Specialized Roubaix SL3 v SL4 for ride quality

[CoffsGal]

Am considering upgrading from my Specialized Roubaix Expert 2008 to either the Roubaix 2012 SWorks (SL3) or the 2013 SWorks (SL4) (as a 60th birthday present to myself). I will buy a frameset and add the extras.

I have really enjoyed the Roubaix 2008 for it's very smooth ride on the generally rough roads we have her in the Coffs area. I also have a Madone 6.9 (2010) which although being lighter (by 600g) and very responsive, is a much harsher ride. I rode the 2008 Roubaix in the Coffs Coast Cycle Challenge last Sunday (100km) over very rough roads and the smooth ride was excellent to prevent fatigue.

I would opt for the 2013 SL4 SWorks except the forks look much straighter than the 2012 SWorks. I have always considered the curve in the Roubaix forks (as compared to the Madone straight forks) to be a significant factor in the front end smooth ride quality. If the 2013 SWorks has lost any of the smooth ride quality as compared to the 2012 model then I would be disappointed.

Has anyone ridden both the 2012 and the 2013 SWorks Roubaix to offer an opinion?

SL3 2012


SL4 2013

[thecaptn]

I have no actual knowledge concerning either of these frames but the newer one is more expensive which means it must be better and it's black! And it has a squiggly thing on the top of the seat post! This is quite obviously a much needed improvement.
Pete