Compared to the S-Works Roubaix SL3, all models in this comparison test are true stretching benches. No bike is more relaxed to sit on. The most important means of achieving this: low saddle/handlebar rake, a relatively short top tube, voluminous tyres with good damping, an angle-adjustable stem and a seatpost with excellent suspension. The US brand is thus targeting solvent, technically demanding touring and long-distance cyclists who really want to sit upright. A typical road bike riding experience may not be experienced for the first few metres, but the longer you ride the bike, the more you come to appreciate it. The bike is perfect for long endurance rides; even multi-day tours with light luggage in your rucksack are conceivable. The equipment, including the ingenious Di2 drivetrain, is exquisite, but the hole in your wallet after the purchase is unfortunately huge.
Price 8,999 Euro
Weight 7.9 kilos
Available from specialised dealers
Reference/Info www.specialized.com
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 1.070/456/70 g
Frame sizes** 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61 cm
Seat/steering angle 73°/73°
Seat/top tube/head tube 540/585/225 mm plus 20 mm headset cap
Wheelbase/caster 1.025/50 mm
Stack/Reach/STR*** 624/393 mm/1.59
Equipment
Fork Specialised
Steering bearing Specialised, top 1-1/8, bottom 1-3/8 inch
Brakes/gears Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
Bottom bracket Specialised S-Works SL (50/34 t./BB30)
Wheels/tyres Shimano Dura Ace WH-7850-C24/Specialized Roubaix
Handlebar/stem Specialized S-Works SL/Specialized
Saddle/post Specialized Avatar/Specialized S-Works SL (27.2 mm)
*Weighed weights. **Manufacturer's specification, test size greased. ***Stack/reach: projected vertical/horizontal measurement from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the headset cap; STR (stack to reach): Values from 1.45 to 1.55 indicate a sporty riding position, values below that are race-like, above that comfortable.
