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Need Major help on my road bike

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Need Major help on my road bike

Old 09-24-19, 08:49 PM
  #1  
thedemoncowboy
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Need Major help on my road bike

Sorry, this is odd, but I'm getting frustrated what bike to get or keep.

I bought the Roubaix Expert 2019 (This years model), last week, but now I'm worried it won't be a great bike (from the nay-sayers). So now I'm perplexed if I should get the 2020 Tarmac Disc Di2 (Cheaper, but Tarmac) as its the only color combo I like, or get the 2020 Roubaix Expert? I want to use it for Endurance Racing, Communtting and racing. However, where I live in Montana its a lot of uphill and downhill.

I have the option to pay restocking fee and go for the more expensive Roubaix 2020, or get the cheaper Tarmac Disc Di2 .. I'm new to this bike thing and I want a good bike (and yes, I'm aware all of these bikes are fantastic) but people keep saying my 2019 will be super slow .... So Do I pay the restocking fee, and get the 2020, Disc Comp Di2, or keep my current bike? Any help would be great
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Old 09-24-19, 10:08 PM
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Originally Posted by thedemoncowboy
... people keep saying my 2019 will be super slow ....
keep the bike, get new people
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Old 09-24-19, 10:18 PM
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The difference between a fast bike and slow bike is seconds over 40k (25mi).
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Old 09-24-19, 10:26 PM
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thedemoncowboy
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Originally Posted by jon c.
keep the bike, get new people
Thanks you think?
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Old 09-24-19, 10:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Seattle Forrest
The difference between a fast bike and slow bike is seconds over 40k (25mi).
I think I understand this? Not sure... Im asking if I should switch to a disc comp di2, or keep my current bike?
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Old 09-24-19, 10:27 PM
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Originally Posted by thedemoncowboy
I bought the Roubaix Expert 2019 (This years model), last week, but now I'm worried it won't be a great bike (from the nay-sayers). So now I'm perplexed if I should get the 2020 Tarmac Disc Di2 (Cheaper, but Tarmac) as its the only color combo I like, or get the 2020 Roubaix Expert? I want to use it for Endurance Racing, Communtting and racing. However, where I live in Montana its a lot of uphill and downhill.

I have the option to pay restocking fee and go for the more expensive Roubaix 2020, or get the cheaper Tarmac Disc Di2 .. I'm new to this bike thing and I want a good bike (and yes, I'm aware all of these bikes are fantastic) but people keep saying my 2019 will be super slow .... So Do I pay the restocking fee, and get the 2020, Disc Comp Di2, or keep my current bike? Any help would be great
You are new to riding and bought an almost $6000 bike. It isnt going to hold you back. You are going to hold the bike back due to lack of strength/endurance/experience.

Who specifically are the naysayers you mention?
And why specifically will your bike be 'super slow'?

Would love to hear who and why- its be interesting.
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Old 09-24-19, 10:36 PM
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Road bikes are not inherently slow or fast as long as they are well built and maintained. Speed is mostly a function of the cyclist — conditioning, positioning, technical skill — and somewhat dependent on local riding conditions. Now how a bike feels is something else altogether, and is a very individual experience. Only you can decide what you like.

Soby all means get the bike you desire and that you can afford. However, sounds like you have a bad case of indecision mixed with a major purchase buyers remorse. Not really a cure for that. Take a deep breath, figure out what you want in your bike — not what anyone says you need — then test ride and test ride some more until you can make a decision you can be happy with.

Good luck!
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Old 09-24-19, 10:40 PM
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Originally Posted by mstateglfr
You are new to riding and bought an almost $6000 bike.
Welcome to the last 20 years.
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Old 09-24-19, 10:41 PM
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Local guys here, and guys on ******.

