BillBilliken7ck

My LBS has a couple of 2005 Specialized Roubaix Elites and Comps on sale. The Roubaix is a triple, and the Comp is a normal double, which I'd switch out for a compact. The comp with the crank change would be about $750 more, (1500 vs 2250) but I'd most likely be able to recoup about $250 of that difference by selling off the normal double crank.

The differences between the Roubaix and the Comp that I can tell are:

Comp vs Elite
Wheels: (Mavic Equipe's vs. Alex ALX-295)
brifters (Dura Ace vs Ultegra)
RD (10 spd Dura Ace vs 9 spd Ultegra)
FD (double Ultegra vs triple 105)

They didn't have the comp in the size I needed (They would do a part swap onto the Roubaix frame if I went with the Comp), so to compare the components, I rode a Tarmac they had in the shop with the same Dura Ace set-up, and I really couldn't tell that big of a difference. The Dura-Ace seemed to shift a little tighter, but not much.

I know that the Dura Ace components are lighter, but that isn't that big of a deal to me. What I'm really concerned about is the durability of the components. Scanning the board, there seems to be mixed messages about the durability of Ultegra vs DuraAce. The guy I dealt with today at the store said it was his opinion that the Dura Ace would feel better longer, but as for overall durability, it was a wash.

I know that I want one of these two bikes, but I just can't decide. One thing I have thought of doing is getting the Elite, but upgrading the wheels to the Equipes or a step above them (whatever that would be)

I really appreciate the responses that I've gotten in the last few threads that I've posted on this topic, and if y'all have any more thoughts, I'd be glad to take them.

dekalbSTEEL

have him order a frame in the size you need and put a campy group on it.

bld61

Well if you get the elite, your already talking about upgrading the wheels. So if you plan on doing upgrades I would just get the comp and not worry about any upgrades for awhile.