Specialized Roubaix: advantages of stiffer FS spring?
08-08-17, 05:56 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Specialized Roubaix: advantages of stiffer FS spring?
I'm using the factory-fitted 40lbs (yellow) spring in my new Roubaix, and am considering fitting one of the lighter springs (I weigh about 150lbs / 68kg).
Are there any disadvantages of using the lighter springs or notable advantages to using the stiffer ones?
In particular, is traction or cornering negatively affected by using lighter springs?
Thanks!
Are there any disadvantages of using the lighter springs or notable advantages to using the stiffer ones?
In particular, is traction or cornering negatively affected by using lighter springs?
Thanks!
08-14-17, 07:44 PM
#2
Senior Member
Thread Starter
<bump>>
No-one have any thoughts on the pros and cons of different FS spring weights? Guess, I'll have to test all the springs myself :-)
No-one have any thoughts on the pros and cons of different FS spring weights? Guess, I'll have to test all the springs myself :-)
08-14-17, 09:25 PM
#3
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: midwest
Posts: 2,528
Bikes: 2018 Roubaix Expert Di2, 2016 Diverge Expert X1
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I expect it depends on what kind of road you are riding most often. I think it is fairly easy to change them so I recommend trying them out and picking the best for your ride. That is what I am planning on doing, but I am pretty heavyweight.
I believe there are two springs, one user changeable and the other base spring only shop. The Roubaix future-shock base is a linear spring, so may be a bit bouncy. The Diverge has a progressive spring which will be stiffer the more it is compressed. I understand that a progressive can be put in the Roubaix as well. but the shop has to do it.
Anybody chime-in if I am wrong, my Roubaix Expert DI2 is only on paper now as the 2018 SVX aren't shipping yet.
I believe there are two springs, one user changeable and the other base spring only shop. The Roubaix future-shock base is a linear spring, so may be a bit bouncy. The Diverge has a progressive spring which will be stiffer the more it is compressed. I understand that a progressive can be put in the Roubaix as well. but the shop has to do it.
Anybody chime-in if I am wrong, my Roubaix Expert DI2 is only on paper now as the 2018 SVX aren't shipping yet.
08-14-17, 11:42 PM
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I expect it depends on what kind of road you are riding most often. I think it is fairly easy to change them so I recommend trying them out and picking the best for your ride. That is what I am planning on doing, but I am pretty heavyweight.
I believe there are two springs, one user changeable and the other base spring only shop. The Roubaix future-shock base is a linear spring, so may be a bit bouncy. The Diverge has a progressive spring which will be stiffer the more it is compressed. I understand that a progressive can be put in the Roubaix as well. but the shop has to do it.
Anybody chime-in if I am wrong, my Roubaix Expert DI2 is only on paper now as the 2018 SVX aren't shipping yet.
I believe there are two springs, one user changeable and the other base spring only shop. The Roubaix future-shock base is a linear spring, so may be a bit bouncy. The Diverge has a progressive spring which will be stiffer the more it is compressed. I understand that a progressive can be put in the Roubaix as well. but the shop has to do it.
Anybody chime-in if I am wrong, my Roubaix Expert DI2 is only on paper now as the 2018 SVX aren't shipping yet.
The Roubaix comes with 3 springs, with the heaviest one (yellow, 40lbs) fitted by default. The others are black (25lbs) and blue (13lbs) - these are all user changeable.
I don't think you can use the Diverge spring in the Roubaix, and I'm not aware of any progressive spring option for the Roubaix, but this could well be something that Specialized offer at some point.
I think I'll try the 13lb option on my usual roads and see how it feels. If I end up "bottoming out" the spring travel going over bumps, then I'll move up to the middle 25lb spring.
John
08-15-17, 03:33 PM
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Tried the 13 pound spring
I fitted the lightests (blue, 13lb) spring yesterday and went for a test ride.
On smooth roads, I can't say I really noticed any appreciable difference in handling.
However, going over bumpy surfaces (I have a small section of cobbles on my test route), it was noticeably smoother. You notice the surface, but the bike feels like it glides over the top of it.
On large obstancles such as speed bumps, I didn't feel any obvious "bottoming out" of the spring, which is good.
I think I'll leave the light spring fitted, and try it out for a few hundred km.
John
On smooth roads, I can't say I really noticed any appreciable difference in handling.
However, going over bumpy surfaces (I have a small section of cobbles on my test route), it was noticeably smoother. You notice the surface, but the bike feels like it glides over the top of it.
On large obstancles such as speed bumps, I didn't feel any obvious "bottoming out" of the spring, which is good.
I think I'll leave the light spring fitted, and try it out for a few hundred km.
John
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