Specialized Roll 3.0 Low Entry Review
- Price: $1100
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: Nimbus II Sport, 650b x 2.3″
- Gear: 1×8
What we like about it: The Low-Entry Roll, made of high-quality A1 aluminum, offers ground control positioning, allowing riders to easily touch the ground after stopping.
What we didn’t like about it: Moderate uphill capabilities and it lacks high-speed performance.
Rating: (4.7/5)
The Specialized Roll 3.0 Low Entry has become one of the hottest deals of the summer, offering exceptional value. It has the potential to transform your life, and at this price point, there might not be a better bike out there. Its lightweight aluminum frame and microSHIFT transmission system deliver outstanding performance for the most comfortable riding experience.
In the following sections, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Specialized Roll 3.0 Low Entry. In the latter part of this article, we have also compared it with several other bikes. If you want to learn more about bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
Commuting Ride
Every morning, I hop on my Specialized Roll 3.0 Low Entry. As I pedal, the Specialized Roll 3.0 Low Entry accelerates gracefully and steadily. I feel the close connection between the wheels and the city roads as if the bike and I have formed a silent understanding. Every pedal stroke anticipates the promise of a new day. The handlebar design of the Specialized Roll 3.0 Low Entry allows me to maintain a natural posture, with my hands gripping the handlebars, feeling the smooth and comfortable rotation with every turn.
During my commute, I weave through the bustling city streets. The maneuverability of the Specialized Roll 3.0 Low Entry allows me to adapt easily, free from the frustration of traffic jams. I feel the ease and delight of navigating through traffic with every pass. Additionally, the Specialized Body Geometry Comfort Gel saddle ensures a comfortable seat. I relax on the seat, feeling the cool breeze on my face and the vitality of the city.
Gradually, I arrived at a wide city boulevard. The stability and comfortable seat of the Specialized Roll 3.0 Low Entry allow me to maintain a smooth pace, and I sense the harmonious resonance between the bike and the city. With every turn of the wheel, I seem to merge with the city, savoring the beauty of commuting.
Is that all?
In the evening, I ride the Specialized Roll 3.0 Low Entry back home. The comfortable seat makes me feel that every ride is a relaxation for my body and mind, especially after a tiring day at work. I sit on the bike, enjoying the cool breeze on my face and the city’s nightlife. The Specialized Roll 3.0 Low Entry’s agile steering allows me to navigate the city at night, and I feel in control of my movements with every turn.
Then, I reach a less-traveled road, and I accelerate continuously. The feeling of this free, soaring ride is simply exhilarating! Even if unexpected situations arise, the Tektro HD-T275 hydraulic disc brakes allow me to stop the bike promptly. I have full control over my speed, ensuring my safety. When I get home, I park the bike, lay back, and end the day’s fatigue.
Specifications
The Specialized Roll 3.0 Low Entry is an exceptionally comfortable bike. Its Specialized A1 Premium Aluminum frame is outstanding, lightweight, and incredibly durable. Its unique design allows riders to easily touch the ground when the bike is stopped, thanks to its Low-Entry feature. Additionally, it features a Steel formed tubes fork, which provides excellent shock absorption.
Furthermore, this bike comes with a MicroSHIFT Advent 8 Speed rear derailleur, delivering impressive shifting performance. Its Tektro HD-T275, hydraulic disc brakes offer reliable braking, ensuring rider safety. The bike is equipped with Specialized Body Geometry Fitness, platform pedals, and Slip-on grips, providing added convenience. Currently, it’s available at a discounted price of only $749.99, making it a great value.
Other Versions
After multiple tests, we’ve gained a deeper understanding of this bike. It’s an outstanding comfort bike.
However, some riders have specific performance or component requirements, so we have explored similar bikes.
2023 Specialized Roll Sport
These two bikes have identical geometry, frame materials, forks, and wheels. The Specialized A1 Premium Aluminum frame is robust, and the Steel formed tubes fork offers excellent shock absorption. Their wheel size configurations are the same; the main difference lies in the components. The Specialized Roll Sport has a 2×7 drivetrain, while the Specialized Roll 3.0 Low Entry features a 1×8 drivetrain. The 1×8 drivetrain provides a wider range of gears, and smoother shifting, and the single front derailleur design effectively prevents chain drops.
