Roubaix SL8 Apex - The Review Specialized Doesn't Want You to See

[@bullonabike]

When you have a 2x and can program specific presets for shifting it’s awesome

[@hankd56]

I love my Roubaix! It's not quite as fancy as that one, but is very capable and comfy on long rides.

[@ugomarsolais]

Nice review! I have a Roubaix SL8 Sport 105, which is a notch down from your model since it doesn't have electronic shifting, but rather the Shimano 105, actually the newer one with the 12 speed cassette. It's nice although not sure it's such a big difference with 11 speed. I love the Roubaix. First off, the Future Shock is fantastic. You don't notice its operation because it's subtle and smooth, but it does make riding on worn and cracked pavement less jarring and more comfortable. You didn't talk about it, but the Pave seatpost on Roubaix flexes too to absorb bumps. The geometry is really comfortable. The S-Works Mondo tires are great. And I agree with you: although it's a road bike, it can do light gravel too. Throw in 35mms or higher and it does become a pretty good gravel bike.

[@gattmolson]

Thanks, I didn't really feel much from the pave seatpost, I get the idea of fixing it low in the frame for more movement, but the rear felt much harsher than the front to me.

[@fwa3atl]

Matt - this was an excellent review...you covered enough but your comments, and recordings were spot on. I own the 2022 Roubaix Comp that has SRAM eTap electronic shifting. I purchased mine amid COVID-19 and went to Chicago (900 miles away) to purchase it. The Roubaix to me is the most comfortable road/endurance bike on the road. Outdoing the Domane (which I've also owned). Yes, with our "new" economy all bikes not just this bike will throw EVERYONE back financially. I bit the bullet and have not one regret. The future shock (adjustable) on my bike is a charm. Thank you for this review.

[@gattmolson]

Thanks for the feedback. The only thing I didn't really cover was the seat post design which was the only part of the bike I didn't like.

[@scottorsini]

I own this bike, same color same model. I’ve raced mtn bikes and cross. I also own a diverge. I love this bike. It’s my daily driver for training. I like the go anywhere attitude of the bike and frankly, I could do a cross race on it with the right tires. I run it tubeless with Wolftooth Bar Tape for a smooth ride

[@gattmolson]

would be a great cross bike.

[@pkundrat]

Nice review. Btw you dont have to use allen keys - you can always buy QR axles yourself (thats when you own a bike, not when you only ride it 2 days for a test). I also hate the trend to use allen keys for removing the axle - thats the trend in MTB too - QR axles is the first thing i upgrade.

[@gattmolson]

Thanks, and great idea. My gravel bike has thru axels with QR levers, people have told me I should upgrade them to the allen key fastners to save save weight or aero or something LOL

[@gabrielcarlothomas]

Good subjects for next SOIL Cycling Pod.

[@Nicool333]

Had a roubaix for many years. Great bike. Upgraded to a titanium bike which definitely is a step above (for me) but the price premium is huge and may not be worth it from a utilitarian perspective.

[@BauStrick]

Love this review! I just bought this viel for the reason of it being able to do anything :)

[@kirilblagoev5543]

Very helpful review. That is my bike. :) Thank you!

[@Carbonfuchs]

Excellent review. I have ridden it and for me its not a Gravelbike and not a racy Roadbike. Instead of buying a Roubaix i would like to recommend buying a Diverge if diversity is the topic. With two sets of wheels it is as fast as the Roubaix. Greeting from Germany🙋‍♂️

[@gattmolson]

Excellent advice.

[@carltonholmes8061]

Isn’t Diverge a fair bit heavier though?😮

[@brianc0019]

@@carltonholmes8061 Nope - same weight or super close at 21.5 pounds or unless you have carbon hoops and bars.

[@brandonhoffman4712]

I just shoved some pirelli gravel h tires in 40mm on my roubaix. Rides nice!

[@gattmolson]

sweet! I'm not on the giant tires for gravel bandwagon yet. Still happy with 35-40 mm tires.

[@otherfish]

great review! thank you

[@jessa.3857]

How fast can one go on a Roubaix? I'm not talking Tarmac or Allez fast but faster than a hybrid bike I hope?!?

[@gattmolson]

As fast as your legs will propel you.

[@jessa.3857]

@@gattmolson I suppose I don't need a road bike then. One last question....Is it easier to go faster and hold speed on a road bike than a hybrid bike?

[@gattmolson]

@@jessa.3857 Yes for sure, any road bike will be faster than hybrid because you will have less rolling resistance in the tires and a more aerodynamic riding position. You will definitely hold speed better.

[@VendetaBrown]

Lower your saddle height.

[@gazmo147]

Why? His leg length looks perfectly fine