This is Donald from Black and Tan. I just got a SL8 Roubiax, I’m using it as a gravel bike. We have very smooth gravel and I’ve stuffed 42 Pathfinder tire but will be swapping one size down on the rear to a 40. This bike is incredible and by far my favorite bike I’ve owned in a long time.
Roubaix was the first road bike i seriously considered. I moved away from the rough tarmac of the Royal National Park in Sydney and headed north west to Parramatta and got a Venge, then a tarmac SL7. Definitely interesting that you ride the roubaix so much.
Very interesting. I think you’d find the new Roubaix is now every bit as stiff and agile as the more aero bikes, just with that added compliance. Would love to hear your thoughts if you try one 🤘🏽🤘🏽
Mate. I thought I wanted a new Aethos. But I trust you. I hadn't even considered the Roubaix. Thanks. You're looking LEAN. Go you good thing. Out there on the road fighting the demons with ya.
I'm 70, weigh 85Kg, and hold down a full time job... I recently purchased the exact same bike Jack is riding - I also transitioned from an SWorks Tarmac and Trek Domane. My first big ride included an HC climb and several PRs on roads I've done numerous times on "faster" bikes. I recently got a 3rd fastest time, 1s off the KOM, on a bump that has been ridden by 1,309 people and 6,119 attempts. Unfortunately, I forgot to lock out the head shock, so was bouncing around while attempting to maintain > 600W... I know I'll get it next time.
I have a 2017 Ruby, but am very interested in te new Roubaix. The wider tires, the ability to have fenders (a must in my wet climate) and the improved suspension all look like tempting improvements.
Great vid Jack, short back sides & front suits you. Your Dad left crap Perth weather for fantastic Spain/Portugal adventure. Looking forward to your next adventure👊
Have the 2020 Di2 Roubaix Expert… a superb,snappy endurance machine. Just wish you could swap out to a firmer spring to reduce sag. This was a much needed update.
@@Cycle9568 Ya,I gathered that. It'd be nice if you swap the 2.0 spring to a stiffer version. I'll go the 3 series too once the 2.0 is showing some wear.
I'm on my fourth Roubaix now, the SL7 is the perfect bike for the mixture of knackered tarmac, gritted old railway tracks and rough forestry tracks around my home in the Scottish Highlands. Now thinking about buying a 2023 S Works frameset and transferring the bits over. Russia is about to enter a prolonged civil war, so plan your route through the friendly Middle East.
Excellent bike I have a Roubaix myself BUT there has to be a way to get rid of exposed cables. And I know it has future shock but still has to be a way
I rode one the other day. Man they feel slow compared to my sl4 rim brake roubaix which is 6.6kg with pedals and STIFF AF under power and thru the corners. Good if you want a gravel bike though.
Cool vid and hats off to you and your papa!man, specialized is just too late with this bike, I bought my Diverge in 2018 and all I have to do is change my tires for any riding that I want to do.
I just cracked my 2021 Roubaix sport frame. Was considering trying out Tarmac but I know i will regret it as i also do a lot of long rides. This just helped me decide!
@@jackultracyclistofficial is your black Sworks Roubaix a team edition? Or regular geometry? Do you prefer the less aggressive geo for your longer rides?
Thanks mate! Saddle height is 795mm. Depending on your flexibility, I think you could ride either the 56 or 58. The 58 will be a little higher at the front end, but thats not a bad thing!!
I reckon whichever bike you can get on is a great buy. All but the s-works frames use the same carbon, so the only differences are the finishing kits and other small personal preferences 👌🏽👌🏽
Did you go down in the frame size with respect to the tarmac? In accordance with Specialized suggestion, I could use a 56 frame but Im (also) worried about the stack on the 56 Roubaix. Currently Im using a 56 Allez sprint frame, but I do not know if I could go down to a 54 size... Thank you for this video... it is amazing the content and your explanation about the performance of such bike... I think this coul help us a lot to make better purchase decisions. Thanks in advanced.
