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2017 Specialized Roubaix Vs 2016 Roubaix

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2017 Specialized Roubaix Vs 2016 Roubaix

Old 09-11-17, 09:33 PM
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d45
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2017 Specialized Roubaix Vs 2016 Roubaix

I'm looking at buying 2017 Roubaix Expert, but could really save some money on 2016. Is there really that big of a difference in ride quality? I have test rode 2017 at my LBS and have not rode a 2016. I was looking on ebay for the 2016. Has anybody rode both? is so, your opinion would be appreciated.


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Old 09-11-17, 11:53 PM
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Originally Posted by d45
I'm looking at buying 2017 Roubaix Expert, but could really save some money on 2016. Is there really that big of a difference in ride quality? I have test rode 2017 at my LBS and have not rode a 2016. I was looking on ebay for the 2016. Has anybody rode both? is so, your opinion would be appreciated.


Pete
I haven't ridden a 2016 Roubaix, but recently bought a 2017 Roubaix Expert. I compared this to several similar endurance bikes and found the 2017 Roubaix with Future Shock to be incredibly smooth riding. I deliberately tried it over bumps, tree roots, gravel , cobbles etc. and was very impressed by the ride quality.

I'm sure the 2016 Roubaix is a good bike, but I think the Future Shock is a significant development in comfort if this is something that matters to you!
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Old 09-12-17, 02:21 AM
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Geometry is different and the Future Shock comes on the 2017, but not the 2016. If you rode the 2017 and liked it, then go with it.
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Old 09-12-17, 04:37 AM
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Originally Posted by San Pedro
Geometry is different and the Future Shock comes on the 2017, but not the 2016. If you rode the 2017 and liked it, then go with it.
X2...the 2017 Expert is an excellent bike with a great ride.
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Old 09-12-17, 12:52 PM
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i had the sl4 and now the roubaix 2017, new roubaix is 10000000000 x better, the futureshock has made biking fun again, the old sl4 was a great bike but the new model is better geometry and way more comfortable imo
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Old 09-12-17, 01:47 PM
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FWIW, because its been mentioned twice that the geometry is different between the '17/18 Roubaix and preceding models...a common misconception and refrain on the web, Stack and Reach is virtually identical between 'all' Roubaixs. Stack and Reach is achieved slightly differently....fork length, head tube height, steerer height above the head tube, sta slightly tweaked....but net position on the new Roubaix 'is the same' as previous gen models.
The geometry of the 'framset' is slightly different but effectively it puts the rider in the same position as compared to previous iterations going back to SL2....or....slight differences can be tuned with stem config and high versus low stack height available with Future Shock.
FYI

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Old 09-12-17, 05:17 PM
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Thanks guys, looks like I will be getting 2017 Expert.


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Old 09-12-17, 06:43 PM
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d45,
Because few bikes have received the kind of praise the new Future Shock Roubaix has received by testers and anecdotal reviews here, IMO, if buying a new Roubaix, you have to go with the new FS version.
For the type of rider that would choose a Roubaix, it has to be at or near the top of new endurance road bikes although I wish they offered a non disk brake option for flat landers like me.
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Old 09-12-17, 08:37 PM
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I was wondering about the geometry on the new models. A 644mm stack on the 58cm sounds pretty darn tall. Add in the hover bars and ....

Good to hear the fit ends up being similar to prior models.

Originally Posted by Campag4life
FWIW, because its been mentioned twice that the geometry is different between the '17/18 Roubaix and preceding models...a common misconception and refrain on the web, Stack and Reach is virtually identical between 'all' Roubaixs. Stack and Reach is achieved slightly differently....fork length, head tube height, steerer height above the head tube, sta slightly tweaked....but net position on the new Roubaix 'is the same' as previous gen models.
The geometry of the 'framset' is slightly different but effectively it puts the rider in the same position as compared to previous iterations going back to SL2....or....slight differences can be tuned with stem config and high versus low stack height available with Future Shock.
FYI
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Old 09-13-17, 01:45 AM
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Originally Posted by matt92037
I was wondering about the geometry on the new models. A 644mm stack on the 58cm sounds pretty darn tall. Add in the hover bars and ....

