although I bought it used for a fraction of that price). I bike commute 4,000-5,000+ miles a year, and I enjoy it much more riding a nice bike.

Go for it. Life is too short to ride a crappy bike.

I agree with tarwheel - if you can mount a rack (I have heard of pepole mounting them to carbon)and fenders, all is good. I don't consider carbon to be any less strong than other materials, and think it gets a bad rep with people thinking there is a shelf life to it. The only thing to worry about is a crash - and even then chances are your frame will be fine. When carbon fails, it does so catastrophically, not like steel or aluminum where you can have a crack in the frame. As for theft - not everyone lives or works in a location that has a lot of crime, or they already know they can park their bike inside. I wouldn't hesitate to commute on my synapse if I wanted to put a rack on it - but I don't.

That's a great bike. Here's how to evaluate it:

1. Start with the assumption that you can afford it. $3300 plus accessories... say $3800 is your budget.
2. Find a completely acceptable but cheaper bike that you would be satisfied with, subtract that cost from your budget... let's say $1000, for $2800 remaining.
3. See if there's any other extravagant item that costs $2800 that would make you feel happier than a high-zoot commuter.

My personal opinion is that this is more of a fitness/club ride bike and less a daily grind commuter. There are folks that use carbon bikes to commute, but i think a lot of those people keep them secured inside (maybe even next to their desk etc) & not locked up unmonitored.

The breezer beltway elite i was asking the forum opinions on is half the cost of this guy and is fully equipped for commuting. This here is a bare bones foundation with limited "build up" potential unless you are prepared to use rubber padded P clamps & other such DIY solutions.

- Andy

Second that.

I think it is really hard to know what's going to work out well for somebody else. If you're already a regular commuter then you probably have a good idea of what your needs and preferences are. Some people like to have all the commuting do-dads you could possibly want: Integrated locks, dynamo lighting, multiple rack mounts, internal gearing, etc. Others want the most minimalist thing they can get by with. You will not get consensus here. ;)

FWIW I don't have a full carbon bike but I've got a 10 year old "summer" bike with a carbon fork and my winter bike has one too. Though there are certain precautions you have to take with a CF bike (clamping) I don't think they are any more susceptible to damage from typical use and abuse then either aluminum or steel are. On the other hand, something like a hack saw or dremel with a cutting wheel can ruin a CF frame faster than it could aluminum or steel.

I also ride on 23 or 25mm tires for 8 to 9 months out of the year.

I would be very happy to commute on a bike like that (or at least the fixed gear equivalent) but the expense wouldn't be worth it to me at this point in my life. I can be content with something that costs much less and blow the money on something else like a sailing adventure, ski trip, or tropical vacation.

Thanks for all those that responded. I'm going to see about the price today which should come in around $2500. I don't need any other accessories other than a good set of fenders. By the way, fenders will fit the bike, hence the eyelets it comes with.

My commute is a tad under 7 miles. I live in Portland so it's 80% neighborhood Greenway, the other being bike lanes. Hardly any potholes at all. I work in an industrial area so not a lot of people traffic. We have bike racks outside but I can take the bike indoors.

Earlier I stated it would be an all around/all weather commuter which it would be but I would still ride the bike for other things as well. I have a true dedicated road bike that just won't ever see anything other than dry pavement. My spot bike kinda of like the breezer is a good bike and I still love it as much as the day I got it but I realized it's only good for short jaunts here and there. I have a nice hill that just sucks but always sucks less the few times I rode my road bike to work last summer.

If I pick up the bike then I'll definitely post pics. Thanks again for all opinions.

Portland, dontcha need fenders?

Fenders would go on the bike.

Good news about the fenders! Good luck & keep us posted! :)

- Andy

Are you prepared to take the Bus when Its stolen, stripped or Vandalized in the attempt, while you are at work

That could happen to any bike. Maybe he should get a Bike Friday? :rolleyes:

If the OP has a good place to lock it at work,or can bring it inside,I wouldn't sweat having a nice bike. Or a carbon bike. Maybe I've just been super lucky,but I've never had anything happen to any of my metal bikes while locked up that carbon wouldn't have survived.

That would not happen since I can lock it up inside my work place. It would never see the outside of any business. It's a primary commuter and weekend ride bike. I keep all my bikes inside my loft, even though we have "secured" parking in my building. Cameras, secured, all that but I still don't trust it. I'm paranoid when it comes to my bikes.

Yes ... Folding bikes can be brought inside and stowed in smaller spaces .

+ 1. Theft concerns as a commuter is one negative with that bike. The OP said he can take it inside at work but that does limit its usefulness as a commuter.

I was very skeptical about the fenders but indeed the bike is designed to take these, with eyelets in the back of the seat stay:

Specialized Bicycle Components

I imagine it's a rather tight pinch, but if Santa could do it then so could the Grinch

Not a huge fan of folders. I borrowed a friends Bromtpon and even though it was convenient, it was quite a harsh ride while riding even leisurely. Some people love them but I'm not a fan. We all like what we like.

How does that limit the usefulness as a commuter? It means far less to worry about as a commuter. If all you are doing is riding it to and from work, and are able to secure it inside the building at a desk or whatever, how is this a bad thing?

Bike Friday's bikes are built to order. want high end components? credit-card charge or cash? Tikit is their quick folder..

Cuz you can't lock it up. If all the OP plans to do is ride from one secure place to another, then no problem. Some people like to have a commuter/lock up bike. Radical thought I know.