Great question. The front end of the Roubaix is higher than the tarmac and allez, but I don’t think that means you need to size down. For endurance style riding, not being in a super aggressive position is actually an advantage. I would say that if you’re a 56 on your Allez, you should go with a 56 on the Roubaix. I think you’ll love the bike, it’s a weapon! 🔥🔥
I am having the hardest time choosing between the roubiax or the aethos. As I saw in your other response, the aethos for climbing fast but the roubaix to climb all day. Lots of people say accelerating on the aethos is a unique experience and others say compared to the roubaix that the roubaix feels “sluggish” overall. There are some KOM’s around my id like to challenge but I’d also like to stay comfortable, for say, a 60 mile ride. I’m your opinion, since you’d ridden both bikes, is there a maximum range you’d ride the aethos for before you choose the roubaix? Thank you 🙏
Great question and sorry for the slow reply. I'm lucky enough to have an Aethos and a Roubaix in my garage. The Aethos doesn't leave the garage anymore. I only ride the Roubaix. The only time I would reach for the Aethos now, is if I was trying to break my own personal record for an Everest, on a silky smooth road. Earlier this year I climbed 100,000m in one month and did it all aboard Roubaix - why? It climbs well, it descends well and I can ride it day after day without feeling the fatigue that a normal road bike emits through road buzz. Theres just something fun about riding the bike. Its fast, its compliant and it cheats the wind! I hope this helps!!
The only thing I did different was flip the stem but beginning to think the geometry of the frame and riding position doesn't bode well for neg degree stem....always find myself wanting to be more upright on it
I know what you mean mate. I ran a -17 stem to begin with a few years back, but am very much comfy on a stock stem now. Obviously it’s a personal preference, but give it a whirl!
Hello. I am in mumbai and the roads here are horrible with potholes and stuff. I am looking for a fast bicycle which is versatile and can last at least for 5-7 years or more, and is safe in the rains, bad roads and the occasional mountain trips on the road. I deciding between this pinarello grevil and the specialised roubaix sport considering it is at a similar price (lower spec components) and can upgrade components in time if needed. Any suggestions which is better?
This may be quite a silly question, but as someone who is wildly into the ultra stuff, and as someone who is seeking a faster endurance frame bike, what size would do best for someone standing 177.8cm? (5'10' for me over here in the States) I seem to have fallen, yet again, into an in-between size issue. Currently on a 54cm Cannondale but have had my eye on this one for a bit. Anything helps Jack!
Not a silly question at all! I’m 6’2 and on a 56cm so I’d say you’re a 54cm guy 👌🏽👌🏽 Pop into the local shop and see if you can get one setup roughly to your size. You won’t be disappointed!
@@jackultracyclistofficial My only other question is as follows: Are you rocking 32mm tires most of the time on these endeavors? Looking to ride a 444 mile route in under 24 hours, and would love a bike that can do that AND be comfortable out of the box!
It looks like you’re not running the stock handlebar. Just curious,Can you tell us what bar you’re using? Did you make the change for compliance or fit reasons?
The Domane edges it by a slim margin in my view but I’d probably have to buy a Roubaix because Trek are non-existent in my country and Specialized has the best service of all the brands. Frankly, except for the price I find nothing that I can’t live with in the Pro.
@@diesel9677 well how harsh can it be really if you fit 38mm tires and run them at around or below 3bar? I have a no suspension gravel bike which is super plush only because of the tires
For the love of God, make a bike with proper endurance geometry that doesn’t have any suspension tricks. 25’s are dead, we got big tires, we’re all set. And I didn’t even say make it cheap 🤷🏻♂️
At least he disclosed at the outset that he’s “working with Specialized.” Too many other videos pretend to be neutral and don’t disclose their brand relationships.
"Fast, agile, compliant..." and HEAVY for climbs!! Sadly, this video is an Ad for a badly selling model that was made with cobles in mind. P.S. I like the geometry and tyre clearance of the bike but that shock should go.
Honestly throw a leg over and go for a ride. A did 26+ Everests on a Roubaix last year and was lucky enough to have had an Aethos I could choose from too.
@@jackultracyclistofficial I'll give it a test ride! After you disclose how much money you make from your Specialized contract, how much they paid for you to put out this video, and the terms and conditions of what you were allowed to say in the vid! Otherwise, cool commercial!
