The impression before the test ride: a heavy, comparatively simply equipped bike. The impression afterwards: "Wow, that really has suspension!" The most striking detail on the "Roubaix Comp" is the kink in the seat stays of the carbon frame, which acts like a hinge and, together with the well-damping seat post, effectively absorbs the impact of shocks. Added to this are the comfortable saddle, the comfortable riding position and the continuous damping provided by 25 millimetre wide tyres. The long wheelbase, the triple crankset and the angle-adjustable stem fit in well with this concept, which Specialized uses to attract long-distance riders in particular. The high weight and the functionally flawless "105" equipment from Shimano were less of a problem on the test ride. However, the tyres squeaked audibly when rolling and offered little grip when cornering.
Reference/Info: Specialized Europe, phone 0031314676600, www.specialized.com
Weight frame/fork/headset bearing*: 1,266/582/78 g
Frame sizes**: 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61 cm
Seat/steering angle: 73°/73°
Seat / top / head tube: 485/565/210 mm
Wheelbase/caster: 1,008/53 mm
Stack/reach***: 611/381 mm
EQUIPMENT
Fork: Specialised
Steering bearings: Cane Creek, top 11/ 8, bottom 1.5 inch
Brakes/gears/bottom bracket: Shimano 105 (50/39/30 t.)
Wheels/tyres: Mavic Aksium/Specialized Roubaix Pro2
Handlebar/stem: Specialized Pro/Specialized Comp
Saddle/post: Specialized Avatar/ Specialized Expert (27.2 mm)
*weighted weights; **manufacturer's specification; test frame size greased; ***stack/reach: projected vertical or horizontal dimension from centre of bottom bracket to top edge of headset cap
