[Closed] Tarmac or Roubaix? so confused!!

Road bikes seem to have evolved into two categories, race and endurance. In reality, it'smore marketing than real world ddifference. A change of tyres will give more difference to the feel of a tarmac vs a roubaix than anything else.

If you really want a deciding factor try touching your toes. If you can, get the tarmac, if you can't, get the roubaix.

Onzadog thanks, will try now 😆

nearly Palms on floor 😛

Then you'll be fine on a tarmac.

Nice one pal

There really isn't much difference between them, with the stem spacers and the flip stem AND the Specialized wedge shim, you can achieve the same riding position on both. The ride is very similar with Tarmac and Roubaix SL4, both are fantastically stiff but comfortable, the only major difference is the geometry of the tarmac, which is a little sharper handling. Roubaix SL4 Sport comes in tasty matt charcoal with red trim, I bought that one and transferred all the Ultegra kit over from my previous bike.

I've just taken delivery of a new Roubaix SL2 and can't say i'm that enamored with it. It is comfortable, just feels slightly like riding an old nag. If I had the money again i'd go tarmac.

Going to Lbs this morning to sit on robaix. Thanks for that.
I'm only commuting 8.5 mile but colleges at work reckon I'll be uncomfortable on tarmac! Nah dout it.

Over 8 miles you won't be uncomfortable. The position is actually quite upright compared with old, racier steel bikes like Pinarellos. It will however be very nickable; I hope you've got a secure place to store it?

I test-rode a Roubaix SL2 for a weekend and thought it handled OK but the ride was dull and lifeless. The SL4 is a very different beast, much more zesty and lively. You really feel the road but never feel beaten up.

(Got my eye on a Tarmac SL4 S Works frame in my size for £700 at an LBS..... trouble is, it's pink! Do I or don't I?)

Go for it! You'll get your money back On eBay if you get fed up of it.
Just been looking at this but reading comments of how the sl4 has improved I think I'll leave it alone.

I will soon be taking delivery of a brand spanking new warranty replacement Roubaix SL4 frame in 58cm that I'm intending to sell

It will however be very nickable; I hope you've got a secure place to store it?

Oxford motorbike lock and chain rapped around the bike shed post. It'll have to do.

61cm for me mate but thanks anyway.

Leaning towards a more upright/sportive style bike myself which seems to follow the current trend.
Think of the bike in two halves. The back, things like saddle height and setback effect the peddling. But if you don't have good core strength like a pro then a slightly higher front will give comfort. See if you can sit on the bike in the shop....stop peddling....relax your hands....move hands slowly away from the bars...if you fall flat on your face your too low and wasting energy just holding your body up.
Hence sportive type frames, not a gimmick just a bike with effective peddling and a comfortable front.
Don't buy just because it's cheaper, fit is better than cheap.
Don't slam unless slammed is where it should be.

I've just picked up an SL4 Roubaix on Friday, so only got just over 100 miles on it; but first impressions are really good.

I only went for the Roubaix purely because I prefer a higher front end, so wanted the extra 25mm on the head tube over the Tarmac.

I wanted a bike that I could put 5+ hour rides in, so thought the Roubaix would be the better option.

I haven't tried an SL2, so don't know how it compares to the SL4.

I managed to get £200 off the Roubaix, so don't necessarily presume that it'll be dearer than the Tarmac.

Looking at both bikes picture to picture you can't see that there is 25mm difference but I take your word for it.

globalti - Member
There really isn't much difference between them, with the stem spacers and the flip stem AND the Specialized wedge shim, you can achieve the same riding position on both. The ride is very similar with Tarmac and Roubaix SL4, both are fantastically stiff but comfortable, the only major difference is the geometry of the tarmac, which is a little sharper handling. Roubaix SL4 Sport comes in tasty matt charcoal with red trim, I bought that one and transferred all the Ultegra kit over from my previous bike.

Got any pics ?

According to Specialized a 54cm Roubaix has a 165mm head tube and compared to the 140mm of the Tarmac.

It's proportional to the size of the bike, the largest Roubaixs have a head tube about the same length as the seat tube. I hate them myself, find my Allez too high at the front too. Personal though innit - if you can sit on both then do so. It's not just about the distance. Oldgit's methodology is quite a good one!

jacob46 - Member
globalti - Member
There really isn't much difference between them, with the stem spacers and the flip stem AND the Specialized wedge shim, you can achieve the same riding position on both. The ride is very similar with Tarmac and Roubaix SL4, both are fantastically stiff but comfortable, the only major difference is the geometry of the tarmac, which is a little sharper handling. Roubaix SL4 Sport comes in tasty matt charcoal with red trim, I bought that one and transferred all the Ultegra kit over from my previous bike.
Got any pics ?

The Roubaix Sport looks very 'S-Works' ish in colour.

