GeneO 

First of all, and admission. I am a tech geek, mostly computer, electronic and bike tech. So Di2 is my cup of tea This is my first Di2 bike.

I actually rode my bike for the first real, albeit pretty short ride tonight - 15 mi. I haven't ridden for over a week because of illness, so I wanted to take it easy. Even then I ended up with lower back pain I think because my saddle was too high.

After getting some adjustments to shifting, after work I rode it on the miles of roads on my work site. Most of the roads are not in very good shape - lots of cracks and pits and potholes. I took some roads that I'd cringe and grit my teeth before going on with my 2016 Diverge - and that with 60 psi 32mm clement strada ush! The ride was pretty plush and not as tiring (this is with medium black spring). FS and the seat flex really works; really pleased.

I also installed the inline wireless ew-wu111 and it works excellent with my Garmin 520 (though there seems to be a bug in the android app, which doesn't currently work). I like that I can use the top hood buttons to switch between garmin pages and see the mode, gears, and use the 520 to adjust the derailleurs. I have it in semi-synchronized mode, and am happy with that.

GeneO 

The +$400 version is truly a 2018, the other a 2017. The 2018 is newer Ultegra 8050 DI2. The junction box is inside the bars for one thing (buttons and indicators in the bar-end). You can see the new group at the Shimano site. Also different wheels.

ULTEGRA R8050 Di2

NTX_Cycler

There are upgrades in the wheel / tires.

RadialHead

A quick pic from my ride the other day. Little dirty due to an early AM rain and lots of leaves and dirt

https://imgur.com/TQ34c7a

wthensler 

Ahhhh...the old 56 versus 58 will haunt me to my grave...Ok, at just under 5'11", I could probably ride either frame size on most bike models. I have a longer inseam, and now that I'm getting a bit older, I prefer a slightly upright stance on the endurance bikes that I buy. A 56 throws me forward more with the higher saddle position, with more of a drop.

I agree most folks my size go for the 56 on most bikes. The Roubaix frame has a slightly different geometry than the Domane - to be sure its a taller bike, and I agree the stand-over is a bit tighter versus the 58 Domane. But it works with a 90mm stem (which doesn't affect steering too much). So I can deal with both reach and (considerably higher) stack on a 58cm Roubaix.

By comparison, my Giant Defy (probably the equivalent of a 57cm) always feels a bit small when I first get on it, especially after I've been riding the Domane (which feels more natural). I guess you could say I like riding them big......

chong67

I dont see this photo at Shimano site.

Is this the junction box that stick out at one of the bar ends?

GeneO 

Yes it is.

mwg

THANK YOU!!

I was actually going to post a question on whether or not our bikes (Expert Di2) were set up for this. How/where did you mount the wireless unit and did you have to buy any additional cables?

GeneO 

Just in front of the bar, the DI2 cable that comes out of the bar is connected to the cable from the rear derailleur with a simple etube connector. You just use the Etube plug tool provided with the bike to remove that connector and replace it with the EW-WU111. 2 minute operation, no cables needed.


Not only can you get DI2 battery and gear data on your Garmin, but you can also adjust the derailleur and use the top buttons on the hood to move through the screens on the Garmin.


Replace this $25 junction


with this $100 one:

GeneO 

I should add, this inline wireless unit may only work with the newest 8050 di3 electronics that are used in the latest 2018 offerings - the battery unit has to support it.

pdoege

I managed to kill the Roubaix yesterday. The Di2 stopped working. I keep my bicycles in the living room and heard the bike start to shift. Weird. Plugged in the charger.

In the morning the shifters didn't work. Took it to my LBS. They charged it, replaced my charger, and sent me on my way.

Got home and my Element showed 40% charge. Took the bike out for 20 miles, plugged it in, and 2 hours later it was at 100%.

I'm used to being able to dive into whatever mechanical issues crop up on my bikes. Very frustrating to have an issue that I cannot diagnose/fix without a dealer.

