Road Bike Of The Year - Comfort - Specialized Roubaix Vs.Trek Domane
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- čas přidán 29. 08. 2024
- In their search for the very best road bike of 2017, Cycling Plus collected a few arch rivals in five different categories and pitted them against each other. The best of those will eventually be crowned overall Bike of the Year.
Comfort doesn't have to be a dirty word, as being more comfortable can allow you to push the pedals harder, and for longer. Senior technical editor Warren Rossiter gives the low down on two of the best comfort bikes of the moment.
Please do a comparison of the new domane and Roubaix
thank you for actually reviewing bikes that I can find.
I rode the two bikes and the ride quality of the Specialized won me over. The Trek deals with vibration only but the Roubaix has a real shock absorber for your front wheel.
REDO THIS FOR THE 2020 BIKES...
Make the video talking about the 2020 versions pleaseeeeeee!
i am so tired of hearing all these folks talk about stiffness. unless your name is Sagan or you can put 2000+ watts through the bike for 2+ minutes, then stop worrying about it. all of today's major brands are stiff enough for average riders.
galifinaki you mean you are not putting out 2000W? How embarrassing
@@David-cc3un it's only 2 minutes, too.
Not having ridden a decent modern bike, I'll have to defer to you, but as someone who rides a 1995 classic bike, even at low watts I can feel the frame flexing.
Im so glad that the road bike industry is completely and utterly giving zero fucks about breaking "tradition" or conventions that, for a very long time and until very recently, were here to stay.
It used to be that if you said your bike was uncomfortable on rough roads, the roadie answer was, "Harden the fuck up and ride pussy"
Or if you tried to put a saddle that was anything more than mere millimeters of carbon fiber and barely wider than your top tube, the response was "Why dont you just put a cruiser seat on it pussy"
But, finally, this shit is becoming less and less the norm, and rather becoming the exception. Now, the only type of people you get these comments from, are people that think we should still be riding steel frames with downtube shifters, nothing but campagnolo groupsets and 17c wide tires, and CALIPER BRAKES. Finally, its only the people stuck in their ways, grasping at the word tradition as if they think the use of disc brakes and a spring on the seattube is going to ruin the sport of cycling. Dont worry about the springs guys, EPO has already damaged cycling more than any "traditions" being ruined ever could.
Hydraulic Disc brakes are better, a saddle that is comfortable will allow you to ride longer, wide tires are faster and more aero, not to mention more comfortable, and bikes that are labeled "endurance", 100%, unequivocally, are ROAD bikes.
Perfect
Roubaix is the fastest, most comfortable bike. When form follows function, that’s beauty.
Shame they put entry-level components on a $3,000 (Canadian) bike. I'd rather have an alloy frame and a nice groupset like the 105.
Owning both a Spesh and a 2017 Trek 'Emonda SL6 - between these two bikes I'd still go the Trek Domane personally - I nearly bought the Domane recently but opted for the Emonda ... I still plan to buy a Domane.
What made you go with the Emonda and why are you still considering the Domane? I’m in the same predicament but between this Roubaix Comp, the Emonda, and the SL Domane with disc and carbon wheels I think I’m setttling for the Domane SL6.
I've got both an Emonda and Domane and anything over 50 miles is on the Domane. Its faster because you are so much fresher and downhill it just kills.
Go for the disks too then you can bomb downhill. Carbon rims suck when wet or on 5000 ft alpine descents. Worth the weight IMHO unless maybe you are a pro racer.
Just the review I've been waiting for... For weeks I've been debating between Roubaix and Domane for purchase. Given that Domane can take wider tires (32mm I think) and all other things being "equal but different", I think I'll go for Domane.
rbx with future shock is the best for comfort. neck problem is no more. great bike.
As long as you don't have back issues it's ok.
I tested them both, and just somehow preferred the Domane- it just seemed to fit me better (long legs and short torso). Riding the Roubaix was like riding a bike caught in tram lines, ie it just didn't seem to want to turn! Odd experience. Also felt very heavy at the front, maybe another reason why it felt heavy to turn.
thank you
I love that the Specialized seat post is called the Cobble Gobbler.
and it works great, eats it all up :)
got one on each of my two bikes
Sleepy Panda That was the name, originally, but after a year or two, they renamed it to CG-R. It seems a lot of people still call it "Cobble Gobbler."
Not sure why they made a big thing of the 11-32 cassette on the Trek when the Specialized has it too.
roubaix is a masterwork and a smart choice for any ride or race... considering many granfondos have awful surfaces roubaix can do the trick
The roubaix is a more dramatic idea, but Specialized's massive recall makes you wonder. I have an older roubaix with zertz and a Trek mtb procaliber. Both systems work, and the Iso speed works on my mtb!
Got the domane SLR it does vibration and bumps on road a joy making ride very very comfy. I didn’t go with the specialised as it front dampening system relies on you having a good core and not leaning on it. Ok on short rides but endurance rides I want the bike to do the work as I get tired. Love my bike , so happy
Lose all the LOUD music, otherwise nice edit.
The specialized looks fantastic! Just the thing for city riding, or anything with bumps. I've been waiting to replace my current road bike with something like this for a long while, something legit different in the comfort arena, great review!
Thank you for a very cool review.
I wonder how these two compare to Canyon Endurace SLX 8.0 Disc?
Price wise they are equivalent. And the Canyon would probably not be as comfortable due to the lack of active elements.
However Canyon has the feather amortisation in the seat post (not sure if this qualifies as active) and the integrated cockpit is something that I hear increases comfort too (although I have no idea how it is working). To be frank I am choosing between these three very bikes, unfortunately I cannot test Canyon anywhere and I cannot see good VS comparison like the one above (which once again is great!)
