Roubaix dilemma...
 

I'm fortunate to be able to look for a new-to-me (or maybe new) bike. I did test rides over the last 4 weeks including the C'dale Synapse, Trek Domane, Ridley Fenix and Cervelo R3. All right in my price range for the 105 builds (except the Ridley, which is Ultegra).

This weekend I rode a Roubaix Expert and fell in love. I've coveted Roubaixs for a long time and everything I hoped for was in the ride. Turns out I can get a screaming deal on one but I'll be spending a bit more than I was planning.

Here's my dilemma...

Now that I've settled on a Roubaix, I've been looking over the used market. I looks like I can pick up a 2-3 year old in the same carbon level as the Expert I rode and save substantial money. THEN...I can buy the Ultegra 6800 groupset, a new set of wheels and transfer everything off the used Roubaix onto my other steel bike for a complete upgrade, while upgrading the Roubaix frameset to the latest groupset.

I know I won't have the frame warranty but I'll get the complete update of my current bike and spend about the same amount of money as buying new.

If I buy the 2014 Roubaix, my other bike remains the mutt that it is for at least another year.

Oh, what to do.

How much is "a bit"? 5%? 10%? More?

It will be hard for us to help you with what amounts to a cost/benefit decision.

A lot comes down to how much you trust the seller of the used carbon frame you would buy. Some will argue that used carbon frames are inherently risky since there can be damage that is difficult to assess prior to purchase.

Based on what I have read on this forum, many are happy to misrepresent a frame condition in order to sell it. Shame on those that would do that... but it happens.

Honest folks sell bikes too; not all carbon bikes have been abused.

Others will argue that a used bike (or car or boat or...) is a great value since you get essentially the same thing as the new bike but at much lower cost.

If you are buying sight-unseen via auction or online list sites, then you will need to have your radar set to sensitive mode to evaluate the seller.

If you can find one locally, that is somewhat easier. If you can buy from somebody you know, then even better.

I bought a used Roubaix sight-unseen from a CL seller on the other side of the country, and it had been a joy. It was in as-new condition and I saved a ton of money. But not everybody has had such a good experience.

Pay your money and take your choice!

If you have a Roubaix with Ultegra and new wheels, I seriously doubt you wll ride your old bike much. So the question is do you want a new bike with complete warranty or a used bike and a fixed up older one that doesn't get ridden?

Get the bike you want; sell the old one. Otherwise you are buying a compromise.

Get it. What are you waiting for??

(says the guy with a 2013 Roubaix with Ultegra 6700).

Also, nothing beats that new bike smell.

It's up to you ... obviously a warranty is a nice thing to have. I tend to update either the group or the frame when I feel the need so my last two changes have involved previously-loved frames (both Roubaix too). My current ride is a 2012 SL3 Expert (threaded BB thank you very much) and it's been perfect. It was a very large upgrade from my 2007 Roubaix and I have no current urges to upgrade it at all. I think I got the frame for $1136 on fleabay, which is obviously significantly less than a bare frame would have cost from Specialized, so the lack of warranty isn't bothering me.

Did you check if the frame specs changed from 2-3 years ago? I know the entry level 2012 Roubaix is fairly different than the current one - slower handing mostly (which for me is actually a plus, I don't like the ultra twitchy handling on the latest Roubaix, but for you it might be a drawback).

I also think the latest Ultegra is better at shifting than the older Ultegra, based on the shifting quality from bikes I've been test riding recently.

If it was me, I'd just buy the newest one that I was head over heels for, knowing that it was exactly what I wanted right now and not risk getting different handling/geometry.

Go for it, biking is worth the expense.

Thanks for the input guys. If the deal on the new bike stays in place, then that's how I'll go. After riding the other options, I was shocked how perfect the Roubaix felt after the first few pedal strokes. I rode around the parking lot first just to make sure they had set it up per my specs and there was one moment where I applied a small amount of pressure to the pedals and it felt like the bike wanted to ride ahead without me! I then rode a few miles with a bike shop employee tailing me on an e-bike...up hills, across crappy pavement and then downhill. Too bad they keep messing with the BB but that won't stop me.

Or a perfectly clean chain. That's worth the price alone.

Having owned both SL2 and my current SL4 Roubaix I can tell you the SL4 is a much stiffer frame (for better or worse.)

Well the new expert will come with the CRG seatpost which is nice in terms of comfort.

Chris

get the used Roubaix and upgrade to 6800 and some custom wheels. You get more bike and your old bike gets a nice upgrade and its what you really want to do anyway.

Incorrect sir! Just ordered my 2014 Roubaix Expert! Should arrive next week.

As an aside...I weighed my steel steed yesterday...22.4 lbs with cages and pedals (and barfly garmin mount). Should be a 5 lb savings at least!

Should be right around 17.5lbs stock. Here are some weights for the 2013 bikes:

2013 Specialized Road, Cyclocross & Triathlon Bikes ? Complete Overview & Actual Weights

It'll be easy to throw 5800 on your steel bike if you want.

I can see the buyer remorse seeping through your words. stay strong and ride your bike.

You'll absolutely love the roubaix and never look back..............

Wow that's pretty light for a steel bike. My steel touring/commuter bike weighs 28 lbs with a rack. I wish it weighed 22 :-)

By the way, I have a Roubaix SL2 (threaded bottom bracket :-) and I enjoy riding it. So good choice.

It's "modern" steel...Reynolds 853.

I have a 2014 Expert. Did 40 steep miles on it yesterday. Great bike. You will love it.

Someone above mentioned "ultra-twitchy handling". I don't get that at ALL. This is a very confidence-inspiring bike as far as handling.

That feeling stepping on the pedal and the bike wants to GO! is a legit one; I get it as well.

Just guessing, but since late November I think I've put 700-800 miles on mine. So far I have zero complaints or issues. The wheels have stayed true... everything works great... the 6800 is awesome...

Dude, 700-800 miles since November? I've got 4500 miles on mine since then :)

Have either or both of you stayed with the Romin saddle that came stock? The Roubaix was the first test ride I did where I thought the saddle felt pretty good out of the gate.