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Torn between Allez & Roubaix
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 2011-01-21 3:26 PM |
Expert  1121  |  Subject: Torn between Allez & RoubaixI'm torn on the road bike. I know "fit" is so important. Trying to decide on the Specialized Allez at $1,200, which is what the dealer is pushing for, versus the Specialized Roubaix Comp. Per the dealer, both will fit me well. He's a big group rider and racer. From what he tells me, the Allez is stiffer, but made for racing and group rides etc. The Roubaix is built diff, allowing for a more comforting ride, and is carbon. I lose two pounds by going carbon. The Roubaix also has a much better wheel set (Mavic Aksium's). Yeah, an entry level wheel for Mavic, but way better than other options. I think it's a $250 wheel set. The Roubaix has SRAM Rival components, including the brakes, not a generic brake which apparently a lot of bikes come with. (Other than high end bikes of course) Here's the kicker. The Roubaix is a 2010 leftover, retails for $2,700. I can pick it up for $2,100. Great deal right? I like the idea of it being more comfortable, but apparently the geometry is a little different. I can afford the $2,100. Plan is to build endurance with the bike, for my mountain bike races. That's my focus, but plan on doing 2 Sprint Tri's, and 1-2 short Xterra Tri's. Your thoughts? I'll post this in the main forum as well. Edited by rizer22 2011-01-21 3:43 PM |
| 2011-01-21 3:37 PM in reply to: #3314080 |
Regular 172  Brandon, MS | Subject: RE: Torn between Allez & Roubaix Two good bikes, but you are right in saying that the geometries are vastly different. The Allez is basically an aluminum Tarmac......which is a more aggressive road race bike. The Roubaix is carbon, and as a more relaxed geometry that would be suitable to longer rides. I assume that the 2011 Allez is the one with SRAM Apex? The 2010 Roubaix @ $2,700 retail would have been the one with 105, I think. So you are pretty even on components, but if the Roubaix geometry suits you best, then that is a great deal. If you want the best of both worlds, you could get the 2011 Tarmac. If you can afford $2,000......then a 2011 Tarmac with SRAM Apex would be in your price range, and have a more aggressive geometry like the Allez, but with the carbon frame. Also, the geometry of the Tarmac and Allez would be more suitable for attaching aerobars and getting a decent aero position out of it. Edited by btompkins0112 2011-01-21 3:40 PM |
| 2011-01-21 3:40 PM in reply to: #3314080 |
798 | Subject: RE: Torn between Allez & Roubaix Quick points...Aksiums retail for about $220. I got mine on Nashbar for $190. They are on the lower end of Mavic's line. Nice wheels, but shouldn't be a deciding factor. If the Roubaix does indeed weigh 2 pounds less, it's not just from carbon. The frame is lighter, but not by that much. Both are great bikes. It's should come down to nice long test ride on both. Don't be turned on off by the "comfort" aspect of the Roubaix...it's been plenty aggressive to win several races! |
| 2011-01-21 3:41 PM in reply to: #3314112 |
Expert 1121 | Subject: RE: Torn between Allez & Roubaix btompkins0112 - 2011-01-21 4:37 PM Two good bikes, but you are right in saying that the geometries are vastly different. The Allez is basically an aluminum Tarmac......which is a more aggressive road race bike. The Roubaix is carbon, and as a more relaxed geometry that would be suitable to longer rides. I assume that the 2011 Allez is the one with SRAM Apex? The 2010 Roubaix @ $2,700 retail would have been the one with 105, I think. So you are pretty even on components, but if the Roubaix geometry suits you best, then that is a great deal. If you want the best of both world, you could get the 2011 Tarmac. If you can afford $2,000......then a 2011 Tarmac with SRAM Apex would be in your price range, and have a more aggressive geometry like the Allez, but with the carbon frame. Funny you say that, there is a 2010 leftover Tarmac, retail $2,200, but also 20% off at $1,760. Plus tax of course. But the color scheme does not appeal to me. It's black and red, it's just not catching my eye I guess. It has to fit, but it has to look good as well. Thanks for your input. |
