New poster Requesting Advice

dluck said:

Howdy all! I have been reading around these forums the past few days and I truly hope some of y'all can help me like i've seen others helped on these boards.

I may soon have an opportunity to acquire a nice specialized road bike in the 2.5-3.5k range at little or no cost to me. I am a novice biker and in the last 5 years, have not done much more than borrow other people's bikes from time to time. I would like to get back into it and get serious about riding. Not for racing, but mostly for excersize and possibly semi-competitive events (charity peddles, swim/bike events, etc.) My wife is a triathlete and I would love to join her on her training rides.

Bottom line: any feedback you may have I would love. I don't want to miss anything major before I order this new bike and then end up unable to ride it or constantly running into problems.

I think the right bike for me is some type of specialized Roubaix, probably a double. I am 29 years old, 6' and 215 lbs; (when in shape, anywhere from 190-200). I have big legs and have been to many a spinning class, working on my peddling speed. I like everything I have read about the Roubaix's comfort and absorption of road shocks; being a larger guy I was originally worried about fatigue on myself and the bike.

I have also read that I may want to get wider tires than the stock 23mm that come on all of the Roubaix bikes. I will take care of them and always ride on properly inflated tires, hopefully on good road surfaces.

Questions:

1. Will a LBS fit me for a bike that I may not be purchasing from them? I plan to use one that my wife uses, but neither of us have done anything major through them yet.

2. Of all the specialized lines, does the Roubaix seem like the right style for me?

3. I'm pretty sure I don't need a triple, but which of the Roubaix models should I look for? (i realize that as price goes up, components get nicer, but do i need more than 150/ultegra type stuff?)

4. is there anything i'm forgetting to ask? i.e. my arms are much longer than they should be (over 7' wingspan) does this matter?

Thanks for putting up with me and reading this far. I'm very excited for the opportunity to ride a nice bike that I can call my own.

dan

Dan,

I'll respond since no one else has.

1. the LBS likely has someone who can fit you on the bike you haven't purchased from them but they'll surely charge you for it. Most bike shops use antiquated methods for bike fits. good ones will have a special fit bike they can dial you in on which is typically a more expensive service although worth it.

2. Roubaix sounds like a good macth for what you're looking to do

3. the comp model with 105/Ultegra is also suitable

4. you might need a longer stem than what your size bike comes equipped with. see if the shop would be willing to trade it out at little or no cost. They can resell the stock one.

23mm tires are fine.

hope this helps and BTW these are just my opinions; hopefully you'll get others

JS

Thanks JS, your experience and therefore opinion are important to me. thanks for posting 🙂

dluck said:

Thanks JS, your experience and therefore opinion are important to me. thanks for posting 🙂

No worries. if you come by a second Roubaix at little or no cost and it's a 54cm frame please send it my way 😉