I've been thinking about getting a new road bike. I currently have a steel framed cyclocross and like the ride. Stopped by an LBS to see what was available in a lighter steel road bike.

The salesman, who seemed knowledgeable, immediately tried to talk me out of steel and into a carbon Specialized Roubaix Comp. He said it was the best combination of speed and comfort available for the price (~$2200).

They didn't have one anywhere close to my size so I couldn't test ride it. But this also tells me that the salesman wasn't just trying to get rid of old stock.

What's your opinion of this bike and how does carbon fiber compare to steel?

https://www.specialized.com/SBCBkMode...ujwkbkf.j27009

I just did a long century (120 miles) on a Roubaix elite and had a great time.
If that means anything to you, there were several articles about the Roubaix Comp in the June or July issue of Bicycling magazine, they pretty much echoed what your salesman told you.. speed and comfort.
The 2004 elite is not full carbon, so I cannot even imagine how comfy the 2004 Comp is...
Before you buy, check out the 2005 Roubaix... they look even better....

i saw an '04 Specialized Roubaix Comp at Hudson Trail Outfitters for $1750 a few weeks ago. just so's you know that there are deals to be had for under $2200 if you decide to go that route.

I have had an '05 Specialized Roubaix base model for a little over a week and have logged over 150 miles. It's an aluminum frame with carbon fork and seat stays. I have never ridden a steel bike, but it was significantly more comfortable than the Trek 1500 and 2200 and Lemond Tourmalet that I test rode. No complaints yet.

I have about 300 miles on my new 04 Roubaix Pro and I'm still checking to see if the tires are low on pressure, it rides that smooth and is still plenty stiff. Had a a 15 year old steel Specialized Allez for my compairison. It is my dream bike!

I've put over 3,000 miles on an '04 Roubaix Comp and have nothing negative to say about the bike. I changed the wheel set at the time of purchase and recently changed the saddle. The frame itself is light, smooth, and very fast.

for that price, you might want to look into a trek 5200

melloboy

The salesman is right. I just picked up a Giant OCR Elite which has an Aluminum main triangle, carbon rear triangle and carbon fork. I had test road some steel bikes, '04 Bianchi Eros and an '03 Campione, and honestly I'd say the OCR Elite with the carbon/al combination was a much smoother ride than the steel bikes. Plus there was less frame flex from pedaling. I can only imagine a full carbon frame would be even smoother. However there may be more flex. I'd suggesting taking an OCR Elite for a spin however they are in demand and might be hard to find.

I'll second Ralph turney I have about 300 miles in two weeks on mine and can't wait to get lights so I can ride at night after I get home from work.

I dig my baseline '04 Robaix, and Robaix Comp is b*tch*n looking but get what you can afford or need, want?
I have seen Giant TCR comp for less though at my LBS in the N. Broward area.

The Mac

I am riding an Ultegra version of a Roubaix Pro and really like it. The geometry of the bike fits me extremely well which is mostly what sold me. I've had it for exactly one month with a little over 600 miles on it and could not be more pleased.

*** thread jack***

What LBS do you use in N. Broward?

*** return to thread ***

By all means, jack away! Inquiring minds (in W. Broward) want to know.

Thanks to everybody for the input!

That's something that concerns me. My legs are considerably (proportionally) longer than my torso. The specs seem to indicate that the Roubaix has a proportionally longer "virtual" top tube; it may not be right for me.

How would you describe the frame geometry and fit?

Yeah, I'm the same as Chop, and am hankering for a Roubaix. Am I out of luck as well?

You should just test ride one. I'm pretty sure that Cy at Mega Cycle in Weston has a 58 and possibly a 56 cm in stock.

Thanks!

Bicycle Generations. I saw that they had a couple of Giant TCRs
marked way down... size I don't know? They also had a few
Robaix Comps did not see if they were maked down though.
Give them a call see what they got.

Ask for Leo, Mike or Jeremy.

Bicycle Generations
1346 E. Hillsboro Blvd.
Deerfield Bch, FL
954-4271484

I'll check them out. Thanks.