edgewater16

I debated between sticking to my Hybrid and getting a Specialized Roubaix lately.. Your answers were very to the point. A road bike will not make me go faster.

In my defense, it was some sort of "motivation" for me to start cycling, and I was not happy with the way my hybrid behaved; a lot of roll resistance, heavy, not rigid etc.

I've never ridden a road bike before and actually I was very concerned about the riding position, therefore, I limited my options to endurance type road bike with more upright geometry..

After test-riding the Secteur, Roubaix, Cannondale Synapse, I found the Roubaix the most comfortable.. Being 6'2" and 250lbs, I got a 58cm frame - Sport SL4 version with Shimano 105 gearset.

I picked up the bike in NYC, bicycle habitat (not a big fan but they were the only place to have the 58cm in stock, within 100 mile radius)..

So, $2,123 later, I was on my new bike.

My commute from downtown NYC to NJ thru the bridge is 14 miles each way. So I got the bike, rode it home and it was a breeze! HUGE difference from my hybrid, much responsive, comfortable and fast!

Until I got home, slept, got up next morning and got on the very same bike again.. OMG. My sit bones were rotten. I couldn't sit on the saddle. My lower back was all locked up, could not bend forward.. I was in pain.

I took the car instead, gave it one day rest, and got on the bike again. Still some pain, but nothing major... And, finally, yesterday I rode it again for another 15 miles, I think my buttocks finally got used to it.. No padded shorts, riding in regular long training pants, ABSOLUTELY NO BUTT PAIN. and absolutely no lower back pain.

I did some reading and found out about stretching the hamstrings, but yeah. I think I did my fastest time ever, riding back home.. There's a steep hill right after the bike path to connect to the bridge (181st st, for NYC people) and I always walked my bike up that hill... Yesterday, I put my bike in the easiest gear and I COULD CLIMB THE WHOLE THING WITHOUT STOPPING!! I was wiped out at the end, panting, but I could pull it off!

I'm so happy, very motivated and dedicated. I love my new bike and can't wait to ride it more often.. I'm watching what I eat as well and I definitely feel awesome!

Just wanted to share.. A bike is a bike, but it was a huge motivation for me!

Happy riding!

bbeasley

Very cool, you know pictures are required

Jimbosays

Excuse me . . . Think you have MY bike (Roubaix Sport SL4 with Shimano 105 setup) - Or the same model I have been looking at with longing eyes lately anyway!

Have to admit that I do enjoy my Secteur and don't really NEED another ride - But yours is the one I'd jump on if sudden cash windfall blows my way!

Good luck & happy riding!

(A pic or two wouldn't hurt either . . . )

JakiChan

I love my 2013 Roubaix Expert. I'll be leaving on Saturday to ride it to LA!

B8888S

My '13 Roubaix Elite Apex will be one year old in a couple of weeks. I have racked up about 4K miles on it in the last 12 months and still love it. It is still bone stock other than replacing the 2 rear tires and a chain that wore out. I am looking at getting a new set of custom wheels once I break the 200lb barrier as a reward to myself. Post up a pic of your new beauty! Here is mine right after I brought it home last year.

TrojanHorse

Yeah, the bike won't necessarily make you faster but it will make you WANT to go faster. And you should be able to go longer too. if your saddle is causing problems for you, talk to the shop and see if they'll let you try some other ones. What did they put on your bike and did they do the little ass-o-meter thing first?

Specialized actually makes a lot of saddles, you should be able to find one that works for you.

I have a 2012 SL3 and I looooove it.

linnefaulk

Congrats! I found that riding my road bike usually alleviated my lower back pain.

rpecot

No, he got mine!

Love my Roubaix. First time on the road I beat my best time on my usual 20 mile circuit. Second time out, I beat that time. Light, fast, responsive.

Jimbosays

Good to see the Texas Bluebonnets are in full force this spring . . . Oh, yeah - NICE bike too!

