Specialized Roubaix Elite 30 '12

Specialized Roubaix Elite 30

While the standard Roubaix Elite has a 'compact' Shimano 105 double chainset with 34/50 chainrings, this Roubaix Elite has a Shimano 105 triple chainset with 30/39/50 chainrings so it has an even lower climbing gear. Otherwise, the Specialized Elite Triple is identical to the standard 'compact' chainset version.

'The smoother, faster Roubaix—named after the gruelling Paris-Roubaix race it has won three consecutive times—is a high-performance, endurance-focused bike that’s highly stable and efficient. The high-value Elite features Shimano 105 compact gearing and our new DT-Axis 2.0 wheels for improved efficiency over any terrain.'
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Upgrades from standard Specialized Roubaix

• Shimano 105 3x10 dual control shifters, cranks and mechs. We can vouch that the standard model's latest 2x10 Tiagra transmission shares many Shimano 105 attributes but it would be understandable if you preferred to opt for 105's proven longevity.
• The Roubaix Elite's brakes are also upgraded from no-name dual pivots to Shimano 105 Dual Pivots - again a guarantee of long-term performance.
• Supplied with shock-absorbing carbon seatpost, over the standard Roubaix's alloy seatpost.
• Campagnolo's own-brand Fulcrum Racing 6 wheels.
• The rear wheel showcases Fulcrum 2:1 Spoke Ratio where the wheel is built with 18 spokes on the drive side and 9 on the LH side. Reinforcing the drive side makes the whole wheel more rigid. This translates as more power and speed every time you accelerate. With the spoke tension more evenly balanced, there’s less stress on the spokes, the rim and the cartridge sealed bearing hub. And as we all know, less stress is the key to longevity.
• Lighter weight Aramid-bead version of the Specialized Espoir Sport 700x23 tyres with double BlackBelt puncture resistance.

Same as standard Specialized Roubaix

The Specialized Roubaix is generally acknowledged as the original endurance road bike inspired by the needs of the heroes who ride the hugely cobble-stoned 'Hell of the North' road race from Paris to Roubaix.

The Roubaix still stands out for its full carbon frame & fork with Zertz viscoelastic implants which really do a fantastic job of damping shock when you ride cobbles and rutted tracks. The fact that this design is a multiple Paris-Roubaix race winner confirms the truth of Specialized’s slogan, Smoother = Faster.

Given the less-than-smooth roads we all find ourselves on, it's little wonder that this is Specialized's best-selling full carbon race bike.

The Bike Co-op's Ged tested the 21lb Roubaix by riding it along a sometimes-rutted cyclepath, then through Edinburgh's cobble-stoned New Town. 'I was amazed. Being almost half the weight of my old Specialized Expedition, the Roubaix was way faster - as you would expect. What really astonished me was that the Roubaix absorbed shock better and was more comfortable over cobbles than my old bike with 26x1.95" tyres. Amazing. If I worked for a magazine I would have no hesitation awarding the Roubaix Elite a 10/10 rating.'

• Full FACT carbon Endurance Road geometry frame and fork with shock-damping Zertz.
• Tapered head tube for a fork steerer that tapers from 1 1/8 - 1 3/8" for the perfect blend of strength and stiffness.
• Specialized FACT (Functionally Advanced Composite Technology) fork whose carbon fibre legs are impregnated with Zertz - 'solid jelly' inserts that deliver remarkable shock absorbency without the weight penalty we associate with conventional bicycle suspension.
• The slightly taller head tube and longer wheelbase offers a more forgiving ride than the full performance Specialized Tarmac. This is a boon if you don't enjoy quite the same lower back flexibility as, say, Mark Cavendish.
• Specialized's own Body Geometry Toupé saddle - regularly rated the most comfortable you can buy.
• The Specialized EliteSet stem's 4-position adjustment mechanism makes it easier to position the handlebar as high or as low as you require.

Road Bike Sizing Guide.

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