Specialized Roubaix Sport Review
- Price: $3500
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: Front: Specialized Turbo Pro, 700x30mm, Rear: Specialized Turbo Pro, 700x30mm
- Gear: 2 x 11
WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT IT: The aerodynamic balance and the FACT 10r carbon fiber frame, which enhances the riding quality..
What we don’t like about it: The design of the 2x chainrings may potentially lead to chain drops when shifting gears.
Rating: (4.7/5)
The Roubaix bicycle has achieved victory seven times in the Paris-Roubaix race, which sparked our strong curiosity about this bike. While testing the Specialized Roubaix Expert, we experienced its impressive speed and comfort. However, during the testing process, we also wanted to explore its sibling, the Sport, especially since the price difference between these two bikes is $4,500.
After three weeks of riding and testing the Specialized Roubaix Sport, we were pleasantly surprised by its outstanding value for money. It comes equipped with a Shimano 105 11-speed drivetrain, providing quick shifting and reliable hydraulic disc brakes.
In the sections below, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Specialized Roubaix Sport. In the latter part of this article, we’ve selected a few other bicycles for comparison. If you want to learn more about bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
Endurance Cycling
I purchased a ticket, booked a hotel on IHG, and arrived in the suburbs of Washington. I chose a very long route to better test the Specialized Roubaix Sport.
In the early morning sunlight, I hopped on my endurance bike, and the FACT 10R frame felt lightweight and sturdy, giving me confidence and stability. I pedaled and felt the close connection between the wheels and the road.
I rode along a quiet countryside road. The comfort and stability of the Specialized Roubaix Sport allowed me to ride in a relaxed posture, with each pedal stroke providing a pleasurable sense of propulsion.
As the road conditions changed, I encountered undulating hilly terrain. This was a real challenge, and I needed to leverage the advantages of the Specialized Roubaix Sport. Despite the absence of suspension systems and exceptional shock absorption, sitting on the Specialized Roubaix Sport, I didn’t feel much road roughness, allowing me to focus on cycling. Every climb and descent was a test, but I managed to overcome them.
I skillfully controlled the Shimano 105 R7000 GS rear derailleur and Shimano 105 R7000 front derailleur, adjusting the gear ratios differently for uphill and downhill sections of varying gradients. This was to better adapt to different roads, allowing me to excel in riding on undulating terrain, and it felt exhilarating to conquer it.
Is that all?
Notably, the Specialized Roubaix Sport performs exceptionally well on corners. I adjusted my center of gravity according to the road conditions, the direction in which I leaned, and my speed. I navigated every turn perfectly, which is the confidence that the Specialized Roubaix Sport gave me.
As I neared the finish, on the final flat road, I continued to accelerate, maintaining my speed. Then, I controlled the Shimano 105 Hydraulic disc brakes to bring the bike to a stop. This thrilling feeling didn’t make me uncomfortable; instead, it was quite exhilarating. Throughout the endurance ride, I never felt bored, and in all circumstances, I made comfortable progress.
Specifications
The Specialized Roubaix Sport is an outstanding endurance bike. It features a FACT 10R frame and a Future Shock 1.5 with a Smooth Boot fork, enhancing the rider’s control on rough roads. The S-Works Pavé seatpost is designed with aerodynamics in mind, reducing air resistance.
Notably, the Shimano 105 Hydraulic disc brakes on this bike offer superior control for riders in any condition. The one-way venting and simple hose connection system are very convenient, making adjustments easy for riders. The braking system performs exceptionally well.
Video
Other Versions
After numerous tests, our understanding of this bike has deepened, and it is a remarkably excellent endurance bicycle.
However, many riders have their own performance or component requirements, which led us to investigate similar bikes.
Specialized S-Works Roubaix – Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
The Specialized S-Works Roubaix – Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 features 700c carbon wheels, which not only look great but are lightweight, offering a nimble acceleration and reduced wind resistance. Aluminum wheels are more budget-friendly, exhibit excellent impact resistance, and can typically still be used after sharp impacts, although their strength at welding points is lower.
The Specialized S-Works Roubaix – Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 is equipped with a 4iiii Precision Pro power meter, which collects power output data from both legs and other relevant metrics, improving training efficiency. It also helps riders identify strengths and weaknesses for targeted training and improvement.