In addition, the Specialized Roll Sport uses mechanical disc brakes, while the Specialized Roll 3.0 Low Entry uses hydraulic disc brakes, which offer stronger braking performance but are less convenient for maintenance. Mechanical disc brakes are lighter and easier to maintain, although their braking performance is not as outstanding.
What do we like about it?
- The Low-Entry Roll, made of high-quality A1 aluminum, offers ground control positioning, allowing riders to easily touch the ground after stopping.
- Equipped with frame and fender mounting points, it can carry a substantial amount of weight and perform well in wet conditions.
- The Nimbus II Sport Reflect offers excellent traction, stability, and cushioning, greatly enhancing the rider’s experience.
- The Body Geometry Comfort Gel saddle provides unparalleled comfort.
What don’t we like about it?
- Moderate uphill capabilities and it lacks high-speed performance.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
- What is the weight limit for this bike?
Its weight limit is 275 lbs.
- How many color options are available for this bike?
It comes in four colors: Gloss Teal Tint / Hyper Green / Satin Black Reflective, Gloss Oasis / Forest Green / Satin Black Reflective, Gloss Uv Lilac / Smoke / Satin Black Reflective, Satin Maroon / Charcoal / Black Reflective.
- How do I choose the right size?
The size chart is below:
These sizes are just a general guide; the best way to find your size is to go for a test ride.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’2″ – 5’7″ | SM |
| 5’6″ – 5’11” | MD |
| 5’9″ – 6’2″ | LG |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Specialized A1 Premium Aluminum, Low Entry , Ground Control Positioning, formed tubes, post-mount disc, fender/rack mountsColors: Gloss Teal Tint / Hyper Green / Satin Black Reflective; Gloss Oasis / Forest Green / Satin Black Reflective; Gloss Uv Lilac / Smoke / Satin Black Reflective; Satin Maroon / Charcoal / Black Reflective |
| Fork | Steel formed tubes, post-mount disc, fender/rack mounts |
| Bottom Bracket | 68mm, square taper, 124.5mm length |
| Stem | 3D-forged alloy, 31.8mm, 7-degree rise |
| Handlebar | Specialized Roll, 6061 alloy, double butted, 15-degree backsweep, 136mm rise, 31.8mm |
| Saddle | Specialized Body Geometry Comfort Gel |
| Seatpost | Spring suspension, alloy, 27.2mm, 2-bolt clamp |
| Pedals | Specialized Body Geometry Fitness, platform, plastic |
| Grips | Slip-on, Closed End Grips |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | MicroSHIFT Advent 8 Speed, W/O Clutch |
| Crank | 3 pc, Alloy Forged Arms, 40T |
| Shifters | MicroSHIFT, 8-speed |
| Cassette | MicroSHIFT, 8-Speed, 12-42t |
| Chain | KMC X8 w/ Missing Link™, 8-speed |
| Brakes | Tektro HD-T275, hydraulic disc, 160 mm rotor |
Wheels
| Rims | 650b disc, double-wall alloy, pinned, 32h |
| Spokes | Stainless, 14g |
| Front Hub | Alloy, 6-bolt disc, loose ball bearing, quick-release, 32h |
| Rear Hub | Alloy, 6-bolt disc, Shimano, 8/9-speed freehub, 135mm spacing, quick-release, 36h |
| Tires | Front: Nimbus II Sport, 650b x 2.3″, Rear: Nimbus II Sport, 650b x 2.3″ |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset |
| Trek Verve 1 Disc Lowstep | Click View | Bontrager H5 Comp 700x45c | 3 x 7 | Aluminum | Shimano Altus, Tourney |
| Giant Cypress 3 | Click View | Innova Multi Purpose Hybrid, 700x45c | 1 x 8 | Aluminum | microSHIFT Acolyte |
| KTM TOURELLA | Click View | SCHWALBE FAT FRANK K-Guard TwinSkin | Internally Geared Hub | Aluminum | Shimano Nexus |
| Brooklyn Bicyle Co. Willow 7i Disc | Click View | Puncture-resistant skinwall 650B x 35 tires | Internally Geared Hub | Aluminum | Shimano NEXUS |
Specialized Roll 3.0 Low Entry vs. Trek Verve 1 Disc Lowstep
The Trek Verve 1 Disc Lowstep features 700c wheels, offering relatively strong performance in terms of terrain adaptability. On the other hand, the Specialized Roll 3.0 Low Entry is equipped with 650b wheels, which provide enhanced agility. The Specialized Roll 3.0 Low Entry comes with hydraulic disc brakes, delivering excellent braking performance. However, it is heavier and less convenient for maintenance. In contrast, the Trek Verve 1 Disc Lowstep features mechanical disc brakes, which are lighter and, while not as exceptional as hydraulic disc brakes, are easier to maintain.
