cuattop

I am looking for a comfortable yet fast bike. I am 48 and ride about 120 miles a week. I don't race but I still like to beat my buddies to the top of a hill (or two). Anything else beside Specialized Roubaix?

cris2fur

price range would narrow it down for us.

JMac

Trek Pilot or Cannondale Synapse come to mind. I am in the market for just such a bike. The Roubaix seems to get rave reviews, but unfortunately even the biggest frame is smallish for me (6'4"). The Synapse comes in a 63 frame.

old and new

I have ideas,none better. One brother has a Roubaix, $700 ?,not the most expensive,he loves it. He can afford any bike on the market and is a very strong rider. He has a 1965 Paramount and a 1975 Legnano as well. Specialized bikes make sense,they're well made and spec'd. Trek, as well as Giant or Cannondale make comparable. It more depends on availabilty and taste. Bianchi, Jamis and Lemond too. These three make steel as well, what I prefer. Aluminum is great stuff, it's light and has it's advantages climbing and for speed, power delivery is a virtue with aluminum as well.

jbpence

i love my robaix. higly recommended

swalburn

Check the Serotta Fierte in Ti or Steel. The geometry is very very close to the roubaix. I tried the roubaix when I was shopping, and I absolutely loved it. I love the the Fierte as well. I got an amazing deal on the Fierte Ti. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the bikes mentioned as long as it fits.

egonlou

my roubaix rocks. almost all NYC miles.

cuattop

Thanks for the suggestion. Where did you get your Serotta?

Bacciagalupe

Fuji Roubaix
Jamis Eclipse, Jamis Ventura Race or Ventura Elite
Steel road bikes (e.g. Lemond Sarthe, Jamis has a few)

Otherwise, talk to your LBS and test ride....

swalburn

I got my Serotta from Village Bike Shop in Grand Rapids Michigan. I have a Fierte Ti that has a sierra nevada paint scheme. I believe it is literally one of a kind. It was demo frame, and then Serotta stopped sponsoring the Sierra Nevada Kodak team so it was no longer needed. I got the frame and a painted reynolds ouzo pro fork for 1700. Honestly, that was the only way I would have ever been able to afford it. Now I think it will cost you close to 3 grand for the same frame and fork. I like the bike a lot. It is extremely stable, and very comfortable. It has some snap, but I know I've ridden stiffer bikes. My biggest complaint is I wish it was a little racier. I'm 30 years old, and do a little racing, and a lot of group rides with racers. I love the bike, but am considering adding a racier bike to my stable as well. If your into long distance riding, I don't think there is a better bike than the Fierte. I've done a couple double centuries on the bike, and it is amazing over the rough pavement. Just my 2 cents.

rjg001

I can't speak for any of the other bikes, but I am 100% happy with my '06 Roubaix Comp.

kokomo61

Specialized Roubaix, Cannondale Synapse, Trek Pilot and Giant OCR - all have relaxed geometries and are available in aluminum/Carbon and full carbon models....

I rode all four, and ended up with a Giant. I bet you can find your bike in that group.....

80vette

What about the Bianchi 928 C2C?

https://www.bianchiusa.com/07_c2c.html

CastIron

Scott CR1

Adagio Corse

Definitely give the Bianchi C2C a look. I have the Ultegra equipped model and it doesn't just look hot, it rides like a dream. More comfortable than the Roubaix for long distances, though the drawback is that the Roubaix is a little better at handling if you plan to take lots of high speed turns or feedback is paramount. For pure comfort, I find the Bianchi to be better. Roubaix gives up a little comfort for handling IMO. Both bikes are great depending on your particular needs. But definitely give the C2C a test ride before committing to the Roubaix, you'll be surprised.

epix1718

Father and I both have a 2005 Specialized Roubaix, very nice and comfortable. Dad upgraded to Mavic wheels and that bike is smooth

Patman1776

I'm 44 and race on a Trek Pilot 5.2. I've upgraded it with a Specialized Toupe Team racing saddle and Ksyrium SL3 wheelset, and the bike flies. I also liked the Roubaix when I was shopping, but the Pilot seemed faster and better spec'd (especially the stock Bontrager wheels). To me, I have found a great combination of comfort and performance on the Pilot.

2005 Trek Pilot 5.2
2005 Trek 7500FX Commuter

lorenfisher

I rode my Roubaix comp across the country in 30 days and I nearly felt good at age 48! Go for it.

NuBiker

to add to the Pilot, OCR c, Synapse Carbon, 928 carbon C2C...
Schwinn Letour GSX around 1000
Marin Verona around 1800
Raleigh cadent carbon aroun 1900
Seven ID8 around 3300 for the frame
Litespeed Ardennes around 3500

My favorite the new specialized Roubaix expert with compact for around 3000

dekindy

+1.

I looked at these, the Roubaix, Giant OCR Composite, and ended up with a 2005 Serotta Fierte steel with 2006 10-speed Shimano Ultegra's. The only difference between my frame and the newest model is that they added carbon seatstays. Fierte was voted 2007's best plush road bike for all day riding comfort. I am very happy with my decision. They can measure you with their outstanding fit system and determine if you need custom or can go with standard. Plus you will get a lot of compliments on the bike. If it only had lugs!

BladeGeek

A nice ride that is a goat on the hills is the Orbea Opal.

cuattop

Thanks to everyone for your input. I have had a blast checking out the difference bikes. Now it is time to go to work to pay for me new ride. It may not "be about the bike" but have there is something special about riding something that is hand picked based on your body, your tastes, your pocketbook.