Opinions wanted
 

I am down to choosing between to road bikes from Specialized. They are a Roubaix Elite Comp with shimano 105 components or the Tarmac Expert Triple with Ultegra. The price for both is the same.
My biggest struggle is between the compact or triple and the fact that the Roubaix has 105's and the Tarmac is equipped with Ultegra. Please take it easy on me I'm a newbie to road biking.

IMHO, you are always better to spend your $$ on higher quality components, so your focus should be on what components you get for the money. I am not sure about the built in "elastomer" thingy on the Tarmac Expert Triple, seems a little ghetto to me, but I have not ridden it, so can't really comment.

That said, Ultegra is the way to go (not that 105 is bad, but Ultegra is a notch up on the bicycle food chain). I don't think a triple is really necessary, esp with a 10 speed freehub, but you should buy whatever meets your needs and riding style best. Good luck.

I have recently upgraded from 105 (triple) to Ultegra SL (Compact). I think that a compact for you would be fine - depending on what terrain you will be riding on. You shouldn't need a triple unless you are doing some long steep climbs, e.g. 10km+, 10%+. A 34x25 or 34x27 should be enough gearing for you.

In terms of which frame to choose, it all depends on which is more comfortable. Both are carbon I presume but different grades of CF. If you're a newbie I'd go with the Tarmac. Look into 105 compact to save a few bucks.

+1 spot-on

Thanks for the opinions. This wouldn't be as tough a choice if the Tarmac had the compact drive. Will most bike shops be willig to change drives on a new bike purchace? If so and I request a compact that is at the same level as the triple could I expect to pay more, less or about the same?

More ?'s
 

Still looking for opinions on these questions.


Will most bike shops be willing to change drives on a new bike purchace? If so and I request a compact that is at the same level as the triple could I expect to pay more, less or about the same?

Some are some aren't...Depends...

I'm assuming these are different year bikes, correct....Since the Tarmac Expert and Roubaix Elite Comp are normally at very different pricepoints...

BTW I own 2 Roubaixs and one Tarmac...

Both are new 2007

I'd see if the shop can switch cranksets for you. Go with the Ultegra.

Have you considered that the Tarmac and the Roubaix have different geometries and ride characteristics? Which would work better for you? I'd say that's far more important than Ultegra vs 105 or compact vs triple.

I have considered geometries. The owner of the shop has a very good reputation for bike fitting. He has told me that with proper fitting I should not see a big difference and from what I have heard from others that he has fitted I tend to believe him.

Peek is exactly right. You are looking at two dramtically different riding bikes. The Roubaix is designed for comfort and isn't as responsive or as quick. The Tarmac is built for racing and is much quicker handling. You are comparing a Cadilac with a sports car

Just saw you last post. You need to test ride both, if not from the LBS, somewhere else. It's not the fitting; it's the way the bikes ride and handle. Why do you think Specialized makes two different models?

Tarmac all the way.

I don't think you will notice a difference ride quality wise between the two bikes, but handling wise there will be a difference. I really think only you can decide what type of bike you want. The big difference between the bikes is the head tubes, the Roubaix is longer. You may require that longer head tube and getting the Tarmac to fit is possible, but may not be optimal.

I myself have my two bikes the (Roubaix/Tarmac) setup pretty close. The Roubaix stem is flipped down and the Tarmac flipped up. I could not achieve this last year (2007 model) since the Tarmac head tubes have been lengthened for 2008. For me the Tarmac is not the optimum bike, but I'm playing and seeing how things go.

The LBS must really want to unload that Tarmac if they have it priced the same as a Roubaix Comp. Normally there would be roughly a $600 difference between the two (looking at 08 MSRP)

I have read many of the opinions about the comfort of the roubaix as opposed to the responsiveness of the tarmac. But it seems that just about everywhere I look, I read and hear that with proper fit the difference in comfort between the two is minimal. If that is what I find after riding them what would your opinion be?

wouldn't they also have to swap the front derailleur and left brifter? which would also entail removing the FD cable and unwrapping the left side of the bar

seems like a lot of work for a shop to take on for a bike that may already be selling at what sounds like a competitive price

however, I would put my vote for this option too (tarmac w/ compact). One thing I didn't see mentioned is the shift performance of a triple vs double--it really is noticeable and should be passed up if you don't really need the gearing

It would be some work however the bike is still in the box.

That doesn't matter....

The bike come pretty well built up...

I honestly doubt he will want to make the swap....Unless he has the parts in house. You have to remember he will have to get rid of the triple components somehow to make money on the deal.

Usually when shops are clearing out bikes they just want to get it out the door and not dick around making changes...

There is a Tarmac Expert Compact available. That being said, the standard double comes with a 28 rear cassette so its not bad at all. I actually have a tarmac with a compact and another with the standard double. I seem to prefer the standard double. With the 28 tooth cog climbing is doable, and you will get stronger. Just this weekend i did 90 miles and 8400ft of climbing. Never needed anything easier.

I bought a 2007 Tarmac Pro frame set last fall. I love the bike it is quick and responsive. I have a 105 triple with a 12-25 cassette. I am chaning the setup to an Ultegra double, after I find my legs!

Another vote for riding both of them -- you can upgrade/switch out components if you want, but picking the wrong frame is a worse position to be in IMO. Only you will know which rides best for you - either is a sweet deal - you have a pretty nice problem on your hands. I ride a Roubaix comp w/105 and love it -- the bike is still plenty fast, it's just not as overtly race-oriented as the Tarmac. I ride lots of hills and like the flexibility I have with my Roubaix.

Thanks again for all of the helpful input. I am going to be test riding both Wed. As far as any big differences between the 2 bikes, I think I will notice any that there may be. However what may be some of the subtle differences I should look for? I am almost certain that with a bike like wine there are things only a true connoisseur would notice.