Is the Specialized Roubiax SL4 really comfortable ?

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brett.hooker
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Re: Is the Specialized Roubiax SL4 really comfortable ?

Postby brett.hooker » Sat Sep 13, 2014 8:54 pm

thecaptn wrote:If I could afford a 2014 S-Works Roubaix I'd be telling everyone about it too you lucky bugger!
:-) it was a good day...
Loving my Merida's and working towards adding a Pinarello to the stable... Go go go...

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rodneycc
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Re: Is the Specialized Roubiax SL4 really comfortable ?

Postby rodneycc » Sat Sep 27, 2014 12:22 pm

Fisher44 wrote:Sorry to throw in a spanner - but for a rider who is keen but not nearly as keen as you guys - but just wants a good comfortable ride - how about the Jamis Quest - won the 2013 best enthusiast bike last year -
I know it's steel but, I like steel and to save a $1000 ...... Well,
What do you think

http://road.cc/content/review/56869-jamis-quest" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Thread resurrection: You know you could just buy a Cell Akuna 1.1 and stick some 28s on it and save $1000 or two! Just suggesting.
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Fisher44
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Re: Is the Specialized Roubiax SL4 really comfortable ?

Postby Fisher44 » Thu Oct 02, 2014 12:46 pm

Just had a look at the Cell 1.1 review and I think you could be right for the price - cheers for that.

Grgic
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Re: Is the Specialized Roubiax SL4 really comfortable ?

Postby Grgic » Fri Oct 03, 2014 11:41 am

Are any of the cell bones deemed as endurance geometry?
http://www.strava.com/athletes/3420668? ... ce=top-nav" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Fisher44
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Re: Is the Specialized Roubiax SL4 really comfortable ?

Postby Fisher44 » Sat Oct 04, 2014 8:02 pm

I don't know - perhaps someone else does?

Grgic
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Re: Is the Specialized Roubiax SL4 really comfortable ?

Postby Grgic » Sun Oct 05, 2014 9:20 pm

"Cell bikes" that should read...
http://www.strava.com/athletes/3420668? ... ce=top-nav" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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rodneycc
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Re: Is the Specialized Roubiax SL4 really comfortable ?

Postby rodneycc » Sun Oct 05, 2014 9:37 pm

I'd say most of the cell range are endurance geo. The akuna and the lapa would be and the omeo would be pretty close as well or at least in between race and endurance.
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cyclotaur
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Re: Is the Specialized Roubiax SL4 really comfortable ?

Postby cyclotaur » Sun Oct 05, 2014 9:38 pm

The Akuna is Cell's endurance geo bike, as I understand.


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rodneycc
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Re: Is the Specialized Roubiax SL4 really comfortable ?

Postby rodneycc » Sun Oct 05, 2014 9:54 pm

The other thing to note about cells geo charts is the lapa and the akuna are very similar size wise but the omeo has a smaller headtube and longer top tube making their medium bike actually bigger. So what I'm saying is that you may fit a Medium in the omeo but be a medium/large in the lapa/akuna. But you would have to actually sit on them all to have a real idea.
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singlespeedscott
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Is the Specialized Roubiax SL4 really comfortable ?

Postby singlespeedscott » Sun Oct 05, 2014 10:01 pm

Endurance geometry is just marketing. Any frame that takes a 28 mm tyre or larger will be more comfortable on a longer ride on real roads.

If people rode bigger frames then the ridiculously small ones they ride these days they would be a lot more comfortable.

As much as I love Greg Lemond he had a lot to answer for with the small frame is stiffer/faster mantra employed by bike manufacturers these days.
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brett.hooker
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Re: Is the Specialized Roubiax SL4 really comfortable ?

Postby brett.hooker » Sun Oct 05, 2014 10:26 pm

After riding my Roubaix Disc for 135km today, I can definitely share that it is very smooth... Did quite a few back road miles and the really smooths out the imperfections.
Loving my Merida's and working towards adding a Pinarello to the stable... Go go go...

activecyclist
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Re: Is the Specialized Roubiax SL4 really comfortable ?

