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New road bike advice

Kyle KolquistKyle Kolquist
in General Training Discussions
Yup. I just crushed my Specialized Roubaix in half after driving all day in the car and forgetting it was on my roof rack. Needless to say, I'm in the market for a new bike. It was a 2014. I had HED belgium rear wheel with a Powertap in the hub. I want to be able to use the same wheels on the new bike. Any advice or suggestions for my new bike are more than appreciated. THANK YOU.
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  • Tom GlynnTom Glynn
    edited July 2, 2018 1:51AM
    Did you like your old bike :).  Why not buy another one?  Did it fit well?  If so, take a look at its geometry and compare it to other bikes in your size.  Guide here for the 2018 models.  https://geometrygeeks.bike/bike/specialized-roubaix-2018/.

    Of course, nothing beats a day of touring bike shops to compare bikes.  Beware of wheels, tire pressure, set up and other things that can make riding bikes a completely different experience.

    My bike shop tells me what in; wider tires, lower pressure, electronic shifting, disc brakes, more gears (11-32 for guys, 11-34 gals), (not tubeless tires yet).
  • John KatsoudasJohn Katsoudas
    The Roubaix is definitely an 'endurance' geometry.  They're very comfortable bikes, though not the fastest as far as pure race bikes go.  If you're looking for primarily a training bike, then I think the endurance geometry bikes (a bit more upright with lower bottom bracket height) like the Roubaix are a great choice, as they're uber-comfortable and very stable.  I had a chance to ride a Roubaix for a day when I was shopping around last fall.  They're great bikes.  Ultimately, I went with a Cervelo C5, which is Cervelo's answer to the Roubaix (very similar geometry, but without the 'Futureshock' front suspension).  I love everything about the bike: 28c Hed Ardennes wheels (can be converted to tubeless), disc brakes, Dura-Ace Di2.  The comfort factor is off the charts - it's like riding a magic carpet on long training rides.  28c tires at 80psi almost make want to ride over every pothole just so I can laugh at them.  If you're looking for something that does double-duty as a training and racing bike these may not be the best fit, but for a pure training bike, the Cervelo C3/5, Specialized Roubaix, or Trek Domane (to name a few in the category) would be great bikes to look at.
  • Scott AlexanderScott Alexander
    I'm a total specialized guy!

    I've had a tarmac (expert model first, then upgraded frame to s-works a few years ago) since 2005!
    My latest bike, a gravel grinder...specialized diverge.
    My next bike, a new tri bike, specialized shiv s-works, is being built up now.
    The only non-specialized i have is a pivot mountain bike, but i was seriously considering a specialized when I ended up with it.

    The main consideration with the HED wheel you have is 10 vs 11spd. Can it just have the cassette/spacer changed to be 11spd? because all new-er bikes will be 11spd, especially if you go with electronic shifting (di2 or etap).
  • scott dinhoferscott dinhofer
    there is a "cheat" to putting a 11spd casette on a 10 spd hub. I converted my P5 to Etap last year. In doing so, i had a big wheel investment (808 & disc) for the rear. 
    the 808 hub was shot, so we replaced it and redished it, but you can't do that with a disc. 
    Read the story here on Dark Speedworks page - http://darkspeedworks.com/blog-11speed.htm
    buy the cassettes here: http://www.lascoconcept.com/en/11s-cassette/

    I put one of these on my disc and there is zero issue in wheel swaps. I expected to need a bit of adjustment between the two wheels, but zero.. totally smooth. 

  • Gordon CherwoniakGordon Cherwoniak
    I don't have any additional comments on a specific bike but make sure you get your wheels checked out to ensure you did not do damage to them as well.  


  • EugenePartridgeEugenePartridge
    Wow! I have the same bike 2017 version.  I like it so much, don't want to get on my tri bike, so may need to hide it from myself.  Sorry you crunched yours. Good luck with new one.  
  • Kyle KolquistKyle Kolquist
    So I bought the Roubaix. I took it for a ride tonight. So far, so good. Except that the wheels seem to have a much bigger tire than my old Roubaix. Since my old wheels are obsolete because the new bike has disc brakes, I'm back in the market for a new power meter. I'm torn between the Garmin pedals or buying new wheels with the rear wheel having the power tap built into the hub. Any thoughts???
  • EugenePartridgeEugenePartridge
    Yes the fat tires did not seem to slow me.  However! I did get a more narrow tire, still bad assbike, very stable bike, great on hill, very fun to ride
  • Scott AlexanderScott Alexander
    Kyle Kolquist said:
    So I bought the Roubaix. I took it for a ride tonight. So far, so good. Except that the wheels seem to have a much bigger tire than my old Roubaix. Since my old wheels are obsolete because the new bike has disc brakes, I'm back in the market for a new power meter. I'm torn between the Garmin pedals or buying new wheels with the rear wheel having the power tap built into the hub. Any thoughts???
    I'm a big fan and advocate for the powertap p1 pedals. I've had a few warranty problems, but they're handled without problem with Saris.
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