Specialized Roubaix Expert Ultegra Di2 Review

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The brand new top of the range Roubaix absolutely flew around the Paris-Roubaix boasting a phenomenal 5 of the top 10 spots, as well as the win. The Specialized Roubaix really is one of the best one day road bikes we’ve ever seen. It looks like a Tarmac, can be set up the same, but can attack the cobbles like a Roubaix. The Roubaix Expert is packed full of all the features we love about the top level bike, at a more affordable price.

— 2020 S-WORKS ROUBAIX PHOTO ALBUM —

The all-new Roubaix Expert now delivers compliance without compromise by introducing a radical new Future Shock that gives you more control on rough roads a new Pavé seat post that creates our most balanced Roubaix to date aerodynamics that equal the Tarmac and a Rider-First Engineered™ frame that’s shed some serious weight.

Is it still comfortable? Sure but don’t call it a comfort bike because performance was behind every engineering decision Specialized made. This is the new Roubaix. Constructed from a premium carbon fibre and utilising the revolutionary Future Shock Suspension, this versatile machine is equipped for the cobbles.

Features:

For the build Specialized spec’d the Roubaix Expert with Shimano Ultegra Di2 for its powerful hydraulic disc brakes and super crisp 11-speed shifting. Of course you’ll be rolling on stupid-fast carbon fibre wheels courtesy of a Roval C38 Disc wheel set. These are fitted with Specialized’s own 28mm Turbo Pro tyres.

— SPECIALIZED ROUBAIX vs GIANT DEFY —

The new frame delivers compliance without compromise via the perfect balance of aerodynamics light overall weight compliance and Rider-First Engineering™. With tube shapes that were born in the FreeFoil Shape Library and validated in the Win Tunnel the new Roubaix’s claimed to be as aero as the Tarmac SL6.

Meanwhile to ensure the weight and ride quality Specialized have used their extensive rider feedback to deliver optimal stiffness and compliance across all sizes from 44 to 64cm. Of course the Roubaix Expert frame has shed some serious weight in the process. And to prep you for your own Hell of the North there’s room for 33mm tyres.

— YOUR GUIDE TO CYCLING KNEE PAIN —

Not only is the new Specialized Pavé seat post the first compliant seat post that’s also aerodynamic it does so without any additional weight or finicky contraptions. Starting with the same D-shape design found on the Tarmac they took its compliance a step further by building additional flex into the upper and developing a new drop-clamp design in the frame. This provides plenty of compliance while staying perfectly balanced with the front-end so you get a smooth balanced ride no matter how rough the road.

The Future Shock 2.0 is the result of pro riders’ demands for the cobbles of Roubaix. It’s smoother faster and gives you more control via a knob atop the stem. This knob adjusts compression from fully-open to stiff while hydraulically-damped internals control rebound. Add it up and this latest version will reduce fatigue and increase your speed no matter the terrain. The new Smooth Boot top cap and Future Stem also enhance the aesthetic so you get a clean transition from head tube to stem.

— HOW TO GET STARTED WITH A POWER METER —

The Verdict:

The Roubaix Expert is a racing machine that’s results speak for itself. Born out of a need for speed, designed to offer maximum comfort. Obviously it has a price tag that accommodates it’s next level performance, but if you can see past that, we’d thoroughly recommend this bike.

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  • 85%
    Value - 85%
  • 94%
    Performance - 94%
  • 92%
    Durability - 92%
  • 93%
    Aesthetic - 93%
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