I don't like that the Di2 headset doesn't actually show me the % charge. I need to rely on my phone/dealer. I really want to know that when I plug it in, is it taking a charge, does it think that it is at 100%?

pdoege

Oh hey!

I managed to suck a goathead thorn through a Gatorskin. I replaced the tube and have been hitting the streets. I really like the compliance of the 32mm rubber and the future shock. I use 80/65 PSI front rear and that seems to be a winning combination.

I chewed through about 10 miles of gravel this afternoon. My Secteur would have rattled my bones but I feel great! Really a nice change for the better I think.

I bought 2 Hutchinson 32mm tubeless and I am going to try slipping those on in between work and finals this week.

Cheers!

GeneO 

To check the battery level using the junction LED and any shifting switch:


Shimano Ultegra and Dura-Ace Di2 Electronic Shifting ? Everything You Need to Know ? Carlton Bale .com


But I don't understand. You said you are monitoring the charge on your element, so why do you need the dealer or phone to see the charge?



If you connect with your phone app and don't disconnect the bluetooth when done through the app, it will drain the battery from what I've read.


Weird about the spontaneous shifting. Did you butt dial your bike
.

pdoege

When the battery dies Di2 shifts into a limp home gear. That is the shifting that I heard.
I added the bluetooth transmitter after getting the bike home from the LBS, so I am now able to check the battery level via computer.

Just put 20 miles on the bike including about 10 miles of gravel. Love the future shock and the wide tires!

GeneO 

jks550

wthensler..

Can't send PM because new. Could you send or post more pictures of your roubaix expert in white. Thanks

OldTryGuy

Picked up my July birthday present from wife, a red 2018 Roubaix Expert mechanical, 1 week ago this afternoon. It arrived at the LBS late last Tuesday and shop owner went in early Wednesday before opening to assemble. He test rode it and then contacted me with a......Come and Get It.

130 miles on Thursday with 67 on the Expert. Saturday was 103 miles, Monday another sweet 42 mile ride and heading out as soon as the sun comes up for 70 miles. Already have 42 miles this morning on the Paramount but expect the Expert to be a lot more fun.

Ultegra 8000 series is phenomenal as are the 8020 hydraulic discs. Replaced the seat with an ISM PR3.0 and installed aero bars.

Comfortable and fast.

gettingold

Nice bike.

dmanthree

Just a note on my Roubaix and the squealing front brake: after calling Shimano, they suggested that it might be a leaking caliper that's contaminating the pads. Took it to the dealer who did a pressure test, and voila. A new caliper and pads are on the way. They symptoms were pretty clear: it would lose effectiveness and start squealing, LOUD, after a few rides. The leaking fluid reached the pads and, well, that's bad. If you have the squealing issue, consider this a possibility.

GeneO 

Here are some more pics of mine. Still haven't been able to put a lot of miles on it yet. Got a Garmin Ut800 light now mounted under k-edge. Really only thing I could find to fit easily in the cockpit.

GeneO 

Thanks for the heads up. I would have thought you would completely loose the brakes in such a situation - it doesn't take much.

pdoege

What aero bars did you use? I'm tempted to try some out.

OldTryGuy

Really old T1+ I like the newer ones because IMO the pads are a better design.

T1+ Aluminum

wthensler 

I do not yet have the bike in my possession as it is in the shop awaiting a brake lever replacement. It was DOA to the dealer from the factory.

jks550

How do you like the white color? I know you said you were planning on wrapping the bike. When do you think you will get the bike. Hopefully you will post some pics soon.

I'm trying to figure out which color to go with. Black would have been my first choice but the red fork don't know what to think of it. Both bikes look great and have to figure out by this sunday so they can order.

Also this is my first road bike and i'm 5 ft 10 in and the lbs fitter put me on two bikes which was the tarmac and he checked the geometries on the roubaix and he said i would fit better on a 56 because I have a longer torso according to him. I have been reading alot so i can understand. I know the roubaix is more of an endurance road bike. And my friends who have alot of experience say i should go with the 54. With the geometry of this bike just trying to get some opinions. I know most will say go for 54.

Thank you