Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Road Cycling
Reload this Page >

Roubaix Expert Ultegra Di2

Notices
Road Cycling “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.” -- Ernest Hemingway

Roubaix Expert Ultegra Di2

Old 11-08-17, 06:39 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Nashville, TN.
Posts: 2,176

Bikes: 2020 Specialized Roubaix Comp SC - 2016 Specialized Roubaix SL4 - 2015 Giant Roam 2 Disc

Mentioned: 23 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 639 Post(s)
Liked 338 Times in 224 Posts
Roubaix Expert Ultegra Di2

Had a little time to kill today before an appointment, so I made a 20 mile ride out to my nearest Specialized LBS just to browse around. Ended up taking a Roubaix Expert Ultegra Di2 for a test ride. One word: WOW! This bike was super S M O O T H! On initial inspection of the new "Future Shock" I was a bit skeptical. I really thought I wouldn't like the movement in the headtube. But once out on the road, I couldn't even tell. It felt just a rigid as any bike without it. But, what was vastly different was all the vibrations from the various potholes, bumps and uneven surfaces that was NOT there! This Future Shock really does the job.

Also, I would be remiss if I didn't mention how smooth the Di2 electronic shifting was. Just a big difference from what I'm used to with my 2016 Roubaix SL4.

Overall, I was super impressed. I spent about 20 minutes on it in less than ideal weather, but could have spent 20 hours easily. I was having that much fun.

Not sure how I'm gonna come up with 5 grand , but I'll definitely be working on it!
one4smoke is offline  
Old 11-08-17, 06:55 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Seattle Forrest's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 23,208
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18883 Post(s)
Liked 10,645 Times in 6,054 Posts
Was that your first time on a Di2 bike? Sounds like you're going to buy it. (Hint, banks don't carry much cash on hand anymore.)
Seattle Forrest is offline  
Old 11-08-17, 07:19 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Nashville, TN.
Posts: 2,176

Bikes: 2020 Specialized Roubaix Comp SC - 2016 Specialized Roubaix SL4 - 2015 Giant Roam 2 Disc

Mentioned: 23 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 639 Post(s)
Liked 338 Times in 224 Posts
Originally Posted by Seattle Forrest
Was that your first time on a Di2 bike? Sounds like you're going to buy it. (Hint, banks don't carry much cash on hand anymore.)
Yes, it was. Is it showing?

I wish the budget would allow for it. I'd be riding it all day this coming Saturday!
one4smoke is offline  
Old 11-08-17, 07:28 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
Seattle Forrest's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 23,208
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18883 Post(s)
Liked 10,645 Times in 6,054 Posts
Everybody says if you ride a Di2 (or any electronic group) bike, you'll never go back. I figured I wouldn't even test ride one because I didn't want to spend the $$. Then I wound up test riding a Di2 bike because it was the only one they had in my size and I didn't even like Di2 at first. I came to love it but it took a few rides. Apparently I'm the only one. You took to it right off the bat, everybody seems to.

As to the $5K, have you tried Photoshop and a color printer?
Seattle Forrest is offline  
Old 11-08-17, 07:38 PM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
GeneO's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: midwest
Posts: 2,528

Bikes: 2018 Roubaix Expert Di2, 2016 Diverge Expert X1

Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 482 Post(s)
Liked 151 Times in 105 Posts
Well I think it was well worth the extra $800 for the DI2.
GeneO is offline  
Old 11-08-17, 08:27 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Nashville, TN.
Posts: 2,176

Bikes: 2020 Specialized Roubaix Comp SC - 2016 Specialized Roubaix SL4 - 2015 Giant Roam 2 Disc

Mentioned: 23 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 639 Post(s)
Liked 338 Times in 224 Posts
Originally Posted by Seattle Forrest
As to the $5K, have you tried Photoshop and a color printer?
When I have to go, will they let me take my bike with me?
one4smoke is offline  
Old 11-08-17, 08:59 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,853
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1067 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 259 Times in 153 Posts
Originally Posted by Seattle Forrest
Everybody says if you ride a Di2 (or any electronic group) bike, you'll never go back. I figured I wouldn't even test ride one because I didn't want to spend the $$. Then I wound up test riding a Di2 bike because it was the only one they had in my size and I didn't even like Di2 at first. I came to love it but it took a few rides. Apparently I'm the only one. You took to it right off the bat, everybody seems to.

As to the $5K, have you tried Photoshop and a color printer?
You are not the only one. It took me some time to get used to Di2.
Also even though it works very well, I am still just as happy to ride my other bikes with mechanical groups.
I have a number of Di2 and mechanical bikes (N+1 ) and when deciding which I feel like riding the Di2 isn't usually a factor in the decision at all.
Dean V is offline  
Old 11-08-17, 09:18 PM
  #8  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 220
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1218 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times in 5 Posts
I have a pair of 2018 Roubaix Di2 's and the future shock just makes such a remarkable difference in smoothing out the bumps and vibrations.

