seizetheday

I am trying to decide which bike to buy. All bikes are new. The contenders are:
1. 2008 Roubaix SL - full Dura Ace with Roval 322x wheels
2. 2010 Roubaix Pro - (built per factory specs) SRAM Red and Force components with Roval Fusee SL wheels
3. Custom build - 2009 Roubaix SL2 module. I can spec all components and wheels. This will be the most expensive option assuming I use a comparably priced wheelset to options 1 or 2, but is only a consideration as I can buy the module at a good price.

Again, options 1 and 2 will cost me approximately the same price. I figure option 3 will cost approximately $1000 more than the other options. I don't know if there is a significant difference between the '08 SL frame and the 2010 Pro frame. I realize the '08 frame is a higher modulus carbon, but don't know if other improvements/changes to the frame make the 2010 Pro frame a better option.

I have been trying to get as much info as I can to make an informed decision. I sure would appreciate any input you may have.....maybe then I can get a good night's sleep again! Thanks for reading.

garysol1 

Forget about option one. Old style of construction. Bike will be heavier and not as stiff in the BB as the newer models.
Dollar for dollar I would say option 2 is the best choice. The carbon quality is only second to the SL2 and the construction methods are the same. I asked the same basic question to one of the SBCU Tech Professors at Specialized a few months back and as soon as I can find his response I will post it here.

EDIT: Below is the response...Keep in mind 09's and 10's are unchanged

My question to him then his response....


What do you consider to be the better frame in the Roubaix line....
2008 S-Works with 10r and AZ-1 construction
or
2009 Pro with 9r and IS construction
What is more important to the over stiffness and ride quality of the frame.....is it carbon "quality" or construction method?
Thanks
Gary


Gary,
Good to hear from you.
This is an interesting question…
The two frames have some differences that make it difficult to say one is better than the other. It all depends on the feature that you are interested in maximizing.
Weight: It is likely that the 08 frame is slightly lighter, than the 09. We would have to weigh them to be certain…
Ride quality: The ride quality should be very nearly identical. The geometries are identical and the bike is designed to be supple all day long, there is not an appreciable difference here.
Stiffness: This is the big difference between the two bikes. The Lateral stiffness of the ’09 at the BB is around 12% stiffer. The rear triangle is also stiffer laterally as is the front triangle. This is really due to FACT IS construction which allows us to build the bike a little differently and improve the torsional rigidity. What does this mean for you? If you are heavy, really aggressive on the bike, or very powerful, you may appreciate the additional torsional rigidity of the 09 when sprinting, or cornering hard. If you are lightweight, not racing your buddies through every turn and light on the pedals, you may not need that extra torsional rigidity or notice the difference.
My personal preference would be to the 09 frame, I weigh 210, like to at least pretend that I’m racing and really try and push the bike through the corners.
I hope that this helps, please let me know if you have more questions.

johnybutts

FWIW - I have Tarmac Pro .

I believe the Pro is now the SL.

The only thing I would say for certain is that I would NOT bother with an SL2. It simply is not necessary. the Pro frame is SUPER light and SUPER stiff. SL2 is overkill for pretty much everyone... umd has Pro SL2 and might chime in.

garysol1 

I think your confusing the Tarmac and the Roubaix......OP is asking about Roubaix's

johnybutts

Is the Pro Roubaix not an SL? I think it is, and Specialized's website doesnt say anything else. I dont have a roubaix, but from my experience with Tarmacs SL2 is unnecessary and the Pro is the new SL.

garysol1 

Yes it is.....That is not what you said though.

You said the Pro is now the SL implying that they were two different models and then you said UMD has a SL2 and might chime in. UMD has a Tarmac so I kind of doubt he will be much help when the OP is asking about Roubaixs. Not a big deal.....Maybe I just read your reply wrong.

johnybutts

Yeah, it's not a big deal, I mean the guy already has his heart set on a roubaix, I was just trying to give some insight into the three roubaix options he's looking at. I don't have a roubaix so I was trying to give my perspective of the next best thing - the tarmac.

OP: I'm only talking about specialized's options - not specifically the roubaix.

Better? =)

akansaskid

I would offer that maybe 2% of Roubaix owners could tell the difference in the frames in a blindfold test. If you're in that 2%, get the best frame you can afford; if not, pick the color you like. I would think the biggest difference would be if you're a Shimano or a SRAM fan.

I started with a Roubaix Elite frame that Specialized upgraded to a Roubaix Pro when the head tube on the Elite developed a small crack at 8100 miles. I'm not a 2%-er; both frames felt great to me!

Any Specialized expert can explain the differences in the frames you're considering. Will you be able to tell the difference? That's your call. Any of the three options will yield you a great bike. I say pick the component set you like, buy the bike, and enjoy it!

fastev

One other option may be to go with the 2010 Roubaix Pro frameset. I wanted Campy so that's how I went. SL frame, super light and very rigid. As said above, I think anyone would be very hard pressed to notice the difference between the SL and SL2 frames; well, other than spending twice the money...

garysol1 

Specialized still has some left over 2009 SL2 frame sets available to S-Works dealers. They are on closeout pricing so if you want the SL2, now is the time

seizetheday

OK, I appreciate that feedback. I was really leaning toward the Pro so that's the way to go. Now, the question is whether to buy a 2010 frameset (my LBS said there are no '09 Pro framesets or complete bikes left in a 52cm, only the SL2 module) and build or buy the complete bike and change out for wider handlebars, stem and possibly saddle. I am happy with the SRAM components on the complete bike, so it just boils down to price. Any experience with building and expense vs. buying a factory build would be helpful.
Thanks again for reading.

fastev

Didn't know that...

My LBS is selling the 2010 Pro w/Sram for $3900. I paid $1500 out the door for the frameset, $800 for a Centaur Carbon groupset, and $500 for custom built wheels. I already had the bars, stem, and saddle. I'd say I came out ahead...

Still waiting on my new wheels to arrive.

FlashBazbo

You are right about this one, Gary. Mine will make its maiden voyage on Christmas Eve, weather permitting. (I will install the chain and adjust the derailleurs tonight.) Beautiful frameset at a great price.

garysol1 

Looking forward to seeing the finished build!

garysol1 

Just checked the warehouse. In 52cm Roubaix's here is what is available...

There is one Roubaix SL2 module available in gloss carbon/white. The module includes Frame, Fork, headset, seatpost and crank with BB30 bottom bracket. There are quite a few 54's still available in frameset only.