Sportive Bikes: Specialized Roubaix 2012

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Posted Thursday 17th May 2012 –

The Specialized Roubaix, named after the infamous Paris-Roubaix road race, is Specialized’s high performance endurance focussed road bike built on the idea that when it comes to spending a long time in the saddle a smoother and more comfortable ride will ultimately mean you can ride faster for longer. Multiple wins in the hands of pro riders at the Paris-Roubaix race, most recently Tom Boonen in the 2012 event, would suggest that there’s definately something in this approach. The balance of performance and comfort make it a great choice for sportive riders who don’t want the aggressive position of an out and out race bike but still want a performance of a lightweight carbon fibre bike that’s been designed for longer endurance style rides.

In order to achieve a smoother more comfortable ride without sacrificing performance the bikes include several design features

  • Zertz Inserts – probably the most noticeable design feature on the Specialize Roubaix are the Zertz damper inserts that feature in the shaped seat stays and forks. These inserts help to reduce vibration from the road surface and give a smoother ride whist enabling Specialized to keep lateral stiffness in the bike so you get the comfort without sacrificing power transfer when you pedal hard.
  • Longer wheelbase – The Roubaix models feature a slightly longer wheelbase than Specialized Tarmac race bike, a longer wheelbase generally helps to increase the bikes stability and makes for a less twitchy ride.
  • Endurance focussed geometry – by increasing the height of the steerer tube the Roubaix offers a more comfortable rider position compared to an out and out race bike by sitting the rider in a slightly more upright position. You’ll typically find this means less pressure on your hands and less tension in your arms and upper back.

The full 2012 Roubaix range consists of six tiers from the top of the range S-Works model through the Pro, Expert, Comp, Elite versions down to the base Roubaix model. All are based on a similar design but frame design and materials as well as component choice vary across the range, unsurprisingly the more you pay the higher the spec but any of the bikes would make a great choice for the sportive rider. More details on each model can be found below but here’s a quick comparison on how they compare and what extras you get on the more expensive models –

  • Roubaix S-works – range topper with FACT IS 11r carbon SL3 frame that weighs less than 1kg specced with Shimano’s top of the range Dura Ace drive train and an S-works carbon chainset.
  • Roubaix Pro – FACT IS 10r carbon SL3 frame so a slightly lower spec carbon which will mean a slightly heavier frame than the S-Works specced with a SRAM Force drive train and a Pro FACT carbon chainset
  • Roubaix Expert – The same FACT IS 10r carbon SL3 frame as the Pro model but specced with a Shimano Ultegra groupset
  • Roubaix Comp – FACT 8r carbon frame so again a slightly lower spec carbon and whilst you retain an internally routed rear brake cable you lose the internally routed gear cable design on the models above. Specced with a mix of Shimano Ultegra and Shiman 105 components.
  • Roubaix Elite – The same FACT 8r carbon frame as the Comp but with full Shimano 105 groupset and slightly lower specced wheels
  • Roubaix – the base mode, a similar FACT 8r carbon frame but you loose the internally routed rear brake cable of the Comp and Elite model. Specced with a Shimano Tiagra groupset.

At around £6,000 for the S-Works it’s in serious super bike teritory and at over £2,000 more expensive than the next bike down in the range is one for the pro riders or the seriously wealthy. The other bikes in range vary from £3,800 for the Pro down to £1,400 for the base Roubaix model. Our pick from the range would be the Expert model, you get the neater frame design with fully internally routed cabling and performance wise the Shimano Ultegra componets it comes specced with work just as well as the more expensive Dura Ace.

