Need Major help on my road bike
09-25-19, 10:05 AM
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 1,993
Bikes: Argon 18 Gallium, BH G7, Rocky Mountain Instinct C70
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 512 Times
in
306 Posts
Keep your current bike and ride it for a season. Find out what you like and don't like about the bike. If after a season you feel the bike is holding you back, sell it and buy the bike you want based on your experience.
Likes For NoWhammies:
09-25-19, 10:37 AM
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,951
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix, Canyon Inflite AL SLX, Ibis Ripley AF, Priority Continuum Onyx, Santana Vision, Kent Dual-Drive Tandem
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 871 Post(s)
Liked 726 Times
in
436 Posts
I think those bike dudes are misinterpeting the Roubaix's reputation for being a comfortable ride preferred by older riders as meaning it's slow. Ask them how much the Roubaix slowed down Peter Sagan or Phillipe Gilbert at Paris-Roubaix?
At lower levels it's absolutely about the rider more than the bike. If you're an inexperienced rider, you need more time in the saddle, and a bike you feel comfortable riding is essential. If you're serious about becoming a faster rider, a power meter with any working bike will make more of a difference than picking one bike in the performance road bike category over another.
At lower levels it's absolutely about the rider more than the bike. If you're an inexperienced rider, you need more time in the saddle, and a bike you feel comfortable riding is essential. If you're serious about becoming a faster rider, a power meter with any working bike will make more of a difference than picking one bike in the performance road bike category over another.
Likes For surak:
09-25-19, 11:57 AM
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: TC, MN
Posts: 39,505
Bikes: R3 Disc, Haanjo
Mentioned: 353 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20791 Post(s)
Liked 9,436 Times
in
4,663 Posts
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.
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."
Likes For WhyFi:
09-25-19, 12:01 PM
#29
Full Member
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 209
Bikes: Giant TCR Advanced Pro 0 Disc
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 105 Post(s)
Liked 69 Times
in
35 Posts
I think those bike dudes are misinterpeting the Roubaix's reputation for being a comfortable ride preferred by older riders as meaning it's slow. Ask them how much the Roubaix slowed down Peter Sagan or Phillipe Gilbert at Paris-Roubaix?
At lower levels it's absolutely about the rider more than the bike. If you're an inexperienced rider, you need more time in the saddle, and a bike you feel comfortable riding is essential. If you're serious about becoming a faster rider, a power meter with any working bike will make more of a difference than picking one bike in the performance road bike category over another.
At lower levels it's absolutely about the rider more than the bike. If you're an inexperienced rider, you need more time in the saddle, and a bike you feel comfortable riding is essential. If you're serious about becoming a faster rider, a power meter with any working bike will make more of a difference than picking one bike in the performance road bike category over another.
09-25-19, 04:24 PM
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,234
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8254 Post(s)
Liked 8,962 Times
in
4,447 Posts
That Tarmac will smoke your Roubaix? They're not motorcycles. You will find riders on beat up cheap bikes who can smoke YOU, regardless of which bike you are riding.
I have an expensive bike and people drop me all the time.
I have an expensive bike and people drop me all the time.
Likes For big john:
09-25-19, 05:45 PM
#31
Full Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 282
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 71 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 30 Times
in
18 Posts
For the most part, I have found it is the motor(rider) not the machine that makes one fast. There was a local guy that could smoke just about anyone around on any bike he straddled. More or less a local legend. Had moved away now.
Keep the bike and ride the daylights out of it. You will find out soon enough if you are fast enough for the bike.
Keep the bike and ride the daylights out of it. You will find out soon enough if you are fast enough for the bike.
09-25-19, 07:37 PM
#32
Senior Member
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.
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."
If you are looking for something that will be comfortable over long distances, especially on rough roads, amd still be very fast, the Roubaix is a good choice. Pro riders use this bike in the spring classics, over cobbles, etc.
If you are looking for the frame that is lighter, better at racing fast, but not necessarily the most comfortable, the tarmac is the better choice. Pro riders use this bike as an all round road bike for fast races, climbing, etc.
