Roubaix vs Domane vs Other Endurance Bikes

[Paul Ruinaard]

Whats the views on the Specialized Roubaix vs the Trek Domane as Endurance/Comfort machines.

 

Which one gets the vote? Andy Why?

 

I have/had a Roubaix - except it became my wife's bike. It was mine and I liked it.

 

So I went back to my old Colnago C 40 - which I love, but it's stiff and old and I am also stiff and old. We don't love each other as much a we used to when I was supple and young and she was new and sexy. Its like an old marriage - familiar but sometimes tough....

So i am looking for a frame with "endurance" built in. Trek Domane has their new story with ISO couplers and the Roubaix has been king of the heap here for a while with their Zertz. I am excluding the new Roubaix as that seems to be very costly and a bit out there....

 

So the question is, given a choice between the two - a Specialized Roubaix or a Trek Domane, which would you favour? Anyone got any input and why?

 

I basically want something a little more upright (getting old) as well as something to absorb the road buzz more.

 

My issues are more around position and comfort on the 70 to 100 km rides. I could get more core strength and less weight as well so that will always help, but it appears that i could also arrive at the end feeling a bit better.

 

Oh and I will likely end up using anything between 28 to 32 mm tyres as well so I do understand will already make a big difference whereas the current rides can't handle more than 25mm.

[Rob Mortimer]

I rode the Giant Defy Advanced Disc for a while and felt really comfortable on it (did two 200km+ rides on it while I had it).

 

I had 25mm tyres on - think they were stock and I am sure it would have fitted 28mm comfortably but cannot be sure of larger tyres.

 

Pretty sure it is cheaper as well 

 

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-giant-defy-advanced-2-50287/

[eddy]

Have you considered something like a steel Ritchey Swiss Cross ?

 

I too am an old man, way beyond the prime of my life with a Colnago C40 and made the move to steel some years ago.

 

The Ritchey is less racy, more compliant and can take 35mm tyres.

 

It also works out a lot less than a new carbon bike.

[Paul Ruinaard]

Have you considered something like a steel Ritchey Swiss Cross ?

 

I too am an old man, way beyond the prime of my life with a Colnago C40 and made the move to steel some years ago.

 

The Ritchey is less racy, more compliant and can take 35mm tyres.

 

It also works out a lot less than a new carbon bike.

Now you making me angry. I actually managed to get a frame and was about to buy it, but i had too many projects on the go and someone really wanted it so i gave it to them.

 

I have always wanted to go back to Steel and I have all the bits from a CX build in the garage.

 

Do you think i will be happy - i.e. Steel versus the above options? Is it as plush as they make out? A hell of a lot cheaper....

[MarcL]

Hi

I have a Domane and think its the best bike ever.... Done 3 DC's on it and an Oxford to Paris. Comfort is the word of the day here!!! First DC was 2 days after buying it....

I bought it when they were first released on 2013 after reading the 5 Star reviews.

Just last week I see the new Domane disc again got 5 Stars. 

In the ever changing world of bikes to get 5 stars and then 3 year later still get 5 stars... What else is there to say?

 

When I deserve an upgrade, I will be getting another Domane.

My real sport is MTB and we a Scott family, so to get a Trek it must be real special and this bike is.

 

I have since converted 3 other people and they too love their Domane's.

 

Do it, you wont regret it....

 

Hope that helps.

[eddy]

Now you making me angry. I actually managed to get a frame and was about to buy it, but i had too many projects on the go and someone really wanted it so i gave it to them.

 

I have always wanted to go back to Steel and I have all the bits from a CX build in the garage.

 

Do you think i will be happy - i.e. Steel versus the above options? Is it as plush as they make out? A hell of a lot cheaper....

 

Tastes differ as do requirements, but I like it.

 

I think that you can get a much better steel frame than carbon at the same price point. There is no doubt that Carbon can be laid up to give you any desired outcome, but that comes at a price.

 

I have a good carbon bike in the cupboard that gets ridden every so often, but almost all of my riding is on steel.

 

If I had to race you once around Suikerbosrand, I'd take my carbon bike. If I had to ride there and back as well, it would definitely be steel.