More detailed specs and pricing details can be found below –

Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL3 2012

Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL3 2012

Features

  • FACT IS 11r carbon SL3 frame weighs less than 1000grams, with outstanding torsional stiffness, and Zertz seatstay inserts for the fastest most compliant endurance bike available
  • Super light DT Tricon tubeless ready alloy wheelset allows for lower tyre pressure enhancing ride quality
  • Specialized S-Works SL FACT carbon crankset with OSBB, removable carbon spider, and ceramic bearings, plus legendary Shimano Dura-Ace 10-speed shifters ultralight, smooth performance
  • S-Works SL ergonomic carbon handlebars for superior fit, comfort, stiffness, and strength at minimal weight
  • BG Toupe Plus Expert takes our ultralight, minimalist racing saddle and adds just a touch more padding for those longer rides, plus hollow Ti rails
  • FACT full carbon monocoque fork with vibration-damping Zertz inserts is ultra light and durable
  • FACT carbon Pave seatpost uses a Zertz insert to minimize road vibrations for greater comfort but remains stiff and efficient

Available From

Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL3 2012 Road Bike £6,000.00

Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL3 2012 Road Bike

£6,000.00

Detailed Specification

  • FRAME – S-Works FACT 11r carbon, FACT IS construction, uniquely shaped 1-1/8″ to 1-3/8″ head tube, compact race design w/ Zertz inserts, internal cable routing, carbon OSBB
  • FORK – S-Works FACT carbon, full monocoque, Zertz inserts
  • HEADSET – 1-1/8″ upper and 1-3/8″ lower Cr-Mo cartridge bearings, w/ 8mm carbon cone spacer and 20mm of carbon spacers
  • STEM – New S-Works ProSet Stem, 7050 3D forged with carbon-clip front cap/cone, 4-degree shim, CNC head bolts
  • HANDLEBARS – S-Works SL carbon, shallow drop
  • TAPE – Specialized Roubaix Gel wrap w/ neoprene pads
  • FRONT BRAKE – Shimano Dura-Ace
  • REAR BRAKE – Shimano Dura-Ace
  • BRAKE LEVERS – Shimano Dura-Ace
  • FRONT DERAILLEUR – Shimano Dura-Ace
  • REAR DERAILLEUR – Shimano Dura-Ace
  • SHIFT LEVERS – Shimano Dura-Ace STI, Flight Deck compatible, 10-speed
  • CASSETTE – Shimano Dura-Ace, 10-speed, 11-28t
  • CHAIN – Shimano Dura-Ace
  • CRANKSET – S-Works SL FACT carbon
  • CHAINRINGS – S-Works SL 50/34
  • BOTTOM BRACKET – OS integrated, ceramic bearings
  • FRONT WHEEL – DT Tricon RR1450 Tubeless ready
  • REAR WHEEL – DT Tricon RR1450 Tubeless ready
  • FRONT TYRE – Specialized Turbo Pro w/ BlackBelt, 127 TPI, aramid bead, 700x25c
  • REAR TYRE – Specialized Turbo Pro w/ BlackBelt, 127 TPI, aramid bead, 700x25c
  • INNER TUBES – Super Light Turbo, 60mm, presta
  • SADDLE -Body Geometry Toupé Plus Expert, hollow ti rails
  • SEATPOST – S-Works FACT carbon w/ Zertz insert, 27.2mm
  • SEAT BINDER – Forged alloy,Ti bolt and nut, 32.6mm
  • NOTES – Carbon chainstay protector, derailleur hanger, clear coat, owners manual

Specialized Roubaix Pro 2012

Specialized Roubaix SL3 Pro 2012

Features

  • FACT IS 10r carbon SL3 frame with uniquely shaped tapered head tube is uber-light with incredible torsional stiffness, and Zertz seatstay inserts for the fastest most compliant endurance bike available
  • Ultralight FACT carbon monocoque fork with vibration-damping Zertz inserts is stiff, responsive, and durable
  • Roval Fusee SL wheelset combines our super-light alloy rims with aero features for a fast and compliant ride for everyday training and racing
  • Specialized Pro FACT compact carbon crankset with oversized BB and removable spider has outstanding strength-to-weight ratio for superior efficiency and power transfer
  • Specialized Expert shallow drop alloy bar for serious performance and ergonomic position
  • SRAM’s Pro Tour-proven Red carbon shifters are super light, with DoubleTap for simple intuitive shifting and reach adjustment for perfect fit
  • BG Toupe Plus Expert takes our ultralight, minimalist racing saddle and adds just a touch more padding for those longer rides, plus hollow Ti rails
  • FACT carbon Pave seatpost uses a Zertz insert to minimize road vibrations for greater comfort but remains stiff and efficient