Seeing as you are a beginner, I would lean towards the Roubaix regardless, as it will inspire you to do longer rides in comfort. Also at your level, even if doing some races, neither bike will mean the difference between winning or losing for you, so whatever you choose, dont stress out about it.
Groupset choice will be irrelevant for your purposes, get whatever your wallet is happy with, 105 or above will be more than good enough.
Good luck!
09-25-19, 10:35 PM
#34
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 8
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
The Roubaix is an endurance frame, the Tarmac is a lightweight race frame built to be as stiff and light as possible. Both are pro level frames, so anyone who says the one is "better" than the other is dumb. They are good at different things.
If you are looking for something that will be comfortable over long distances, especially on rough roads, amd still be very fast, the Roubaix is a good choice. Pro riders use this bike in the spring classics, over cobbles, etc.
If you are looking for the frame that is lighter, better at racing fast, but not necessarily the most comfortable, the tarmac is the better choice. Pro riders use this bike as an all round road bike for fast races, climbing, etc.
Seeing as you are a beginner, I would lean towards the Roubaix regardless, as it will inspire you to do longer rides in comfort. Also at your level, even if doing some races, neither bike will mean the difference between winning or losing for you, so whatever you choose, dont stress out about it.
Groupset choice will be irrelevant for your purposes, get whatever your wallet is happy with, 105 or above will be more than good enough.
Good luck!
If you are looking for something that will be comfortable over long distances, especially on rough roads, amd still be very fast, the Roubaix is a good choice. Pro riders use this bike in the spring classics, over cobbles, etc.
If you are looking for the frame that is lighter, better at racing fast, but not necessarily the most comfortable, the tarmac is the better choice. Pro riders use this bike as an all round road bike for fast races, climbing, etc.
Seeing as you are a beginner, I would lean towards the Roubaix regardless, as it will inspire you to do longer rides in comfort. Also at your level, even if doing some races, neither bike will mean the difference between winning or losing for you, so whatever you choose, dont stress out about it.
Groupset choice will be irrelevant for your purposes, get whatever your wallet is happy with, 105 or above will be more than good enough.
Good luck!
09-26-19, 07:19 AM
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,569
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1851 Post(s)
Liked 678 Times
in
429 Posts
It's been noted several times that the Roubaix is an "Endurance" bike. But let's be clear - it's an "Endurance RACE" bike. It has a slightly taller headtube and longer wheelbase to make it more comfortable when racing over cobbles. It is by no means slow.
I'd bet for most riders, the Roubaix is probably the better option than the Tarmac.
I'd bet for most riders, the Roubaix is probably the better option than the Tarmac.
09-26-19, 07:52 AM
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 8,550
Bikes: Wilier Izoard XP (Record);Cinelli Xperience (Force);Specialized Allez (Rival);Bianchi Via Nirone 7 (Centaur); Colnago AC-R Disc;Colnago V1r Limited Edition;De Rosa King 3 Limited(Force 22);DeRosa Merak(Red):Pinarello Dogma 65.1 Hydro(Di2)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 551 Post(s)
Liked 277 Times
in
145 Posts
Likes For tagaproject6:
09-26-19, 08:10 AM
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,513
Mentioned: 69 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3233 Post(s)
Liked 2,512 Times
in
1,510 Posts
I'm beginning to think the OP lives under a bridge and collects coins for a living.
09-26-19, 08:41 AM
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,234
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8254 Post(s)
Liked 8,962 Times
in
4,447 Posts
It's been noted several times that the Roubaix is an "Endurance" bike. But let's be clear - it's an "Endurance RACE" bike. It has a slightly taller headtube and longer wheelbase to make it more comfortable when racing over cobbles. It is by no means slow.
I'd bet for most riders, the Roubaix is probably the better option than the Tarmac.
I'd bet for most riders, the Roubaix is probably the better option than the Tarmac.
Likes For big john:
09-26-19, 09:20 AM
#39
Senior Member
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.
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.
No matter what you buy, or spend someone is always going to slight it.
Same with Guns, cars, zero turn riders, Woofers/Car Audio equipment, etc...
Its nice to have others approval and likes (in this age of social media), but at I always feel that at some point, I have to do research on whatever it is I'm looking at buying/building and choose my product on my own.
