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Why buy a Specialized Roubaix


Brendan Vogt

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Why would you want to buy a Specialized Roubaix in South Africa if we don't have rough road routes like in the Paris Roubaix? Surely this bicycle has other properties besides being made for cobblestones?

 

Has anyone got such a bike? How comfortable is it over long distance? How does it climb?

 

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Potholes?!  :ph34r:

 

And it seems you forgot Paarl's main road before they re-tarred it...  :unsure:

 

But more seriously - I tend to wonder with you.

Edited by SeaBee
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The Roubaix has a more relax geometry than the Venge and has the dampers in the rear stays and fork. Which means you won't feel every bump on the road or rough uneven surfaces.

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Potholes?!  :ph34r:

 

And it seems you forgot Paarl's main road before they re-tarred it...  :unsure:

 

But more seriously - I tend to wonder with you.

 

Yes I forgot Paarl's roads are horrible.

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Yes I forgot Paarl's roads are horrible.

SA's roads in general are real bad compared to Europe.  Makes a lot of sense, especially if you're not the ultimate racing snake.

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Same reason guys outside of south africa buy a specialised epic

 

the way things are going they won't be able to sell a tarmac here

 

 

 

edit:found better comeback

Edited by Shebeen
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This is a very good question when there bikes like:

 

20141204_115505.jpg

 

http://i1156.photobucket.com/albums/p576/robeh1/cannondalesynapse2015disc2_zps84b378f1.jpg

 

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm315/GavH/2011-06-12083958_zpsf12d0eb0.jpg

 

http://www.abovecategorycycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG_6523.jpg

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That Bianchi is damn ugly, sho!!

 

Most people will prefer the Roubaix (or any of the more "compliant" bikes above) in terms comfort and especially road buzz.

 

BUT just like most of us that should buy the Camber, we want what the Pros ride, so we buy Venges, not Tarmacs even, VENGES or NOTHING, or Epics.....

 

A Roubaix running on 28c tyres will be just as fast for the average dude in open seeded classes as a Venge S-Works.... but waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more comfortable. Our egos just get in the way.

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That Bianchi is damn ugly, sho!!

 

Most people will prefer the Roubaix (or any of the more "compliant" bikes above) in terms comfort and especially road buzz.

 

BUT just like most of us that should buy the Camber, we want what the Pros ride, so we buy Venges, not Tarmacs even, VENGES or NOTHING, or Epics.....

 

A Roubaix running on 28c tyres will be just as fast for the average dude in open seeded classes as a Venge S-Works.... but waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more comfortable. Our egos just get in the way.

The Venge is much better looking than the Roubaix though!

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That Bianchi is damn ugly, sho!!

 

Most people will prefer the Roubaix (or any of the more "compliant" bikes above) in terms comfort and especially road buzz.

 

BUT just like most of us that should buy the Camber, we want what the Pros ride, so we buy Venges, not Tarmacs even, VENGES or NOTHING, or Epics.....

 

A Roubaix running on 28c tyres will be just as fast for the average dude in open seeded classes as a Venge S-Works.... but waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more comfortable. Our egos just get in the way.

100% spot on :thumbup:

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That Bianchi is damn ugly, sho!!

 

 

 

 

But not as ugly as the BAUM is pretty !

 

Hell, even if I were the most tested athlete and 7 times former TdeF winner, I'd give a ball for that ........

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But not as ugly as the BAUM is pretty !

 

Hell, even if I were the most tested athlete and 7 times former TdeF winner, I'd give a ball for that ........

That Baum is a STUNNER!!

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Why would you want to buy a Specialized Roubaix in South Africa if we don't have rough road routes like in the Paris Roubaix? Surely this bicycle has other properties besides being made for cobblestones?

 

Has anyone got such a bike? How comfortable is it over long distance? How does it climb?

I have the Roubaix, with 28C tyres on. Must say its very fast and very easy on the body. Don't feel every bump on the road like my previous Giant

Love the bike sofar, smooth on downhill and climbs very well.

 

Overall a nice descent all rounder.

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I have a Roubaix as well that I also put bigger tires on. Its a great bike. Not everyone's cup of tea but i am on the downslope from personal bests. Its not a Venge and wasn't designed to be.

 

My only comparison is my Colnago which is a lot bumpier and harsher a ride. So after 50 to 60 kms you feel a lot fresher than you would on a very rigid carbon frame.

 

Now the bike has become my wife's and I get to ride the Colnago a lot more as well as my CX bike.

 

Thing is if you want a smoother ride start by putting wider tyres (25 mm upwards) on and drop the inflation. You would be amazed by what happens. It a R1k upgrade to a bike that may mean you dont spend R 51k on the frame.

 

Also its lower rolling resistance than the 11 bar freaks on their 21mm tires.

Remember that if you get to the finish line fresher chances are you will be faster as well.

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My old man has a Roubaix with 28c and he swears by it.... dont think he will ever change.

 

He also says his confidence going downhill is better with the larger contact patch.

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