Specialized Tarmac or Roubaix

[Juriekruger]

Looking to some hubbers for advice.

 

I am looking for a road bike to do training on and if I want to do the Cape Cycle tour or DC I can. I currently ride a Spez Epic Comp Carbon.

 

I am looking at a Tarmac or Roubaix. Any advice?

[ChUkKy]

Roubaix for a bit more comfort me thinks...

 

I would ride a Roubaix, hope none of my mates see this comment, theyll think Ive gone soft

[Spoke101]

Both great bikes, boils down to whether you consider comfort or weight/stiffness more important. 

[V12man]

Roubaix for a bit more comfort me thinks...

 

I would ride a Roubaix, hope none of my mates see this comment, theyll think Ive gone soft

You have ALWAYS been soft....

[nonky]

For SA roads, the Roubaix is the more appropriate (more comfortable) choice.

 

However, if you're a no-compromise race snake, the Tarmac will probably be a few seconds faster... 

 

Why don't you approach your local Spez store and ask whether you can borrow one of each for a weekend test ride?

[R-squared]

Looking to some hubbers for advice.

 

I am looking for a road bike to do training on and if I want to do the Cape Cycle tour or DC I can. I currently ride a Spez Epic Comp Carbon.

 

I am looking at a Tarmac or Roubaix. Any advice?

Roubaix is fantastic on rough roads - removes a lot of the fatiguing buzz.  Tarmac probably better if racing is your game, but Roubaix is great for training/ commuting

[ChUkKy]

You have ALWAYS been soft....

 

Soft spoken gent... thats me 

[dirtypot]

Roubaix.

I almost bought one before deciding on the superior BMC 

[Waffles]

Ridden both, only for a short test ride though, in my limited experience I would say go for Tarmac.

 

I currently ride a Trek domane and would say that I cant get my position 100% due to the 'relaxed' geometry. In hindsight Madone would probably have been better, although it all depend on what you are after. What works for some might not work for you. The Specialized guys are pretty helpful letting you test ride both. I wouldn't buy one without test riding both.

[Capri Wheeler]

Years ago when deciding between the Cervelo S3 or R3 the question was posed: Are you a racer who liked to ride or a rider who likes to race?

 

I would say it is very similar now.

Rider - Roubaix.

Racer - Tarmac

 

From a very small analysis I would recommend the Roubaix

[Juriekruger]

2 out of 3 spez shops said that coming from an Epic the choice would be Tarmac. Think i need to test ride it first, but being on a road bike for the first time so I am not sure if that would decide it for me.

[ilubinsky]

I went from the Venge to the Tarmac.

 

The Tarmac is a great bike you cant go wrong.

 

As the guys have said try both of them. You will know once you have ridden them what is best for you.

['Dale]

Tarmac is sexy and for the more seriaas road racer

The Roubaix is designed for comfort, frame features and overall geometry, and would be a good fit for the MTBer who is used to a more upright, comfy experience and wants to play on the black stuff

[GLuvsMtb]

2 out of 3 spez shops said that coming from an Epic the choice would be Tarmac. Think i need to test ride it first, but being on a road bike for the first time so I am not sure if that would decide it for me.

The fact that you are currently on an Epic should not be the overriding factor on how you chose a road bike. The reality is that you may have been happier on a Camber or Stumpy FSR. Think about the intended application, and as others suggested, go test them and then decide.

[Sharkie 2]

There are better road bikes out there than the Spez and also better priced