OldInjuredOne

I really have to chime in here as I had been riding a 2014 Specialized Roubaix Elite 105, and just over a month ago I bought a 2015 Supersix Evo Hi-Mod Dura-Ace2. Having been a cyclist for just over two years, i still consider myself quite inexperienced, especially with regard to gearing, groupsets, cadence, and strength (and probably a host of other cycling aspects that I can't even wrap my head around yet). My Roubaix is an endurance bike with a compact (50/34) chainring and a 12-30 cogset. I bought it because the Sierra foothill roads I ride can be quite bumpy and irregular, and because I wanted to be able to climb anything! And, I pretty much can.

Nonetheless, I caught the cycling bug, and I wanted a lighter, more performance-oriented bike, but I didn't want to sacrifice comfort. So, I established a 16 mile test route on my Roubaix and went out to test a Tarmac Comp UDi2, a Domane 5.9 UDi2, and, of course, the Supersix Evo Hi-Mod D-A2. I also was fortunate enough to be able to ride a Cervelo R3 twice up Lookout Mountain in Colorado a few months before these test rides, and that's what probably gave me the idea that I could actually handle a more race-oriented bike. The Supersix preformed head and shoulders above the others on my unscientific but hilly test route. I have to admit that I was somewhat afraid that I wouldn't be able to handle a performance-oriented bike with a mid-compact (52/36) chainring and an 11-28 cogset, but after 16 miles of climbing and descending, I was sold. And while the Roubaix is very comfortable, I was delighted and surprised with how the S-Six seemed to smooth out country roads. Truthfully, I don't feel much of a difference in comfort between the two bikes -assuming that comfort is what the bike shop employee meant by "compliance." The Roubaix does feel a bit more comfortable at the handlebars, quite possibly due to the effect of the Zertz inserts in the forks, but I don't plan to get rid of the Roubaix and hope to take some rides over 75 miles next season. For now, I use the S-Six for rides of 25 miles or less around my home. Lots of challenging climbs, rough roads, but little traffic! Really enjoy the ride of the Supersix!