bobonker

I've got my eye on both of these frames. I can get a much better deal on the Tarmac frame, but am a bit concerned about the ride quality vs the Roubaix.

Has anyone ridden both? Local Specialized dealer doesn't have either one to demo.

On paper, the Roubaix is a better fit for me. I had back surgery last year and the taller head tube of the Roubaix is more conducive to my max bar drop of ~2".

Some numbers (all bikes are size 54cm)
Current bike: Top tube = 54.9cm, head tube = 15.0 cm + 20mm of spacers under my stem
Roubaix: Top tupe = 54.8cm, head tube = 16.5 cm
Tarmac: Top tube = 54.8cm, head tube = 14.5 cm

There are a bunch of uphill time trials that I'm planning on competing in later this year. However, I'd like something reasonably comfortable for longer rides.

Thanks,
Bob

Essex

I've ridden both. The Roubaix felt more comfortable than the Tarmac. That said - I have a Tarmac because I liked the aggressive geometry and knew that over time (and improvement) the relaxed geometry of the Roubaix would eventually bug me.

Additionally, I had a BG FIT done and my technician tricked out the Tarmac to really fit my physiology. The FIT was the best investment ever and I've not had physiological issues during longer rides. In fact the Tarmac is far more comfortable overall than a Giant hybrid that has relaxed geometry.

revchuck 

Bob - Two choices (IMO): Go with the 54cm Roubaix, or the 56cm Tarmac with a 20mm shorter stem. The 56 cm Tarmac has a 170mm headtube, and a 20mm shorter stem would get you about the same reach as you have now.

Of the two choices above, I'd go with the Roubaix. In your description of what kind of riding you'll be doing, either bike would work, but the Roubaix comes much closer to what fits you now. I'd rather have that option than save a little on a bike that's not optimal.

Having said that, last year about this time I need a reasonably priced - read aluminum - frame to replace the CAAD9 that didn't fit me. I bought an Allez E5 frameset (same geometry as the Tarmac), went up a size from 58cm to 61cm, and went from a 110mm stem to a 90mm stem. It fits, and I've ridden a few thousand miles on it with no complaints, but I would've been happier on a 58cm Secteur frameset...except Specialized doesn't offer them.

Campag4life

The SL3 Roubaix is a bike you can race if that is your objective. I just built a
'12 SL3 Roubaix Pro with Campy. Very few miles on it because of winter but...a great bike. I ride pretty big miles and only race casually with my friends...but the Roubaix is plenty stiff enough and descends fearlessly.
I will say that it does not have the super quick handling of a Tarmac which many will prefer. A bike is really about choices and no bike is all things. You won't find the comfort of a Roubaix on another road bike...but its laid out angles is what gives it its comfort and the same thing what won't allow it to turn as quickly as a bike with more up and down angles like the Tarmac. Perhaps the most uncanny aspect of the Roubaix is...it feels super stiff and yet is undisturbed by rough road surfaces. Most race bikes I have ridden this stiff make you pay big time on rough road. Almost unreal how good the Roubaix is in stiffness to ride quality...but the give up again is lack of quick handling. Since I ride mostly in a straight line it doesn't matter to me if a bike is borderline nervous in handling. The Roubaix goes where you point it and I can turn it as sharply or lay it over as I need.
You really should try to ride them both to decide.
I like a bike I can ride aggressively or passively on any road surface with tires pumped up hard for low rolling resistance and it won't hurt my wrists...why I built up a Roubaix. The other reason is the riding position. With my long legs the Roubaix allows me to ride like guys with shorter legs and longer torso on a more square geometry. I prefer very little drop which is almost impossible with long legs on a square geometry frame.
Both great bikes but different.

paulfeng

There are individual reviews, and a comparative review, of these SL3's on redkiteprayer.

EDIT: wait, sorry, the comparison was not between the SL3's. Oops.

king-tony

If I were a sprinter, primarily raced crits, or needed a short head tube I would go with the Tarmac. Otherwise, the Roubaix is the way to go. I tried both and went with the Roubaix. I did not feel the Tarmac SL3 was any stiffer than the Roubaix when I tested. The Roubaix is slower to turn, but by no means a bad handling bike. For context I went from a Scott Addict to the Roubaix and do not feel like I have given much up as my primary race bike.

echotraveler

both can be fast. if you have back issues Roubaix is the way to go.

Im young and have NO issues, ride with an animal, try to be an animal and the frame exceeds my thrill meter (fast and safe). i feel pretty cool around any other high end bike, if that matters at all.

bobonker

Thanks for the feedback.

Stopped by another Specialized dealer on the way home. They had both bikes in their inventory when I called on the phone (the red test bikes), but the Roubaix was mysteriously missing when I got there. I'll have to come back another day.

The LBS owner was really big on the Madone 5.5. He said it has been his best selling bike/frame recently. Looks like a nice setup (other than the "Trek" logo in every possible spot) but that frameset will be way out of my price range.

Bob

Gummee

Had a Roubaix. HT was too long for me so I sold it. Otherwise, something that stiff shouldn't ride that smooth.

I kept the longer HS spacer 'cause I'm gonna bet the next owner doesn't want to ride it like Ricky Racer

M

Trsnrtr

I own a 2011 Roubaix Pro SL3 and have ridden the other for just a half mile or so. The Tarmac felt fine to me other than the owner had the bars really slammed and I prefer them a little higher (I'm 60 and arthritic). I prefer my Pro SL3 but I think I could ride the Tarmac without any problems.

bobonker

Well, crap. I found a store that was clearing out their 2011 frames, but they cannot ship them. I'm on the west coast and they're on the east coast. Deal breaker.

The local LBS said that they'd make me a screaming deal on their 2011 Roubaix SL3 test bike, but I'm not a real fan of the color and already have a groupset ready to go. They can get me the 2012 frame, but it's another $600 on top of the 2011 one that I found.

I found this one, but the guy is in the UK, took the bike with him, etc. Uh huh. Sure, buddy.

https://houston.backpage.com/SportsEq...ze-54/12725138

Bob