Specialized Roubaix Review
- Price: $2700
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: Road Sport, 700×32
- Gear: 2 x 10
What we like about it: The perfect balance of aerodynamics and the lightweight carbon fiber structure of the FACT 10R frame, provides riders with an exceptionally comfortable riding experience.
What we don’t like about it: The 2×10 drivetrain has the potential for chain drop issues.
Rating: (4.7/5)
The Specialized Roubaix with the all-new Future Shock 1.5 delivers an outstanding riding experience. Clear shifting and powerful hydraulic disc brakes provide you with more agile control over the entire bicycle. The 20mm travel reduces fatigue during your rides.
Below, we analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Specialized Roubaix. In the latter part of this article, we also compare it to several other bicycles. If you’d like to learn more about bicycle reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
Endurance Cycling
I purchased my plane ticket, booked a hotel through IHG, and arrived in the suburbs near San Francisco. Here, I chose a road with minimal traffic to test this bicycle.
On a clear morning, I hopped onto my Specialized Roubaix, ready to embark on a challenging and exploratory cycling journey. I felt the lightweight frame of the endurance bike as if it were an extension of myself. As a result, I consider this Specialized Roubaix to be my most faithful companion, instilling boundless confidence and courage.
I pressed the pedals, with the wheels in close contact with the ground, feeling the propulsive force that filled me with excitement. The stability and comfort of the Specialized Roubaix made riding effortless and enjoyable, with each pedal stroke flowing smoothly like waves. I could sense the subtle vibrations from the road surface through the Specialized Hover Comp handlebars, keeping me alert and responsive.
As the ride continued, I encountered a hilly mountain road. The challenges of steep gradients tested my endurance, but the lightweight design of the Specialized Hover Comp handlebars and the efficient Shimano Tiagra transmission system made it easy for me to tackle them. I adjusted my breathing, took a deep breath, and reminded myself that I could do it. Each pedal stroke felt like self-encouragement and trust. Together with the endurance bike, I climbed and conquered the steep terrain.
Is That All?
Gradually, I arrived in a beautiful countryside landscape. The responsive handling of the endurance bike allowed me to effortlessly navigate the picturesque trails. I felt the comfort of the wind on my face, as if I had become one with nature. Immersed in the embrace of nature, I felt joyful, and every turn of the pedal was an expression of my love and pursuit of life.
Along the way, I encountered some bumpy sections of road. The Shimano Tiagra suspension system with 20mm of front travel played an indispensable role in helping me better handle bumps and rough terrain. Each bump tested my control and stability. Together with the endurance bike, I passed through these bumpy moments.
The finish line was approaching, and not only was my body not fatigued, but I also felt completely satisfied. The resilience and reliability of the Specialized Roubaix helped me overcome all challenges. I stopped the bicycle, feeling the joy of conquest.
Specifications
The Specialized Roubaix is an outstanding endurance bike that exemplifies the concept of “Smoother is Faster.” Its FACT 10 features a lightweight carbon fiber structure that achieves a perfect balance through aerodynamics, providing excellent responsiveness, lightweight construction, and impressive stiffness. The Future Shock 1.5 w/ Smooth Boot offers 20mm of travel, ensuring a smooth and comfortable riding experience that reduces fatigue and maintains speed even on challenging terrain.
Furthermore, its Shimano Tiagra rear derailleur and Shimano Tiagra front derailleur combination perform exceptionally well, delivering smooth gear shifts throughout the ride. The Specialized Hover Comp handlebar enhances the bike’s handling, and the Shimano Tiagra Disc 4720 brakes provide powerful braking performance, ensuring timely and precise stops.
Video
Other Versions
After numerous tests, we have gained a deeper understanding of this exceptional endurance bike. However, many riders have their own performance requirements and component preferences, which led us to investigate similar bikes further.
Specialized S-Works Roubaix – Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
The Specialized S-Works Roubaix – Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 is highly impressive with its full carbon structure and lightweight design. Although carbon structures can be prone to breaking when subjected to sharp objects or impacts from the side, it features a 2×12 Electronic drivetrain that delivers precise shifting. Compared to the Specialized Roubaix’s 2×10 drivetrain, the 2×12 Electronic drivetrain offers a wider gear range and smoother shifts, all with minimal maintenance thanks to electronic shifting.
Notably, the Specialized S-Works Roubaix – Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 is equipped with a 4iiii Precision Pro power meter, providing direct access to training data. This enhances training efficiency by helping riders identify their strengths and weaknesses. The power meter offers accurate feedback, enabling riders to engage in scientifically tailored training based on different power zones and rapidly improve their abilities.
What do we like about it?
- The FACT 10R frame achieves a perfect balance in aerodynamics, and its carbon fiber structure combines lightweight features with outstanding engineering design, delivering the most comfortable riding experience for cyclists.
- The S-Works Pavé seatpost, designed with a D-shape, offers added flexibility while maintaining perfect balance with the front end.
- The Smooth Boot fork enhances the bike’s aesthetics, and many riders will fall in love with this bicycle.
- Rider-First Engineered™ reduces weight, ensures ride quality, and provides exceptional stiffness.
What don’t we like about it?
- There is a possibility of chain drops with the 2×10 drivetrain.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
This bike is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
- How does this bike perform on climbs?
It offers a very comfortable ride with excellent performance on both flat terrain and climbs.
- Can this bike handle gravel roads?
It is not designed for riding on gravel roads as it lacks gravel-specific geometry and construction.
- What is the travel of this bike?
This bike has 20mm of travel.