Available From

Specialized Roubaix Pro SL3 2012 Road Bike £3,800.00

Specialized Roubaix Pro SL3 2012 Road Bike

£3,800.00

Detailed Specification

  • FRAME – Specialized FACT 10r carbon, FACT IS construction, uniquely shaped 1-1/8″ to 1-3/8″ head tube, compact race design w/ Zertz inserts, internal cable routing, OSBB
  • FORK – Specialized FACT carbon, full monocoque, Zertz inserts
  • HEADSET – 1-1/8″ upper and 1-3/8″ lower Cr-Mo cartridge bearings, w/ 8mm carbon cone spacer and 20mm of carbon spacers
  • STEM – New Specialized ProSet 7075, cone head bolt and plastic clip, 12-degree, 4-degree shim, 31.8mm
  • HANDLEBARS – Specialized Expert alloy, shallow drop
  • TAPE – Specialized Roubaix Gel wrap w/ neoprene pads
  • FRONT BRAKE – SRAM Force
  • REAR BRAKE – SRAM Force
  • FRONT DERAILLEUR – SRAM Red
  • REAR DERAILLEUR – SRAM Red
  • SHIFT LEVERS – SRAM Red DoubleTap, 10-speed
  • CASSETTE – SRAM Red, 10-speed, 11-28t
  • CHAIN – KMC X10 SL nickel plate
  • CRANKSET – Specialized Pro FACT carbon
  • CHAINRINGS – 50/34
  • BOTTOM BRACKET – OS integrated, sealed bearings
  • FRONT WHEEL – Roval Fusee SL
  • REAR WHEEL – Roval Fusee SL
  • FRONT TYRE – Specialized Turbo Pro w/ BlackBelt, 127 TPI, aramid bead, 700x25c
  • REAR TYRE – Specialized Turbo Pro w/ BlackBelt, 127 TPI, aramid bead, 700x25c
  • INNER TUBES – Super Light Turbo, 60mm, presta
  • SADDLE – Body Geometry Toupé Plus Expert, hollow ti rails
  • SEATPOST – Specialized Pro, FACT carbon w/ Zertz insert
  • SEAT BINDER – Forged alloy,Ti bolt and nut, 32.6mm
  • NOTES – Carbon chainstay protector, derailleur hanger, clear coat, owners manual

Specialized Roubaix Expert 2012

Specialized Roubaix SL3 Expert 2012

Features

  • FACT IS 10r carbon SL3 frame with uniquely shaped tapered head tube is uber-light with incredible torsional stiffness, and Zertz seatstay inserts for the fastest most compliant endurance bike available
  • Ultralight FACT carbon monocoque fork with vibration-damping Zertz inserts is stiff, responsive, and durable
  • Race-ready DT Axis 3.0 wheels are fast and light but still durable enough for high mileage training
  • Adjustable four-position oversized alloy stem with 31.8mm bar clamp for strength and versatile positioning
  • Specialized Comp shallow drop alloy bar for serious performance and ergonomic position
  • Minimalist, high-performance BG Toupe Plus Comp saddle is ultralight with a flat profile and generous padding for long rides and explosive efforts
  • FACT carbon Comp seatpost helps absorb road vibrations but remains stiff and efficient

