Specialized Roubaix SL4 are they any good ?

[MBeemerman]

As thread title, been looking at sl4 roubaix has anyone had one and what's there opinion of it and how does it compare with the newer roubaix with the future shock.?

[joeheavyslow]

I have a Roubaix SL4 and I absolutely love it. I can't say the zertz inserts achieve much. It's a slightly easier ride than my old Allez, but I think that's mostly down to fit.

I can't comment on the new Roubaix.

[MBeemerman]

Thanks for your reply, I already have a sl2 and am wondering if making the jump to a sl4 will be a big improvement or make a bigger jump up to the newer version.

[ArnageWRC]

Depending on your budget, I'd be looking at the new Roubaix; looks to be a nice bike, with either the Future Shock 2.0/1.5 'suspension' system.

[MBeemerman]

After having a chat today with someone in the know I have to agree with you.
Only thing now is do I go for a size 52 or 54 , I'm 5'7" so bang on the crossover sizes and getting a bike fitting at the moment isn't possible.

[SomersetWestie]

I can definitely recommend the 2020 Roubaix. I've had mine since last August, it really is a superb bit of kit....... From the outset properly comfortable, far faster than I'll ever be. The combination of Future Shock and Pavé seat post really works, and the thing glides over bumps and holes on the worst Somerset roads.......... Have a couple of Synapses' that I've ridden hard for a few years but the Roubaix really is a different class..... Just wish I'd got the Di2 at the time

[MBeemerman]

That's really good to hear some real world feedback instead of bike shop talk.
What's the sizing like, how tall are you and what size did you go for ?

[MBeemerman]

What model of roubaix do you have ?

[WAVman]

MBeemerman said:

After having a chat today with someone in the know I have to agree with you.
Only thing now is do I go for a size 52 or 54 , I'm 5'7" so bang on the crossover sizes and getting a bike fitting at the moment isn't possible.

I'm far from an expert but I'm in the same situation but next sizes up, and I have read a lot about it and it seems that the smaller size is the one to get.

You can't adjust a bike that's too big to make it smaller, but a smaller one can be adjusted bigger.

[MBeemerman]

That's exactly my thoughts.
I spoke to a guy at a concept store today and he said go for the larger size but I disagree with that ad it's a lot more difficult trying to make a large bike smaller.
Size 52 goes from 5'5" to 5'7" and 54 from 5'7" to 5'9"

[SomersetWestie]

MBeemerman said:

What model of roubaix do you have ?

The comp ultegra............ Can't really help you with the sizing though as I'm on a 58 frame and 6'2"............... !!

[g7jhp]

Interesting History of the Roubiax here.

I've had my Specialized Roubaix Elite 2012 from new.



I have upgraded the wheels (twice), saddle and added a powermeter. It's now done just under 15,000 miles.

It's a great bike it climbs well and eats 100 mile sportives.

I had been looking at a 2018 Roubaix Expert and have considered a number of other brands/models but keep coming back to the Roubaix.

I think I'll probably upgrade (n+1) to a 2020 Specialized Roubaix Expert Di2 as I'd like discs, Di2 and Future Shock 2.0 plus the new aero benefits (better than the current Tarmac).



Prices were discounted 20% after Xmas and I expect a greater amount in July. Look at previous year model drops on Price Spy.

Personally in your position I'd go for a newer 2020 model which as the Future Shock 1.5 or 2.0 and the improved aerodynamics. At 5'7 you're probably best on the smaller 52" frame (rather than stretching on a 54") but try riding both and make up your mind.

[MBeemerman]

Thanks for your input , you sound to be on much the same path as myself, having owned my sl2 new in 2010 and upgraded wheelsets twice and other bits and pieces over the years.
Im pretty much set on a 2020 roubaix now but just have to wait to actually go and see them!

Edited by MBeemerman on Wednesday 13th May 23:35

[g7jhp]

I tried the 54" 2020 Expert Di2 for size

[MBeemerman]

Did you get a demo ride and how's the size compare with your old roubaix ?

[g7jhp]

I did have a quick ride in a limited space. The Di2 is a different feel as you don't have to move the lever much and it's very precise.

The fit was fairly similar, perhaps a little more comfortable.

I had also tried a 54" Tarmac Expert and it felt a lot more stretched out compared to the Roubaix. I am longer legged and short body.

My only complaint on the Roubaix range is the paint schemes (S-Works aside) are a little boring IMO.

The Specialized Roubaix Comp Udi2 2020 in Hyper in nice.



The S-Works Roubaix they had on display was stunning but a lot more money than an Expert Di2.

Edited by g7jhp on Thursday 14th May 09:57

[MBeemerman]

The s works bike does look stunning in that colour way but I think the sram etap s works is prob the better bike with 12 speed and shallower rims but only colour option on it is black.

[martyn850]

I had a SL4 and now have a 2018 Roubaix Comp. Love the Comp. I would definitely go for one with the future shock, it’s far better than the zertz that were on the SL4 and my Secteur before. I just find it a really nice bike to ride, and having just bought a Cannondale Synapse Al Tiagra as a winter bike on the C2W scheme I can really appreciate the Roubaix now!

Edited by martyn850 on Tuesday 19th May 23:39

[g7jhp]

As the 2020 Tarmac is more aerodynamic than the current Tarmac I'm wondering why anyone would currently choose a Tarmac.

Thinking the Roubaix's aero advantage, plus Futureshock offsets and small weight advantage the Tarmac has.

Interested to hear if anyone tried the 2020 Roubaix but went for a Tarmac and why?

[lufbramatt]

Is it more aero with a rider on though? the front of the tarmac looks much lower than the Roubaix.

Also, the s-works one above needs Marlboro stickers on the downtube