Specialized Roubaix test ride

[007fair]

Cheers guys thanks for your replys Planet X looks good but starting at 2599 .. too much!
I think I need to decide on whether I need a rack for the odd light tour

 

[Fiona N]

I was looking at the Specialized Roubaix - frame and forks only as I prefer Campag to Shimano when it matters - before I found out about Paul Hewitt's Alpine Carbon. All the comfort of a full carbon road bike and it easily takes a full set of mudguards (I know, I know but I'm getting old and creaky and like my comfort now...) not just the desperation versions as well as having mountings for a rack. We've clocked up around 4500km since I got it in early June and every km has been a pleasure. I can definitely recommend it - and Hewitt's fitting service too. The Alpine Carbon is a custom build insofar as you specify you choice of components so I reckon you could get under £2000 for a very nicely specced bike without trying too hard.

 

[jimboalee]

I was looking at the Specialized Roubaix - frame and forks only as I prefer Campag to Shimano when it matters - before I found out about Paul Hewitt's Alpine Carbon. All the comfort of a full carbon road bike and it easily takes a full set of mudguards (I know, I know but I'm getting old and creaky and like my comfort now...) not just the desperation versions as well as having mountings for a rack. We've clocked up around 4500km since I got it in early June and every km has been a pleasure. I can definitely recommend it - and Hewitt's fitting service too. The Alpine Carbon is a custom build insofar as you specify you choice of components so I reckon you could get under £2000 for a very nicely specced bike without trying too hard.

I wouldn't go calling it that. More like "Mix & Match".

When I read what you had typed, my mind said "Custom Carbon???"

I dread the day all bikes will be laid carbon fibre in a mould. Impossible to 'Chop'.

 

[yello]

I know little of head angles, of 'rake and tale' but I do like the Spec Roubaix!

A club mate has one and I often admire it. It's a lovely looking bike and he looks comfortable on it. A triple too. I'd love to have a ride to form my own impressions. My only problem with it is that it is a 'Specialized'... and some unfounded prejudices run deep!!

 

[007fair]

I was looking at the Specialized Roubaix - frame and forks only as I prefer Campag to Shimano when it matters - before I found out about Paul Hewitt's Alpine Carbon. All the comfort of a full carbon road bike and it easily takes a full set of mudguards (I know, I know but I'm getting old and creaky and like my comfort now...) not just the desperation versions as well as having mountings for a rack. We've clocked up around 4500km since I got it in early June and every km has been a pleasure. I can definitely recommend it - and Hewitt's fitting service too. The Alpine Carbon is a custom build insofar as you specify you choice of components so I reckon you could get under £2000 for a very nicely specced bike without trying too hard.

Interesting Fiona.. so there are bikes out there that will do what I want
2K is a bit much but your post makes me think I'll start a new thread on this subject!

 

[vorsprung]

But be warned, if you try to ride the Roubaix down twisty hills at race-pace, you might end up in the hedge.

If you try and ride any bike down a twisty hill at race pace after being awake for 30 hours you will probably end up in the hedge

 

[ChuckoLotte]

Great bike! I've looked at your blog. Re your replacing the cf seatpost for a ti seatpost, I finally found a thread I was looking at awhile ago wherein galvanic reaction between seatpost & frame was discussed. It's probably a non-issue for you but you might want to check out the thread for yourself for relevance to your situation.

http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-401391.html

Another test ride on my blog this time for Specialized's distance muncher the Roubaix

 

[vorsprung]

Great bike! I've looked at your blog. Re your replacing the cf seatpost for a ti seatpost, I finally found a thread I was looking at awhile ago wherein galvanic reaction between seatpost & frame was discussed. It's probably a non-issue for you but you might want to check out the thread for yourself for relevance to your situation.

http://www.bikeforum...p/t-401391.html

I am aware of this. There is a tiny amount of residual grease on the Ti seatpost and I will be removing it if the bike is exposed to prolonged rain