Available From

Specialized Roubaix Expert SL3 2012 Road Bike £3,000.00

Specialized Roubaix Expert SL3 2012 Road Bike

£3,000.00

Detailed Specification

  • FRAME – Specialized FACT 10r carbon, FACT IS construction, uniquely shaped 1-1/8″ to 1-3/8″ head tube, compact race design w/ Zertz inserts, internal cable routing, threaded BB
  • FORK – Specialized FACT carbon, full monocoque, Zertz inserts
  • HEADSET – 1-1/8″ upper and 1-3/8″ lower Cr-Mo cartridge bearings, w/ 20mm carbon cone spacer and 20mm of carbon spacers
  • STEM – New CompSet 6061 alloy, cone head bolt, 12-degree, 4-degree shim 31.8mm
  • HANDLEBARS – Specialized Comp, alloy, shallow bend
  • TAPE – Specialized Roubaix Gel wrap w/ neoprene pads
  • FRONT BRAKE – Shimano Ultegra
  • REAR BRAKE – Shimano Ultegra
  • FRONT DERAILLEUR – Shimano Ultegra
  • REAR DERAILLEUR – Shimano Ultegra
  • SHIFT LEVERS – Shimano Ultegra STI, flight deck compatible, 10-speed
  • CASSETTE – Shimano Ultegra, 10-speed, 11-28t
  • CHAIN – Shimano 105
  • CRANKSET – Shimano Ultegra compact
  • CHAINRINGS – 50/34
  • FRONT WHEEL – DT Axis 3.0
  • REAR WHEEL – DT Axis 3.0
  • FRONT TYRE – Specialized Roubaix Pro w/ BlackBelt protection, 120 TPI, aramid bead, 700x25c
  • REAR TYRE – Specialized Roubaix Pro w/ BlackBelt protection, 120 TPI, aramid bead, 700x25c
  • INNER TUBES – Lightweight, presta
  • SADDLE – Body Geometry Toupé Plus Comp, hollow Cr-Mo rails
  • SEATPOST – Specialized Comp carbon, 27.2mm
  • SEAT BINDER – Forged alloy, 32.6mm
  • NOTES – Carbon chainstay protector, derailleur hanger, clear coat, owners manual

Specialized Roubaix Comp 2012

Specialized Roubaix Comp 2012

Features

  • New FACT 8r carbon, FACT IS constructed frame with Endurance Road geometry, Zertz inserts and tapered head tube for the perfect blend of stiffness, compliance and light weight.
  • Ultralight FACT carbon monocoque fork with vibration-damping Zertz inserts is stiff, responsive, and durable
  • Race-ready DT Axis 3.0 wheels are fast and light but still durable enough for high mileage training
  • Adjustable four-position oversized alloy stem with 31.8mm bar clamp for strength and versatile positioning
  • Specialized Comp shallow drop alloy bar for serious performance and ergonomic position
  • Minimalist, high-performance BG Toupe Plus Comp saddle is ultralight with a flat profile and generous padding for long rides and explosive efforts
  • Stiff but vertically compliant carbon seatpost for high performance with comfort
  • Shimano Ultegra 10-speed shifters are lightweight, and laser-accurate for high-performance use

Available From

Specialized Roubaix Comp 2012 Road Bike £2,500.00

Specialized Roubaix Comp 2012 Road Bike

£2,500.00

Detailed Specification

  • FRAME – Specialized FACT 8r carbon, FACT IS construction, compact race design w/ Zertz inserts, 1-1/8″ to 1-3/8″ head tube, internal rear brake cable, threaded BB
  • FORK – Specialized FACT carbon, full monocoque, Zertz inserts
  • HEADSET – 1-1/8″ upper and 1-3/8″ lower Cr-Mo cartridge bearings, w/ 20mm cone spacer and 20mm of spacers
  • STEM – New CompSet 6061 alloy, cone head bolt, 12-degree, 4-degree shim 31.8mm
  • HANDLEBARS – Specialized Comp, alloy, shallow bend
  • TAPE – Specialized Roubaix wrap w/ 2.5 gel pads
  • FRONT BRAKE – Shimano 105
  • REAR BRAKE – Shimano 105
  • FRONT DERAILLEUR – Shimano 105
  • REAR DERAILLEUR – Shimano Ultegra
  • SHIFT LEVERS – Shimano Ultegra STI, flight deck compatible, 10-speed
  • CASSETTE – Shimano 105, 10-speed, 11-28t
  • CHAIN – New Shimano Tiagra 10-speed
  • CRANKSET – Shimano Ultegra compact
  • CHAINRINGS – 50/34
  • FRONT WHEEL – DT Axis 3.0
  • REAR WHEEL – DT Axis 3.0
  • FRONT TYRE – Specialized Espoir Elite w/ double BlackBelt, 60 TPI, aramid bead, 700x25c
  • REAR TYRE – Specialized Espoir Elite w/ double BlackBelt, 60 TPI, aramid bead, 700x25c
  • INNER TUBES – Lightweight, presta
  • SADDLE – Body Geometry Toupé Plus Comp, hollow Cr-Mo rails
  • SEATPOST – Specialized Comp carbon, 27.2mm
  • SEAT BINDER – Forged alloy, 32.6mm
  • NOTES – Carbon chainstay protector, derailleur hanger, clear coat, owners manual

