I have ridden a Specialized Roubaix for 17 years now. And I am considering purchasing a new bike, thinking that this might be my last bike purchase before I end up in the nursing home! Our local bike shop doesn't handle Specialized anymore. They offer Treks. I want to support them, but I was blown away by the base price of the Trek Domane which they recommended to me--almost $3800. My Specialized I bought for 2100. I was expecting 3000-3200 but not more than 4000, when you take into consideration taxes and extras. I want the bike to be Carbon. Is a Specialized Roubaix my best bet again? I have trouble figuring out what's what on the Specialized web site, which is why I like dealing with a local store. I suppose I could stick with my old one, but I am noting that I am slowly having to replace and fix things. Obviously, I am having a conversation with myself. Anyone have anything to add to my self-talk?

I liked my Domane, but yea they tend to be on the higher priced side. Something to consider, if it means anything, potential is there that they maybe coming out with a Gen 5 soon that has UDH, which if it were me, I would wait for, unless you can talk the Trek dealer to lower the price on the Gen 4. Another option is to find a frame and then get your components separately then you do not have to replace them if they are not in your size\specs that would come with a full bike. I built up several bikes over the last few years and have gone the buy the frame and then build it up. Been very happy with that. Ended up being a lower cost and I got exactly what I wanted. Finally, find a solid couple year old bike that someone is selling and save a lot of money that way. Check out Buycycle, they have a lot of good deals out there on good used bikes. I have used them to sell several bikes and a load of parts, and have had a very good experience with them.

New Roubaix’s are tanks.

Have you considered Cannondale Synapse’s.

Should be able to find decent endurance CF bikes starting in the low 3Ks but…

If you are thinking this one may be your last you should treat yourself and go all in I did and enjoy my choice every time I ride it.




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I do not know if Domane is the best value. I like supporting Trek based on my experience with the company's support of active transportation. I love my Domane which is 10+ years old. The only change I have made is a Brooks saddle. It is my recreational bike. Its held up well.The Domane replaced my 2120 which is now my town computer. I do not believe you will be dissapointed.

Is there not other options than Trek and Specialized for you to look at?

I am with Shadco and Camilo here. My local roads are fairly smooth, so I have no need for an endurance road bike with active suspension like the Roubaix or Domane.
But even if I need suspension, I prefer the simplicity and replaceability of a Canyon / Ergon VCLS post rather than the Domane rear ISOspeed system.
My LBS became a Trek store a few years ago and the mechanics there are happy to work on my non-Trek bikes, so that is how I support them.

I have a 2023 Domane SLR 7. At least I think that’s the right model. Carbon fiber and Utegra Di2 12 sp. I love it and don’t give two farts what it cost. Or more specifically, I don’t care if it was more expensive than some alternative.

I think the bike is still stock. Not sure I changed anything other than the seat tube and stem. But that was just part of what the shop did to get the best fit after it came in. Of course it’s had several tire changes.

My local Trek shop is great. Great pre and post sale service. I gladly pay more for service and convenience.

I also have no doubt that there are other equally as good endurance bikes. But my Domaneis a great bike.

The Domane is a well made bike with a lot of longevity... like your Roubaix. I've had my S5 model with Shimano 105 since the summer of '16. Last November my Domane had a major overhaul on parts... replaced cassette, chain, cabling, rear wheel, new 28mm tires from 25mm tires and major cleaning of frame, etc, which cost around $1K at LBS. It was either that or dish out $3,800 on a new Domane with carbon frame. I chose to get another 8-9 years out of my old 2017 Domane instead.

The entry level Roubaix SL8 Sport with 105 is 9kilos and almost exactly $3800 (tax is always included here) - and so is the Domane. Weight and price. Is it significantly cheaper in the US?

I have found Trek’s customer service exceptional. I’m sure Specialized is just as good. I would also want to go via the LBS if I could.

Domane's and Synapse are going to be a more aggressive riding position. Your Roubaix, if you bought the recommended size will put you in about the most upright position you can be on a road bike. If you don't like riding in the drops on that Roubaix, then you likely won't like riding with your hands on the tops/hoods of most other road bikes.

Though perhaps, like I did when I bought my Tarmac, I found it more comfortable to be in a race fit position that the more upright I was on my previous bikes. But I knew from the get-go that I wanted to learn to ride in a more aero position. As I had realized the energy saving aspect of it for longer rides.

I love my Domane, but got it used and am not sure I'd pay new bike prices for a new one.

Is Canyon off the table for you? You could get the bike delivered right to your door with minimal setup. The CF series would get you a carbon frame and electronic shifting for less that $3,500 (before taxes). I've never owned a Canyon, but it seems like those that do own them are happy with them.

https://www.canyon.com/en-us/road-bi...n-product-grid

I have a 2018 Domane SL5. It's been a great bike. I've only replaced the chain and tires in the years I've owned it. It still rides like a dream.

In 2018 I wanted to get an SLR 8 and call it "Vic" in honor of Vic Damone, who died that year. His real name was Vito Rocco Farinola; with a name like that, you know he was born cool.

I didn't have the scratch; probably still don't.

I have a 2021 Domane SL5 and 2022 Domane SL5.

6200+ miles on the 2021 and 4200+ miles on the 2022. Still running all of the original parts to this day. Only thing that has been changed are the seats. I suppose one of these days the drivetrain may wear out, but everything is still working as it should.

Wow.. what tires and chain are you running?

Why would you buy (and keep) the same bike from 2 consecutive years?

Do you have two pairs of shoes that better suit different paint jobs?