bruno2000

So,

All my close friends are now cyclists and I am ready/super-psyched to join the gang and pick up a set of wheels. My LBS has a new 2010 Specialized Roubaix Triple (58 cm) for sale for $1800. It comes with full 105 components (5600 series) and mavic aksium wheels. The fit seems just right, though the same could be said of the 58 Cannondale Synapse and 60 Trek Madone, which all seemed great on a short road test.

Here's a link to the identical bike:
https://bicyclehabitat.com/product/10...le-58152-1.htm

About me: I'm 34 years old. 6'1" 175 lbs. Love endurance sports. Most of my friends go on 40-100 mile rides a few times a week. It's a great crew. They are all very athletic, but it's gonna be for fun and definitely no races anytime soon. So, I'm looking for a comfortable bike for the long haul.

A few questions came to mind:

1) Assuming this is the right fit, is $1800 a great deal? (Obviously, the salesperson at the LBS thinks so). My sister, a former racer, thinks that a triple that's been sitting around for almost 3 years probably has not sold for a reason and to look for something else.
2) I definitely don't need a triple, is it easy/inexpensive to convert it to a double? Is switching from the native configuration a bad idea?
3) The bike comes with 5600 series Shimano 105 components. I've heard great things about the shimano 105s, but a friend suggested that all the good recent buzz has been because of updates in the 5700 series (with a bunch of trickle down improvements from the ultegra). Is the difference significant at all?
4) Any other advice or thoughts? Does this sound like a good bike for me?

Compared to the 2012 model, this looks like a good deal for a bike that fits me well. But, I don't know enough to make intelligent comparisons. Obviously, it's great to find a deal. That being said, I usually spend very little money on myself, so I don't mind splurging a bit on a great bike and could certainly drop a few hundred bucks more if needed for a 2012 model.

Thanks so much!!

Bruno2000

manutd

Well, its a great bike but I wouldn't get a triple if you don't think you'll need it.

1. its not a GREAT deal only Ok
2. its not that easy...it will cost a lot especially if you can't do the work yourself
3. the newest 105 does have ultegra trickle down and are rock solid
4. Get a 2012

the 2012 Elite (105) model is listed at $2750 but you should be able to get $300-500 off of that price or have the equivalent of accessories thrown in (pedals, cages, computer, helmet or shoes etc)

If you get the 2012 down at least $400 then you'd only be spending about $400 for a better bike (IMO) with newer components and a compact double crank which is better then a triple.

2013s are coming out in sept. some are already out now

Larry Nigro

Hello
I just bought a new 2012 Specialized Roubaix Compact with Shimano Tiagra for $1800.00.

jmX

I have my 2010 Roubaix Expert (full Ultegra - compact double crank) for sale for $1400 if you're in SoCal. 58cm. https://jmx.ls1howto.com/pics/cycling/roubaix_800.jpg

1) I paid $1999 for mine which was the store demo bike 2 years ago, so no, $1800 for a 2 year old 105 bike doesn't seem like a steal - but it's not bad I guess.
2) Seems like a hassle, not worth the effort IMO
3) I wouldn't get 5600, because the newer stuff is better/lighter, and the extra visible cables sticking out of the sides of the hoods bug me.
4) I'm 6'1" and was 175lbs when I got my bike, so 58cm is *probably* ok. Hard to go wrong with the Roubaix.

Beaker

1) as others have said, that's a reasonable price. Triples have become less fashionable lately, so that's probably the reason it's not sold and why Specialized doesn't sell them anymore. You might be able to bargain the price down further especially if you buy shoes, pedals etc at the same time.
2) I bought an '07 Roubaix comp triple at the end of '07 which had full 5600 105. It's solid drivetrain and should shift well. I later switched out the drive train with an Ultegra SL compact crank, DA7800 derailleurs, and eventually 7800 shifters. However to switch to a compact double or a regular double, your shifters and derailleurs are already compatible. So it'll cost you the price of the crank + labor. How do you know you won't *need* a triple? Do you live in a hilly area? Starting out they can be useful.
3) see 2)
4) only you will know if it's a good bike for you, but if it fits, you like the ride then it probably is. Given that you want to ride distance/endurance with your friends, that's exactly what the Roubaix was designed for. Do try a couple of different models just to be sure though.


GL

Camilo

Just a couple of random comments, some echoing what's been said.

If you dont' need a triple, no sense getting one. Although, you don't have to use that inner ring if you don't want to. That would leave you with a "conventional double". You could actually remove that ring if you didn't need it or didn't like the looks.

Changing it out for a double will involve probably changing the crank and bottom bracket only. You should check to make sure, but usually triple left shifters work fine with doubles - you just dont' use the last click because the derailleur hits the limit stop before it can go that far.

If you decide to do the swap, it wouldn't be a tough DIY, exept it requires some tools. It would be a cheap (i.e. 1/2 hr shop labor or so). I'd bet you'll get good money for a "new take off" triple crank because people who like triples, like them, and since they're not too common these days, might fetch a decent used price.

All that said, a 2012 Tiagra set up would probably be as good as a 2010 105 and would be ready to go.

bruno2000

Wow!! Thanks for such thoughtful responses.

Since a few people asked about the type of riding I'll be doing, I live in NYC right now, so I don't expect to have any real big climbs (except perhaps an occasional Bear MTN trip).

From what I've heard, I am probably going to pass up on 2010 Roubaix triple for 2 main reasons:

1) It's probably not worth the effort to convert to a double
2) The newer components sound like they are significantly improved

The good news is that I have a pretty good sense of the sort of size/geometry that seems to fit me. I'll take a look at the 2012 models with 105s. (I also test road the Roubaix Elite with SRAM Rival components. Any thoughts on the 105s vs Rival? At least in NYC, there are no sales on 2012 Specialized. I'd like to pick something up soon, but am travelling for most of August, so maybe it makes sense to wait until I get back late August.

(PS, Jmx, that's a SWEET bike...too bad you live all the way in SoCal).