Specialized Roubaix Elite 2012

Specialixed Roubaix Elite 2012
Specialized Roubaix Elite Triple 2012

Features

  • New FACT 8r carbon, FACT IS constructed frame with Endurance Road geometry, Zertz inserts and tapered head tube for the perfect blend of stiffness, compliance, and light weight
  • Ultralight FACT carbon monocoque fork with vibration-damping Zertz inserts is stiff, responsive, and durable
  • Race-ready Fulcrum 6 wheels are fast, light, and durable for high mileage training; made by Campagnolo for legendary performance
  • Adjustable four-position oversized alloy stem with 31.8mm bar clamp for strength and versatile positioning
  • Specialized Comp shallow drop alloy bar for serious performance and ergonomic position
  • Minimalist, high-performance BG Toupe Plus saddle is ultralight with a flat profile and generous padding for long rides and explosive efforts
  • Stiff but vertically compliant carbon seatpost for high performance with comfort
  • Smooth, precise Shimano 105 STI shifters are renowned for their race-ready performance and exceptional value

Available From

Specialized Roubaix Elite Compact 2012 Road Bike £2,000.00
Specialized Roubaix Elite Triple 2012 Road Bike £2,000.00

Specialized Roubaix Elite Compact 2012 Road Bike

£2,000.00

Detailed Specification

  • FRAME – Specialized FACT 8r carbon, FACT IS construction, compact race design w/ Zertz inserts, 1-1/8″ to 1-3/8″ head tube, internal rear brake cable, threaded BB
  • FORK – Specialized FACT carbon, full monocoque, Zertz inserts
  • HEADSET – 1-1/8″ upper and 1-3/8″ lower Cr-Mo cartridge bearings, w/ 20mm cone spacer and 20mm of spacers
  • STEM – New CompSet 6061 alloy, cone head bolt, 12-degree, 4-degree shim 31.8mm
  • HANDLEBARS – Specialized Comp, alloy, shallow bend
  • TAPE – Specialized Roubaix wrap w/ 2.5 gel pads
  • FRONT BRAKE – Shimano 105
  • REAR BRAKE – Shimano 105
  • FRONT DERAILLEUR – Shimano 105
  • REAR DERAILLEUR – Shimano 105
  • SHIFT LEVERS – Shimano 105 STI, 10-speed
  • CASSETTE – Shimano 105, 10-speed, 11-28t
  • CHAIN – New Shimano Tiagra 10-speed
  • CRANKSET – Shimano 105 compact or triple
  • CHAINRINGS – 50/34 Compact, 50/39/30 Triple
  • FRONT WHEEL – Fulcrum Racing 6
  • REAR WHEEL – Fulcrum Racing 6
  • FRONT TYRE – Specialized Espoir Elite w/ double BlackBelt, 60 TPI, aramid bead, 700x25c
  • REAR TYRE – Specialized Espoir Elite w/ double BlackBelt, 60 TPI, aramid bead, 700x25c
  • INNER TUBES – Lightweight, presta
  • SADDLE – Body Geometry Toupé Plus Sport
  • SEATPOST – Specialized Comp carbon, 27.2mm
  • SEAT BINDER – Forged alloy, 32.6mm
  • NOTES – Carbon chainstay protector, derailleur hanger, clear coat, owners manual