Good to hear the fit ends up being similar to prior models.
Bear in mind that the quoted stack includes the Future Shock cartridge, so it isn't really the same as the normal measurement that ends up at the top of the head-tube. I've found the stack to be be similar to other endurance bikes. You have about 30mm of adjustment with the head-set covers and spacers provided. You could also change the handlebars to a straight one with the 15mm rise in the hover-bar. You won't get it super-slammed, but if you want this, then the Roubaix probably isn't the bike for you!
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Old 09-13-17, 05:01 AM
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John says it very well. There is the 'sag' element to the Roubaix unlike other bicycles. Sag is common to motorcycles when setting up suspension for fore/aft balance and ride height. Different riders will load the front more or less depending on rider weight and how aggressive the position is. That is why on a size 58cm Roubaix, stack is 644 and not 621. Loaded the effective bar height will be reduced on a FS Roubaix and why they made the front of the bike taller in its unloaded state. Net fit will be the same and there is a lot of adjustablility...including a lower stack height head set and of course you can run a -17 deg stem like many pros on pure race bikes to get your bars even lower. As John said, if you want even more saddle to bar drop, the Roubaix is not your target bike.
It could be argued for a pure race bike, the FS shock may not even be desired in fact.
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Old 09-13-17, 08:10 AM
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The FS sag thing makes sense. I personally am on the lookout for just a frames at this point. I have a nice carbon wheel set and DI2 kit I will be stealing from a bike that is too big for me.

I am looking for more of a donor bike that I will end up selling most of the parts from. Not being too familiar with the Specialized stuff, is it worth be going with the Elite for the FACT 10 frame or spending $900 or so less and going with the base model and the FACT 9 frame. I am not opposed to spending the extra $$ if it will be worth it long term. Again, the parts on each frame mean very little to me as they will most likely end up on eBay.
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Old 09-13-17, 08:32 AM
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Originally Posted by matt92037
The FS sag thing makes sense. I personally am on the lookout for just a frames at this point. I have a nice carbon wheel set and DI2 kit I will be stealing from a bike that is too big for me.

I am looking for more of a donor bike that I will end up selling most of the parts from. Not being too familiar with the Specialized stuff, is it worth be going with the Elite for the FACT 10 frame or spending $900 or so less and going with the base model and the FACT 9 frame. I am not opposed to spending the extra $$ if it will be worth it long term. Again, the parts on each frame mean very little to me as they will most likely end up on eBay.
Good plan. To me, 1 level of carbon modulus 'may' equal 200 grams and nothing else. Performance difference will be transparent in my opinion. If you can score a 10r frame fine. If not, save the money for other kit and build a 9r bike as donor. My vote.
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Old 09-13-17, 08:34 AM
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Good advice. Thx
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Old 09-14-17, 08:28 PM
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Pulled the trigger! bought 2017 Roubaix Expert with the new Ultegra R8070, I have to wait for the R8070, my LBS said it would be towards the end of October before they have it. It cost me an additional $600 for the R8070, but what the heck you only live life once. Coming home from work this morning on I45 south there was a terrible wreck that I was lucky enough to have dodge by the hair of my chinny chin chin! (I now have four flat spots on my tires) I actually helped pulled a guy off the freeway, he was hurt pretty bad, the cars were doing 70-75 mph at 4am. Woke up this afternoon and bought bike.

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Old 09-14-17, 09:43 PM
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Good luck with the new ride! I picked up my 2017 Expert last week. Couldn't be happier.
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Old 09-24-17, 08:10 PM
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Tax,title out the door was 4950.00! Can't wait to get it. Now I have to find a home for my Litespeed Tuscany.....


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Old 09-24-17, 08:52 PM
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Congrats. I also purchased the 2017 Roubaix Expert. The Future Shock and the CB-R seatpost makes biking on harsh roads so buttery smooooth. It's a phenomenal bike and couldn't be happier.
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