2017 Roubaix
01-14-19, 09:52 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
2017 Roubaix SL4 Sport
I’m in the market for a bike to replace my Bianchi Virata bought new in about 1993. It’s been great but it’s time to get into a modern bike with more relaxed geometry, brifters and 11 speeds. A LBS has a brand new 2017 SL4 Sport for under $1500.00. It seems like a good price and I can see nothing negative about the bike. It’s my size and I like the colors.
Just asking for for any input from the collective wisdom here. I’ve been looking at Domane’s too but can’t find any NOS.
Last, what mods would you make that would total under $300.00? I will take the Sella Italia seat off the Bianchi and put it on the new bike. Better tires and tape as well. Anything else?
(I have edited the title and post to note the specific Roubaix model).
Just asking for for any input from the collective wisdom here. I’ve been looking at Domane’s too but can’t find any NOS.
Last, what mods would you make that would total under $300.00? I will take the Sella Italia seat off the Bianchi and put it on the new bike. Better tires and tape as well. Anything else?
(I have edited the title and post to note the specific Roubaix model).
Last edited by MSchott; 01-16-19 at 04:27 PM.
01-15-19, 08:09 AM
#2
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Perhaps best not to consider upgrades until after you get the bike. Btw, I end up changing everything on my bikes so understand the urge. 
To me, the SL4 is the last of the great Mohicans when it comes to the Roubaix. I own the SL3 Pro and the best overall bike I have owned and not convinced overall the new R3 I just bought is a better bike...the SL3 is that good.
Specialized took the SL4 in the direction of more race bike by mostly stiffening up the rear triangle. Me personally and again because a few Future Shock Roubaix owners on this forum, I would choose the SL4 over a Future Shock bike everyday. But I don't like the floating front end or the maintenance issue with the FS and I do all my own wrenching.
Check to see what carbon fiber modulus it has. If it is 10r, I say get the bike because it will be both light and stiff and check all the boxes you mention. Even fractionally softer flex 9r...they add section modulus to restore stiffness at the detriment of a very slight weight penalty...shouldn't keep you from choosing that bike. Btw, color matters. You have to like looking at the bike.
Believe you will love it. Btw, to me, the pure race bike versus racy endurance bike line is largely a myth. All I do is ride with guys on slammed race bikes and the Roubaix is up to the challenge. You will have no regrets IMO.
To me, the SL4 is the last of the great Mohicans when it comes to the Roubaix. I own the SL3 Pro and the best overall bike I have owned and not convinced overall the new R3 I just bought is a better bike...the SL3 is that good.
Specialized took the SL4 in the direction of more race bike by mostly stiffening up the rear triangle. Me personally and again because a few Future Shock Roubaix owners on this forum, I would choose the SL4 over a Future Shock bike everyday. But I don't like the floating front end or the maintenance issue with the FS and I do all my own wrenching.
Check to see what carbon fiber modulus it has. If it is 10r, I say get the bike because it will be both light and stiff and check all the boxes you mention. Even fractionally softer flex 9r...they add section modulus to restore stiffness at the detriment of a very slight weight penalty...shouldn't keep you from choosing that bike. Btw, color matters. You have to like looking at the bike.
Believe you will love it. Btw, to me, the pure race bike versus racy endurance bike line is largely a myth. All I do is ride with guys on slammed race bikes and the Roubaix is up to the challenge. You will have no regrets IMO.
01-15-19, 09:14 AM
#3
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Thread Starter
I should have mentioned it’s the SL4 Sport which means 8r modulus in the frame.
01-15-19, 09:23 AM
#4
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Don't want to throw 8r under the bus. It is the lowest modulus carbon Specialized uses. Likely in a blind test a rider would be hard pressed to tell the difference.
But it will be a bit heavier than a 10r bike for example of the same geometry. Generally geometry trumps carbon modulus but modulus matters mostly relative to weight. What designers do to compensate for lower modulus carbon is increase wall thickness to restore stiffness. This has a weight cost.
Me personally, if buying a SL4 Roubaix, I would seek 10 or 11r...11r being the S-works model.
But, if not your plan to competitive group ride for example, 8r should be fine.
But it will be a bit heavier than a 10r bike for example of the same geometry. Generally geometry trumps carbon modulus but modulus matters mostly relative to weight. What designers do to compensate for lower modulus carbon is increase wall thickness to restore stiffness. This has a weight cost.
Me personally, if buying a SL4 Roubaix, I would seek 10 or 11r...11r being the S-works model.
But, if not your plan to competitive group ride for example, 8r should be fine.
01-15-19, 09:33 AM
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Thank you so much for your help and insight! I ride mainly for fitness and pleasure. Few of my rides are in a group and I don’t race.
