garysol1 

I have narrowed my decision down to 2 bikes and tomorow is my day to pull the trigger.
Bike one is the S-Works Tarmac. Comes equipped with everything I want. I would not change a thing.
Bike two is the S-Works Roubaix. I would trade out the Dura-Ace wheels for Ksyrium ES's ($400.00 more than the Tarmac due to wheel swap). . Not sure why I want to trade wheel sets but I just have not heard a lot about the DA-SL wheelset.

These bikes have a lot in common but they also have a few major differances. Do I want to give up a little speed for a little comfort or just bear the more extreme riding position and enjoy the better aero position. I would love to hear from folks that have both and can give me there REAL WORLD input.

Namenda

I don't have either of the bikes you mention, but the statement above is pretty compelling. Seems like an easy choice.

garysol1 

But once I trade out the wheelset on the Roubaix for $400.00, then both bikes are on even ground component wise. Different but even. The Tarmac has Dura Ace cranks and the Roubaix has FSA K force Carbon compacts. Besides that differance they are eqipped identical so its back to comfort versus speed.....Corvette or BMW.....Both are nice....both are fast but they do it in a different manner. I have test ridden both and like them both. The question is 3,000 miles from now, how will I feel about it.

7rider

My wife tried out the Tarmac and the Roubaix, and she preferred the Tarmac. She said the Roubaix felt too upright. She said it felt like she was riding an old ladies bike. She said she prefers to be stretched out on a bike. If you like them both, I would go with the Tarmac. If the stretched out position gets uncomfortable, you can always raise the stem or get one with a bigger rise, but going the other way with the Roubaix doesn't make sense to me.

SeqTarRou

The biggest question is what type of riding do you do? Are you talking about 3000 miles 20 miles at a time twice a week? 60 mile average rides? Do you race? I'm guessing you don't have much in the way of hills in Memphis but do you travel east and ride some hills much?

Don't discount the Dura Ace wheels either.

If you're going to ride a lot of 100+ mile rides or if you just like to tour around, get the Roubaix. If not, get the Tarmac. You're right, they do have a lot in common but they are two totally different bikes. Are you going to be comfortable with the more aggressive position the Tarmac demands? I'm sure the shop probably won't let you run off on a 30 mile test ride on either one of them but perhaps they have lower end models they might let you try out, maybe an Expert or Pro. The only reason I wouldn't get the Tarmac is if you don't like the more aggressive position or you do a lot of very long rides and a more casual pace.

ManBearPig

Tarmac's their top o line frame right? Spend that much and have regrets years down road if that close and didn't buy Tarmac. As for fit or being stretched out, make your shop give you enough saddle time to get approximately fitted to both before choosing what will fit best.

garysol1 

Primarily lots of 40 to 60 mile rides with a few centuries thrown in

I will do a couple Cat 5's this season. If I enjoy the competition I will keep at it. I am primarily a club rider with a fairly fast club..


We have lots of short steep hills but nothing that you have to get off of the big ring for. I do ride Maryland sometimes but no big Mountains such as out west or the northeast

I am thinking the Tarmac will make more sense for my style.

garysol1 

The Tarmac and the Roubaix are both equals in terms of there position in the line up. It is purely a geometry and ride quality differance. Funny thing is I did have a Tarmac last year but it was a bit to big for me so the comfort level of that bike does not tell me much.

garysol1 

Well I pulled the trigger today and thanks for the input guys. I ordered a 2006 S-Works Tarmac. Should be in on Thursday. I test rode the Roubaix today and just as 7rider said, the Roubaix felt like it sat me up to high. Maybe it is a mental thing but I FELT like I would be faster on the Tarmac. It just felt more right to me.

SeqTarRou

At the end of the day, that's what matters the most. Congratulations!