An awful, heavy and gimmicky bike. Specalized added the future shock so when it fails and it will, they can 'sell it twice'. Profit. A shock absorber in the front which adds weight and subtracts control, especially sprinting out the saddle is a marketing gimmick. A solution to a problem that doesn't exist with 30mm wide tires and a carbon fork to mute road disturbances. Best Roubaix Specialized ever made was the 2012 SL3 that Cancellara won the Paris Roubaix race. I have owned two. Ever since, Specialized has taken a purpose built race bike with friendly flex and endurance geometry and ruined it. TH-cam 'influencer's are merely a marketing arm of Specialized right down to your shirt with Specialized logo. Bringing along you old man doesn't add any veracity to your fake review. Fake reviews with kickback of trips to the location and/or a free bike for a fake review are a dime a dozen on youtube. The world we live in.
This is Donald from Black and Tan. I just got a SL8 Roubiax, I’m using it as a gravel bike. We have very smooth gravel and I’ve stuffed 42 Pathfinder tire but will be swapping one size down on the rear to a 40. This bike is incredible and by far my favorite bike I’ve owned in a long time.
Stoked you love the bike mate! It’s a ripper!!
I like the video, I dislike my need for a Roubaix Pro. 😂
😂😂😂 we all need at least one!
I have a 2020 roubaix pro and I don’t know if I could ever ride anything different
Roubaix was the first road bike i seriously considered. I moved away from the rough tarmac of the Royal National Park in Sydney and headed north west to Parramatta and got a Venge, then a tarmac SL7. Definitely interesting that you ride the roubaix so much.
Very interesting. I think you’d find the new Roubaix is now every bit as stiff and agile as the more aero bikes, just with that added compliance. Would love to hear your thoughts if you try one 🤘🏽🤘🏽
Mate. I thought I wanted a new Aethos. But I trust you. I hadn't even considered the Roubaix. Thanks. You're looking LEAN. Go you good thing. Out there on the road fighting the demons with ya.
Roubaix is THE way mate! You’ll love it 👌🏽👌🏽 Appreciate the kind words, let’s fight the good fight together 👊🏽
I'm 70, weigh 85Kg, and hold down a full time job... I recently purchased the exact same bike Jack is riding - I also transitioned from an SWorks Tarmac and Trek Domane. My first big ride included an HC climb and several PRs on roads I've done numerous times on "faster" bikes. I recently got a 3rd fastest time, 1s off the KOM, on a bump that has been ridden by 1,309 people and 6,119 attempts. Unfortunately, I forgot to lock out the head shock, so was bouncing around while attempting to maintain > 600W... I know I'll get it next time.
I have a 2017 Ruby, but am very interested in te new Roubaix. The wider tires, the ability to have fenders (a must in my wet climate) and the improved suspension all look like tempting improvements.
Yeh absolutely! I think you'll notice a big difference in the new bike. Would love to hear your thoughts if you get on one!
Superb Jack your a real inspiration well done mate and keep up the great stuff.
Appreciate it mate, Thankyou!
nice video and very good add for Specialized.
Cheers mate 👊🏽
Great vid Jack, short back sides & front suits you. Your Dad left crap Perth weather for fantastic Spain/Portugal adventure. Looking forward to your next adventure👊
Thanks mate! I don’t think he wants to head back to Perth. I’ve converted him 😂
I bought a new Roubaix SL8 and put 35mm Mondos on it and they are awesome. Been riding 32mm for the past year and the 35’s are like 10x better
Great to hear! Enjoy the new bike mate 🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽
How wide do the 32mm and 35mm Mondo tires pop out on the terra wheels?
Here he is! Thanks for the video, love your stuff. I think I’ll stick to my 2020 Roubaix and upgrade the shock when mine gives way
The 2020 bike is still an absolute weapon!
love the good old tapping of the frame at 8:21
😂😂 you and me both mate!
Mate, youre living my dream.
As i rider who dreams about racing raam it's Nice to find more ultra cycling content. Nice explanation good when brands actually Fit the purpouse.
Thanks Brian, more to come!
Have the 2020 Di2 Roubaix Expert… a superb,snappy endurance machine. Just wish you could swap out to a firmer spring to reduce sag. This was a much needed update.
Depending on what size your on, you can actually purchase the new future shock and install it on your current bike mate!
