Allez or Roubaix ?

kfb said:

Just wondering if any of you out there have riding experience on a Roubaix AND Allez ? If so, is there a significant difference in comfort, or performance between the two?

I am quite interested in a Roubaix and the theme with that particular bike seems to be great performance with above average comfort. During my vacation a couple of weeks ago, I stopped into a Specialized dealer in Friday Harbor, WA, and the manager was an avid rider/racer who could use any Specialized bike, and his favorite was the Roubaix. Three other Specialized dealers that I have recently visited recommended the Roubaix when I indicated that I wanted to race the bike, yet enjoy comfort during training.

My current ride is a Specialized Sequoia Elite. I am thinking of taking a Roubaix (Comp) out on a loaner program and really wring it out.

kfb said:

Just wondering if any of you out there have riding experience on a Roubaix AND Allez ? If so, is there a significant difference in comfort, or performance between the two?

Maybe I just have a tough butt, but I have an Allez Comp and it is plenty comfortable. After a 50 mile ride, my hands and butt are the least sore parts of my body. Keep in mind that it has a carbon seat post with a Zertz elastomer insert, and the seat post can really flex - very good at smoothing out a rough ride. As for performance, it has excellent power transfer, the frame is very stiff and there is very little bottom bracket flex, even when sprinting.

When I took it for a test ride, I found the Roubaix to have too much flex for my liking, but I was looking for a stiff frame to maximize power transfer. I don't think it is well suited for a lot of out of the saddle riding - that just isn't the kind of riding it is designed for.

If you want to ride a lot of centuries or just want maximum comfort, then probably the Roubaix is the best choice, but I am very pleased with the Allez. Hopefully you will be able to make a decision once you test ride both or them for a side by side comparison.

Good luck!

Randybaker99 said:

Maybe I just have a tough butt, but I have an Allez Comp and it is plenty comfortable. After a 50 mile ride, my hands and butt are the least sore parts of my body. Keep in mind that it has a carbon seat post with a Zertz elastomer insert, and the seat post can really flex - very good at smoothing out a rough ride. As for performance, it has excellent power transfer, the frame is very stiff and there is very little bottom bracket flex, even when sprinting.

When I took it for a test ride, I found the Roubaix to have too much flex for my liking, but I was looking for a stiff frame to maximize power transfer. I don't think it is well suited for a lot of out of the saddle riding - that just isn't the kind of riding it is designed for.

If you want to ride a lot of centuries or just want maximum comfort, then probably the Roubaix is the best choice, but I am very pleased with the Allez. Hopefully you will be able to make a decision once you test ride both or them for a side by side comparison.

Good luck!

I second your statements on the Allez, I have NO issues with comfort on mine (with the exception of the BG Pro Saddle). However, I haven't ever ridden the Roubaix.

kfb said:

Just wondering if any of you out there have riding experience on a Roubaix AND Allez ? If so, is there a significant difference in comfort, or performance between the two?

I have ridden the roubaix comp (all carbon) for about 1600 miles. also rode a allez sport for about 300 miles and currently ride a sworks.

The difference between the two models you describe are frame geometry and material used in the frames.

The geometry of the allez is more of a race type geometry and geared towards performance more than comfort.

The roubaix is right smack between the comfort and performance geometry.
It's kinda like the best of both worlds.

Go to your lbs and try both and you will feel a big difference in ride quality between the two. I found the roubaix to give a hovering like feel, very smooth also the components are much better ultegra vs 105.

hope this helps.

I just bought a Roubaix Pro frameset/post for less than $1,000 and have used my own selection of components - as much carbon as I could afford - KWing bars, FSA Cranks, Keo pedals. It's one smooth, light (16lbs.) ride that allows for a comfortable 50 miles. Buying the components you like can save you a few hundred. BUT, there are no hills in Miami and stiffness isn't a priority. Handling and looks are important here...