cashwatson007

Specialized Roubaix SL4 Sport Specialized Bicycle Components
Endurance Bike
I saw a LBS with these in stock in the $2000+ price range
The bike is Carbon with 105. Has axis brakes and wheels. The good part is I can get fitted properly to the bike as well as test ride it on site.


Lynskey Titanium

https://lynskeyperformance.com/r150-complete-1/
Around the same price point, has complete 105, better wheels I believe

Looks better, Will probably last longer but... can't test ride, will have to buy and then get fitted to the bike I buy etc... (not buying from LBS as well)

rmfnla

Those bikes are so fundamentally different (frame) that it would be criminal to decide without riding each of them a decent amount...

jimc101

with #rmdnla they are 2 totally different bikes, I have never ridden a Specialzed, but have had a Lynskey frame bike for the last 6 years or so, and it is a great ride.

colnago62

How do you plan on using the the bike?

tFUnK

Appears that both have endurance/sport geometry. Having owned both Ti and carbon, I'd have to say modern carbon frame construction (more manipulation in tube shape and material properties than Ti) will probably offer a more responsive and comfortable ride. I still love my Ti bike, though.

cashwatson007

I plan to just ride the bike on the weekends or in the evenings by myself for exercise and weight loss

jdjones

I went from carbon to Ti and I love the way Ti feels "alive" in comparison. I bought used and saved a bunch over new (Moots). Try out some Ti locally if you can to see if it's for you.

garysol1 

What would make you believe that the Lynsky would have a longer lifespan than the Specialized? Lifespan on a quality carbon frame or a Ti framed bike will greatly outlive yours and mine cycling lifetime. Figure $100 to $200 if you need to pay for a quality fitting.

colnago62

For the type of riding it sounds like your going to be doing, either one will work fine. If it were me, I would go with the bike shop bicycle. They will be there for you (hopefully) if you have any issues that come up.

colnago62

Carbon frames are not as crash survivable as titanium, generally. Also, a titanium bike can be repaired much easier by more people than a carbon frame, generally.

garysol1 

If I crash hard enough to destroy a carbon frame there is a good chance a Ti frame is damaged as well. I dare say that nowadays a carbon frame can be repaired just as easy if not easier than Ti. All of that is besides the point. I would not buy a bike using its "crashability" as a decision maker.

colnago62

I have broken several carbon frames, most recently, last year. My experience with broken frames and the repair process probably has given me a different view on the subject than you.

rmfnla

You'd probably love a modern steel frame...

dr_lha

I personally think Roubaixs are ugly and don't like Specialized much at all. However, I ride in a club where about half the people have Roubaixs and they all love theirs, so it's hard to argue with that. I've never met a rider who wasn't happy with their Roubaix. It's a solid choice IMHO.

What I like about the Lynskey is that if you upgrade from 105 to Ultegra it adds $600 to the price. My 6800 groupset cost me less than $600.

noodle soup

how often do you crash?

Ti is probably a little more resistant to small dings, but most wrecks that "destroy" a CF frame will still ruin a Ti frame.

BTW, CF frames can be repaired fairly easily.

dougphoto

Those are both fantastic bikes that would work great for the kind of riding you plan on doing. I would get the Specialized mainly because you can get it at your LBS, so it could get it fitted and you can test it out. Try to get the LBS to throw in a fitting with the bike a good fitting is very important.

noodle soup

I buy bikes based on ride quality, not crashability.

silversx80

Both bikes are great for this. If it were me I'd buy an aluminum cross (or gravel) bike with disc brakes, and throw some 42mm tires on it. Roads, MUPs, unimproved trails and dirt roads... it's all your choice.

Trsnrtr

Do tell... By your board name, they must have been Colnagos.

noodle soup

I'm sure it's from his massive power output.

colnago62

I buy bikes based on my needs. I do give opinions, if I have one, when asked. Btw, I put out way more peak watts than you do, even at 54.

garysol1 

Oh good lord....... Now I remember why I quit coming to this place.

silversx80

Oooooohhhh... e-wang fight!

HTupolev

Just posted the look.

BillyD

How could you have forgotten?