Specialized Roubaix?

[selenajane]

Hello! I'm new to this forum and pretty new to road biking...but am hoping to get some advice. Last year I did an olympic triathlon- borrowing my friend's 51" specialized dolce. I've been looking to get my own road bike...and just came across a 2005 52" Specialized Roubaix for sale for $700. I think the fit would be good since the 51" dolce was a little small for me- and 54" seems a little large. Any women have the roubaix? Thoughts on this bike? Thanks!

[OakLeaf]

Effective TT length of a 52 cm '05 Roubaix is 53.7 cm. http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?arc=2005&spid=21471&menuItemId=0

You didn't say what year your friend's Dolce was, but effective TT length of a 51 cm Dolce has been 51.8 cm for model years since 2006. In 2004-2005 it was 52.1 cm.

Effective TT length of a 54 cm '09 Dolce is 53.5 cm. So if that's too big for you, the Roubaix is even a couple of millimeters longer.

[eclectic]

My good riding friend has an '05 or '06 Roubaix and loves it. (I don't know what size she has)

She is about 5'8" or 9 and long through the torso.

I have an '07 54 cm Specialized Ruby and I love it.
because
I am 5'6" and short through the torso and narrow through the shoulders.
The Roubaix just didn't fit me right all the way around.

[kermit]

I bought a new roubaix in 05 and loved it. I have since upgraded to the 09 roubaix pro frame and it's even better. The carbon and frame have gotten lighter buts its still the same comfy ride. I am a huge fan of Specialized. I am 5'8" and ride a 54 with a 90 stem. Get a good fit and you will love the bike!

[selenajane]

Thanks Ladies for the info! I had no idea the TT would be longer than the dolce's 54"! In any case- I went ahead and bought the bike...and hope the top tube isn't too long (or that I can make enough other adjustments to make it work). I did a quick test ride- and for the most part it seemed ok. I found the bike on craigslist and it was such a good deal that I knew I couldn't wait or it would be gone.
I can't wait to take it on a ride!!! :) I'll report back after I make adjustments and get a ride in. I'm so happy to have a new road bike- so far I love it! I showed it to a friend and she instantly had bike envy.

[aicabsolut]

I had a 2006 Roubaix (now I have a 2008). The sizing vs Specialized WSD is about a size off. So, a 52 Roubaix frame is like a 54 WSD frame (I ride a 54 Roubaix, and would need a 56 Ruby to get the kind of reach I'm looking for). Hopefully, you can make the Roubaix fit.

I love the Roubaix. I've moved on to the Tarmac for my favorite race bike for a few reasons, but the Roubaix is a fantastic bike.

[tprevost]

I have a 2005 Roubaix that I still love. I've since purchased another additional road bike but the Roubaix is still my security blanket and the one I feel most comfortable on; its a really nice bike :p

Can't wait to hear about your new 'find' and how you like it!