Sportive Bikes: Specialized Roubaix 2012

16 May 201217 May 2012 Admin Sportive Bikes

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

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 — 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 — 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

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

Specialized-Roubaix-Elite-Triple-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

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+