@@jackultracyclistofficial how do you change the springs? Do you need to buy the whole unit if you need a different spring or how it works?
You swap the whole unit out to a 3.3 future shock. My 2020 expert came with a 2.0 hydraulic damped unit. I will be upgrading to a 3.3.
@@Cycle9568
Ya,I gathered that. It'd be nice if you swap the 2.0 spring to a stiffer version. I'll go the 3 series too once the 2.0 is showing some wear.
I'm on my fourth Roubaix now, the SL7 is the perfect bike for the mixture of knackered tarmac, gritted old railway tracks and rough forestry tracks around my home in the Scottish Highlands. Now thinking about buying a 2023 S Works frameset and transferring the bits over.
Russia is about to enter a prolonged civil war, so plan your route through the friendly Middle East.
What tyres for that terrain?
Lovely mate, enjoy the new frame!
You and Lachlan racing in Russia together would be insane!!
🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽
I would absolutely love this bike
It’s a ripper! 🔥🔥
Excellent bike I have a Roubaix myself BUT there has to be a way to get rid of exposed cables. And I know it has future shock but still has to be a way
I rode one the other day. Man they feel slow compared to my sl4 rim brake roubaix which is 6.6kg with pedals and STIFF AF under power and thru the corners. Good if you want a gravel bike though.
Cool vid and hats off to you and your papa!man, specialized is just too late with this bike, I bought my Diverge in 2018 and all I have to do is change my tires for any riding that I want to do.
Thanks mate!
I just cracked my 2021 Roubaix sport frame. Was considering trying out Tarmac but I know i will regret it as i also do a lot of long rides. This just helped me decide!
Can I ask how tall you are and what size frame you ride? Was thinking of sizing down to 52cm at 175 cm
Definately stick with the Roubaix man! I’m 185cm and on the 56cm frameset. Pop on down to the local dealer and see what they think 🤘🏽🤘🏽
@@jackultracyclistofficial is your black Sworks Roubaix a team edition? Or regular geometry? Do you prefer the less aggressive geo for your longer rides?
@@j03yl33the black one is regular geo too. The team geo is no longer made. The standard geo is fantastic for everything 👌🏽👌🏽
Good stuff! Now resurrect the Venge 🙏
Haha! With a future shock?!
Sick video and amazing trip. Can I ask what your saddle height is? Debating 56 vs 58 at 6’ 1” and saddle height of 31” (pretty long legs)
Thanks mate! Saddle height is 795mm. Depending on your flexibility, I think you could ride either the 56 or 58. The 58 will be a little higher at the front end, but thats not a bad thing!!
A really nice bike but also not quite cheap ! I wonder in what variant (Groupset, etc.) would be a reasonable choice🧐.Price / performance
I reckon whichever bike you can get on is a great buy. All but the s-works frames use the same carbon, so the only differences are the finishing kits and other small personal preferences 👌🏽👌🏽
I love my roubaix.
Did you go down in the frame size with respect to the tarmac? In accordance with Specialized suggestion, I could use a 56 frame but Im (also) worried about the stack on the 56 Roubaix. Currently Im using a 56 Allez sprint frame, but I do not know if I could go down to a 54 size...
Thank you for this video... it is amazing the content and your explanation about the performance of such bike... I think this coul help us a lot to make better purchase decisions.
Thanks in advanced.
Great question. The front end of the Roubaix is higher than the tarmac and allez, but I don’t think that means you need to size down. For endurance style riding, not being in a super aggressive position is actually an advantage. I would say that if you’re a 56 on your Allez, you should go with a 56 on the Roubaix. I think you’ll love the bike, it’s a weapon! 🔥🔥
Soo awesome! What tire pressure were you running on the roads? 80psi??