I agree with your sentiment as I'm new but I'm willing to do my best to become better.
  • Talked to a "bike dude," he said "That tarmac would smoke your Roubaix."
  • Talked to another "Bike dude," he said "The new Roubaix has much better components."
They said because of the shape of the tubes I would be impeccably slower.... IMPECCABLY SLOWER -_-
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Old 09-24-19, 10:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Sapperc
Road bikes are not inherently slow or fast as long as they are well built and maintained. Speed is mostly a function of the cyclist — conditioning, positioning, technical skill — and somewhat dependent on local riding conditions. Now how a bike feels is something else altogether, and is a very individual experience. Only you can decide what you like.

Soby all means get the bike you desire and that you can afford. However, sounds like you have a bad case of indecision mixed with a major purchase buyers remorse. Not really a cure for that. Take a deep breath, figure out what you want in your bike — not what anyone says you need — then test ride and test ride some more until you can make a decision you can be happy with.

Good luck!
I drove the Di2 Comp in person, and I just remember it was stiff and "weird" when I got on the Roubaix Comp, (which is less than what I spent) I felt I had more control over it? So they recommended me just get the comp was 4400 but I decided to jump up into the Expert this year.
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Old 09-24-19, 10:46 PM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by thedemoncowboy

I agree with your sentiment as I'm new but I'm willing to do my best to become better.

Then start riding and stop shopping for a "better" bike. You cannot buy what you're looking for.
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Old 09-24-19, 10:48 PM
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Originally Posted by thedemoncowboy
I think I understand this? Not sure... Im asking if I should switch to a disc comp di2, or keep my current bike?
Keep the current bike. It's a better one than a lot of people race with. It's not going to slow you down, and people like talking ****.
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Old 09-24-19, 11:35 PM
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Originally Posted by thedemoncowboy
They said because of the shape of the tubes I would be impeccably slower.... IMPECCABLY SLOWER -_-
"They" don't seem to know what impeccably means, so why do you trust them to know anything about bikes?
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Old 09-25-19, 02:47 AM
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Originally Posted by thedemoncowboy
Local guys here, and guys on ******.

I agree with your sentiment as I'm new but I'm willing to do my best to become better.
  • Talked to a "bike dude," he said "That tarmac would smoke your Roubaix."
  • Talked to another "Bike dude," he said "The new Roubaix has much better components."
They said because of the shape of the tubes I would be impeccably slower.... IMPECCABLY SLOWER -_-
I think what they meant was IMPERCEPTABLY SLOWER.
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Old 09-25-19, 04:17 AM
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Originally Posted by thedemoncowboy
I drove the Di2 Comp in person, and I just remember it was stiff and "weird" when I got on the Roubaix Comp, (which is less than what I spent) I felt I had more control over it? So they recommended me just get the comp was 4400 but I decided to jump up into the Expert this year.
If the tarmac felt stiff and weird, it isn't the bike for you. From the sounds of it, you got the bike that is best for you out of the bikes you test rode. Just ride it, that's what will make you faster.
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Old 09-25-19, 04:56 AM
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With the attitude the OP is displaying, there is not a bike out there that will be up to the task. Scratch that. An E bike might work. He'll still have the same problem, though. The "this bike's not good enough" mantra will always be there.

HTFU.

This thread should be stickied and checked on frequently. There will be some really good deals on gently used bikes as the OP searches for the magic ride.

Last edited by seypat; 09-25-19 at 05:03 AM.
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Old 09-25-19, 05:31 AM
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Originally Posted by thedemoncowboy
Local guys here, and guys on ******.

I agree with your sentiment as I'm new but I'm willing to do my best to become better.
  • Talked to a "bike dude," he said "That tarmac would smoke your Roubaix."
  • Talked to another "Bike dude," he said "The new Roubaix has much better components."
They said because of the shape of the tubes I would be impeccably slower.... IMPECCABLY SLOWER -_-
If you’re willing to do your best to become better that means proper training, diet and fitness. It’s not minor differences in your bike.
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Old 09-25-19, 05:42 AM
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Originally Posted by thedemoncowboy
Local guys here, and guys on ******.

