Hello - I have a Roubaix right now. Group rides are tough and I get dropped on hills and generally have a hard time keeping up. I know that I would be much faster with one of the better S-works specialized bikes. So, for keeping up with the group and doing faster rides is the S-works Roubaix or the S-works Tarmac better?

My LBS says they can order one in my size.

Do you now?

Let me be the first to suggest "it's not about the bike".

Still you can't beat retail therapy to give you more motivation to work hard at engine improvement. If you keep your current Roubaix, then I'd get a Tarmac just to add some variety.

Here's a hint:

It's not about the bike.




--edit--

beat to the punch.

Really, buying both is the only logical way to go.

Its your wheels.

It's not the bike. An S-Works will not magically make you "much faster." If that's all it took, everyone out there on the same bike would go the same speed.

Are you doing hill repeats? Lap workouts? Intervals? Perhaps investing in a trainer for a month or two? These are all things that will help you go faster. And are much less expensive.

Sorry, an s-works isn't going to help you keep up with the group and save you from getting dropping on hills.

The only way you are going to get faster is to push yourself harder on your rides and ride more often. Just try your hardest to keep up with the group and don't worry about getting dropped, you just have to make sure you are pushing yourself. Sooner or later you will start to keep up with them.

Of course, if you just want to drop coin on a new bike, then by all means, go for it.

As everyone else said, work on yourself first, that is the most important. The bike comes second.

I've got a Roubaix (expert) and a Tarmac (comp) and I'm equally slow on both (I get dropped on the hills every tues. night). Of course, neither bike is an S-works, so maybe I just need to upgrade so I can be fast. But seriously, the main difference I feel between the 2 bikes is the handling (Roubaix is less twitchy) and the ride. The Roubaix is smoother on chip seal, etc., but I don't think the Tarmac is harsh or anything. I don't have enough power to feel any difference in power transfer/frame flex, but the Tarmac has the edge in theory. There are also some significant differences in frame geometry, including a much shorter head tube on the Tarmac. Make sure this will work with the saddle/bar drop you are looking for.

If it's not a lot of $ for you, I say buy the Tarmac since you already have a Roubaix. It won't make you immediately faster, but it might shame you into working a little harder (who wants to be the slow guy on an s-works afterall?). If you want to get faster/stronger and don't already have a powermeter for training, then I'd say buy a powertap wheel before buying another bike. Or help the economy and buy both...

You should get a power meter...

it is scientific fact that buying/looking PRO channels your inner PRO and makes you faster. don't forget the sidi's

A Roubaix is a pretty nice bike.

I can tell you that getting a new bike won't help you from getting dropped on the hills. You'll probably want to focus more on yourself. If you can lose weight, it will definitely help. Weight savings help on hills, especially the steeper it gets. However working on your legs will help even more. You need to get used to pushing yourself for longer periods of time. The way to improve this is to practice it by doing intervals, hills, or riding hard.

An S-Works bike will probably be lighter, and definitely stiffer. However it's not going probably not make too much of a difference. Also losing weight off the bike is expensive, and it's easier to lose weight off yourself (if you can).

I did a group ride on my 1989 Bianchi Brava. On the hills I would normally be in the middle of the pack, or back a bit. The next week I got my carbon bike built up. However that's when I started riding. I was able to keep with the front of the pack.
Was it because of the bike?
It probably helped, but I was also in better shape the 3rd time around when I got my new bike working. I feel like I could take ride my Bianchi and still be at the front of the pack now.

S-Works frames don't have hidden little rocket packs on the chainstays?

It be nice to read of your training process and current physical condition…something measurable…type of group ride, skills of the group, the typical course, altitude gains along with your average speed, watts, sustained pace/cadence…something.

I’m guessing you are new to this…and that’s okay…as with more miles and seasoning you’ll understand the specious concept that the bike makes the rider...and why I'm not answering your question directly as I'm confident your problem is not with the bike.

Immediate gains over that of plunking down money for a sworks [or whatever higher end] would be your physical condition [strength to weight, training program, coach if necessary] and that of a professional bike fitting [see Serotta, the Fit Kit, Retul, Bike Fit Systems, Specialized’s 3D Advanced BG Road Fit] along with focus on your pre & post ride as well as "on-saddle" nutrition.

Start smaller. No need to get spanked each ride. Get into a no-drop group ride and work up your pacing and speed over longer hauls as you build strength. From there learn techniques of speed and maintaining pace with advanced group rides.

New bikes, components, wheels will come as the margins between first and second place interest you…otherwise, don’t spend more money on a higher end bike until you can ride your current bike comfortably in the first quarter of a good group. Ride well.

shhhhhhhhhh

Oh to answer your question, the Tarmac. Only because it is race oriented with a more aggressive geometry. This probably includes a shorter headtube, shorter wheelbase, steeper angles. This allows you to be more aero and turn faster.

However having a Roubaix may be better if you're doing a long ride or high climbing. The more relaxed geometry, will help you stay fresh and along with things like the Zertz inserts which will cut down on vibration.

Turning: Seems like the Tarmac might give more options, if you need to change your line in the case of a crash or a previously unforeseen obstacle. The Roubaix turns well, but once committed kind of wants to hold on to its line.

I spoke to the Executive Champion of Sales at Specialized and he says that the S-works Roubaix is slightly overstocked right now, hence it's the faster bike and you should buy it immediately. Prices (might) go up next week!

Disclaimer: whichever bike you get, you will still be DEFEATED by me.

www.gocycle.com (and remove the 20mph speed limiter).

Kidding aside I think different frames give yo a different experience of ride rather than make you a bunch faster.

Have an electric motor installed in your seat tube, you know, like the Italian racer in a previous post. It will take care of those hills and make the other riders want to upgrade frames.

Just kidding. Unfortunately, the only way to get faster is to work harder and train. I'm trying to find another way that doesn't involve as much hard work to get fast but haven't had any luck.

I have watched a lot f youtube vids and the professionals all seem to be on Tarmacs - except for the rougher road. The S-works seems to be the main difference speed wise.

Maybe a combination of the S-works Tarmac, some good pep talks and restricting to 4 pies per week will solve the problem.

A lighter bike does have its advantages and if you can afford it, why not?

Get the Tarmac S-works, much more aggressive frame , lighter, stiffer, better power transfer, and you will notice better acceleration. Requires slightly less effort when varrying speeds, also when climbing which means less fatigue. Everyone here wishes they can have a lighter more expensive bike. A nicer bike will want you to ride it more and eventually get faster and faster. Get it and feel the power of the S-works under you as it propels you past your friends!

You guys are gullible, pretty sure this is a troll post.