Considering buying a used Specialised Roubaix

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DrShifty
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Considering buying a used Specialised Roubaix

Postby DrShifty » Thu Aug 11, 2016 12:44 pm

I'm after a road bike that gives me an easier ride than my 1970s custom build Reynolds and am looking at a used Roubaix. In my mid 60s and I seem to have gone soft. :)

The bike I'm looking at is a 2015 'Double' with Shimano Sora components. Same as this http://lakesbikes.com.au/bikes/roubaix-sl4-double/
The Double is their lower spec model but the price is within reach on the used one I'm looking at.

Does anybody have experience with these? I'd like some advice on the difference that the Zertz inserts make.

Calvin27
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Re: Considering buying a used Specialised Roubaix

Postby Calvin27 » Thu Aug 11, 2016 2:10 pm

The sora stuff is not excellent but works well. Compared to the running gear that is likely in your current bike this will be a huge performance gain even at sora level.

As for the ride, it's really good, the geometry is nice and relaxed. Imo the zerts inserts are marketing rubbish, but they do make it look nicer imo. The whole bike is pretty solid and rides well.

i haven't seen it first hand but soem people have noticed weakness in the zertz area. It might be worthwhile to check that zerts insert area and the carbon around it to make sure it's crack free.
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rodneycc
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Re: Considering buying a used Specialised Roubaix

Postby rodneycc » Thu Aug 11, 2016 2:53 pm

I've got a 2012 Specialized Roubaix Elite that's been converted to 11 Speed 6800 Ultegra. Its a lovely ride. I'm still not sure if its the zerts or the Geo but its the type of bike you can ride a long way and be comfortable on. I get a bit frustrated its not as fast as my other bikes but its the bike I choose when I'm feeling tired or sore. Overall its a pretty good pick if you get one at the right price. I wouldn't be overly concerned about the reported weakness at the zerts. Think you would have to drop it pretty hard and can't see it as a wear and tear issue (unless you have power legs like the Hulk). I'd be maybe try to find an 11 speed one (105 or ultegra) or look to upgrade it later on to those components.
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open roader
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Re: Considering buying a used Specialised Roubaix

Postby open roader » Thu Aug 11, 2016 6:14 pm

As one who tried and tested a lot of different frames a while ago, the Spez. Roubaix is one that really stood out in the comfort dept. for me. I tested one with the vibration inserts in the seat stays. The Roubaix rode quite differently to a lot of similar monocoque carbon frames and was prob. a bike I should have purchased back then.
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Re: Considering buying a used Specialised Roubaix

Postby TheWall » Thu Aug 11, 2016 7:50 pm

Recently bought a Tarmac as an upgrade to my well used 4-5yo old Roubaix. But I still take out the Roubaix more than often as it is just so damn comfortable to ride. Recently fitted 28cc tyres and, although it has slowed the old bird down a touch the comfort levels are amazing.

If priced right, buy and enjoy!

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DrShifty
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Re: Considering buying a used Specialised Roubaix

Postby DrShifty » Thu Aug 11, 2016 8:51 pm

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the input.

But my idle mind has gone into action and I've been looking at a slightly higher spec model :?

So the options are the used 2015 with Sora for $1100 or a new 'Sport' model with 105 gear at $1999, marked down from $2800 (so perhaps 2015 spec as well). http://jetcycles.com.au/our-bikes/road/ ... -sl4-sport

Buying upspec now means I won't be tempted to upgrade later. Isn't that what people say in times like this?

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

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Re: Considering buying a used Specialised Roubaix

Postby TheWall » Thu Aug 11, 2016 9:48 pm

There is no decision. :mrgreen:

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DrShifty
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Re: Considering buying a used Specialised Roubaix

Postby DrShifty » Thu Aug 11, 2016 10:22 pm

TheWall wrote:There is no decision. :mrgreen:
Thank you for being so ready to spend my money. :wink:

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Re: Considering buying a used Specialised Roubaix

Postby madmacca » Thu Aug 11, 2016 11:09 pm

DrShifty wrote:Thanks everyone, I appreciate the input.

But my idle mind has gone into action and I've been looking at a slightly higher spec model :?

So the options are the used 2015 with Sora for $1100 or a new 'Sport' model with 105 gear at $1999, marked down from $2800 (so perhaps 2015 spec as well). http://jetcycles.com.au/our-bikes/road/ ... -sl4-sport

Buying upspec now means I won't be tempted to upgrade later. Isn't that what people say in times like this?

Decisions, decisions, decisions.
You can pick up a entire 105 groupset for under $500, so you could by the Sora, upgrade and still have money in hand (even more if you onsell the Sora components). Of course, you have to figure in what the warranty on a new bike might be worth to you. Plus the better wheelset.

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Re: Considering buying a used Specialised Roubaix

Postby TheWall » Fri Aug 12, 2016 7:12 am

DrShifty wrote:
TheWall wrote:There is no decision. :mrgreen:
Thank you for being so ready to spend my money. :wink:

My pleasure! If I can't spend my own I might as well have fun with someone else's...and it looks like a good sale (it is not what you spend it is what you save!) and they may even knock a bit more $ off or throw in some accessories such as pedals, helmet, light, socks orgloves (whatever you need the most is what you should aim for)

Also, if you buy new, you can get the size you want, they will fit you on delivery and the warranty is a factor as well as the new and higher spec components

Matt

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DrShifty
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Re: Considering buying a used Specialised Roubaix

Postby DrShifty » Fri Aug 12, 2016 10:56 am

madmacca wrote:You can pick up a entire 105 groupset for under $500, so you could by the Sora, upgrade and still have money in hand (even more if you onsell the Sora components). Of course, you have to figure in what the warranty on a new bike might be worth to you. Plus the better wheelset.
Thanks for the heads-up on the groupset price. I looked for a bit but only looked at individual components and the money rocketed up. Sellers seem put the whole set prices towards the bottom of the webpage and I hadn't looked down far enough.