What right for Billy Bob may not be right for me.... What right for me, may not be right for Tyrell...
I read all the factory data, reviews and peoples opinions, dump them all in a virtual pot, stir them up a bit, then form my own decision.
Remember, no matter how much you spend, (on anything) there is likely to be something better. It might be the next model year, but it will happen.
09-26-19, 09:31 AM
#40
Junior Member
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
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
Get what satisfies You within Your Means : Nobody can keep up with the Jones : So don't worry about them. They've maxed out their credit anyway
09-26-19, 03:34 PM
#42
Senior Member
Ride the bike you bought and enjoy it if it feels right when you ride.
Heck I purchased a new (never ridden) 2013 Orbea Orca in January 2015 because I wanted a nice bike and the price was right. So far I have upgraded the pedals, saddle, bars, stem, groupset, and wheels as I could afford to ride the bike as is for a bit while I saved for a component or two.
My wheels cost 1/2 what I paid for the bike, but they are Rolf wheels and support my weight very well.
Heck I purchased a new (never ridden) 2013 Orbea Orca in January 2015 because I wanted a nice bike and the price was right. So far I have upgraded the pedals, saddle, bars, stem, groupset, and wheels as I could afford to ride the bike as is for a bit while I saved for a component or two.
My wheels cost 1/2 what I paid for the bike, but they are Rolf wheels and support my weight very well.
09-27-19, 04:32 AM
#43
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 316
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 174 Post(s)
Liked 177 Times
in
99 Posts
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
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
Last edited by Ross520; 09-27-19 at 06:17 AM.
09-27-19, 05:40 AM
#44
Senior Member
And to the OP - you will be the same speed on either bike, so get whatever you like better.
Last edited by billyymc; 09-27-19 at 05:44 AM.
09-27-19, 07:24 AM
#45
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,601
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10943 Post(s)
Liked 7,469 Times
in
4,179 Posts
The Roubaix and Tarmac have pretty different stack and reach measurements. If you were comfortable on a Roubaix, then the Tarmac in that same size will fit a lot differently. You are totally good with that and it doesnt affect you at all?
Funny enough- the rest of the geometry between the bikes is quite similar. In the largest size, the HTA is only .5 degree different with both being aggressive, the STA is the same, BB drop is within a few mm, chainstay length is less than 1cm different, fork rake is the same, trail is the same, etc.
You still never explained WHY the Roubaix is viewed as being so much 'worse'.
...but I also doubt all this is actually happening, so I wont hold my breath waiting to hear details.
Funny enough- the rest of the geometry between the bikes is quite similar. In the largest size, the HTA is only .5 degree different with both being aggressive, the STA is the same, BB drop is within a few mm, chainstay length is less than 1cm different, fork rake is the same, trail is the same, etc.
You still never explained WHY the Roubaix is viewed as being so much 'worse'.
...but I also doubt all this is actually happening, so I wont hold my breath waiting to hear details.
09-27-19, 07:30 AM
#46
Senior Member
09-27-19, 07:41 AM
#47
Rhapsodic Laviathan
This. You'll realize it's not the bike when you get gapped by a homeless dude on a 15 year old Mongoose MBX as he creaks by with a broken pedal and a gripshift wrapped around the handlebar, bouncing along to meet that 3pm shelter deadline.
09-27-19, 09:53 AM
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,951
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix, Canyon Inflite AL SLX, Ibis Ripley AF, Priority Continuum Onyx, Santana Vision, Kent Dual-Drive Tandem
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 871 Post(s)
Liked 726 Times
in
436 Posts
09-27-19, 11:54 AM
#49
Senior Member
On topic: There really is no wrong choice here, assuming you are comfortable on both bikes. Just enjoy it.
09-27-19, 12:07 PM
#50
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,951
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix, Canyon Inflite AL SLX, Ibis Ripley AF, Priority Continuum Onyx, Santana Vision, Kent Dual-Drive Tandem
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 871 Post(s)
Liked 726 Times
in
436 Posts
The outcome, after many very helpful responses flew right over OP's head, is a classic case of "you can lead a horse to water, but..."
Last edited by surak; 09-27-19 at 12:27 PM.
Likes For surak:
