dbent1856

I just joined the forum to get advice from those who know, I have been riding a Specialized Sirrus Sport for a while and I am ready to step up to an endurance bike. I am 46, almost 5 foot 10 about 190 lbs and have been biking mostly on trails and neighborhood streets for health reasons. I had a stint put in my heart last year and cycling has been my way to stay active. I am considering an endurance bike because I thought the hybrid is what I am used to so I thought the geometry would be less of a shock. And I wanted a more comfortable ride. I will not be racing, but want to go fast and have easier small hills in the road and trail climbs.
So, all that being said, I thought I was set on the 2018 Specialized Roubaix Comp....but then I read all the reviews of creaky and clanky future shocks. The last thing I need is to spend $3000 on a bike and then have issues....but wow it rides awesome. So....then I tested the 2018 Trek Domane SL5, but wanted to consider the SL6 Disc since it had the components I wanted....but then I read how the bottom brackets creak and have to be replaced often. Have improvements been made in 2018 on these bikes? Most reviews I read are older. Do you all have any opinions about the performance of either of these bikes or a recommendation? Keep in mind, I want comfort but want faster than my hybrid and lighter seems better for climbing hills if needed.

GeneO 

Might want to post in the road bike forum.

McBTC

Some of Trek's 2019s are already out so maybe some sales coming up soon...?

Wasn't sure why a similarly speced Domane seemed to be $500 more than an Émonda and the salesman said the Domane was a more expensive frame. Unfortunately... the more expensive Domane is more to my liking with slacker angles in my size with a bit longer wheelbase and head tube length.

I think a similarly speced Roubaix is even more expensive and the geo seems to be about in between the two Trek's. It's got satisfied users but so far I'm leaning in the direction of the Domane and if I chanced upon one on sale that was speced in 105 or Ultegra and not black I'd probably drop the hammer.

Craptacular8

I've got the 2017 version of the Roubaix. No complaints. It's been very smooth. I upgraded the wheels/tires, and run with 70x28 Compass tires. I like the FS. To me, it provides the benefit in comfort I have on my sport touring bike with 700x35's. I had test ridden the equivalent in a Trek Domane, and to me, it felt like my other carbon road bikes, as in, it felt the same hitting less than perfect pavement. The geo felt pretty similar to my what I had on a vintage Trek 1.5 road bike that I started out on, which was pretty comfortable, but I figured if I was getting a new road bike, it ought to do something different than what I already had, namely the FS, disc brakes, and take a wider tire.

I've also got a 2017 Diverge without FS, cause I wanted a cheaper allroad bike that I could leave in my car while traveling, etc, and take a wide enough tire to train on the gravel I have at home around me. It also fits the bill quite nicely. The geo on that is also fairly relaxed. I thought it felt a little more upright than my Roubaix, for whatever that is worth.

Stormsedge

Baldy1953

The future shock is a very nice addition to my roubaix elite. It is much more comfortable on my upper body than my Jamis was. Not really any noise that was noticeable. Running 28 mm tires and overall the bike is really comfortable.

I would ride both and buy the one you like the best. I would bet you were blindfolded and rode either, you would not be able to tell the difference. Just my opinion.

gettingold

Both are really nice bikes. I am partial to Treks but wouldn't hesitate buying either. You can set up any sport or endurance frame very comfortably. While you're at it, take a look at the sport and endurance frames on Lynskey's website. Prices change constantly and you can get some great deals on beautiful Ti bikes for the price range you are in. Good luck!

dbent1856

I went to lbs today and actually rode an ALR 5. I was not thinking aluminum, but I don't see 2000 difference between the 2. I know ultegra is nicer and the frame is too, but it seems like the ALR might be a great option. Have not pulled the trigger yet. Thoughts?

one4smoke

I came very close to purchasing a 2018 Roubaix Sport or the Domane SL5 Disc. After a number of test rides and kicking it around, I decided to save up and get the Roubaix Expert Ultegra Di2 in a few months.

But, if I had to choose between the first two I considered, I would have went with the Domane.

dbent1856

Yes. The expert is nice. I rode one too but, like you...the price seemed a little high at the time. But if you can wait and get it after August when bikes go on sale maybe..it would be a slam of a deal.
I have been doing research for 2 months and test riding constantly and both the roubaix and domane are awesome I have realized. I was at the shop yesterday and realized....i have been to about 4 shops and spoken to about 5 salespeople and about 10 cyclists and outside of the specialized dealers every single other person said the same thing about the roubaix...."the future shock us gimmiky"...now I have ridden it several times and it is like riding on a cloud. I loved it. But it makes me wonder knowing about the future maintenance of the thing and I started thinking about the resale with the reputation it is gathering amongst cyclists. If I was not happy what is the aftermarket like on it compared to a domane. So....after some serious consideration, I have landed on the domane. It is still a really comfortable bike. Not like a cloud comfortable, but much more so than any Allez, any tarmac or and emonda I have tried. Plus it just looks better to me. I just have to decide between going with the ALR 5 disc aluminum at 20lbs now or the awesomely specced SL 6 disc and save some money up. If you asked me a month ago and after watching 50 YouTube videos I would have not even considered the domane. But after serious thought and several more test rides. The domane just keeps calling me to it. Lol.

fietsbob

Competing brands offering similar products..

jpescatore

I'm 5'10' and weigh 220 and now have about 3,500 miles on a Domane SL6 disc I bought in March 2017 - and I'm still loving it.

I was worried about low spoke count and my weight but absolutely no wheel problems. Mine came with Vision 40 wheels, which were one big reason I chose that model.

The only problem I've had is the plastic cable guide under the bottom bracket has broken twice. The LBS fixed for free both times - the second time was technically out of warranty. Never had that happen on previous bikes which have all been steel. My weight might be causing flexing, causing that plastic piece to snap.

So, put my vote down on the Domane SL6 side.

dbent1856

Bought the Sl6. I just felt it is a more proven platform Too many naysayers with the Roubaix. Worried me about resale down the road. Plus specialized recommends maintenance every 500 miles. Just seems like more to go wrong. Price was a little more but only by 300 and domane comes with fully specced ultegra vs a mix of ultegra and 105 and Praxis on the specialized. Better wheels on the trek too. So I felt I was getting value for the extra and bike shop waived tax. Lastly...bad reason but thet onlt had the rounaix in the ugly purple and orange. Got the sl6 in
a sweet matte black. So. I pulled the trigger. The bike will be here next week.

McBTC

Great-- what went into your decision about why the SL6 over the SL5?

GeneO 

It is 500 hours not 500 miles. A big difference of a factor of 20x.

cvskates

I have the 2017 Roubaix and I love it (but haven't test rode the other bike you mentioned). After a year I have not noticed any noise or issue from the future shock.