Postby activecyclist » Thu Dec 04, 2014 5:17 pm

hi;
I love riding a good quality steel frame bike - and I am older rider 59.
BUT - two weeks ago I just took delivery of the 2015 Specialized Roubiax SL4 elite with the SRAM and hydraulic brakes.
In that time I have clocked up 200km.
Yes in my opinion it is a comfortable ride compared to other carbon fibre bikes.
This bike is built for the distance.
Not so sure about the speed. It has a longer wheel base and chain stay. So the rpm is slower - and so not that quick off the mark.
There are other faster bikes.
I also own a Masi CX cycle cross steel frame which I rebuilt with SRAM and Fulcrum CX wheel set.
I once hired for a whole day a bianchi good quality high end carbon just to see the difference between carbon and steel.
I road it to work and back - 57km.
And I found it hard and not enjoyable ride.
So I stayed with the steel until I was introduced to the Roubiax SL4.
If I compare a good quality steel frame like my Masi and the Roubiax there are similarities and differences between the two in their response to the road.
They are both better on the comfort. There is no continual shock to your tail end.
My Masi Steel has that 'spring' while the Roubiax SL4 has that typical carbon stiffness and direct firm response in the pedalling but with the inserts it dampens that continual vibration.
I am keeping both. My Masi will be great for a loaded tour. And my Roubiax SL4 will be great for the one day one hundred km rides.

TheWall
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Re: Is the Specialized Roubiax SL4 really comfortable ?

Postby TheWall » Thu Dec 04, 2014 10:43 pm

Love my SL4 Roubaix.

colinmc400
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Re: Is the Specialized Roubiax SL4 really comfortable ?

Postby colinmc400 » Mon Dec 15, 2014 11:22 pm

Umm well I have a 2012 Roubaix Sl3 pro frame on one bike and a 2014 Sl4 sport frame on my other. Both are comfortable but I just prefer the feeling of the older Sl3 frame. Maybe there's something in the spec of the carbon, but the Pro frame just feels more sporty and efficient. Yes I have the sport frame set up a bit taller in the front, for the commute, but it still feels lower tech than the Pro frame.

But upgraditis has set in again and an Sworks frame is on the cards and the sport frame will get shown the door.

Buzz lightyear
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Re: Is the Specialized Roubiax SL4 really comfortable ?

Postby Buzz lightyear » Sun Jun 19, 2016 8:48 am

Going today to check out the Roubiax SL4 ultegra Di2 also the Trek Domaine 5.2. Looking moving from my Bianchi Pro A team alloy bike :). Need something with more comfort and modern.

activecyclist
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Re: Is the Specialized Roubiax SL4 really comfortable ?

Postby activecyclist » Sun Jun 19, 2016 9:30 am

I had a Specialized Roubaix SL4 Elite - I clocked 2500km on it but I have done an upgrade.
Enjoyed riding 100km plus and getting off and still able to walk. Im not a young gun either.
Yes it is comfortable and you can fit up to a 30c tyre.
But keep it mind that there is a trade off with the performance.
The famous zert inserts help on the dampening of vibration for a carbon stiff frame.
The big factor is the geometry to consider which impacts on how fast you can go or perform.
In particular the length of the rake is longer than most road bikes, the wheel base and the head tube are all longer than most road bikes.
Hence making it a more comfort bike and an upright position.
I would recommend a light weight good quality steel bike with a good geometry with a rake of 45.
Steel that will fit a wider tyre fit 30c will give you the comfort and a with good geometry a good performance.

TheWall
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Re: Is the Specialized Roubiax SL4 really comfortable ?

Postby TheWall » Tue Jun 21, 2016 6:42 pm

TheWall wrote:Love my SL4 Roubaix.
Said this on 4/12/14 but perhaps I should back it up considering the thread has returned from the dead :D

My SL4 Roubaix di2 Expert has done just under 20k in 3.5 years. It has taken me all around the rough roads of the Sunny Coast and its hinterlands and down from 117kg to 95kg...and, despite this punishment, it is still a lovely bike to ride. And I could happily ride it all day.

I recently purchased an SWorks Tarmac Disc which is awesome but when the wifee said "So are you going to sell the old one?" I answered with "I just don't think I can". I have since logged about 1300klm on the Tarmac and about 600k on the Roubaix. It is just so comfortable. Kind of the the bike equivalence of a 1st love...I just cannot let it go.

As for pace, yes it is a little slower than the Tarmac but it isn't that much and interestingly there are some climbing segments I have not yet matched let alone beat on the new toy...(I know my body is still adjusting to the lower front end of the Tarmac).

Great bike. Love mine.
Matt

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Ross
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Re: Is the Specialized Roubiax SL4 really comfortable ?

Postby Ross » Wed Dec 07, 2016 6:34 pm

I also have a Roubaix and a Tarmac and love both of them. I do wish though that Specialized would do a Roubaix with the lower head tube like the Tarmac. I want the comfort of the Roubaix with the sportiness of the Tarmac.

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