I normally go with 60psi rear and 50psi front 🤘🏽🤘🏽
I am having the hardest time choosing between the roubiax or the aethos. As I saw in your other response, the aethos for climbing fast but the roubaix to climb all day. Lots of people say accelerating on the aethos is a unique experience and others say compared to the roubaix that the roubaix feels “sluggish” overall. There are some KOM’s around my id like to challenge but I’d also like to stay comfortable, for say, a 60 mile ride. I’m your opinion, since you’d ridden both bikes, is there a maximum range you’d ride the aethos for before you choose the roubaix? Thank you 🙏
Great question and sorry for the slow reply. I'm lucky enough to have an Aethos and a Roubaix in my garage. The Aethos doesn't leave the garage anymore. I only ride the Roubaix. The only time I would reach for the Aethos now, is if I was trying to break my own personal record for an Everest, on a silky smooth road. Earlier this year I climbed 100,000m in one month and did it all aboard Roubaix - why? It climbs well, it descends well and I can ride it day after day without feeling the fatigue that a normal road bike emits through road buzz. Theres just something fun about riding the bike. Its fast, its compliant and it cheats the wind! I hope this helps!!
What is your handlebar bag, looks cool.
The only thing I did different was flip the stem but beginning to think the geometry of the frame and riding position doesn't bode well for neg degree stem....always find myself wanting to be more upright on it
I know what you mean mate. I ran a -17 stem to begin with a few years back, but am very much comfy on a stock stem now. Obviously it’s a personal preference, but give it a whirl!
Hey Jack great video. I like the Roubaix but the price tag is something I can’t contend with. Would you also recommend a lesser model Roubaix?
Yeh 100%. The carbon on the lesser models is exactly the same as the expert model, so it’s just a matter of choosing your preference in groupset!
Awesome! May I ask what your weight is and what tire pressure you were running on this trip?
Sure thing, I’m 80kg and I generally run 45psi front and 55psi rear 🙌🏽
wow. you are a beast!
Missing a few marbles I think!
Hello. I am in mumbai and the roads here are horrible with potholes and stuff. I am looking for a fast bicycle which is versatile and can last at least for 5-7 years or more, and is safe in the rains, bad roads and the occasional mountain trips on the road.
I deciding between this pinarello grevil and the specialised roubaix sport considering it is at a similar price (lower spec components) and can upgrade components in time if needed.
Any suggestions which is better?
Great question. You will LOVE the Roubaix. I wouldnt recommend any other bike.
@@jackultracyclistofficial thanks for your feedback, appreciated
Nice vid broski. But I don’t even want to look up the price of that bike. I know it’s going to be a lot 😂
Thanks man! Just think of the back surgeries it will save people having to spend money on though?!?! 😂😂😂
This may be quite a silly question, but as someone who is wildly into the ultra stuff, and as someone who is seeking a faster endurance frame bike, what size would do best for someone standing 177.8cm? (5'10' for me over here in the States) I seem to have fallen, yet again, into an in-between size issue. Currently on a 54cm Cannondale but have had my eye on this one for a bit. Anything helps Jack!
Not a silly question at all! I’m 6’2 and on a 56cm so I’d say you’re a 54cm guy 👌🏽👌🏽 Pop into the local shop and see if you can get one setup roughly to your size. You won’t be disappointed!
I'm 179...the 54cm Roubaix is bang in the middle for me
@@timdixokeep in mind the stack is a little higher on the Roubaix than the Tarmac and Aethos so sizing down could also be a viable option 👌🏽
@@jackultracyclistofficial My only other question is as follows: Are you rocking 32mm tires most of the time on these endeavors? Looking to ride a 444 mile route in under 24 hours, and would love a bike that can do that AND be comfortable out of the box!
@@evanlee1875I’m rocking the 35mm tyres mate and can guarantee that the bike is still FAST! Perfect rig for your next epic ride! 🤘🏽🤘🏽
It looks like you’re not running the stock handlebar.
Just curious,Can you tell us what bar you’re using?
Did you make the change for compliance or fit reasons?
Correct, I’m running a stock Spesh bar. I don’t need the additional ride that the standard bar offers, so switched this out. Good spot!
Hi what do you think about Roubaix SL8 Sport Apex ? Does it work for road as well?
Great bike! The entire Roubaix SL8 range is fantastic 👌🏽👌🏽
for solo unsupported Ultra race will you recommend this bike?
200% a better bike does not exist in my opinion 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽
Which do you think is the better climber, aethos or roubaix?
Aethos if you want a lightweight weapon, Roubaix if you want to climb ALL day 👌🏽💪🏽
Question: Are you riding on stock 46/33T chainring ?
