Specialized Roubaix?

[Lynn39]

I rode a 2006 Specialized Roubaix Elite today. It was the first road bike that I have ridden that felt great! It was so smooth and comfortable! I also rode a 2007 Specialized Sequoia, didn't feel bad but the derailer kept skipping, LBS said it needed some adjusting.

The Roubaix is marked down to $950, here's the specs.

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?a=b&minisite=10029&spid=21761&language=US

The Sequoia is $500.
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22259.

I was hoping to stay in the $700 range, but the Roubaix seems like a great deal. I have ridden a few other bikes so far..Trek 1000, Jamis Ventura & Raleigh Sport. So far the Roubaix has been the only one that felt "right."

Does anyone have the Roubaix? What do you think of it?
Should I ride more bikes before I decide?

Thanks...

[michelem]

My friend has the Roubaix Pro (DuraAce) and LOVES it. I have the Ruby Expert (Ultegra), which is the women's version of the Roubaix and I LOVE it. The most important thing is fit. If it fits you, buy it! :D

[songlady]

That roubaix is a very good deal! My sister bought the same bike this past spring for $1500. I also had a roubaix (2005 elite) before I got my Ruby. Like you, I had also tried the Sequoia and the difference between the two was like night and day.

[JanB]

My husband recently got back into riding and he had a hard time spending the money on the Roubaix but after every ride, he comments about how glad he is that we spent the $$ and got him a nice bike. He loves it and I love my Ruby. I don't think you would be sorry & what a great deal!

[jcorbiser]

I have a 2004 Roubaix and it is a great bike! I don't think the Sequoia can even compare..I would definitely spend the extra $$ if the bike "speaks" to you. Have fun!!

[Kano]

And I LOVE it!

I probably can't guarantee that you'll be glad you bought that bike, but I have enjoyed all 612 miles!

Like you, I was not intending to spend so much on a road bike, and I was not even thinking about carbon fiber for the frame. I pretty much lucked into it.

I road a Specialized Expedition "comfort-beast" last year, so this bike has been quite a change. I started out with some strength issues related to the new body position earlier this season, but lately I've noticed that I've gotten much stronger, and much more confident on my bike. I think I've got a happy saddle situation now, though it's tempting to play a bit more with that, just in case I could be wrong! I'm also starting to feel very comfortable in the drops after wondering if there was ever going to come a day when I'd be brave enough to even try them.

Overall, I feel I could happily spend a full day on this bike! (now to get DH that happy on his!)

Karen in Boise

[Lynn39]

Thanks everyone for your input. I'm really excited about this bike, I'm going to make sure it fits properly, test ride it again, longer this time, and if it "clicks," I'm getting it!


And I LOVE it!

I road a Specialized Expedition "comfort-beast" last year, so this bike has been quite a change. I started out with some strength issues related to the new body position earlier this season, but lately I've noticed that I've gotten much stronger, and much more confident on my bike. I think I've got a happy saddle situation now, though it's tempting to play a bit more with that, just in case I could be wrong! I'm also starting to feel very comfortable in the drops after wondering if there was ever going to come a day when I'd be brave enough to even try them.
Karen in Boise

I also have been riding a "comfort-beast", so this will be a change for me too. Just gonna take it slow and try to build up my distance and confidence :o
The saddle might be a problem, I only rode it for about 20 min and I'm sore today. Oh well, that will probably be my next question...

Thanks..

[Kano]

Lynn, my "bike guy" started me out with some real basic fitting, and suggested I put some miles on before making any "big" changes, since my body would have so much to learn about the new riding position -- add to the change that I started the season pretty sadly out of shape. I think my fit was pretty decent right "out of the box" but I did have to train my body to hold itself up, rather than leaning way too much weight on my hands, which caused me to do things like locking my elbows and lifting my shoulders. Those things hurt at first -- but as I've gotten stronger in my core, I'm not doing so much of that stuff, and haven't had to do much to the bike to be more comfortable.

(now I'm having "butt issues" but the problem is more that my shorts are not fitting like they used to, and it's going to take an investment in some smaller ones!:D )

[Lynn39]

I got the bike! I think I'm in LOVE!!!! :D
Here's the bike, hope the pic isn't too big.
4173

I just got back from about a 12 mile ride. It rides so nice. I felt pretty good. I definitely noticed using muscles that I haven't felt before biking. I tried to be conscience of using my abs, trying not to lock my elbows (which I kept doing). Does anyone know of any good articles on proper form? I would like to learn the right way before I develop bad habits..

I'm so excited about this bike!!!!!

[songlady]

Congrats!! You are going to love that bike :D

[Jo-n-NY]

Congratulations and lots of luck and happiness with your new ride.

I also have a Ruby and love it!!!!