qrsqrs

This aluminum frame Specialized Roubaix has issues. I should have taken pics before I started working on it - the wheels were both taco'd and broken (one was bent so far it was broken off the other really looked like a taco at 60deg or so), and the handlebars bent to 90degrees. I bent the handlebars back expecting them to break and they did so need to be replaced, as do the rims (Mavic 24 and 28 spoke), and some of the spokes are missing. Its aluminum frame but carbon fork if I'm reading the sticker right. The frame has one area of denting, but it isn't bad and certainly safe; fork looks fine. After oiling the chain which had some rust, the brakes and shifters work great.

First question, what year and model is this? I spent some time on bicyclebluebook, but didn't know which model it was so couldn't be sure. My guess is a plain 2007 Specialized Roubaix. Is that right? Do I need better pics (it has shimano 105).

Second question, could this have happened in a crash? Two wheels taco'd, bars bent 90deg? Or does it look like it was vandalized or something else? It was on a pile of metal to recycle, but I salvaged it because it was so pretty and light-weight even in its current condition. My experience is with old heavy steel framed bikes (Motobecane Super Mirage), and this bike is a revelation to me - incredibly light compared to what I am used to (obviously I haven't been to a bike store for a couple decades).

Third question, should I repair this or is it a lost cause? Is this type of wheel inherently unsafe and prone to damage? I'm not a dealer and I'm not really interested in listing on ebay and packaging all the parts, but I don't want to put more money into this than it is worth. The handlebars would be easy to replace, but I don't know about the wheels? Is it reasonable to buy the Mavic rims and new spokes or similar - if so where and how much would it cost ballpark? Or should I replace the whole wheels? I'm adept mechanically so not intimidated by doing a repair, just not sure where to get the right parts and whether I would be wasting my time.

Thanks for any help!

VegasTriker

If the wheels have been damaged to the extent you suggest, I would not have bought the bike at any price. Write it off. Both aluminum and carbon fiber fail catastrophically. That means you don't get a warning. I've seen a frame break in half on an aluminum bike. The rider didn't have a clue anything was wrong and he wasn't even putting exceptional stress on it. In contrast steel cracks, bends, and generally doesn't break all at once. It's one downside of buying a used aluminum frame bike. I have two used aluminum frame MTBs but carefully inspected the bikes before forking over my cash.

qrsqrs

Losing money is impossible (unless I buy a bunch of parts and end up throwing them away). Why would damaged wheels prevent you from simply taking them off and putting new ones on - or rebuilding using the hubs I have? I see no hazard risk in the aluminum frame - carbon fiber I understand. In my experience (not with bikes) aluminum tubing will always bend before breaking (are bikes different?)

Masque

I think the point was not about the wheels, but about the forces that must have been transferred to the frame during whatever event caused such trauma to those wheels. If the wheels suffered so, the frame may be dead inside.

Aluminum and carbon hide their feelings well. Steel and Ti tend to wear them on their sleeves. Er, tubes.

qrsqrs

I get your point, but I don't see how those forces could have been applied other than through intentional vandalism, in which case I think the frame is OK - and it certainly looks OK and I've gone over it now carefully.

bikepedia came online so I was able to confirm it is a 2007 Roubaix. I think the last year they made an aluminum frame with the Roubaix name.

So are the hubs worth rescuing, or am I better off replacing the whole wheels?