01-15-19, 02:14 PM
#6
member
I have ridden both Sport r8 and Pro r10 level 2017 frames with exactly the same rest of the components and the difference are day and night.
I could not believe the difference in feel, stiffness and control.
Considering you can stretch to a higher level frame, I would not even consider r8
I could not believe the difference in feel, stiffness and control.
Considering you can stretch to a higher level frame, I would not even consider r8
01-15-19, 03:16 PM
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I have ridden both Sport r8 and Pro r10 level 2017 frames with exactly the same rest of the components and the difference are day and night.
I could not believe the difference in feel, stiffness and control.
Considering you can stretch to a higher level frame, I would not even consider r8
I could not believe the difference in feel, stiffness and control.
Considering you can stretch to a higher level frame, I would not even consider r8
01-15-19, 04:05 PM
#8
member
01-15-19, 07:40 PM
#9
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Thread Starter
Last edited by MSchott; 01-15-19 at 07:44 PM.
01-16-19, 03:34 PM
#10
Full Member
I have an S-Works SL4 I bought two years ago. Sooooo comfortable. I came off an Orbea Orca. The SL4 feels like butter in comparison. No more buzzing hands (almost nothing but chip seal around here) climbs well, descends even better. When you stand on it it gets up and goes!
01-16-19, 04:15 PM
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I have ridden both Sport r8 and Pro r10 level 2017 frames with exactly the same rest of the components and the difference are day and night.
I could not believe the difference in feel, stiffness and control.
Considering you can stretch to a higher level frame, I would not even consider r8
I could not believe the difference in feel, stiffness and control.
Considering you can stretch to a higher level frame, I would not even consider r8
01-17-19, 11:45 AM
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Perhaps best not to consider upgrades until after you get the bike. Btw, I end up changing everything on my bikes so understand the urge.
To me, the SL4 is the last of the great Mohicans when it comes to the Roubaix. I own the SL3 Pro and the best overall bike I have owned and not convinced overall the new R3 I just bought is a better bike...the SL3 is that good.
Specialized took the SL4 in the direction of more race bike by mostly stiffening up the rear triangle. Me personally and again because a few Future Shock Roubaix owners on this forum, I would choose the SL4 over a Future Shock bike everyday. But I don't like the floating front end or the maintenance issue with the FS and I do all my own wrenching.
Check to see what carbon fiber modulus it has. If it is 10r, I say get the bike because it will be both light and stiff and check all the boxes you mention. Even fractionally softer flex 9r...they add section modulus to restore stiffness at the detriment of a very slight weight penalty...shouldn't keep you from choosing that bike. Btw, color matters. You have to like looking at the bike.
Believe you will love it. Btw, to me, the pure race bike versus racy endurance bike line is largely a myth. All I do is ride with guys on slammed race bikes and the Roubaix is up to the challenge. You will have no regrets IMO.
To me, the SL4 is the last of the great Mohicans when it comes to the Roubaix. I own the SL3 Pro and the best overall bike I have owned and not convinced overall the new R3 I just bought is a better bike...the SL3 is that good.
Specialized took the SL4 in the direction of more race bike by mostly stiffening up the rear triangle. Me personally and again because a few Future Shock Roubaix owners on this forum, I would choose the SL4 over a Future Shock bike everyday. But I don't like the floating front end or the maintenance issue with the FS and I do all my own wrenching.
Check to see what carbon fiber modulus it has. If it is 10r, I say get the bike because it will be both light and stiff and check all the boxes you mention. Even fractionally softer flex 9r...they add section modulus to restore stiffness at the detriment of a very slight weight penalty...shouldn't keep you from choosing that bike. Btw, color matters. You have to like looking at the bike.
Believe you will love it. Btw, to me, the pure race bike versus racy endurance bike line is largely a myth. All I do is ride with guys on slammed race bikes and the Roubaix is up to the challenge. You will have no regrets IMO.
03-15-19, 07:20 PM
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Went back and looked at this bike again as the weather here is finally starting to break. The frame is r10 as is the fork. It was cool and rainy today so not test ride but hopefully next week it will warm and bit and be dry. It seems just right for me if it fits. Retail was $2K and they are asking $1440.00. I'd like to have them change the tires to the Continental GP4000's I bought last season (about 400 miles on these) and install my pedals and Sella Flite seat I can't imagine this would be an issue at no charge.
03-16-19, 09:23 PM
#14
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Went back and looked at this bike again as the weather here is finally starting to break. The frame is r10 as is the fork. It was cool and rainy today so not test ride but hopefully next week it will warm and bit and be dry. It seems just right for me if it fits. Retail was $2K and they are asking $1440.00. I'd like to have them change the tires to the Continental GP4000's I bought last season (about 400 miles on these) and install my pedals and Sella Flite seat I can't imagine this would be an issue at no charge.
03-17-19, 01:30 AM
#15
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