Specialised Roubaix Comp: The concept
"We call it a classic." If you had to describe the Roubaix in just a few words, nothing would be more apt than Franz Beckenbauer's famous saying. Geometry, seating position, suspension concept: the US manufacturer designed its model as a prototypical comfort wonder. The ideas of the past for more riding comfort seem bizarre today, but a real suspension system is now responsible for this.
The riding experience on the Specialised Roubaix Comp
The nonchalance with which the Specialized reacts to different road surfaces is impressive. Especially on cobblestones or gravel paths, the enduring favourite benefits from the variable Future Shock suspension between the stem and head tube; no other road bike offers so much suspension travel at the handlebars. Thanks to the deeply clamped carbon seatpost with long extension, the rear also absorbs bumps at a top level. The successful comfort concept is rounded off by a back-friendly riding position and a smooth ride.
That's what you get for your money
Technology costs money, as in the case of the Roubaix Comp. 5600 euros makes the bike with the SRAM Rival eTap component group in mountain transmission the second most expensive bike in this comparison. The competition offers better equipped bikes at similar prices - but without similarly comfortable suspension. The Roubaix is comparatively heavy for its price. The tyre width limit is 33 millimetres.
The target group for the endurance bike
The name says it all: on cobblestones, bad roads and for epic rides, the Roubaix Comp is a faithful companion that is easy on the rider's strength and fitness. Word of these qualities has spread and the bike is notoriously sold out.
The Specialised Roubaix Comp
- Price: 5600 Euro
- Weight: 8.7 kilos
- Frame/fork/steering bearing weight* 951/349/449 grammes
- Frame sizes** 44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61, 64
- Seat/top tube/head tube 465/540/126 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR*** 592/373 millimetres/1.59
- Wheelbase/caster 990/62 millimetres
Specialised Roubaix Comp - Equipment
- Drive/Circuit SRAM Rival eTap (2x12; 46/33, 10-36 t.)
- Brakes SRAM Rival (160/160 mm)
- Wheels/tyres (weights)**** DT Swiss R 470/Specialized Turbo Pro 30 mm (f./h. 1,412/1,933 g)
Strengthsexcellent spring comfort, many frame sizes
Weaknessesheavy Future Shock system, relatively expensive
The test results at a glance
In addition to the Specialized Roubaix Comp, our endurance road bike test also included the Giant Defy Advanced 1, the Canyon Endurace CF 7 All-Road, the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 RL, the Cube Agree C:62 and the Trek Domane SLR 7.
*Weighed weights.
**Manufacturer's specification, test size in 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 a very upright riding position.
****Wheel weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/ thru axles and brake discs if applicable.
Julian Schultz
Editor