It’s worth mentioning that the 2×12 Electronic drivetrain on the Specialized S-Works Roubaix – Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 offers a wider gear range, smoother shifting, and precise electronic shifting. However, in adverse conditions, mechanical drivetrains may be better suited.
What do we like about it?
- The FACT 10R carbon fiber frame enhances riding quality with aerodynamic balance.
- The Future Shock 1.5 provides riders with better control.
- The S-Works Pavé seatpost is the first to adhere to aerodynamic principles, offering a smoother driving experience.
- The 20mm suspension travel provides a more stable and comfortable ride, reducing fatigue.
What don’t we like about it?
- The design of the 2x chainrings may potentially lead to chain drops.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
This bike is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
- Is this bike a good climber?
It offers a comfortable ride and performs well on both flat terrain and climbs. With the right climbing tires, it can become an excellent climbing bike.
- Can this bike handle gravel well?
It can handle lightweight gravel well, but its narrower width means it’s not suited for larger gravel.
- How many mounting points does this bike have?
This bike has four mounting points.
Specs
Build
| Frame | FACT 10R, Rider First Engineered™ (RFE), FreeFoil Shape Library tubes, threaded BB, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount discBB Standard: BSA, 68mm, ThreadedColors: Smoke / Silver Dust/black Reflective; Uv Lilac / Black/black Reflective; Doppio / Sand |
| Fork | Future Shock 1.5 w/ Smooth Boot, 12x100mm, thru-axle, flat-mount disc |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano Threaded BSA BB |
| Stem | Future Stem, Comp |
| Handlebar | Specialized Hover Comp, Alloy, 125mm Drop, 75mm Reach w/Di2 Hole |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Power Sport, steel rails |
| Seatpost | S-Works Pave |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano 105 R7000 GS, medium cage, 11-speed |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano 105 R7000, braze-on |
| Crank | Shimano 105 R7000, HollowTech 2, 11-speed, 50/34T |
| Shifters | Shimano 105 R7020, hydraulic disc |
| Cassette | Shimano 105, 11-speed, 11-34t |
| Chain | KMC X11 Extra Lightweight, 11-speed |
| Brakes | Shimano 105, Hydraulic disc |
Wheels
| Rims | Front: DT Swiss R470 rim, 20mm internal width, tubeless ready, 24h, Specialized full sealed bearing thru axle hub, centerlock disc, DT Swiss Champion 14G stainless steel spokes, DT Swiss brass nipples., Rear: DT Swiss R470 rim, 20mm internal width, tubeless ready, 24h, Specialized fully sealed bearing thru axle hub, centerlock disc, alloy freehub body, DT Swiss Champion 14G stainless steel spokes, DT Swiss brass nipples. |
| Tires | Front: Specialized Turbo Pro, 700x30mm, Rear: Specialized Turbo Pro, 700x30mm |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset |
| Canyon Endurace CF SL 8 Disc | Click View | Continental GP5000s TR, 30mm | 2 x 11 | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra |
| Trek Domane SL 6 Gen 4 | Click View | Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite 700x32mm | 2×12Electronic | Carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 |
| BMC Roadmachine X AL ONE | Click View | WTB Expanse – 32mm | 1 x 11 | Aluminum | SRAM Rival |
| Bianchi Infinito XE Rival eTap AXS | Click View | Vittoria Zaffiro Pro V 700×28 | 2×12Electronic | Carbon | SRAM Rival eTap |
Specialized Roubaix Sport vs. Canyon Endurace CF SL 8 Disc
The Specialized Roubaix Sport utilizes Shimano 105 components, while the Canyon Endurace CF SL 8 Disc employs Shimano Ultegra. Ultegra is more refined than 105, with Ultegra dual-control levers featuring carbon-reinforced plastic brackets and the main control lever, while Shimano 105 has glass-reinforced plastic brackets and an aluminum main control lever, and it’s slightly heavier. However, the performance difference between these two derailleurs is not significant.
