XxHaimBondxX

Just got this bike for a ham sandwich, I hope. Needed a little tuning, but wasn't sure if these cables are set up correctly. Also, can someone date this bike and exact model? I think it's SL4 with Sram components.

Chuck M 

Looks odd to me. Does the right brighter shift the rear derailleur?

shelbyfv

That's sometimes done to resolve cable rub on the HT or other routing issues.

Trakhak

Yes, crossing cables under the down tube is a workaround to avoid having the shifter housings rubbing through the head tube paint.

robobike316 

Crossing them as such generally gives a nicer housing line with a smoother arc (less abrupt bend) as well.

Ironfish653

Right shifter to the left side of the head tube; vice versa for the other side, then cross back under the down tube.
It makes the cable housing run more relaxed; more of a lowercase "r" than a question mark "?"
They don't bind on the HT as much at big steering angles, either

bboy314

The serial number would probably help with dating.

XxHaimBondxX

They specifically warn on Specialized website that they are not able to help with date or model by using serial number. Their suggestion is to browse archive, which is what I did. Turned out to be 2012 Apex Compact.

Ghazmh

Crossing cables is sometimes done.

XxHaimBondxX

This definitely 'rubs' me the wrong way. Why expedite cable fraying? Don't want cables to scratch the paint? Apply protective film...

shelbyfv

The cables will not fray where they cross, at least not in your lifetime. Actually the more relaxed routing will inhibit binding and rubbing within the outer housing.

unterhausen

I tried swapping sides and decided it didn't solve any problems. YMMV. My cable stops were at the head tube though, so it may make more sense with where these are placed on the spesh

ARider2

I have seen examples of this from time to time coming through our shop for service and they seem to work properly.

TiHabanero

I dated it as a 2014, looks like I was close. We sold a lot of them back in the day. Not my favorite ride, but for a casual user they do all right. I am not a fan of Apex as I see it as a weak system, particularly the shifters. Others do not. To each his own.
The Zertz inserts were a marketing ploy, they are totally benign. You can remove them and will not be able to determine that they have been removed. Handling is not crisp, but more truck like, and high speed cornering was not very good especially when compared to the Tarmac. Anyway, for a general purpose more upright road bike, you will probably like it as it is not a performance bike.

XxHaimBondxX

What would be a street price for one in barely used condition?

Black wallnut 

I have heard it referred to as the California cross. MY Roubiax has been set up that way since I purchased it 37K miles ago except for one time when I re-cabled, which I do at least once a year. It has performed flawlessly with no noticeable wear on either cable where they cross.

I would think fair market is between $500-$700 depending on geography. My personal opinion, I am sure you will find others. I don't agree with TiHabanero assessment of the ride quality. Mine paired with proper tires corners quite nicely. Quite possible at greater speeds than I am capable of there is a difference. Double century comfort the Roubiax has. It's not a race bike, the Tarmac is a race bike however when I test rode a S-Works Tarmac with Di2 several years ago an all out effort on a local segment, I'm 9th out of 83, I did not do better than my Roubiax time.

Camilo

I do it with all my cable bikes

SurferRosa

Tree fiddy.

XxHaimBondxX

At least I didn't overpay.

TiHabanero

Price depends upon the market. In my neck of the woods used bikes seem to go for a premium, at least from my perspective they are priced high. I see the bike selling here at 500 bucks, however I'd have to replace the Apex with something more robust, thus the price I'm willing to pay tops out at 350.

The speed at which one goes depends more upon the engine than the bike. The comfort of the bike us very dependent upon the design of the bike and tires. The handling of the bike is very dependent upon the design of the bike. I simply do not like the handling of the Roubaix when it is pushed hard. It doesn't do well from my perspective. I told this to Mike S. back in 2010 and he scoffed at me. I do believe they changed some of the frame parameters in the following years. Again, to each his own as this evaluation is completely subjective.

Kabuto

Nothing wrong there. FYI page 11 of the Aethos User Manual states that when setting up an Aethos with mechanical shifting, the shift cables cross inside the downtube.