2017 or 2018 Roubaix Expert Di2?
#1
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2017 or 2018 Roubaix Expert Di2?
Hi Guys,
Newbie here. About to close on the 2018, having decided to upgrade to Di2. Then they found a 2017 at another store on sale for $800 less, also with UDi2. Seems like a great deal. I am not nearly knowledgeable enough to know if the new 8050 or tires are whatever other upgrades are sweet enough to justify the extra coin. I just place a deposit so I can still grab an 18. The cosmetics doesn't seem that much of a difference. (The 17 is charcoal/black-not flashy but I don't think I care that much). I thank everyone in advance for any help you can give me!
Steve
Newbie here. About to close on the 2018, having decided to upgrade to Di2. Then they found a 2017 at another store on sale for $800 less, also with UDi2. Seems like a great deal. I am not nearly knowledgeable enough to know if the new 8050 or tires are whatever other upgrades are sweet enough to justify the extra coin. I just place a deposit so I can still grab an 18. The cosmetics doesn't seem that much of a difference. (The 17 is charcoal/black-not flashy but I don't think I care that much). I thank everyone in advance for any help you can give me!
Steve
#2
Full Member
Are they the same groupset? Shimano released the R8070 Di2 group mid-late 2017. It's possible the 2017 you're considering has the previous R6870 groupset. You want to make sure the shift levers are of the newer group as they have superior ergonomics. Worth paying the additional coin if it means having that latest group IMO.
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Are they the same groupset? Shimano released the R8070 Di2 group mid-late 2017. It's possible the 2017 you're considering has the previous R6870 groupset. You want to make sure the shift levers are of the newer group as they have superior ergonomics. Worth paying the additional coin if it means having that latest group IMO.
#4
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The 2018 expert di2 has the 8070 groupset. The UDI2 is much better ( e.g. junction box hidden inside the bar, top of hood programmable buttons ). The 18 also has better wheels - Roval with DS 350 hubs).
Some 2017 models with the older groupset were badged as 2018 models. What wheels does it say it has and what and color scheme? R785 is the older groupset.
Here is the "2018" models with the older groupset:
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/ro...-udi2/p/154102
and here is the 2018 models with the 8070 groupset:
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/ro...a-di2/p/128894
Some 2017 models with the older groupset were badged as 2018 models. What wheels does it say it has and what and color scheme? R785 is the older groupset.
Here is the "2018" models with the older groupset:
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/ro...-udi2/p/154102
and here is the 2018 models with the 8070 groupset:
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/ro...a-di2/p/128894
Last edited by GeneO; 06-05-18 at 06:21 PM.
#5
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Thread Starter
The 2018 expert di2 has the 8070 groupset. The UDI2 is much better ( e.g. junction box hidden inside the bar, top of hood programmable buttons ). The 18 also has better wheels - Roval with DS 350 hubs).
Some 2017 models with the older groupset were badged as 2018 models. What wheels does it say it has and what and color scheme?
Some 2017 models with the older groupset were badged as 2018 models. What wheels does it say it has and what and color scheme?
#6
Full Member
I would choose to avoid R785 shift levers if I were buying today. The R8070 shift levers have better more compact ergonomics, has hidden auxiliary buttons in the top of the hoods, and has an extra port to wire-in a climbing switch.
#7
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Are they the same groupset? Shimano released the R8070 Di2 group mid-late 2017. It's possible the 2017 you're considering has the previous R6870 groupset. You want to make sure the shift levers are of the newer group as they have superior ergonomics. Worth paying the additional coin if it means having that latest group IMO.
#8
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It does no even matter. Everything in DI2 is backwards and forwards compatible except the synchronous shift and the derailleurs on every bike from 6770 and upwards excluding the original Dura Ace DI2. Once you're on the platform if you decide you want new shifters then you just buy them.
#9
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Well, he said it was the same color as the one in the shop which was charcoal and grey. Not sure on the wheels. If it has the new crank would the wheels still be worth it? It's $4,199 vs. $5,000. The guy who worked there said he had 6 bikes, 3 of them Specialized and there was only a negligible difference between the two and he'd grab the money, but, not to be a cynic,-I am new to this-and I know car dealers have pressure to get rid of the old stock-so I thought better check with you guys! . It's a lot of money. I am already glad I went to electronic from what I've read but it's a bit more bike than my experience level so it's hard to get up to speed with it all.Is the difference between the 7 and the 7S iPhone i.e. save your money , it's a great deal or will I learn more and say: "for only $800 more I could've got the X?!" Horrible analogy but I hope you get the idea! LOL! Trying to get an education fast! Thanks again!
#11
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So, bottomline: The 2018 has enough more to offer that it is worth the extra $800? I confess that before this I was on a hybrid but I hated not being able to go farther, faster! LOT of changes since I bought that Trek 750! LOL!
#12
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I recently upgraded from R685 (mechanical hydro) to the R8070. the new levers are very svelte and as mentioned above, has a secondary e tube port to link an R600 climbing shifter without having to move up to a 5-port junction box.
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That's cool. Less cables going through your frame, or shorter travel distance is definitely less of a pain in the ass.
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IMO yes, if you get the 8070 groupset and the Roval wheels. But that doesn't sound like what you ordered.
#17
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Thank you gentlemen! I'm going to call him tomorrow and order the 2018! $800 over the life of the bike is not that much more. Then of course the 2019's will come out! LOL! Thanks again!
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#22
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The 2018 Roubaix Expert Di2 interests me. I have ridden my '92 Merckx Century for 26 years as my only road bike. I swapped out the Chorus 8 speed group for a Chorus 11 speed group. I look at a bike as a long term investment in my health, so it is easier to justify the expense, but there is a gulf between the relative simplicity of a steel frame and the Roubaix. Is there reason to believe the technology involved in the Roubaix will lessen its lifespan? In 26 more years I will be 84 and hope to stll be riding, but am hesitant to put down lots of money on a bike that may not have parts available ( Future Shock springs? )
#23
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The 2018 Roubaix Expert Di2 interests me. I have ridden my '92 Merckx Century for 26 years as my only road bike. I swapped out the Chorus 8 speed group for a Chorus 11 speed group. I look at a bike as a long term investment in my health, so it is easier to justify the expense, but there is a gulf between the relative simplicity of a steel frame and the Roubaix. Is there reason to believe the technology involved in the Roubaix will lessen its lifespan? In 26 more years I will be 84 and hope to stll be riding, but am hesitant to put down lots of money on a bike that may not have parts available ( Future Shock springs? )
If this is a legitimate concern of yours, my own very personal recommendation is to look at the Trek Domane SL Disc and SLR Disc options. I had misgivings about the FS system and chose the relative simplicity of the Trek IsoSpeed system. I don't think you can go wrong either way as both companies are large and have good reputations on warranty, but the mechanical engineer selected the Domane SLR Disc.