As a pioneer of the comfort trend, Specialized's Roubaix should not be left out of such a comparison. The Expert frameset can almost compete with the S-Works version, which is more than twice as expensive (see TOUR 3/2013 ->), because it is just 100 grams heavier. The fact that the bike still weighs relatively much is due to the equipment. The high aluminium Fulcrum Aero rims play a large part in this, but apart from that they are top class in terms of quality and give the bike a sporty look. As usual with Specialized, the rest of the equipment mix is not a price-performance sensation, but very functional and, as in the case of the adjustable stem, the ergonomic handlebars, the comfortable saddle and the innovative comfort support, more well thought-out and well-balanced than almost any other manufacturer.
Price 3,399 Euro
Weight 7.8 kilos
Available in specialised shops
Reference/Info www.specialized.com
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing** 1,126/467/67 grammes
Frame sizes*** 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61 cm
Seat/steering angle 73,5°/72,5°
Seat/top tube/head tube 515/565/ 189 mm plus 17 mm headset cap
Wheelbase/caster 1,010/54 mm
Stack/Reach/STR**** 592/389 mm/1.52
EQUIPMENT
Steering bearing FSA, top 1-1/8, bottom 1-3/8 inch
Brakes/gears Shimano Ultegra
Bottom bracket FSA SL-K (50/34 Z., OS-BB)
Wheels/tyres Fulcrum Racing S3/Specialized Roubaix 25C
Handlebar/stem Specialised/Specialized
Saddle/post Specialised Romin/S-Works CoblGobl (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.
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