I was lucky my LBS did a full 30day refund to upgrade the mechanical Expert to Di2. That took a quick test ride see how much smoother the Di2 is.
Slick Madone is offline  
Old 11-08-17, 09:49 PM
  #9  
Banned.
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 61
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 49 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
What are the advantages of Di2?

It seems disadvantageous to have to charge the batteries and move the entire bike to an outlet. What if the system becomes inoperable mid ride and you are stuck in 50x12 after a descent or 34x30 after a climb? Aren't the buttons too small for correct ergonomics (avoiding misshifts)?

Shimano's mechanical groups shift so well with so little effort already, how much easier does shifting need to be?

It seems like a solution to a nonexistent problem.

I can see how a wireless system would be advantageous by eliminating all of the clutter of wiring and cables, reducing rather than increasing complexity. Also, I think the batteries should be chargeable off the bike.
city_cowboy is offline  
Old 11-08-17, 10:14 PM
  #10  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 97
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 49 Post(s)
Liked 17 Times in 7 Posts
Originally Posted by city_cowboy
What are the advantages of Di2?

It seems disadvantageous to have to charge the batteries and move the entire bike to an outlet. What if the system becomes inoperable mid ride and you are stuck in 50x12 after a descent or 34x30 after a climb? Aren't the buttons too small for correct ergonomics (avoiding misshifts)?

Shimano's mechanical groups shift so well with so little effort already, how much easier does shifting need to be?

It seems like a solution to a nonexistent problem.

I can see how a wireless system would be advantageous by eliminating all of the clutter of wiring and cables, reducing rather than increasing complexity. Also, I think the batteries should be chargeable off the bike.
You do not have to charge it often at all
Anything can break mid ride
Electric shifting is fast and precise and also allows for shifting under power. Auto trimming is a pretty nice feature also.
hagak is offline  
Old 11-08-17, 10:19 PM
  #11  
Senior Member
 
GeneO's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: midwest
Posts: 2,528

Bikes: 2018 Roubaix Expert Di2, 2016 Diverge Expert X1

Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 482 Post(s)
Liked 151 Times in 105 Posts
Automatic Trim. Smoother shifting with this.

Ability to program shifting sequences.

Extra buttons on top that can be programed to, say, scroll through your Garmin pages.

Integration with cycling computer to view gears, shifting mode, battery level etc.

Ability to fine tune derailleurs on the fly while riding via cycling computer. No shifting cable stretch.
GeneO is offline  
Old 11-08-17, 10:51 PM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,853
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1067 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 259 Times in 153 Posts
Originally Posted by GeneO
Automatic Trim. Smoother shifting with this.

Ability to program shifting sequences.

Extra buttons on top that can be programed to, say, scroll through your Garmin pages.

Integration with cycling computer to view gears, shifting mode, battery level etc.

Ability to fine tune derailleurs on the fly while riding via cycling computer. No shifting cable stretch.
I don't need or want any of those things which is probably why I am not bothered if the bike has it or not.
I am also sure it is easier and safer to tune a derailleur while riding with a barrel adjuster rather than on the cycling computer. Not that Di2 hardly ever needs to be tuned.
Anyway lets not turn this into a Di2 thread. It has already been beaten to death in the past.
Congrats on the Roubaix for when you do get one . Great bike.
Dean V is offline  
Old 11-08-17, 11:07 PM
  #13  
Senior Member
 
GeneO's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: midwest
Posts: 2,528

Bikes: 2018 Roubaix Expert Di2, 2016 Diverge Expert X1

Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 482 Post(s)
Liked 151 Times in 105 Posts
Originally Posted by Dean V
I don't need or want any of those things which is probably why I am not bothered if the bike has it or not.
I am also sure it is easier and safer to tune a derailleur while riding with a barrel adjuster rather than on the cycling computer. Not that Di2 hardly ever needs to be tuned.
Anyway lets not turn this into a Di2 thread. It has already been beaten to death in the past.
Congrats on the Roubaix for when you do get one . Great bike.

OK, that is fine you don't want or need it. So why did you feel the need to post that if it has been beaten to death? The OP did make it about Di2 after all.
GeneO is offline  
Old 11-09-17, 08:31 AM
  #14  
Senior Member
 
NTX_Cycler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: DFW, TX
Posts: 95

Bikes: Giant MB (need to determine model)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 49 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
It is threads like this that make me want to figure out how to come up with the difference between what I am getting and the 2018 Expert.
NTX_Cycler is offline  
Old 11-09-17, 11:43 AM
  #15  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Vermont
Posts: 1,063

Bikes: Waterford, Salsa, Rivendell

Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 218 Post(s)
Liked 26 Times in 14 Posts
Originally Posted by NTX_Cycler
It is threads like this that make me want to figure out how to come up with the difference between what I am getting and the 2018 Expert.
Time.
Wspsux is offline  
Old 11-09-17, 12:17 PM
  #16  
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 42
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I believe this will be my next bike. I did a 20 mile test ride on one, intentionally swerving to hit every pothole, crack, or manhole cover I could find. It was amazing.
British is offline  
Old 11-09-17, 01:55 PM
  #17  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Nashville, TN.
Posts: 2,176