Just wish there was more of a color choice for the current Roubaix/Secteur line . . . Love the machinery, but tired of black/silver bikes (have three of'em.)

vic303

Nice! I got a new-to-me 2007 Roubaix about 2 weeks ago. I'm getting back used to a DF, being mostly a recumbent rider. It's a fun light bike, and it climbs well.

KSGUY

Just got the Roubaix SL4 Expert a month ago and am now starting to get into it. I like the OP am 6' 2" just over 250#'s and got the 58 cm frame. I however am 66 years old. Man, had I have had this when I was a teenager I would have been King of the World. Unfortunately now that I am in geezer land it is not the same because of my limits but it is great bike. My last road bike was a 1982 Trek and the advances are amazing.

I look forward to riding it all over Kansas City especially on the dedicated bicycle trails. I also got a carrier for the back of my motorcycle so that I can carry it to the far off riding places. Its going to be a good summer.

Wooden Tiger

LOVE the Roubaix! Great bikes!

Congrats on the new ride!

Null66

I may be too late...

Where are you starting from?

Ride Report?

Soonerinfrisco

Hey Gang!

I just pulled the trigger on a 2014 Roubaix Sora SL4 and have ordered a full Ultegra 6800 group from Planet Cyclery. My LBS is going to build it up when I get the group and stick my CXP33/Ultegra custom wheel set on it. I will be into it for about $2500 and am getting $1K for my old Tarmac as trade-in. Should have it up and running by next week. I actually preferred the FACT8 over the FACT10 for ride quality. Can't wait! I will have pictures.

Wonder if I can get anything on ebay for the 9sp Sora group and stock wheels.

StephenT 

I have to agree. I love my 2011 Roubaix SL2 Comp. Thousands of miles and ZERO issues. I was cycling for several years and bought mine as a gift after going through a total knee replacement at age 48. Im faster, healthier and down 45 lbs. Another 15 lbs and I will no longer be a clyde. To the OP - you made a great decision on your ride. Now get out there and ride and push yourself every time.

Wooden Tiger

They're very comfortable bikes, and quite quick, too! One of the other most enjoyable, most similar bicycles I've ridden was the Cannondale Synapse. That bike was also really nice.

FrenchFit 

Congratulations on your beautiful new bike. I have one and it simply is a glorious bike, whether going fast or standing still. Enjoy pushing yourself.

But for anyone unable to shell out the $3K or on the fence about adding a Roubaix to the stable, don't bother lusting after one. There are just as many negatives as positives, probably more. It's sort of like having Scarlett Johansson living in your spare bedroom.

JakiChan

SF. It was AIDS/LifeCycle 2014. Not my best ride for sure - some injury problems.

Soonerinfrisco

I agree and I disagree.


The 9sp Sora SL4 is going for around $1600 in Dallas. My LBS actually ordered it for me last week. The stock 105 SL4 is $2K here. It's heavy and poorly spec'd by price point for sure. However, a 105 10sp group can be had for less than $500 and I paid $729 with free ship for my 6800 11sp group. You can get a nicely equipped Roubaix for $2K-2500 but I can't disagree that they are pricey for the set up. Unfortunately for me, they are by far the most upright road bike I tested, and I rode a bunch of the bikes in the plush category. I really wanted to love the Felt Z4 and the Fuji Gran Fondo, both with at least 105/Ultegra mix for less than $2K, but they are not near as comfy for me. I do have a congenital narrow spinal column so I really need my spine in line and my head up.

Now about Scarlett in the spare bedroom.....

Wooden Tiger

I can't say anything negative about my experience on a Roubaix. As long as it's a quality product, is comfortable, and performs well, it's worth it.

Scarlett Johanssen in the spare bedroom? I'll be moving into the spare bedroom!

FrenchFit 

LOL, but I'm thinking you missed my point.

Wooden Tiger

Nah, it was perfectly clear. If you want Scarlett Johanssen sleeping in your spare bedroom, get a Roubaix.

FrenchFit 

ok!

GeoBigJon

Congrats on ur ride!