Specialized Roubaix Expert SL3 '12

Specialized Roubaix Expert SL3

The Roubaix Expert's SL3 FACT 10r carbon road race frame is that bit stiffer and lighter weight than the Roubaix Elite's SL2 FACT 8r carbon frame. The Shimano Ultegra 2x10 transmission is that wee bit smoother than 105 and the Ultegra brakes that bit more arresting.

With their shock-absorbing 120 tpi 700x25 casings matched with fast 700x23 treads, the Roubaix Pro tyres exemplify the Specialized Roubaix smoother is faster concept

'The smoother, faster Roubaix SL3 features a super light and stiff FACT 10r carbon frame with our uniquely shaped tapered head tube, In-Zertz vibration dampers and full internal cable routing—the same frame construction that won the gruelling Paris-Roubaix race. The Expert features Shimano Ultegra compact drivetrain and our new DT-Axis 3.0 wheels for lower weight and higher performance.'
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Same as Specialized Roubaix Elite

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.
• Specialized 4-position adjustable stem makes it easier to position the handlebar as high or as low as you require.

Road Bike Sizing Guide.

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