spinconn

I am riding a hybrid and looking at getting a more aggressive bike, strictly for road use. I just started riding again after many years away and am doing just under 100 miles a week now, and since I am retired I expect to do far more as I build a base.

I tested fitness bikes earlier this week and now I will take some test rides on a couple of road bikes this weekend. I going to ride the Specialized Allez, probably the Sport, and it will be somewhere around $1,000. Today I learned of a Roubaix at another LBS for a few hundred less, but it is a 2015 SL4 Sport. The LBS claims it was never ridden. I am no expert so I am sure I could be fooled but I will take a very close look at it and ask a lot of questions.

If I like the ride of one more than the other that will settle it, but if I like them both I have a question. Would you go for the like new Roubaix or the new Allez?

A new bike has obvious merits because it is new, but the Roubaix had a much higher price when new and has better components, especially the 105 package, and an all carbon frame. Which way would you lean?

DrIsotope

If the Roubaix is in fact in new condition, then Roubaix all the way. By a lot.

GuitarBob

The bikes are different enough that I bet you'll have no trouble decide which you prefer. If it's the Roubaix, I wouldn't worry that it's a few years old -- it's a great bike.

TrojanHorse

I think you'll find that the roubaix does magic things to rough roads, especially with 28mm tires. The allez will be a little racier. (meaning shorter head tube, probably a little quicker turning/less stable)

The SL4 roubaix overshot a bit and is stiffer then older models, which they compensated for by adding that GOBLR seat post (the bent looking thing). I'm still riding my 2012 roubaix.

Allez is aluminum and Roubaix is carbon, if that's something you care about.

spinconn

I couldn't wait for the weekend so I tested both bikes yesterday. You guys were right, they were very different rides but I liked them both.

I rode the Allez first in a busy downtown part of Savannah, then I rode the Roubaix in a quiet residential area. The Allez was so quick and nimble. The Roubaix was actually a lighter bike but it felt heavier and smoother while riding. Both were fast.

I bought the Roubaix and immediately took it for a short 35 minute ride. It felt like I have gone from a truck to a Ferrari. I only have time for a short ride today but I have big plans for tomorrow.

Thank you guys for your comments, which I found very helpful.

TrojanHorse

Pictures are required to properly close out this thread. Congrats on your new bike!

spinconn

No sunshine in my life today, and according to the weather reports not for a few days, but as soon as I get some sunshine I shall post pictures.

GuitarBob

Happy New Bike Day! Congratulations

spinconn

The end of the quest; ta daa:

Weakbikr

Man that's an awesome bike, your gonna love it. Congrats!

Sillyak

Sexy bike. Those pedals though...

spinconn

Yeah, the pedals are temporary but that brings up another question. It had new pedals but flat ones that I replaced with old, beat up, cheap clip pedals. I am trying to decide what to get.

Maybe I should start another thread but I need a suggestion for good clip pedals.

Also, I never used the cleat type and I don't really want to buy new cycling shoes, but even though I am just an old recreational cyclist I do love to go fast. Are the lock in pedals something I should look at seriously?

BluFalconActual

It’s probably been covered 1000 different ways by countless threads but I simply would not ride nearly as much if it weren’t for modern clipless pedals.
I strongly advise investing in some shoes, pedals and cleats and making the switch.

spinconn

Thanks BluFalcon, I will look for those threads but I think you may have already convinced me.

TrojanHorse

Oh thank god a bike with some color. Good job!

Cycling shoes do last for a long time, so there's that and your cleats will cost you 20-40 buxx a year to replace. People do still ride with regular toe clips though, so don't feel pressured.

ronin4740

Buy a set of road pedals compatible with SPD (not SPD-SL) cleats and a set of nice fitting mountain bike shoes. You can walk a lot more easily in MTB shoes than road shoes...




I have a set of these (Shimano PD-A600) on my road bike. They work great!

Rides4Beer

+1, SPD pedals and MTB shoes all the way. Easy to clip in and out and you can walk in them.

Dean V

I would disagree with this.
I prefer road pedals / cleats. I think they are better in every way except for walking in.

mgopack42 

^^^THIS^^^^
after all are they cycling shoes, or walking shoes? Buy the correct tool and the job (ride) is more enjoyable. plus the stiff soles and larger cleat help with hot spots, and pressure distribution on road bikes.

MSchott

Agree 100%. Use the correct tools. If you need to do a lot of walking, Bring an extra pair of shoes.

spinconn

Well, I have come back to cycling after many years away and when I rode toe clips were what I used but I wanted to give it some thought. My concern about clipless is that I have a history with knee problems and was not sure the twisting motion of getting out of the pedal would be something my knees could take.

After my last post I got caught in a bit of a fix with a car and found I was not quite quick enough to unclip. No major damage but I have now ordered Shimano PD-R540 SPD-SL pedals and Shimano SH-RP1 Road Bike shoes .

I hope my knees are able to handle them. I read about float and these are supposed to have some. I am looking forward to maximum efficiency and fast dismounting when required.

I wear size 12 and is seemed that the shoes I looked at online barely made it to that size and I have read they tend to come small so I am not sure they will fit.

Rides4Beer

To each their own of course. My road bike has SPD-SLs, and my gravel bike has SPDs. The SPDs are by far easier to clip in and out of, and yes the shoes are more walkable. I'm not talking about walking miles, just the limited walking you do at the shop/cafe/rest stop, let's be honest, just walking to the bathroom in SPD-SLs is no fun. There is a little more float with the SPDs, but I have no problem putting the power down on the road with them. Again, whatever works best for you, but had I known about SPDs when I got my road bike, I would have started with those and never messed with SPD-SLs.

MSchott

I should have qualified that I meant with road bikes. I guess I’ve become used to walking in shoes with SPD-SL shoes over the years. The biggest obstacle is slippery floors.

DrIsotope

I ride on the road all the time. I have always in the past, and will always into the future use "mountain" pedals with "mountain" shoes.

Anyone who thinks I'm doing it wrong, put your road shoes on and we'll race... to the top of the stairs.