Specialized Roubaix Elite Review

The Specialized Roubaix Elite and Elite Triple are a pair of very similar road racing bikes which both take their name from the one day professional race which has been held between Paris and the town of Roubaix since the end of the 19th century. This pedigree is reflected in the setup and construction of each bike as they promise to deliver superior frame stiffness levels in order to ensure excellent acceleration and speed while still having enough comfort-focused features to keep you at the top of your game mile after mile.

Specialized Roubaix Elite

The Specialized Roubaix Elite is focused around a FACT 8r carbon frame with a compact, race specific design and geometrical alignment. At the front you will find a carbon fork and this, along with the frame, features Zertz inserts. These are in place in order to greatly reduce the amount of energy-consuming vibrations which are felt by the rider, so you can stay astride the Roubaix Elite for extended periods without suffering the effects of hours of road rumble to the same degree.

There is more carbon to be found on the Elite as the seatpost is constructed using this light, strong material. The Specialized Comp handlebars may well be made of alloy, but they are endowed with a shallow bend which lets the rider find a gripping position that is comfortable and still within easy reach of the levers.

Shimano 105 components comprise the drivetrain and the compact chainset helps you transfer power efficiently while still saving weight. The new 10 speed Shimano Tiagra chain is a pleasing feature, as are the effective 105 brakes at the front and rear. The Fulcrum Racing 6 wheelset and Specialized Espoir Elite tyres conform to the requirements of lightness and durability displayed by the rest of the bike. Meanwhile the Body Geometry Toupe Plus Sport saddle gives you the support you need and engages well with the comfortable setup of the cycle.

Specialized Roubaix Elite Triple

The Specialized Roubaix Elite Tripe is similar in most ways to the standard Elite, which isn’t anywhere near a standard bike, but you get what I’m trying to say. This means the FACT 8r carbon frame, fork and seatpost all make it across unscathed, along with the alloy rims and lightweight tyres. Shimano 105 components and the 105 triple chainset remain consistent while giving you that triple setup which lends itself to climbing constantly over long distances, which you might encounter in a race or a training session, emulating the type of conditions that face the pros on the Paris-Roubaix journey.

The Elite Triple’s Zertz inserts will help to keep your mind on the task at hand and not on your shaking limbs, while the comfortable handlebars will also encourage you to put your body in a more aerodynamic position which will help you pick up speed and cut through the air gracefully.

Both of these bikes will serve you well for training or racing, with each finding the right balance between expense and performance that ultimately results in good value for money. Enough improvements have been made for 2012 to give each bike a fighting chance of catching your attention.