The warranty matters a certain amount, but I'm in Newcastle and the bike shop is in inner city Sydney so it loses some impact for smaller issues.

And the wheels ... seems the only difference between Axis1 and Axis2 is 2mm deeper rim. More changes start to happen when they get to 3 and 4. Many people seem to complain about 1 and 2 as being heavy or dead and swap them out. I imagine those riders are far more technical riders and gear-aware than I am. However, getting the lower spec bike forces me to swap wheels if I want to move up from the Sora 9 speed.

And let's face it, I'm heading off a 1970s 531 steely (and also ride a Giant Toughroad) so this whole package is going to be very different. I'm looking forward to the newness of it all.

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DrShifty
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Re: Considering buying a used Specialised Roubaix

Postby DrShifty » Fri Aug 12, 2016 11:00 am

TheWall wrote:(it is not what you spend it is what you save!)

Matt
This sounds like a mantra for the whole of life ... :twisted:

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Re: Considering buying a used Specialised Roubaix

Postby madmacca » Fri Aug 12, 2016 3:05 pm

DrShifty wrote:
madmacca wrote:You can pick up a entire 105 groupset for under $500, so you could by the Sora, upgrade and still have money in hand (even more if you onsell the Sora components). Of course, you have to figure in what the warranty on a new bike might be worth to you. Plus the better wheelset.
Thanks for the heads-up on the groupset price. I looked for a bit but only looked at individual components and the money rocketed up. Sellers seem put the whole set prices towards the bottom of the webpage and I hadn't looked down far enough.
https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-10 ... 72462.html

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DrShifty
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Re: Considering buying a used Specialised Roubaix

Postby DrShifty » Sat Aug 13, 2016 1:44 pm

Sadly, both decisions have been made for me.
The used bike went to another buyer before I could get there.
And the new bike that was on special has all sold out.
Two phone calls this morning that I didn't plan on. :(

TheWall
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Re: Considering buying a used Specialised Roubaix

Postby TheWall » Sat Aug 13, 2016 7:53 pm

Bugger...Check with another store....just to be sure.

Also maybe post what size and location you are and maybe someone here will have something similar on know someone....

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DrShifty
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Re: Considering buying a used Specialised Roubaix

Postby DrShifty » Sat Aug 13, 2016 10:51 pm

Knowing how happy you are to spend my money ... :) ... I've come up with a used 2015 one of these
https://specialized.com/us/en/bike-arch ... disc/65442
Should arrive in a few days.

Higher spec than the other two for the same money as the Sport. I have told my son that if ever I mention buying another bike he is to shoot me. (Pushy, that is. Motorbikes do not count in the shooting thing.)

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Re: Considering buying a used Specialised Roubaix

Postby TheWall » Sun Aug 14, 2016 11:18 am

DrShifty wrote:Knowing how happy you are to spend my money ... :) ... I've come up with a used 2015 one of these
https://specialized.com/us/en/bike-arch ... disc/65442
Should arrive in a few days.

Higher spec than the other two for the same money as the Sport. I have told my son that if ever I mention buying another bike he is to shoot me. (Pushy, that is. Motorbikes do not count in the shooting thing.)
My job here is done ha ha. (Bar the bike vs motorbike debate) congrats and enjoy the ride. Post a few pics so we can all see the good work we did.

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DrShifty
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Re: Considering buying a used Specialised Roubaix

Postby DrShifty » Thu Aug 18, 2016 10:02 pm

The new bike arrived today breakfast time. I put it together and went out for lunch.

Very nice ride. Soft and comfy compared with the old steely, and rockets along with me just sitting there and my feet going round and round. Getting used to the SRAM double tap shifters was pretty easy - I got it right most of the time. It is so good to be able to brake and shift from the hoods.

Will post pics when I remember to take the camera out - my phone's camera is too low fi for a bike like this.

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Re: Considering buying a used Specialised Roubaix

Postby aive » Fri Aug 19, 2016 11:01 am

Where'd ya get it from just out of interest?

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DrShifty
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Re: Considering buying a used Specialised Roubaix

Postby DrShifty » Fri Aug 19, 2016 5:42 pm

aive wrote:Where'd ya get it from just out of interest?
This guy: http://stores.ebay.com.au/thepedalpusher/

He's in Melbourne and has good reviews. The bike is as new and came well packed a few days after clicking to buy.
I think this might get you to the bike. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/351801374816

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Re: Considering buying a used Specialised Roubaix

Postby aive » Sat Aug 20, 2016 1:19 pm

Cool thanks :) Always looking out for second hand deals.

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Re: Considering buying a used Specialised Roubaix

Postby rodneycc » Sat Aug 20, 2016 10:47 pm

Yeah the pedalpusher is pretty good. Simon I think is his name and his little man cave/factory out at bayswater . I'm actually pretty envious of what he does. I'd love to do something like that. Pretty good prices as well.
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DrShifty
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Re: Considering buying a used Specialised Roubaix

Postby DrShifty » Sun Aug 21, 2016 10:31 pm

I've stuck a bunch of pics of the new machine here
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=8664&start=7725#p1363986

Cheers.

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Re: Considering buying a used Specialised Roubaix

Postby rodneycc » Sun Aug 21, 2016 11:02 pm

Awesome pics mate....And the bike isn't half bad either ;-)
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