The Canyon Endurace CF SL 8 Disc is $600 cheaper than the Specialized Roubaix Sport, but Ultegra is pricier than 105. However, in terms of geometry, the Specialized Roubaix Sport has a slightly flatter profile with a 1.58 stack/reach ratio, allowing riders to stretch their bodies more comfortably and maintain an upright position for a more comfortable ride. Furthermore, the head tube angle on the Specialized Roubaix Sport is relatively large, at 73.5°. A larger head tube angle enhances maneuverability, making the ride more agile.
Learn More: Is Canyon Endurance 8 Disc Worth Buying? [Canyon Endurance 8 Disc Review]
Specialized Roubaix Sport vs. Trek Domane SL 6 Gen 4
The Trek Domane SL 6 Gen 4 is equipped with Shimano 105 Di2 components, while the Specialized Roubaix Sport uses Shimano 105 components. Shimano 105 Di2 features a 2×12 electronic drivetrain that is highly precise, offers a wider gear range compared to the Shimano 105 2×11, and delivers smoother shifting. Electronic shifting also requires minimal maintenance, only needing periodic recharging. However, when it comes to adaptability in harsh conditions, Shimano 105 mechanical shifting still has an advantage.
In terms of geometry, the Trek Domane SL 6 Gen 4 has a more aggressive geometry, allowing riders to apply greater power to the pedals more easily when accelerating. The Specialized Roubaix Sport has a larger stack/reach ratio, contributing to a more comfortable riding experience. Additionally, the higher BB drop lowers the rider’s center of gravity, increasing stability. However, it can also result in a lower pedal position, causing some inconvenience when cornering or navigating obstacles.
Learn More: Is Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 A Perfect Selection? – [Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 Review]
Specialized Roubaix Sport vs. BMC Roadmachine X AL ONE
Both the BMC Roadmachine X AL ONE and the Specialized Roubaix Sport feature lightweight carbon frames, forks, and 700c aluminum wheels. However, the BMC Roadmachine X AL ONE is equipped with a 1×11 drivetrain. In contrast to the 2×11 drivetrain of the Specialized Roubaix Sport, the 1×11 drivetrain’s single chainring design effectively prevents chain drops, providing riders with more peace of mind when shifting gears.
The BMC Roadmachine X AL ONE can only reach speeds of up to 50 km/h. The Specialized Roubaix Sport is exceptionally fast and capable of reaching speeds of up to 63 km/h. Moreover, in terms of geometry, the Specialized Roubaix Sport has a larger stack/reach ratio compared to the BMC Roadmachine X AL ONE. This offers better stretchability, making the ride more comfortable. Additionally, the head tube angle of the Specialized Roubaix Sport is also larger, providing excellent maneuverability, and allowing riders to navigate turns with agility.
Learn More: Is BMC Roadmachine X Two Worth Buying? [BMC Roadmachine X Two Review]
Specialized Roubaix Sport vs. Bianchi Infinito XE Rival eTap AXS
It’s worth mentioning that the Bianchi Infinito XE Rival eTap AXS is $1,000 more expensive than the Specialized Roubaix Sport. While it comes with La Spirale Ribbon cork grips, which are convenient for riders, the cost of grips isn’t high, and most of the price difference is reflected in the components. The Bianchi Infinito XE Rival eTap AXS uses SRAM Rival eTap, offering a precise 2×12 electronic shifting with a wide gear range and smooth shifting. In contrast, the Specialized Roubaix Sport is equipped with Shimano 105, known for its easy operation.
Additionally, the Bianchi Infinito XE Rival eTap AXS achieves higher speeds, capable of reaching 64 km/h, making it exceptionally fast. The Specialized Roubaix Sport features 30mm-wide tires, slightly wider than the 28mm tires on the Bianchi Infinito XE Rival eTap AXS. Wider tires can handle a broader range of road conditions, providing ample support.
Learn More: Is Bianchi Infinito XE – 105 Di2 Worth Buying? [Bianchi Infinito XE – 105 Di2 Review]
Summary
This is our review of the Specialized Roubaix Sport. It is an outstanding endurance bike, earning a high rating of 4.7 from our assessment. If you’re looking for more bicycle information, feel free to explore our other reviews.
Lastly, if you enjoy our content, please consider sharing it with your friends. If our content has been helpful to you, you can subscribe by clicking the email subscription button below. Thank you for your support!