Bikes: 2020 Specialized Roubaix Comp SC - 2016 Specialized Roubaix SL4 - 2015 Giant Roam 2 Disc

Mentioned: 23 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 639 Post(s)
Liked 338 Times in 224 Posts
Originally Posted by British
I believe this will be my next bike. I did a 20 mile test ride on one, intentionally swerving to hit every pothole, crack, or manhole cover I could find. It was amazing.
Me too! Every one I spotted, I hit hoping to feel a jolt. It never happened.
one4smoke is offline  
Old 11-09-17, 02:01 PM
  #18  
Senior Member
 
topslop1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 3,466
Mentioned: 57 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1531 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times in 4 Posts
Ya'll some Specialized shills? Maybe Shimano shills too?

Would like to try Di2.
topslop1 is offline  
Old 11-09-17, 02:40 PM
  #19  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 220
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1218 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times in 5 Posts
Originally Posted by topslop1
Ya'll some Specialized shills? Maybe Shimano shills too?

Would like to try Di2.
Future Shock, its just that good.
Slick Madone is offline  
Old 11-09-17, 08:00 PM
  #20  
Senior Member
 
GeneO's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: midwest
Posts: 2,528

Bikes: 2018 Roubaix Expert Di2, 2016 Diverge Expert X1

Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 482 Post(s)
Liked 151 Times in 105 Posts
Originally Posted by Slick Madone
Future Shock, its just that good.
Super-shill.
GeneO is offline  
Old 11-09-17, 10:03 PM
  #21  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 220
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1218 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times in 5 Posts
Originally Posted by GeneO
Super-shill.
I'll wear that hat. Tomorrow I pickup a Cannondale Slate. Wanted a gravel ride and wanted to see how the front end on that handles the road.
Slick Madone is offline  
Old 11-10-17, 03:07 AM
  #22  
Senior Member
 
cyclozone's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 56
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Future shock, hydraulic discs and Di2 sound pretty sweet indeed. But personally, if I already had a 2016 Roubaix, I’d just upgrade the groupset.

I have both 6870 and 6800 and am another one of those guys who would definitely opt for an electronic groupset for his next bike. I mainly like the speed, auto-trim and not having to adjust it as the cables stretch/wear. But I’ve also experienced a couple of times where I mis-shifted due to the buttons not having enough of a tactile response.
cyclozone is offline  
Old 11-10-17, 06:16 AM
  #23  
Chases Dogs for Sport
 
FlashBazbo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,288
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 983 Post(s)
Liked 141 Times in 94 Posts
Okay . . . it's already been threadjacked into a Di2 thread. But just yesterday I seriously considered having a cable actuated bike as my primary bike for the first time in 8 years. The thought didn't last long. Most of the reasons I wouldn't consider a non-Di2 primary bike have already been listed above. Add to those the fact that you can't use a remote/climbing shifter in a cable actuated system. And that, once adjusted, unless you change components, you never ever have to adjust your derailleurs again. (Di2 cables don't stretch.)


But the biggest one for me? I hated how shift quality diminished over time with cable shifters. And this led to lubing/replacing shift cables (and bar tape) every six months (sometimes a year). Di2 is set and forget. Got no barrel adjusters. Needs no barrel adjusters. It's a beautiful thing.
FlashBazbo is offline  
Old 11-11-17, 11:48 PM
  #24  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,396
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 140 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by hagak
...allows for shifting under power.
How does it allow for shifting under power? Mechanically Di2 shifts the same way as a cable actuated system.
Moose is offline  
Old 11-12-17, 06:36 AM
  #25  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 97
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 49 Post(s)
Liked 17 Times in 7 Posts
Originally Posted by Moose
How does it allow for shifting under power? Mechanically Di2 shifts the same way as a cable actuated system.
They don’t shift the same way actually. Di2 uses a worm gear powered by a motor to move the derailleur, mech uses a spring under tension and a cable pull. Di2 can move much much faster with more precision and more force. For the rear it does not make much of a difference and even good mechanical can shift the rear under load. But the front is where it makes a big difference and the speed, precision and force allow it to move the chain under tension. It is also this ability that has allowed them to do synchro shifting since if they did not you would have to know to soft pedal on every shift since you would not know if the front shift would happen or not, but you don’t since the system can make those shifts with you needing to soft pedal.
hagak is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
AdamChaps
Road Cycling
20
09-01-19 02:13 PM
horatio
Road Cycling
5
07-23-19 04:30 AM
one4smoke
Road Cycling
1
11-08-17 07:25 PM
Square Wheels
Bicycle Mechanics
0
08-18-15 10:25 AM
MrMojoJoJo
Road Cycling
19
03-18-10 10:10 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.