Specialized Roubaix 2012

Specialized Roubaix Compact 2012

Features

  • FACT 8r carbon, FACT IS constructed frame with Endurance Road geometry, Zertz inserts and tapered head tube for the perfect blend of stiffness, compliance and light weight
  • Ultralight FACT carbon monocoque fork with vibration-damping Zertz inserts is stiff, responsive, and durable
  • Significantly lighter than comparable-level wheelsets, these tough new DT-Axis 2.0 hoops roll smooth and fast
  • Adjustable four-position oversized alloy stem with 31.8mm bar clamp for strength and versatile positioning
  • Specialized Comp shallow drop alloy bar for serious performance and ergonomic position
  • New, 10-speed Shimano Tiagra STI shifters are renowned for their race-ready performance and exceptional value
  • Minimalist, high-performance BG Toupe Plus Sport saddle is ultralight with a flat profile and generous padding for long rides and explosive efforts

Available From

Specialized Roubaix 2012 Road Bike £1,400.00

Specialized Roubaix 2012 Road Bike

£1,400.00

Detailed Specification

  • FRAME – Specialized FACT 8r carbon, FACT IS construction, compact race design w/ Zertz inserts, 1-1/8″ to 1-3/8″ head tube, threaded BB
  • FORK – Specialized FACT carbon, full monocoque, Zertz inserts
  • HEADSET – 1-1/8″ upper and 1-3/8″ lower Cr-Mo cartridge bearings, w/ 20mm cone spacer and 20mm of spacers
  • STEM – Specialized EliteSet, 3D forged alloy, 12-degree, 4-position adjustable, 4-bolt, 31.8mm clamp
  • HANDLEBARS – Specialized Comp, alloy, shallow bend
  • TAPE – Specialized Roubaix wrap w/ 2.5 gel pads
  • FRONT BRAKE – New Shimano Tiagra
  • REAR BRAKE – New Shimano Tiagra
  • BRAKE LEVERS – New Shimano Tiagra STI
  • FRONT DERAILLEUR – New Shimano Tiagra 10-speed
  • REAR DERAILLEUR – New Shimano Tiagra 10-speed
  • SHIFT LEVERS – New Shimano Tiagra STI 10-speed
  • CASSETTE – New Shimano Tiagra, 10-speed, 12-30t
  • CHAIN – New Shimano Tiagra 10-speed
  • CRANKSET – New Shimano Tiagra 10-speed
  • CHAINRINGS – 50/34
  • FRONT WHEEL – DT Axis 2.0
  • REAR WHEEL – DT Axis 2.0
  • FRONT TYRE – Specialized Espoir Sport w/ double BlackBelt, 60 TPI, wire bead, 700x23c
  • REAR TYRE – Specialized Espoir Sport w/ double BlackBelt, 60 TPI, wire bead, 700x23c
  • INNER TUBES – Lightweight, presta
  • SADDLE – Body Geometry Toupé Plus Sport
  • SEATPOST – New Specialized Sport, alloy, 27.2mm
  • SEAT BINDER – Forged alloy, 32.6mm
  • NOTES – Chainstay protector, chain catcher, derailleur hanger, clear coat, owners manual

Specialized Roubaix Sizing Chart

Specialized offer a choice of 6 sizes in the Specialized Roubaix although the largest 64cm size is only available in certain models and tends not to be stocked as standard by stockists.

  • 49cm – 152cm to 160cm or 5’0 to 5’5
  • 52cm – 160cm to 168cm or 5’5 to 5’8
  • 54cm – 168cm to 175cm or 5’8 to 6’0
  • 56cm – 183cm to 191cm or 6’0 to 6’3
  • 61cm – 191cm to 198cm or 6’3 to 6’6
  • 64cm – 199+cm ot 6’6+