Additionally, the former has a 1×8 drivetrain, while the latter uses a 3×7 drivetrain. The 1×8 drivetrain offers smoother shifting and a wider range of gears. Furthermore, the single front derailleur design effectively prevents chain drops, ensuring smooth gear changes. It’s worth mentioning that the Specialized Roll 3.0 Low Entry is equipped with a suspension seatpost, while the Trek Verve 1 Disc Lowstep features a rigid seatpost. A rigid seatpost makes pedaling more efficient, while a suspension seatpost effectively absorbs shocks, enhancing riding comfort.
Learn More: Is The Trek Verve 1 Disc Worth Buying? [Trek Verve 1 Disc Review]
Specialized Roll 3.0 Low Entry vs. Giant Cypress 3
Both of these bikes have aluminum frames, steel forks, and aluminum wheels. However, the Giant Cypress 3 has slightly larger wheel sizes. However, its mechanical disc brakes don’t offer exceptional braking performance, although they are very convenient for maintenance when issues arise. On the other hand, the Specialized Roll 3.0 Low Entry features agile 650b wheels and outstanding hydraulic disc brakes.
Moreover, in terms of geometry, the Specialized Roll 3.0 Low Entry has a larger 1.74 stack/reach ratio, while the Giant Cypress 3 has a stack/reach ratio of 1.62. Comparatively, the latter is more aggressive, allowing riders to accelerate more efficiently when pedaling. A larger stack/reach ratio brings a more relaxed geometry, keeping the rider’s body more upright, offering better stretch, and making the ride more comfortable.
Learn More: Is Giant Cypress 2 Worth Buying? [2022 Giant Cypress 2 Review]
Specialized Roll 3.0 Low Entry vs. KTM TOURELLA
The KTM TOURELLA features rim brakes, which are lightweight but tend to accumulate a significant amount of heat during braking. Continuous braking during long descents can lead to the buildup of excessive heat, potentially damaging the brakes and wheel rims, and causing issues during the ride. However, this bike has larger 700c wheels, and its seatpost is rigid, allowing for better acceleration during cycling. While the suspension seatpost on the Specialized Roll 3.0 Low Entry might be more robust in terms of shock absorption.
Additionally, the KTM TOURELLA has a larger head tube angle, making it very agile during rides. In contrast, the Specialized Roll 3.0 Low Entry has a head tube angle of 69°, providing relatively strong stability during cycling. However, the Specialized Roll 3.0 Low Entry has a larger BB drop. A larger BB drop lowers the bike’s center of gravity, enhancing ride stability. Nonetheless, a greater BB drop can result in a lower pedal position, potentially causing issues during cornering and navigating obstacles.
Specialized Roll 3.0 Low Entry vs. Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Willow 7i Disc
Both of these bicycles share the same frame, fork, and wheels, and they both have flexible 650b wheel sizes. However, there is a difference in wheel width. The Specialized Roll 3.0 Low Entry has 2.3″ wide tires, while the Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Willow 7i Disc uses 35mm tires. Wider tires can adapt to various road surfaces and provide better support, especially on soft terrain.
Notably, the Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Willow 7i Disc features an Internally Geared Hub drivetrain. This bike is designed for urban riding, with the capability to shift gears while stationary, allowing riders to set their preferred gear when starting. It also has low maintenance requirements, with power transmitted to the hub through a single-speed transmission system.
Summary
This is our review of the Specialized Roll 3.0 Low Entry. It’s an excellent comfort bike that enhances the overall comfort of the ride. Combining all the aspects, we’ve awarded it a high score of 4.7. If you’re looking for more bicycle information, please check out our other reviews.
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