The Specialized Roubaix is built for handling rough terrain and remaining comfortable over long distances. The proof of the pudding is very much in the eating, with a total of seven cobble-munching wins over the last 15 years at the Queen of the Classics, Paris-Roubaix.
Naturally, the platform has been refined over the years, benefiting majorly from many clever tech developments. As a result, although the Roubaix Sport here is the ‘entry level’ model, it comes in at £2,900, with the prices only increasing through the range.
“Perhaps the Roubaix’s most distinctive feature is the Future Shock 1.5 front suspension system”
HIDDEN SEAT CLAMP
The boxy profile at the top of the seat tube hides the seat clamp, which attaches lower down so as to allow the post more flex
HOVER BAR
Providing a bit of extra stack height, the twin kinks also limit the space on offer for lights and head units
THREADED BOTTOM BRACKET
It’s less creak-prone than the press-fit alternative, as well as being easier for a home mechanic to work on
Frame
Perhaps the Roubaix’s most distinctive feature is the Future Shock 1.5 front suspension system, offering 20mm of travel between the handlebars and the head tube to help soak up the impacts.
It’s a very discreet design, looking at first glance just like a normal steerer column, but it does mean you can’t simply use spacers to adjust the stack height.
This story is from the February 24, 2022 edition of CYCLING WEEKLY.
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This story is from the February 24, 2022 edition of CYCLING WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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