Specialized Roubaix

[isv]

I've signed up to do a 9 day John O'Groats to Lands End ride next summer and need to find a bike that will take me 100+ miles a day at a decent pace. I won't be carrying any gear so no need for a proper touring bike. I'm quite attracted to the 2010 Specialized Roubaix models: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/microsite/site...

I called in a Specialized store the other day to take a look... and have booked one out for a test ride.

I fancy the Comp variant... does anyone have a Roubaix and can comment on their suitability for this type of ride? Any alternatives that I should also consider?

[anonymous-user]

havent got one but they are nice bikes and all that carbon will equate to a good level of comfort. given that they offer so many sizes, you should get a good fit and not have to compromise. Shimano 105 is pretty much bombproof so there are no worries on that front... go to the bike show at earls court next month if you can as there will be so many bikes there you should find something that appeals.

you may also want to consider something by Ridley www.ridley-bikes.com or Kenesis www.kenesisbikes.co.uk both of whom offer road bikes with a slight touring bias.

[Mekon]

You might want to ask this question on forums where people who've done similar things hang out. YACF, CycleChat and the CTC forums are all full of people who've done London-Ediniburgh-London (1400km with a 115 hourish time limit inc rest/sleep), The Race Against Time (LandsEnd-JoG in 6 days) and Paris-Brest-Paris (1200km in 90hrs inc rest/sleep). I'd be looking at what PBP qualifiers use and learn from their experience. It may be that the Roubaix is just the tool for the job, but I think it's worth seeing what the regulars use.

For what little it's worth, I think I'd like Condor Fratello if I was on a budget or a Mercian or Roberts Audax bike if I was feeling flush, but I don't expect to get a pass for my own LEJOG for a while.