Comfort road bike test: Specialized Roubaix SL4 Comp - Test 2015: Specialized Roubaix SL4 Comp

If that's not enough, you can raise the handlebars even further using the angle-adjustable stem. The unconventional CG-R carbon seatpost has a noticeable bounce, while the kink in the seat stays makes the rear suspension visibly springy. The effect is enhanced by the smooth rolling 25 millimetre tyres. The bike is well damped, even if the elastomers in the fork and rear triangle, which are supposed to dampen vibrations, have no discernible effect during the ride. Purists might be bothered by the fact that the Ultegra groupset is supplemented with simpler 105 brakes from Shimano. With the 32 sprocket, there is almost a 1:1 gear ratio available for steep ramps.

CONCLUSION Extremely stable, well-damped trendsetter with a relaxed riding position. Very good handlebars and saddle

Reference/Info www.specialized.com

Price 2,499 Euro
Weight 8.4 kilos
available in specialised shops

MEASURED DATA

Frame/fork/steering bearing weight 1,348/523/75 grammes
Frame sizes 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61 cm
Seat/steering angle 73,5°/72,5°
Seat/top tube/head tube 520/565/191 mm plus 20 mm headset cap
Wheelbase/caster 1,010/53 mm
Stack/Reach/STR 591/389 mm/1.52

EQUIPMENT

Steering bearing Specialised, top 1-1/8, bottom 1-3/8 inch
Brakes Shimano 105 gears Shimano Ultegra 6800
Bottom bracket PraxisWorks (50/34 t., BB30)
Wheels/tyres Fulcrum Racing S4/Specialized Turbo Pro 25C
Handlebar/stem Specialised/Specialized
Saddle/post Specialized Toupé/Specialized CG-R (27.2 mm)

*The frame set accounts for 40 per cent and the equipment for 60 per cent of the overall grade. The grades are calculated with all decimal places up to the final grade; however, for the sake of clarity, all grades are given with rounded decimal places.
**Weighed weights.
***Manufacturer's specification, test size bold.
****Stack/Reach: projected vertical/horizontal measurement from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube; STR (Stack to Reach): 1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 an upright riding position.