Roubaix SL4 to debut at Paris-Roubaix
04-07-12, 05:36 PM
#1
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Roubaix SL4 to debut at Paris-Roubaix
https://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/a...aix-sl4-33652/
Specialized keeps on tweaking. I like it.
Specialized keeps on tweaking. I like it.
Originally Posted by bikeradar
Tom Boonen, Sylvain Chavanel, and other members of Omega Pharma-QuickStep will tackle the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix aboard a new bike from team sponsor Specialized. The bike doesn't officially have a name yet, but past convention tells us this will be the next-generation S-Works Roubaix SL4.
Specialized wouldn't divulge details of the new bike, as it's still in the final stages of development. Per UCI rules, bikes not only have to meet the governing body's testing process but it also "has to be presented to the media" so we were shown the new bike, but were not given any details.
Still, visual inspection shows several key changes, most notably yet another evolution of the company's distinctive Zertz viscoelastic dampers inserted into the fork blades and seat stays. They're not only bigger than ever but also plug into new pockets in the frame that maximize surface area contact to more effectively damp vibration. Specialized wouldn't disclose the reasoning behind the new shape but we presume it lends more comfort than the current Roubaix SL3.
Specialized wouldn't divulge details of the new bike, as it's still in the final stages of development. Per UCI rules, bikes not only have to meet the governing body's testing process but it also "has to be presented to the media" so we were shown the new bike, but were not given any details.
Still, visual inspection shows several key changes, most notably yet another evolution of the company's distinctive Zertz viscoelastic dampers inserted into the fork blades and seat stays. They're not only bigger than ever but also plug into new pockets in the frame that maximize surface area contact to more effectively damp vibration. Specialized wouldn't disclose the reasoning behind the new shape but we presume it lends more comfort than the current Roubaix SL3.
04-07-12, 06:01 PM
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Part of me is starting to wonder if there's really anything left to improve in the Roubaix. It's such a fantastic bike already. I'm glad they keep trying.
04-07-12, 09:40 PM
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it gobbles the cobbles...what's not to love?!
04-07-12, 09:47 PM
#4
SuperGimp
The other question is whether we mortals would notice any of the improvements anyway.
04-08-12, 05:25 AM
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Roubaix is such a fantastic commuter as well. I spent a lot of money putting a Thudbuster and balloon tires on an aluminum frame, but it's still not as comfortble as my Roubaix. Just gobbles up the potholes of downtown Boston. And that's only with the entry0-level model; i can hardly imagine how wonderful a high-end version would be...
04-08-12, 05:46 AM
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Only time will tell on the SL4 but the SL3 is quite noticeably stiffer than the SL2...I once owned a 2006 Roubaix Comp and the difference between it and the SL3 was simply night and day. Totally different (in a good way) ride.
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04-08-12, 05:48 AM
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Roubaix is such a fantastic commuter as well. I spent a lot of money putting a Thudbuster and balloon tires on an aluminum frame, but it's still not as comfortble as my Roubaix. Just gobbles up the potholes of downtown Boston. And that's only with the entry0-level model; i can hardly imagine how wonderful a high-end version would be...
Room for improvement? I guess we will see. Maybe there is when riding extreme surfaces but it will be a while before I part with mine. May wait at least 2-3 model changes before going to a new model.
With all this stuff and you guys know this, there is diminishing return. Same applied to the Tarmac that recently changed from SL3 to SL4...a bike said to be considerable stiffer and yet with a softer ride. No doubt all is true...but unless you are a world class rider or have that level of strength, the extra stiffness maybe marginal. Most will appreciate a more friendly ride but if you don't ride roads that expose the benefit, many will be happy on a SL3 maybe with a bit lower tire pressure.
One thing for sure though...Specialized is making some pretty terrific bikes and of course invented the endurance or comfort genre with tall head tube aka the Roubaix which is a godsend for an aging cyclists like me with long legs.
Last edited by Campag4life; 04-08-12 at 06:05 AM.
04-08-12, 06:04 AM
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Specialized wouldn't divulge details of the new bike, as it's still in the final stages of development.
- extra fat tubes on the wheels, and the space there to ride those fat tubes;
- extra damping in the forks;
- extra long wheel base;
- damping pads under the bar tape;
04-08-12, 06:09 AM
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Flemish TV had it on show. And what the new developments boil down to are:
- extra fat tubes on the wheels, and the space there to ride those fat tubes;
- extra damping in the forks;
- extra long wheel base;
- damping pads under the bar tape;
- extra fat tubes on the wheels, and the space there to ride those fat tubes;
- extra damping in the forks;
- extra long wheel base;
- damping pads under the bar tape;
Extra fat tubes?...presume you mean tires?...current Roubaix can already fit 28's...maybe this will grow?
No doubt the biggest change...will be extra damping in the forks...front and rear.
Extra long wheelbase? To me that is concerning. The Roubaix already has a longer wheelbase and I don't want a slower handling bike.
Damping pads under the bar tape is something anybody can do.
04-08-12, 06:22 AM
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Hmmm...if true...believe I will stick with my SL3.
Extra fat tubes?...presume you mean tires?...current Roubaix can already fit 28's...maybe this will grow?
No doubt the biggest change...will be extra damping in the forks...front and rear.
Extra long wheelbase? To me that is concerning. The Roubaix already has a longer wheelbase and I don't want a slower handling bike.
Damping pads under the bar tape is something anybody can do.
Extra fat tubes?...presume you mean tires?...current Roubaix can already fit 28's...maybe this will grow?
No doubt the biggest change...will be extra damping in the forks...front and rear.
Extra long wheelbase? To me that is concerning. The Roubaix already has a longer wheelbase and I don't want a slower handling bike.
Damping pads under the bar tape is something anybody can do.
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04-08-12, 11:49 AM
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(spoiler removed by moderator)
Last edited by CbadRider; 04-08-12 at 12:29 PM. Reason: Removed spoiler
04-08-12, 01:48 PM
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Sorry dude, obviously didn't remember that one.
Last edited by jmccain; 04-08-12 at 01:59 PM.
04-08-12, 03:47 PM
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The front fork and rear chain stay suspension pieces have been improved. Also has a new seat post with a nice suspension thing built in. The press pics from pre race has some good close up shots. Looks great.
04-08-12, 04:43 PM
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SuperGimp
Can somebody call that a spoiler and delete it? Hm?
04-08-12, 04:50 PM
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Well there good news is you should be able to get a better deal on an SL3 next year. Seriously it is a worthy upgrade over what you have...sorry. I always felt like when I would put the power to my Comp it would just vanish...no pop. The SL3 is entirely different. Even though it is smooth as ever when you stomp on it, it goes.
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