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: Tarmac Black / Metallic White/black Reflective; Maroon / Silver Dust/black Reflective |
| Fork | Future Shock 1.5 w/ Smooth Boot, 12x100mm, thru-axle, flat-mount disc |
| Bottom Bracket | Praxis 68mm BSA |
| 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 |
| Pedals | PEDAL, TEST RIDE PEDALS PROVIDED BY SPECIALIZED |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Tiagra, 10-speed |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Tiagra, braze-on |
| Crank | Praxis Alba, 50/34T |
| Shifters | Shimano Tiagra Disc 4720, 10-speed |
| Cassette | Shimano Tiagra, 10-speed, 11-34t |
| Chain | KMC X10, 10-Speed |
| Brakes | Shimano Tiagra Disc 4720 |
Wheels
| Rims | Front: Axis Elite Disc, Rear: Axis Elite Disc |
| Tires | Front: Road Sport, 700×32, Rear: Road Sport, 700×32 |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset |
| Fezzari Empire Comp | Click View | Maxxis High Road 28c | 2 x 11 | Carbon | Shimano 105 |
| Bianchi Impulso All Road GRX 400 | Click View | Kenda Alluvium 700×40 | 2 x 10 | Carbon | Shimano GRX 400, GRX 600 |
| Felt VR Advanced 105 | Click View | Vittoria Rubino Pro IV | 2 x 11 | Carbon | Shimano 105 |
| Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 | Click View | Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite | 2 x 11 | Carbon | Shimano 105 |
Specialized Roubaix vs. Fezzari Empire Comp
Specialized Roubaix is equipped with Shimano Tiagra and Praxis components, while the Fezzari Empire Comp features Shimano 105. The Specialized Roubaix utilizes a 2×10 drivetrain, whereas the Fezzari Empire Comp employs a 2×11 drivetrain, providing a wider gear range and smoother shifting. However, Tiagra is significantly heavier than 105, particularly noticeable in the chainring, with an approximate 200g difference.
Additionally, the Specialized Roubaix has a stack-to-reach ratio of 1.56, while the Fezzari Empire Comp has a stack-to-reach ratio of 1.45. A larger stack-to-reach ratio allows the rider’s body to be more upright, providing better flexibility and enhancing overall riding comfort. Conversely, a smaller stack-to-reach ratio is more aggressive, enabling the rider to exert more powerful pedal strokes.
Learn More: Is Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition Shimano Worth Buying?- [Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition Shimano Review]
Specialized Roubaix vs. Bianchi Impulso All Road GRX 400
The Bianchi Impulso All Road GRX 400 features an IMPULSO ALL ROAD ALU 1″”1/8 aheaset frame. In contrast, the Specialized Roubaix is equipped with a FACT 10R frame, which is a lightweight carbon frame known for its excellent shock absorption, high strength, and elasticity. However, it comes at a higher cost and can be challenging to repair. Aluminum frames, on the other hand, are more budget-friendly, rust-resistant, and suitable for beginners. Their downside is reduced shock absorption, and they can be prone to fractures at welding points. It’s worth noting that carbon frames can also break when subjected to sharp impacts.
The Bianchi Impulso All Road GRX 400 has a top speed of 36mph, while the Specialized Roubaix reaches 39mph, making it faster. However, the Specialized Roubaix’s Road Sport tires have a width of only 32mm, whereas the Bianchi Impulso All Road GRX 400 is equipped with Kenda Alluvium tires with a width of 40mm. Wider tires can adapt to a variety of terrains and provide better support on loose surfaces.
Learn More: Is Bianchi Impulso Pro – Ekar A Great Bike? [Bianchi Impulso Pro – Ekar 1x13ps Review]
Specialized Roubaix vs. Felt VR Advanced 105
The Felt VR Advanced 105 is equipped with a 2×11 drivetrain, providing a wider range of gears and smoother shifting compared to the Specialized Roubaix’s 2×10 drivetrain. However, both bikes have the same top speed. Nevertheless, the Specialized Roubaix has a higher ratio of stack to reach (1.56) compared to the Felt VR Advanced 105 (1.52). Therefore, as an endurance bike, the Specialized Roubaix offers a more comfortable riding position.
Furthermore, the head tube angle of the Specialized Roubaix (72.75°) is slightly steeper than that of the Felt VR Advanced 105 (72.5°). A larger head tube angle provides more agility in cornering but can lead to instability at high speeds. Its BB drop is also larger at 76mm, while the Felt VR Advanced 105 has a BB drop of 70mm. A larger BB drop lowers the rider’s center of gravity, increasing stability but may result in pedal strikes when cornering or navigating obstacles.
Learn More: Is Felt VR 40 Worth Buying? – [Felt VR 40 review ]
Specialized Roubaix vs. Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4
Although both of these bicycles have 32mm-wide tires, the Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 features a 38c tire clearance, allowing for the installation of wider tires. Wider tires provide better support on soft road surfaces, eliminating the need for riders to change tires on complex terrain. Additionally, the Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 is equipped with a 2×11 drivetrain. Compared to the Specialized Roubaix’s 2×10 drivetrain, the 2×11 drivetrain offers smoother shifting and a wider range of gears.
It’s worth noting that the Specialized Roubaix’s larger ratio of stack to reach (1.56) provides a more comfortable riding experience. Furthermore, it has a relatively larger head tube angle, offering agile handling. On the other hand, the Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 has a greater BB drop, resulting in a lower center of gravity and enhanced stability but potential issues with steering. However, the Specialized Roubaix’s 61mm trail is larger than the Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4’s 59mm trail. A higher trail provides greater speed stability, while a lower trail offers faster and more agile steering.
Learn More: Is Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 A Perfect Selection? – [Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 Review]
Summary
This is our review of the Specialized Roubaix. It is an excellent endurance bike that provides riders with a more comfortable riding experience. Taking all factors into account, we have given it a high score of 4.7. If you’d like to get more information about bicycles, feel free to check out our other reviews.
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