| 2011-01-21 3:43 PM in reply to: #3314116 |
Expert 1121 | Subject: RE: Torn between Allez & Roubaix rexcoltrain - 2011-01-21 4:40 PM Quick points...Aksiums retail for about $220. I got mine on Nashbar for $190. They are on the lower end of Mavic's line. Nice wheels, but shouldn't be a deciding factor. If the Roubaix does indeed weigh 2 pounds less, it's not just from carbon. The frame is lighter, but not by that much. Both are great bikes. It's should come down to nice long test ride on both. Don't be turned on off by the "comfort" aspect of the Roubaix...it's been plenty aggressive to win several races! I edited the post, you are correct. They retail for $200-$250ish. I thought it was $250 per wheel. I am wondering if the compenents and wheels with the frame made the 2 pound difference in the bikes, Allez vs Roubaix |
| 2011-01-21 3:43 PM in reply to: #3314080 |
Resident Curmudgeon 25290 The Road Back Gold member | Subject: RE: Torn between Allez & Roubaix New sets of Mavic Aksiums sell for $250 on amazon. |
| 2011-01-21 3:43 PM in reply to: #3314118 |
Regular 172 Brandon, MS | Subject: RE: Torn between Allez & Roubaix rizer22 - 2011-01-21 3:41 PM Funny you say that, there is a 2010 leftover Tarmac, retail $2,200, but also 20% off at $1,760. Plus tax of course. But the color scheme does not appeal to me. It's black and red, it's just not catching my eye I guess. It has to fit, but it has to look good as well. Thanks for your input. I know the color scheme.......that is an absolutely screaming deal on the Tarmac......If I hadn't just bought my Cannondale, I would be on that bike like flies on donkey crap. |
| 2011-01-21 3:44 PM in reply to: #3314080 |
| Subject: RE: Torn between Allez & Roubaix Agree with above. If your goal is to race, get a bike that has a racing geometry. Either go for a used Tarmac (which can easily be found for $2100) or go with the Allez and pocket the $900. I have a 2009 allez elite (105 componentry) and I'm happy with it. You give up some weight with aluminum, but as far as ride quality, I can't tell the difference between it and my carbon P2. I've dabbled with the option of upgrading to a full carbon road bike like the tarmac, but honestly I can't justify it unless I decide to get serious about road racing with lots of climbing. The bike is not what holds me back. I can blow by lots of people on carbon bikes...and I know lots of people that still ride aluminum that can blow by me. |
| 2011-01-21 3:46 PM in reply to: #3314123 |
Expert 1121 | Subject: RE: Torn between Allez & Roubaix the bear - 2011-01-21 4:43 PM New sets of Mavic Aksiums sell for $250 on amazon. Yup, sorry. Corrected that |
| 2011-01-21 3:47 PM in reply to: #3314122 |
Regular 172 Brandon, MS | Subject: RE: Torn between Allez & Roubaix rizer22 - 2011-01-21 3:43 PM I am wondering if the compenents and wheels with the frame made the 2 pound difference in the bikes, Allez vs Roubaix If the Roubaix has 105 that wouldn't make sense because 105 kit is heavier than both SRAM Apex and Rival......The Allez has a carbon fork with aluminum crown and steerer, which should be good for an extra 500 grams or so over the Roubaix full carbon, and the frame itself is probably 500 grams or so heavier......there's a pound right there. |
| 2011-01-21 3:49 PM in reply to: #3314129 |
Regular 172 Brandon, MS | Subject: RE: Torn between Allez & Roubaix tri808 - 2011-01-21 3:44 PM Agree with above. If your goal is to race, get a bike that has a racing geometry. Either go for a used Tarmac (which can easily be found for $2100) or go with the Allez and pocket the $900. I can blow by lots of people on carbon bikes...and I know lots of people that still ride aluminum that can blow by me. +2 |