Have a click [url=

If you're budget can go to the £1600 for the Roubaix,and you like the Tarmac, I'd get the Tarmac and spend £200 on a cheapie bike for the commute.

If I find the tarmac front too low I suppose flipping the stem the other way would bring me up a bit. Never thought about that Cheers amplebrew!

It sounds like too nice a bike to commute on. Have you considered something that would take proper mudguards and be less of theif magnet?

It should be ok, car park cameras and chained up. Plus will be using leisure lakes recommended insurance.

Here's my Roubaix SL4 Sport equipped with Ultegra etc. It's the best bike I've ever ridden, I simply love riding it. I have recently flipped the wedge shim in the stem so the stem is now horizontal. Also fitted an FSA K-Force carbon crankset.

[img]

If you really want a deciding factor try touching your toes. If you can, get the tarmac, if you can't, get the roubaix.

See if you can sit on the bike in the shop....stop peddling....relax your hands....move hands slowly away from the bars...if you fall flat on your face your too low and wasting energy just holding your body up.
Hence sportive type frames, not a gimmick just a bike with effective peddling and a comfortable front.

Edit: If you buy from a Specialized Concept Store they will measure you and fit the bike to you and make simple changes to things like bar tape and saddle. They should also give you 12.5% discount if you ask nicely.

Must admit that I'd be too nervous about theft to commute on a Tarmac; I'd keep that for weekends and commute on a Triban, which is a nice enough ride. The made-from-cheese wheels would be OK for a year or so with good maintenance.

globalti - Member
Edit: If you buy from a Specialized Concept Store they will measure you and fit the bike to you and make simple changes to things like bar tape and saddle. They should also give you 12.5% discount if you ask nicely.
Must admit that I'd be too nervous about theft to commute on a Tarmac;

Not worried in the slightest about theft. Insurance covers theft.

Agreed! I commute on my Dura Ace equipped Madone in summer, it's the bulk of my riding time, why wouldn't I want to do that on my nicest bike?!

Check house insurance rather than standalone though, often a very expensive way to go.

I used to commute on a hack bike, it just meant I didn't do very many miles on my nice bike which started to make me consider why bother have it. I now ride on my nice bike and enjoy the commute much more.
Your Tarmac will be fine. You won't be uncomfortable and you can rename y yourself to Albert Lever. Enjoy it!

i cant really see myself doing 50 mile runs

oh, you will 😉 You'll get bitten by the bug, enjoy the difference from mtb, and if you do 3hr rides on your mtb you'll knock out 50 milers on the road bike for the hell of it.

Oldgit's test is a good one, 'sportive' bikes are aimed at the modern MAMIL who can't [s]see[/s] touch his toes, if you can get your palms down you'll be fine on a lower front end and will be slamming that stem in no time.

'sportive' bikes are aimed at the modern MAMIL who can't see touch his toes

Pick the right size and componentry and most bikes can be set up like this (though some will be aesthetically more pleasing than others!)

i should get a roubaix for comfort factor and tells me tarmac will be too uncomfortable for me.

He sounds like he doesn't really know what he's on about. Get the tarmac, stick some 25c on there at sensible pressures. Get properly fitted. You'll be plenty comfortable unless you plan on riding 200 miles over cobbles. (If you are new to the road bike thing it may seem initially a little uncomfortable but stick with it.)

i cant really see myself doing 50 mile runs

Oh you will 🙂

Please just test ride one of each before seeking advice - the geometry differs between them which means that for your ideal riding position one bike may be better suited than the other, and it's only worth worrying about which model to go for if you find that both can be set up to suit.

I'd agree with many posters that it's a bit of marketing bollocks, it's inferred that one bike is only suitable for one type of riding, when the reality of it is that they just have different geometries to accommodate riders of different sizes/shape/flexibility etc. - those marketed as 'full on race' bikes are still comfortable, and can provide a perfectly relaxed upright riding position for many people (especially those with shorter legs relative to height!). On the flip side of this, I could race on a Roubaix as my stupid girly long legs means I'm in an aggressive 'arse up, head down' position even on a bike with a really high front end.

njee20 - Member
Agreed! I commute on my Dura Ace equipped Madone in summer, it's the bulk of my riding time, why wouldn't I want to do that on my nicest bike?!
Check house insurance rather than standalone though, often a very expensive way to go.

Thank you, couldn't agree more.

Hah, i thought i'd not be tapping out 50 milers either & now i'm riding 100 mile audax's!

Apologies to mrblobby, I'd gone in to skim mode by the end and failed to read his post which basically said exactly the same thing!

Joe - Member
I've just taken delivery of a new Roubaix SL2 and can't say i'm that enamored with it. It is comfortable, just feels slightly like riding an old nag. If I had the money again i'd go tarmac.

How tall are you jo?

The toe touching test is genius.

Get the Tarmac and hammer it everywhere.

