BzBrian

I currently ride a 2011 SL3 Specialized Roubaix Expert with a full Ultegra set but I feel that the frame isn't aggressive enough so I'm looking for a frame much like the S. Tarmac where I can lean lower on the drops and be more aerodynamic.

What frame would you recommend to me that's under $3k?

Thanks!

wkg

specialized frames are so aggressive that they will sue, maim and then kill any person, animal or small bike manufacturer that stands in their way.

wkg

if you get one you will probably win several crits

eippo1

I have a 2011 Tarmac sl3 for sale in the classifieds. Would ride similarly to your roubaix, but is more aggressive.

Out-The-Back

What's not aggressive enough? What are you looking to do? You could always "flip it", remove spacers, or buy a new stem and save yourself $2970-$3000. Having not seen your bike or your fit, and having no idea what you're looking to do with the bike, it's a bit hard to make a recommendation.

antmeeks

Courtesy of the Slammed Stems thread:

Beaker

It sounds as though you're looking for a bike with a shorter head tube first and foremost. What size frame is your Roubaix? You could compare the head tube size for your current bike with the same size Tarmac and then go shopping from there.

In my frame size (54) it looks as though the Roubaix has a 165 HT, compared to a 145 for the Tarmac. A CAAD 10 has a 140 HT in the same frame size, depending on what kind of riding your into, and assuming you didn't want to find a lower spec Tarmac I'd check out the 10-3 Ultegra or 10 - 4 Rival and by some nice wheels.

BzBrian

Sorry, I don't really know much about bikes - but I do ride a lot. My frame size is 58cm and what I really want is to lower the handlebars a bit so I can drop down to be more aerodynamic. How would I go about doing this?

wkg

flip it and slam it

Beaker

Two things to do:

1) if your stem (the tube that connects the bars to the steerer tube) is pointing up, try removing it and rotating it 180 degrees so that it points downwards. This would be the legendary "flip it" move.

2) do you have spacers underneath your stem? (little discs of plastic/carbon fiber) if so you can remove the stem, remove the spacers, replace your stem and put the spacers back on top. This will lower the entire stem/bar assembly.

antmeeks

Ahem.... As I posted earlier, the Slammed Stems thread.

Out-The-Back

"A lot" is a relative term. I ride on average 15 hours a week...that tells you something. Second, we still know nothing about your bike setup and it sounds like you don't either. Post a pic, I'll bet you get more advice than you want and it will actually give us the info we need to be helpful. BTW, you can always bend your arms at the elbows.

Kind of Blued

Seriously, unless your sternum is already touching your stem, bend your friggin' elbows.

canam73

To add to beaker's comments, even if your stem is flipped you could replace it with higher angle stem, too.

rat fink

I rode for years on a bike that was the right size for most people my height, but not aggressive enough, and found myself in the drops most of the time (probably about 70%). When I got a smaller frame with a low stack height, I was instantly more comfortable and could ride longer ...and faster.

SlimRider

This Fuji might improve your performances:



The Fuji Altamira 3.0 ~ 105 @ $2,530


Of course, this Kestrel is just a touch better from bikesdirect.com



The Kestrel RT 800 ~ Dura Ace @ $2,700

- Slim

PS.

Assuming a more aerodynamic posture is not nearly as important as building up your leg and butt muscles. I've seen guys on cheap hybrids, beat guys with high end road bikes!

You've got a nice bike. Just rebuild the engine!

slims_s

Are you already running a -17 stem slammed into the headset?

StanSeven

There's a lot more with a more agressive bike than the Roubaix than just the headtube height. For example the Tarmac has a full degree steeper seatube angle in a size 56, a wheelbase that's 24 mm shorter, 10 mm shorter chainstays, and huge difference between the forks rake and trail.

Why not test ride a Tarmac and see how you like it?

ColinL

+1

I seriously doubt it. I would keep the Roubaix and just change the stem. If a 120mm -17 stem isn't adequate then you need to go pro.

echotraveler

Cannondale EVO!

Brian Ratliff

Obviously the internets are in a bit of a huff over this question. I mean seriously, who would ever need to get more aerodynamic on a bike, right?

There are a few things you can do without buying a new frame. You can choose a stem angled -17 degrees to get the bars lower. You can get a longer stem, stretching you out and effectively getting you lower. There might be something to do about the headset stack (the stackup of spacers between the top bearing of the fork and the bottom of the stem). You can probably drop your bars an inch or so using methods like these.

If you are intent on a new frame or bike, then most offerings by most manufacturers are pretty good. Look at the literature from the manufacturers and find the "pro-fit" or "race fit" or whatever BS language they use to set a race frame apart from touring/recreational riding frames. Bike shops are great at this type of question and won't throw ridicule your way like what happens on the internets.

Brian Ratliff

Dude, not helpful.

pablosnazzy

when has not being helpful ever mattered?

rat fink

Most riots.

Into_the_wind

You could always get a 2009 CAAD9 (which many hold in higher esteem than the CAAD10) frame and build it up. I've tried the Tarmac and I thought it wasn't responsive enough for my needs. Be aware though the CAAD9s do take a lot of effort to ride smoothly esp when tired.