Yes, I am 🙌🏽😁
What tire pressures do you run the Mondo’s at? Thanks
Under normal conditions, 50psi front and 60psi rear 👊🏽👊🏽
The Domane edges it by a slim margin in my view but I’d probably have to buy a Roubaix because Trek are non-existent in my country and Specialized has the best service of all the brands.
Frankly, except for the price I find nothing that I can’t live with in the Pro.
👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽
@@diesel9677 well how harsh can it be really if you fit 38mm tires and run them at around or below 3bar? I have a no suspension gravel bike which is super plush only because of the tires
Is this video all about the cycle or the cyclist? From what i learnt about the bike it looks superb.
It’s about the bike, but showing a real life example of what it can do. Can confirm, it’s epic 👌🏽👌🏽
For the love of God, make a bike with proper endurance geometry that doesn’t have any suspension tricks. 25’s are dead, we got big tires, we’re all set.
And I didn’t even say make it cheap 🤷🏻♂️
Better endurance geometry? What would you want changed? Suspension…have you tried it? 42mm tires, you want bigger on a road bike??
What height are you Jack? You ride a 56cm right?
I’m 185cm and on the 56 mate 👌🏽
Hold on, there’s a “Team Geometry Roubaix?”
There was, but not anymore mate, just the stock geo 👌🏽
What pressure in bar are you running your mondo 35 mm tires?what is the internal channel width of the wheels?
I’m running between 3-3.5bar mate, depending on conditions. I find the lower I can run them, the better 👌🏽internal rim width is 25mm 🙌🏽
Sponsored video?
No way 🙅🏻♂️
@@jackultracyclistofficial come on man🤣
At least he disclosed at the outset that he’s “working with Specialized.” Too many other videos pretend to be neutral and don’t disclose their brand relationships.
Fastest bike ever until another brand Says theirs is faster
Testing still highlights that it’s best in class 👌🏽
no eyelets to put a rear or front rack .... its just a smooth race bike but NOT a bikepack bike or any bike could be...
There’s Eyelets for racks and fenders too. Forgot to mention that 👊🏽👊🏽
You can always use Tailfin
That would be the Trek Domane SLR......4th Gen.
Try throwing a leg over one of these. I guarantee it will blow your mind 🤯
"Fast, agile, compliant..." and HEAVY for climbs!!
Sadly, this video is an Ad for a badly selling model that was made with cobles in mind.
P.S. I like the geometry and tyre clearance of the bike but that shock should go.
Honestly throw a leg over and go for a ride. A did 26+ Everests on a Roubaix last year and was lucky enough to have had an Aethos I could choose from too.
Too much boasting. It’s off-putting.
Boasting?
Nice marketing spiel
Don’t knock it until you’ve given it a ride dude
@@jackultracyclistofficial I'll give it a test ride! After you disclose how much money you make from your Specialized contract, how much they paid for you to put out this video, and the terms and conditions of what you were allowed to say in the vid! Otherwise, cool commercial!
@@cfourunderscore🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️
An awful, heavy and gimmicky bike. Specalized added the future shock so when it fails and it will, they can 'sell it twice'. Profit. A shock absorber in the front which adds weight and subtracts control, especially sprinting out the saddle is a marketing gimmick. A solution to a problem that doesn't exist with 30mm wide tires and a carbon fork to mute road disturbances.
Best Roubaix Specialized ever made was the 2012 SL3 that Cancellara won the Paris Roubaix race. I have owned two. Ever since, Specialized has taken a purpose built race bike with friendly flex and endurance geometry and ruined it.
TH-cam 'influencer's are merely a marketing arm of Specialized right down to your shirt with Specialized logo. Bringing along you old man doesn't add any veracity to your fake review.
Fake reviews with kickback of trips to the location and/or a free bike for a fake review are a dime a dozen on youtube. The world we live in.
5 world records on this bike. Think that speaks loudly enough right🤷🏻♂️
Nothing like putting a positive spin on things🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
@@jametz66get on one and let the bike do the talking mate 👊🏽
@@jackultracyclistofficial ...luke's just a negative nancy! I'm planning on it Jack, thanks!!!!!!
@@jametz66would Loveeee to hear your thoughts 😁👌🏽
My 14 year old bike is lighter and faster than that modern junk
Good for you buddy 💪🏽