I agree with your sentiment as I'm new but I'm willing to do my best to become better.
  • Talked to a "bike dude," he said "That tarmac would smoke your Roubaix."
  • Talked to another "Bike dude," he said "The new Roubaix has much better components."
They said because of the shape of the tubes I would be impeccably slower.... IMPECCABLY SLOWER -_-
There will always be people who will tell you negative stuff about your bike and there will always be people who say your bike is great. Including people on internet forums. At some point you need to buy something and ride a lot. This will slowly teach you what you like about a bike.
You bought a great bike. There are many many bikes that will work for you. Too many to even list, you can't take everyone's advice it's impossible.
A lot of the advice will be wrong, a lot will be right, a lot will be meaningless for you now. Like the small difference with different tube shapes. It's not important now. If you were coming in second place in races by a few seconds it could be important.

Ride, have fun, learn.

Try to find someone experienced to ride with.
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Old 09-25-19, 07:42 AM
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Originally Posted by tomato coupe
"They" don't seem to know what impeccably means, so why do you trust them to know anything about bikes?
Or maybe the OP doesn't know what it means.
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Old 09-25-19, 07:55 AM
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Originally Posted by thedemoncowboy
Sorry, this is odd, but I'm getting frustrated what bike to get or keep.

I bought the Roubaix Expert 2019 (This years model), last week, but now I'm worried it won't be a great bike (from the nay-sayers). So now I'm perplexed if I should get the 2020 Tarmac Disc Di2 (Cheaper, but Tarmac) as its the only color combo I like, or get the 2020 Roubaix Expert? I want to use it for Endurance Racing, Communtting and racing. However, where I live in Montana its a lot of uphill and downhill.

I have the option to pay restocking fee and go for the more expensive Roubaix 2020, or get the cheaper Tarmac Disc Di2 .. I'm new to this bike thing and I want a good bike (and yes, I'm aware all of these bikes are fantastic) but people keep saying my 2019 will be super slow .... So Do I pay the restocking fee, and get the 2020, Disc Comp Di2, or keep my current bike? Any help would be great
Keep bike. Ride more. Enjoy the ride. Too much had wringing over what other people say is counter productive.
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Old 09-25-19, 08:10 AM
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Originally Posted by thedemoncowboy
Local guys here, and guys on ******.

I agree with your sentiment as I'm new but I'm willing to do my best to become better.
  • Talked to a "bike dude," he said "That tarmac would smoke your Roubaix."
  • Talked to another "Bike dude," he said "The new Roubaix has much better components."
They said because of the shape of the tubes I would be impeccably slower.... IMPECCABLY SLOWER -_-
Impeccably slower? Who speaks like that? Seriously- thats an odd use of the word 'impeccably'.
Got links to the red-dit comments? Im curious as to the context.

You said you are new to cycling, so it should be easy to find new 'bike dudes'. The winner of this past Paris-Roubaix race was on a Roubaix. It was fast enough for someone to win, it will be fast enough for you.
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Old 09-25-19, 09:01 AM
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Originally Posted by mstateglfr
Impeccably slower? Who speaks like that? Seriously- thats an odd use of the word 'impeccably'.
Don't be shy! It's a misuse of that word. Though, it's possible that the poster here is misquoting.

Last edited by njkayaker; 09-25-19 at 09:18 AM.
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Old 09-25-19, 09:08 AM
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Originally Posted by thedemoncowboy
I want to use it for Endurance Racing, Communtting and racing.
If you are more comfortable on the Roubaix than on the Tarmac, you may be significantly faster on the Roubaix in an endurance race.

Originally Posted by thedemoncowboy
Originally Posted by Seattle Forrest
The difference between a fast bike and slow bike is seconds over 40k (25mi).
I think I understand this? Not sure... Im asking if I should switch to a disc comp di2, or keep my current bike?
Riding 25 miles at 18 mph takes 83 minutes or 5000 seconds.

A "faster" bike might save you 10 seconds. Maybe.
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Old 09-25-19, 09:10 AM
  #24  
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Keep the Roubaix.

You'll be fine.
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Old 09-25-19, 09:36 AM
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Why not buy both? That way you can use the Roubaix on slow days and the Tarmac when you need the extra 5 watts.
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