I was in the local bike shop last week; the owner knew I was somewhat interested in possibly getting a new bike because I asked him some questions last fall. He told me about the Specialized Spring Classics Sale where Specialized is discounting the Carbon Fiber Road bikes by up to $1000 off now through April 22. Incredible deals really. I couldn't pass this up so I ordered a 2013 Specialized Roubaix SL4 Expert Compact at $500 off. I should pick it up this weekend.
The Di2 version was $1000 off but still an $800 premium over the standard mechanical model. I figure since the frame is the same on both models and I can get the Di2 upgrade kit (shifters, Derailleurs, battery, mounts and wires) for about $1100 on eBay. I can always upgrade in the future and either sell the mechanical stuff or use them on one of my other bikes or my tandem.
The SL4 frame is amazing , even better than previous S-Works SL3s but also considerably less money. The Expert is the lowest price model using the SL4 frame.
When I was test riding bikes I was really impressed with the ride quality and stiffness of even the lower end Roubaix’s. Even the $1600 model rode better than my 2006 Trek Madone 5.2. All Roubaix models use the same basic frame geometry, the lower cost models just use a different carbon fiber that is heavier and maybe not quite as stiff (torsional rigidity).
I didn't really "need" a new bike, my '06 Trek still rides fine although it's got about 25,000 miles on it. I could probably ride it another 6-10 years or more. But the long rides I’m planning for this year should be much more comfortable on the new Roubaix.
I'll post some pictures after I pick it up.
The Di2 version was $1000 off but still an $800 premium over the standard mechanical model. I figure since the frame is the same on both models and I can get the Di2 upgrade kit (shifters, Derailleurs, battery, mounts and wires) for about $1100 on eBay. I can always upgrade in the future and either sell the mechanical stuff or use them on one of my other bikes or my tandem.
The SL4 frame is amazing , even better than previous S-Works SL3s but also considerably less money. The Expert is the lowest price model using the SL4 frame.
When I was test riding bikes I was really impressed with the ride quality and stiffness of even the lower end Roubaix’s. Even the $1600 model rode better than my 2006 Trek Madone 5.2. All Roubaix models use the same basic frame geometry, the lower cost models just use a different carbon fiber that is heavier and maybe not quite as stiff (torsional rigidity).
I didn't really "need" a new bike, my '06 Trek still rides fine although it's got about 25,000 miles on it. I could probably ride it another 6-10 years or more. But the long rides I’m planning for this year should be much more comfortable on the new Roubaix.
I'll post some pictures after I pick it up.