| 2011-01-21 4:01 PM in reply to: #3314133 |
Expert 1121 | Subject: RE: Torn between Allez & Roubaix btompkins0112 - 2011-01-21 4:47 PM rizer22 - 2011-01-21 3:43 PM I am wondering if the compenents and wheels with the frame made the 2 pound difference in the bikes, Allez vs Roubaix If the Roubaix has 105 that wouldn't make sense because 105 kit is heavier than both SRAM Apex and Rival......The Allez has a carbon fork with aluminum crown and steerer, which should be good for an extra 500 grams or so over the Roubaix full carbon, and the frame itself is probably 500 grams or so heavier......there's a pound right there. The Roubaix has Rival. I guess I need to look into the Tarmac now as well. |
| 2011-01-21 4:21 PM in reply to: #3314129 |
Expert 2180 Boise, Idaho | Subject: RE: Torn between Allez & Roubaix tri808 - 2011-01-21 2:44 PM Agree with above. If your goal is to race, get a bike that has a racing geometry. The Roubaix has been raced, very successfully, at Paris-Roubaix and other 'rough road' classics for several years. Specialized markets it as an "Endurance Road" bike. It is by no means a slouch. If your local roads are chip-sealed and/or kinda rough. The Roubaix will make you feel like you want to ride again tomorrow. The Tarmac is, IMO, best suited for people who DO race. The Roubaix, for everyone else. |
| 2011-01-21 4:25 PM in reply to: #3314080 |
Pro 5892 , New Hampshire | Subject: RE: Torn between Allez & Roubaix I agree with Jeff... personally I think the Roubaix is more versatile... great for long rides, good enough for racing. The Tarmac is a great bike, but it is designed with racing as its primary focus. I would stick with the Roubaix... but either way, you really can't go wrong. |
| 2011-01-21 4:37 PM in reply to: #3314080 |
| Extreme Veteran 418 | Subject: RE: Torn between Allez & Roubaix Just my two cents... My first road bike was a entry level Allez, I though it was sweet since it was my first road bike. I soon upgraded and currently ride a 2007 Tarmac. I can't speek for the geometry of the roubaix but if you can swing the extra cash i would choose the tarmac or roubaix. one other note I have done many century rides as well as 3 sprint tris and a half ironman on my Tarmac with clip on aero bars. I also got mine as a left over model year and paid around $1700 with 105 components and aksium wheels. try both the tarmac and roubaix and see which geometry feels better. good luck, let us know what you get |
| 2011-01-21 4:37 PM in reply to: #3314080 |
Master 1366 PNW | Subject: RE: Torn between Allez & Roubaix I agree with the last two posters as well. The Roubaix may be a 'relaxed' geometry, but it is no slouch. My husband rode one for awhile and if he could justify *another* bike, he'd buy it back again in a heartbeat. VERY comfortable over extended distances but it still had plenty of get-up-and-go to hang with even the fastest club riders. I don't know how old you are, but with many prior sports related injuries, my husband cannot ride all day on a bike the like tarmac and not be about aches and pains. Not so with the Roubaix. |
| 2011-01-21 4:39 PM in reply to: #3314080 |
| Subject: RE: Torn between Allez & Roubaix I'm still not clear, have you ridden them both? You may prefer one geometry over the other. And as others have said, a Roubaix isn't going to put a good rider back in the pack |
| 2011-01-21 6:14 PM in reply to: #3314080 |
