Product Review | Specialized Roubaix - Ozark Cycling Adventures

Product Review | Specialized Roubaix

The lines between road and gravel continue to get blurred and we are seeing more demand for versatile bikes. The Specialized Roubaix stays within its road racing, cobble chomping pedigree but also offers a steady platform for those smooth gravel routes. All in all what I have loved so far is the comfort of this bike. It is an all day machine for those who like to spend lots of time on the saddle but still like to mix it up on competitive rides. Check out our Product Review of the Specialized Roubaix.

KEY THINGS THAT STANDOUT

The adjustable Future Shock (stem). First ride on the Roubaix I kept thinking I must not have put enough air pressure in the tires. It was noticeably smooth. The shock has just enough give to take the edge off rough roads. The other thing I really love is the fast rolling Roval wheels and Roubaix tires. I have said time and again that wheel technology over the years has improved ride quality so much. Wider rims, wider tires and tubeless tech are found in the Specialized Roval wheels. Greater speed, smoothness and control.

Aside from all the tech look at this stunning paint scheme!

While the Future Shock does not allow you to “slam that stem.” On the flip side 20mm of travel handles those rough roads keeping you a little fresher on those long rides. You can easily lock out the shock for climbs and sprinting. To get in a lower position you always have the drops.

Quick and easy tuning. Just turn.

The seatpost/frame also has suspension (fore/aft) built in. Pretty incredible design. While this is less noticeable outright like Future Shock we believe that in unison with the front suspension it makes for a smoother ride.

Check out this short video on the suspension system.

Shimano Ultegra Di2 is pretty flawless.

HOW IT RIDES

Specialized has a saying, “smother is faster.” That concept is built into this machine. With seven wins at the cobbled classic Paris-Roubaix to back it up. Now for the common person like myself it means greater comfort which means more riding and more fun. After many months on this bike I can attest that it is very comfortable to ride but it is also very much a race machine. Specialized has refined the Roubaix every year for 15 years and I really think they hit the ball out of the park with the latest model. As one prominent bike fitter said, “everyone should be riding the Roubaix.” Now, go test ride one for yourself at The Bike Route!

SPECIFICATIONS

DRIVE TRAIN
BOTTOM BRACKET- Shimano Ultegra, BBR60
CHAIN – Shimano Ultegra, 11-speed
CRANKSET – Shimano Ultegra R8000, HollowTech 2, 11-speed
SHIFT LEVERS – Shimano Ultegra Di2 Disc R8070
FRONT DERAILLEUR – Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8050, braze-on
CASSETTE – SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed, 10-50t
CHAINRINGS – 50/34T
REAR DERAILLEUR – Shimano Ultegra RX, RX805

SUSPENSION
FORK – Future Shock 2.0 w/ Damper, Smooth Boot, 12×100 mm thru-axle, flat-mount

WHEELS
FRONT WHEEL – Roval C 38 Disc
REAR WHEEL – Roval C 38 Disc
INNER TUBES – Presta, 48mm valve
TIRES – Specialized Turbo Pro, 700x28mm

COCKPIT
SADDLE – Body Geometry Power, Hollow Titanium rails
SEAT BINDER – Hidden drop clamp
SEATPOST – S-Works Pave
HANDLEBARS – Specialized Hover Expert, Alloy, 125mm Drop, 75mm Reach w/Di2 Hole
STEM – Future Stem, Pro
BAR TAPE – Roubaix S-Wrap
BRAKES – Shimano Ultegra, Hydraulic

FRAME
FRAME – FACT 10R, Rider First Engineered™ (RFE), FreeFoil Shape Library tubes, threaded BB, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc