Specialized Roubaix Carbon
 

I may be looking at a used 2014-2015 Specialized Roubaix Carbon.
From reading this weekend I think I would be more comfortable on an endurance style bike. Sitting more upright instead of leaning over.
Is there anything specific I need to check on a carbon bike?

Yes. Be sure neither the frame nor fork is cracked or otherwise damaged.

You can get the same saddle/bar height on any bike. But that is a good bike and I would just inspect it for the usual damage. Nothing different than any other material.

That doesn't mean all frame sizes will fit anyone. Not by a long way.

This is a great bike. As others have said, just check the frame carefully for signs of damage.

How are the aluminum Specialized Roubaix?

Worth $600?

If it's in good shape and fits you, $600 seems like a steal for this bike. What groupset?

For reference, Pro's Closet has a 2015 carbon Roubaix with Ultegra that looks to be in excellent condition. They will have this bike listed for $2700.
https://www.theproscloset.com/produc...saAuVBEALw_wcB

Ultegra, with DT Swiss wheel set.
One of the carbon shifters was replaced with an aluminum Ultegra. The carbon shifters are expensive.
Need to rewrap the bar tape and give it a general tuneup/lookover.

The one I am looking at doesn’t have discs.
The seller said 2014-2015.

I am going to a lbs to verify it will fit then I will go buy it. It’s about 45-50 miles away so I am doingceverything I can before driving.

I'm not sure if there's any difference between the 2014 and 2015 model but that would be worth verifying. I doubt disc vs rim changes the pricing that much, but that example from Pro's Closet seems wildly overpriced.

That said, $600 seems very cheap for a 6-7 year old carbon Ultegra name-brand road bike. Almost too good to be true. I'd approach with some healthy skepticism.

it was originally priced higher. The bluebook value is a lot less the Procloset.
I plan to check it over carefully.

I don't recall my SL4 Comps year, want to say it's a 2015, maybe a 2016 bought in June 2015. All Ultegra with Fulcrum 3 wheels, rim brakes. For me, an older guy, its been a light, responsive road bike that's very comfortable with an upright/endurance fit. Don't ride it as much as I used to, have a gravel bike as well, but when I get it out I'm hooked again and I feel so much faster even if the speedometer says It's not. $2500 new, $600 is an absolute steal if the frame is good. Even if you needed to replace a few things it's a great deal. My only complaint was that it was supposed to accept 28 mm tires and when I tried them it didn't work out, front tire rubbed the fork. Likely a fat 28, right now I'm running Specialized tires in 26 and feels great.

Pro's closet can get the prices for the used stuff they sell because they only buy used bikes that are in perfect condition. They also have to stand behind what they sell to a certain extent.

Since once you give your dollars to the seller of this bike, you don't have as much re-course as you would with Pro's Closet, then I'd think 600 bucks is more than enough. And at that price, it needs to have everything working. Do you know how to quickly tell if you are going to have to replace that 30 to 50 dollar chain? Or if the cassette or rings are almost ready for replacement?

Costs to make that 600 dollar bike perfect if it's not already can quickly make that Pro's Closet bike more of a deal.

My only suggestion is to take a good look to see if the bike was well maintained or abused.

You want to note that the calipers are centered faintly well, the rims don’t move radially or laterally a few mm’s when spun, chain isn’t all gunked up. If the bike looks like the last time it was cleaned or tuned up was 2014-2015, that might be the case.

Since it is an expensive bike, it should look clean and everything turn/shift smoothly. And… cables having end caps is a good sign.

John

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...7114129337173/

Look at these pics, especially of the teeth on the crankset and derailleur.
Is it me or do the teeth look cupped?

The bar tape, old beat up front shifter and goofy tires don't inspire much confidence.

I am more concerned about the teeth on the chainring and rear cassette.
I can’t tell if they are worn badly or if it’s just the pic itself.
In one pic one side of the chainring looks normal but the opposite side looks worn badly

Look at other brand new 11 speed Ultegra cranks. You'll probably see the same things you are seeing. Except you won't see the shiny metal from where the chain has worn off the finish. But that's not a big deal, you can get some black magic marker and hide those spots for times you are showing it off in your living room.

Without a picture taken from an ideal angle and lighting and comparing to a pic of new, you are really guessing and focusing on a small bit of the big picture.

Offer the person half the asking and see if they'll go for that. Just tell them there is a lot you want to put into the bike and you need some help. But do it in person after you look at the bike. Over the phone, text or email, they'll not budge because until you show up, you are just another annoyance to them.

If they won't budge, then there are other bikes to hunt for.

I was planning to do something similar to that.
I am not talking about the shiny parts. That’s normal wear.
In the next to last pic, when I zoom in on the chainring, the teeth on the right/forward half look normal but the left/rear teeth seem cupped on one side. I can’t tell if it’s the teeth or the pic itself.

I do understand that the bike isn’t new. It has blemishes, but I expect some on a used bike.

over analysis leads to paralysis.

You should allow in your budget for a used bike that you might have to replace that sort of stuff either immediately or when it becomes and issue. It is after all a used bike. The bike looks well used. So maybe the owner will be happy to take less for the bike knowing that you too want to use it and not let it take up space in a garage.

You know how to check for chain wear with a steel tape or scale don't you. If it's more than a 1/16" out, probably that needs replacing. Know the cost of a 10 speed chain. If the chain is more than 1/8" out, then the ring or rings might be worn too as well as the cassette.

Add these little things up in your head as you look at it in person and decide if that is worth it to you and ask for a reduction in the sale price.

You are going to replace those tires too aren't you? 35 bucks each for decent tires. Shifters don't appear to match. Bar tape is ready for new.

And also realize that 10 speed chains and parts are getting scarce too in some areas as is 11 speed stuff. So if this has too much that need fixing now. You might not be riding anytime soon.

And how knowledgeable and skilled at bike DIY are you. This bike could be a good deal at a lower price if you yourself are able to do the work. It'll be a money pit if you have to let someone do it for you.