I'm close to getting my first real road bike (as soon as I'm back from vacation in a week). Only one more test ride at the LBS. I have decided on the Roubaix over the Synapse, as Specialized/C'dale are the two lines our excellent shop carries. Just waiting to get them in there in the proper size to try, they only had a HUGE base Roubaix and one size down in the Elite. Any thoughts on the Roubaix base model with aluminum frame versus the step up Elite? I will get the three chain ring model, this is for fitness mostly. Any thoughts on the components and the outfitting? I know, I know, ride them both and feel them and choose the better one. But honest to God I rode 5-6 bikes so far and can't tell a real difference, maybe because I'm inexperienced,but also because I have a parking lot to try them in. Not the same as spending serious seat time with a bike.

You should try to ride the bikes on a road and not a parking lot. Once on the road be sure to get into a riding position with your hands in the drops and on the hoods. Do some accelarations, turns and braking with the bike at speed. You want to get the feel of how the bike will work for you while riding at normal speed. Sitting up and riding around a parking lot at 10 mph is no way to test out a bike. The LBS should be able to put you in the right sized bike and make it fit you. The all carbon bike will be a little more comfortable on long rides. Componets on both bikes will be good as they are not cheap bikes. If the bikes have Shimano 105's or Ultrega you'll be fine for years. Think about when you might be getting your next bike, if its soon then go with the cheaper bike. If you plan to put several thousand miles a year on the bike, race it, and intend to keep it for 4 or 5 years then get the more expensive bike. Which ever bike you choose, be satisfied with it, and don't look back on your decision.

Thanks Jet. I do not plan on buying another bike for a while (we know how that usuallyworks out). The LBS owner said that with either bike he didn't think I'd need to upgrade anything, but perhaps the biggest bang for the buck would be to get new wheels (not sure what difference a wheel can make). He seemed to indicate that wheels are the areas where I could shed weight and would actually feel a difference. Both come with 105 components, but the Elite has a little better outfit, not sure exactly yet. Can't wait to get back there to try them out again.

Every shop will tell you wheels would be the first upgrade. Because if you plan on upgrading to a higher component set or frame, then a new bike is a better option since the prices are dropped to be included with the full bike package.

So if you think you'll be completely happy with 105 for a long time, then go for it and upgrade the wheels, otherwise think about spending a little more for slightly better stock wheels and a higher group set.

Enjoy it, whatever you get

I don't see any reason whatsoever why you wouldn't be happy with either one, and that you would have to upgrade anything is a pile of bull. Sure, there's no end to the money that can be spent, but is it really necessary? I have to admit I have what was a fairly expensive bike when I got it (10 years ago), but really, I was just as happy riding a cheaper entry-level Peugeot I had before that. I'm not personally sold on whether a carbon-fibre plastic frame is much of an improvement. I like metal and I like the Roubaix model. If I had to buy a new bike, I think that's what I would go for if I couldn't afford a new lugged steel frame, but I think I would be more than satisfied with the plain one rather than the carbon frame. I had 105 components once, and as a very experienced non-racing road rider, I don't see why anyone would actually need any better than that.

I rode the Roubaix Elite Triple carbon and the aluminum one with the carbon stays and forks. I felt the difference and bought the carbon. I read where Specialized is focusing more on carbon bikes than the aluminum. I don't think they could give up on aluminum, because of entry level bicycles. People have to start somewhere. Anyway that's what I read, but I'm very happy with my carbon bike.

Thanks folks. I did some research online here, and the two bikes have the exact component setup (according to their website and if it doesn't change). Given the $400 difference, I'll likely go for the aluminum and the extra money towards a new helmet and shorts.

By the way, why don't they ever list weights of these bikes as outfitted? Wondering which was lighter, and by how much.

Just wondering how you chose the Roubaix over the Synapse, since you say you can't really tell the difference while riding. Whatever criteria (criterion?) you are using, apply it to these two bikes.

Hey darkstar. I just didn't feel a huge difference in the bikes, the only thing is I felt a little more "racy" in the Roubaix, maybe it was the angles? I liked the looks a little more. Nothing real solid, the Roubaix was a little smoother in the shifting maybe. Sorry to be vague.

Were it me, I think the carbon frame, and the accompanying comfort that will come with it, would be well worth the $400. Aluminum, especially on a relatively low-end frame (note that Specialized really doesn't offer any high end aluminum frames anymore) can get real painful on the longer rides.

You can remove the spacer that the synapse comes with to get lower and make it more racey.

I was in the same situation as you were last year. I took both bikes out for a ride and liked the carbon elite better. However, did not know if it warranted the difference in price. I chose to just suck it up and buy the carbon frame as it seems to always burn me when I try to save a little and dont go with truly what i want. Went to one of the LBS and they had the elite on sale for $1450 and the alum frame one for $1250. With the gap closed the decision was far easier and I scored the carbon framed elite. I have no regrets what so ever. Did a metric century and the bike was comfortable the entire ride and I was able to pump out a pretty good pace. The components are 105s and have worked great for me so far, and the reseach i have done on the wheel set (as everyone has told me as well the first thing to upgrade is wheelset), though a little heavy, are supposedly very durable and good wheels...surely something i can ride on for a couple of years until my milage and speed gets to a point where the wheel set may actually slow me down. With that said, you cant go wrong with either bike. I really enjoy my Roubaix and it was instrumental in turning a recreational activity into an obsession...I love to ride now. Good luck with your purchase...and i too liked the feel and ride of the Roubaix over the C-dales and treks i tried...cant really explain it either...but once i road the roubaix the only queston was which model. Again, you cant go wrong with either and here is to years of good riding.

In that case, I think you should find the same with the carbon bike. I compared the Synapse and Roubaix as well, and found just the opposite of you. No big deal there. Lots of people go one way or the other. The Synapse is really a race frame with some spacers though. I definitely feel a stiffer bb and triangle when pedaling hard, but again, style, fit, it is all subjective.

If those are what you are going after though, get the carbon Roubaix over the Aluminum.

As someone else noted, ride them for several miles each.