Master 2563 University Park, MD | Subject: RE: Torn between Allez & Roubaix I have both a Roubaix and a Secteur, its aluminum cousin, and I've test-ridden both the Allez and the Tarmac. The Roubaix has been great for getting into riding, and it's a really nice steed for going on long rides on less-than-perfect roads. Also perfectly fine for group rides etc. But its geometry is not so great if you want something aero for racing in tris. Even when riding in the drops on the Roubaix I am rather upright. The aluminum cousin is pretty good also. I did a number of gran fondos on it and it felt good. Weight and components were perfectly fine. The only drawback was that on poorly maintained roads I noticed the rougher ride more. |
| 2011-01-22 5:01 AM in reply to: #3314080 |
| Regular 132 | Subject: RE: Torn between Allez & Roubaix Mmmmmmm Tarmac Absolutely love it! But riding the Tarmac just makes me wish I had a Roubaix, ...... as well.  |
| 2011-01-22 12:20 PM in reply to: #3314193 |
| Davenport, IA | Subject: RE: Torn between Allez & Roubaix audiojan - 2011-01-21 4:25 PM I agree with Jeff... personally I think the Roubaix is more versatile... great for long rides, good enough for racing. The Tarmac is a great bike, but it is designed with racing as its primary focus. I would stick with the Roubaix... but either way, you really can't go wrong. Given the choice of an Allez or a Roubaix, if you feel comfortable with the extra money, go with the Roubaix. Rival is awesome. The Roubaix is going to be a fantastic all around bike, and unless you're running no spacers on a Tarmac, a slightly taller headtube isn't going to hurt you at all. If I could only have one bike at the price level you're looking at, I would buy a Roubaix. |
| 2011-01-22 3:59 PM in reply to: #3314080 |
Champion 10471 Dallas, TX | Subject: RE: Torn between Allez & Roubaix Go for the Tarmac. The Allex is fine, but if you can afford $2100 go for a full carbon frame. The Roubaix is a nice bike, but has a very relaxed geometry. If you are going to RACE, then get something more aggressive. I have a Tarmac Expert. Have had it since 2007, and I have ridden it in 3 HIM's and 1 IM... AND I have a tri bike I leave at home on the trainer. I love it. |
| 2011-01-23 1:27 PM in reply to: #3314080 |
Member 313 Ventura County, California | Subject: RE: Torn between Allez & Roubaix I tested both and did not like the Roubaix geometry. The Allez/Tarmac geometry is more "Racey" but it's not twitchy or too quick. I find it just right. Plenty of people like the relaxed geometry, so for sure it's a preference. I ended up picking an Aluminum Allez (with carbon seat stays and fork) over the all carbon Roubaix. Lastly, be sure to take a look at the steerer tube. The Specialized bikes tend to get pretty tall at the steerer tube. I'm not sure if there is a difference between the two models, but being too tall could impact your ability to get as aero as you may like if you use clip-on bars. |
| 2011-01-23 2:30 PM in reply to: #3316429 |
| Master 5557 , California | Subject: RE: Torn between Allez & Roubaix I ride a Tarmac and my buddy has an Allez, and we're both very happy with them. I guess my question would be: do you have any desire, in the back of your mind, to also get a TT bike someday? If that's the case, I'd get the Allez and save the $900 toward the 2nd bike. |
| 2011-01-23 4:16 PM in reply to: #3316497 |
Veteran 305 Wichita Falls | Subject: RE: Torn between Allez & Roubaix spudone - 2011-01-23 2:30 PM I ride a Tarmac and my buddy has an Allez, and we're both very happy with them. I guess my question would be: do you have any desire, in the back of your mind, to also get a TT bike someday? If that's the case, I'd get the Allez and save the $900 toward the 2nd bike. that was exactly my reasoning for buying the allez first... i love my allez |
| 2011-01-23 5:34 PM in reply to: #3314080 |
Expert 1121 | Subject: RE: Torn between Allez & Roubaix At this point, I have no plans on a TT bike. Mountain bike racing is my focus for now, with a few sprint Tri's mixed in. I want the road bike to build my endurance. I am still unsure what I plan on doing. Leaning towards the comfort of the Roubaix though. |
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