DaveBuck

I used to be an Avid Tennis player but tore my Rotator Cuff. Recently I have been starting to get into riding. I go 50-80 miles per week at 15-17 MPH. I would like to go a little faster but I doubt I will ever ride 100 miles per week It is primarily street riding but the roads are not smooth and I hate bouncing around on the road. I tried the Roubaix this summer when I was in Utah and LOVED IT! I live in Florida where it is FLAT so there is also a good opportunity to gravel ride next to the levees by the everglades. It is hard to say how much gravel riding I will do but I want to get a bike which will allow me the opportunity to ride gravel. I have been looking at the Specialized Roubaix and Diverge. I recently purchased some carbon wheels (still waiting for them) as sometimes it is a little difficult to keep up with the 3 people I regularly ride with. My existing bike is a Cannondale Quick Carbon with horizontal Bars.


I was thinking if I get the Diverge, I can switch out the wheels with the 38mm Tire to Carbon wheels with 25mm or 28mm Contis when I ride on roads, or I can put 32mm on the Roubaix Wheels when I ride gravel. My question is HOW MUCH FASTER is the Roubaix when compared to the Diverge when fitted with Carbon Wheels. Or am I better off with using 38mm on the Diverge when I ride Gravel and just use the Carbon Wheels for Roads


Thx

one4smoke

If you're riding primarily road, go with the Roubaix.

DaveBuck

how will the Roubaix hold up on Gravel?

Atlas Shrugged

I have both but if need to choose one I would take the Diverge. The real difference in speed is the position on the bike not the bike or components. A very supple 37mm tire such as a Rene Herse would be virtually the same rolling resistance as a 28 so no need for two sets of wheels. My Diverge is set up for long distance multi day adventure riding compared to my Roubaix which is my regular ride.

berner

The capacity to use wider wheels, say 35mm or so, makes for a more versatile bike that will handle gravel and lose littile on the road. Alternately having two sets of wheels, road wheels and gravel wheels is even more versatile.

DaveBuck

That is my thinking! I will have 2 sets of wheels. Carbon 50/60 and DT Swiss.
Bottom line is how much difference is there riding roads which are not perfect between 2021 Roubaix Comp with Carbon Wheels and the 2021 Diverge Comp with Carbon Wheels.
There is not a lot of gravel roads by me but I definitely want to give them a try.

mstateglfr 

Totally understand this approach, but i can't see doing it myself.
I would rather spend $2k per bike for a road bike and gravel bike rather than spend $4k for a gravel bike with extra road wheels, tires, and cassette.

I know I wouldn't swap out wheels each time and would just end up choosing routes based on what I had on the bike at the time, then mostly just leaving the gravel tires on and using them for all riding.
Lazy, I know.

Random11

My only bike is a Diverge, which I ride mostly on pavement and occasionally gravel (or worse). I have one set of wheels with 700x38 tires and they seem very good on pavement. I've wondered how much faster a Roubaix would be too (thinking about getting a second bike), but I mostly ride by myself so going a little faster isn't an issue. The Diverge is comfortable and handles well on pavement and off. It's a good road bike that's going to be better at handling rougher conditions than a Roubaix.

jlmonte

A Roubaix has One-day Classic pedigree, namely Paris Roubaix. So it is “fast”, comfortable, and can handle rough conditions. I have an older model, with traditional laced alloy wheels, and 25mm tires. I looked into the Diverge for bike packing, and to double as a hybrid, but went with a traditional touring bike from Salsa.

OldTryGuy

Live in SE FL??? I live in SW FL, am a 70yo geezer, hopped on my 2018 Roubaix on Sunday for a 105 mile road ride and if your situation I'd go for the Diverge. Don't think there would be a major speed advantage for the limited riding you will be doing if you go for the Roubaix. ENJOY which ever way you go.

OldTryGuy

.. oops

Sojodave

With the shortage on bikes, I hope you can be patient because your wait for either bike could be months.