I have an SL3 Tarmac and I've always found it surprisingly comfortable. I was worried beforehand that it would be too harsh or twitchy but it's not. An 8 mile commute will be no problem at all. Although as mentioned, you'll have trouble fitting guards / rack, so it's not going to be an all-season commuter.

I also have an SL4 Tarmac and that's more like what I'd expect from a race bike. Stiffer & sharper. I prefer the SL3 tbh.

I've never tried a Roubaix but based on my experiences with the Tarmac(s), I can't see why I'd want to, not while I'm this side of fifty anyway. My M&D (both approaching 70) have Roubaixs...

Sundayjumper - Member
I have an SL3 Tarmac and I've always found it surprisingly comfortable. I was worried beforehand that it would be too harsh or twitchy but it's not. An 8 mile commute will be no problem at all. Although as mentioned, you'll have trouble fitting guards / rack, so it's not going to be an all-season commuter.
I also have an SL4 Tarmac and that's more like what I'd expect from a race bike. Stiffer & sharper. I prefer the SL3 tbh.
I've never tried a Roubaix but based on my experiences with the Tarmac(s), I can't see why I'd want to, not while I'm this side of fifty anyway. My M&D (both approaching 70) have Roubaixs...

See your point !!

I always think my height mite hinder me sometimes with a race bike, worried about feeling too cramped up. But from studying the 2 geometry's there's not a lot in them.
As for rain/mud guards I'm not bothered about getting wet.I still use car when it's that rough out side.

How tall are you if you don't mind?
I also read that the SL4 is more comfortable than previous models?

 

Another SL3 owner here. Mine is mighty comfortable. You will be fine with the Tarmac, I'm sure. (One of my riding buddies has an SL2 Roubaix so I have tried one)

Sl2 and sl3 have little in common with sl4 Roubaix

Sl4 Roubaix is basically the bottom half of tarmac sl4 with softer seat stays, taller head tube and slacker/longer geo

the newer Roubaix is a much sharper ride under power and sharper handling whereas the older frames felt pretty spongy / soft and appreciated being wound up to speed rather than hammered

Sl4 Roubaix also not as comfortable, it definitely benefits from the cg-r seat post which it was designed around.

Tarmac sl4 is a sharper handling ride especially hard corners and descent, rapid acceleration, but Roubaix sl4 a very impressive endurance frame with more noticeable race feel than older models

esher shore - Member
Sl2 and sl3 have little in common with sl4 Roubaix

Sl4 Roubaix is basically the bottom half of tarmac sl4 with softer seat stays, taller head tube and slacker/longer geo

the newer Roubaix is a much sharper ride under power and sharper handling whereas the older frames felt pretty spongy / soft and appreciated being wound up to speed rather than hammered

Sl4 Roubaix also not as comfortable, it definitely benefits from the cg-r seat post which it was designed around.

Tarmac sl4 is a sharper handling ride especially hard corners and descent, rapid acceleration, but Roubaix sl4 a very impressive endurance frame with more noticeable race feel than older models

so if you look at the price difference and consider that ill probably ride mainly to work on my road bike and my spare time of a weekend on my HT mtb would you have the tarmac?

Normal Man - Member
Another SL3 owner here. Mine is mighty comfortable. You will be fine with the Tarmac, I'm sure. (One of my riding buddies has an SL2 Roubaix so I have tried one)

whats your height please so i can compare?

You can race on a Roubaix and trundle on a Tarmac. I personally think that Specialized have taken the extended head tube concept a little too far, but it's just a trade off of spacers for headtube. You may notice the increased wheelbase and this can make for a more "stately" ride.

"Sportive/Comfort" geometry is not so different to race geometry, you can set both bikes up to have the same contact point positions. Then you can see if you can feel diffences in handling. The difference between my Defy and Propel (similar to Roubaix and Tarmac) are subtle and would not make a huge difference.

Tyre choice, followed by colour are bigger factors.

@jacob

you won't really go wrong with either bike. you can remove the cone spacer from the Roubaix and slam the stem, but it will always be taller than the Tarmac, and won't have the same steering steering response due to longer wheelbase, slacker fork race and the less aggressive geometry

probably best to test ride both, and see what you like? The Roubaix will give a more upright comfortable feel that will suit steady cruising, the Tarmac feels more natural going quick leant forward onto the hoods

I'm 5'11"(and a half) on a 56cm.

Esher shore,

So for the £200 saving from tarmac sport to robaix sport you would recommend the tarmac ?

I think he's recommending the one you prefer 🙂

Jacob - I'm 6'4" and both my Tarmacs are XXL.

I think I'd be fine on an XL if I wanted something slightly more compact, I don't have a crazy amount of seatpost showing.

Sundayjumper - Member
Jacob - I'm 6'4" and both my Tarmacs are XXL.

I think I'd be fine on an XL if I wanted something slightly more compact, I don't have a crazy amount of seatpost showing.

can i possibly talk to you mate? your the perfect person i need achat with please. my number 07590407467