I am also waiting for the Canyon to get here (US) to test all three before I buy. I love my Crux but, I want a more road feel with a bit more stiffness.
Lukasz Lazewski yeah I know your pain. if it helps, a guy I know has gotten the roubaix recently and he says he will never ride anything else ever again. I find it a bit hyperbolic but still, he is quite a fan. his views are similar to this. I asked him if he felt the suspension was a gimmick he said most enfatically "no". he felt that the extra layers of grip and comfort you have are mind boggling. I have not gathered the courage to ask him to try it out. firstly because it is a 3500 pound bike and I don't know the chap that well so if I broke it or something brrrr. Secondly, I just bought a Basso Astra (was going for the vento but a good promotion got me) and I don't want to feel like I made the wrong choice...
I have the same question, sometimes I feel that with canyon you'll get more for what youre paying... dont know..
How does the Roubaix 'hit the right notes' on kit level? You are getting 1/2 mechanical ultegra, 105 level brakes, a cheapo crankset and bargain basement wheels, for £2,650?
Agreed.With comparable models Dom SL 8 Disk versus Roube Expert Di2 Disk-the Trek is on a different level in terms of kit (for only £200 more.) Both have a step down in terms of their best carbon,both have their damping systems and it's Dura Ace mech or Ultegra.The gulf though becomes apparent when Trek offers their excellent Aelous Pro 3 and Isozone carbon handlebar-compared to shallow alloy Rovals (on inferior hubs and half the value,) along with a stock alloy handlebar.The Domane also chips in with it's superior integration-blendr system light/computer mounts,hidden mudguard mounts,3S chainkeeper,duotrap S compatability and some of the neatest routing.I've ridden the Trek and it would take something very special indeed to knock it off it's perch-let alone one with less versatility,inferior kit and less user friendly.
I am 52 and looking for a comfortable road machine. I will let the younger guys suffer, i no longer want to. great review!. I heard Giant makes most of Trek frames. and Giant is cheaper.
frank doster Sorry to correct you but Trek do their own frames
Bet you don’t ride no more, too old. 👴
Been interested in that roubaix since its release. With whassisface winning that epic offroad race on the slate, thanking its suspension for being able to maintain an aero position, i wonder if we'll see futureshock or the like on a TT bike?
Good afternoon! Many thanks for great review! Can you please help me choose best endurance bike? For now, looking between Trek Domane SLR 7 and Canyon Endurace CF SLX Disc 9.0 Di2. What are the main advantages and disadvantages of those bikes? Or maybe you can recommend something else? Price is ok for me. Thanks in advance
Why didn't you compare disc brake domaine rather than a canti lever ? Not really a fair comparison.
Exactly my thoughts. In addition, the SL comes with carbon wheels...
Both bikes are pretty close. I'd go for the trek solely for appearance.
I'd go for Trek solely because of Armstrong.
Michael Miller TREK my favourite bikes hands down
I'd go for trek because my specialized roubiax frame snapped in half under heavy pedaling, AND because it seems that specialized carbon bikes are the ones which repeatedly are featured on youtube carbon frame repair videos for some reason....
Those monster looking brake levers on the Specialized are reason enough to wait another season for a new bike. Hopefully new Ultegra level hydro levers are on the way......
After listening to this, it seems a coin toss. Maybe the best one to buy is the one that you get a better deal on. And that your favorite bike shop sells.
With comparing the two. Which one would you say is faster or has a slightly more "racey" feeling to it ?
Love that blue frame, head cartridge, disc brakes and hover bars. Only other bike that has impressed me as much as the Roubaix is the new BMC All road. Any chance of a head to head video with those 2?
On the lower end and $400 bucks cheaper that it’s equal competitors range models, the winner is: Giant Defy Advance 3 just a cheaper bad ass winter/commuter/do it all machine!!
does lower seatstay increase comfort??
These bikes with a 25mm tire will probably not be significantly more comfortable than a frame without fancy comfort features and a 28mm or 30mm tire. Tires are more important for comfort than frame.
that is obviously correct! Not to mention that a bike would be even less comfortable with no tyre equipped at all.
Not even close. I've ridden an Emonda (great bike also) and the Domane with the same wheels. I'd pick the Domane for 100 miler for sure. Not sure about the Roubaix spring thing. That looks really dumb. Didn't ride the Roubaix but after riding the Domane I was already sold.
That's not true, I have just come from a Cube SL hybrid with 32mm tyres onto a cheap Ribble Audax 7005 with 25mm tyres, the Ribble is far more compliant to ride, go figure. I also rode all carbon planetx cyclocross and it was harsher than any aluminium frame I've ever ridden.
That's what I thought about the Domane... until i rode the Roubaix!
For sure. However it's a tradeoff. You could forego the "fancy comfort features" in favor of bigger tires at lower pressure, however you now have higher rolling resistance and are less efficient in that regard.
The comfort features allow you to keep the medium tires, around 28mm usually, and be both comfy and fast.
I think that road bike frames reached it's peak in 2015 today the frames and paint job are predictive, safe, uninspiring and dull, only thing that's great is that the are more versatile for different rider preferences
If you like flat black or the new Specialized "clear coat carbon" look.
I cannot watch that guy ride...like he's on some sort of step machine
Thanks for the video, I'm considering both bikes. I have a 2008 Cannondale Synapse 5 that needs replacing, which also puts me in a more upright position. I haven't ridden the Domane and Rubaix because no shop near me has them in stock now. Which is the fastest of the 2, Domane, or Rubaix ?
Why didn't you compare the Domane SL6 Disc yo the Roubaix disc? Not a fair comparison.
which is the best in your opinion? I have a Tek domane sl 6 sl disc 2019 and it is fantastic
The specialized is the ugliest bike I think I've ever seen and not just the handlebars! Comfort isn't an ugly word, but the specialized is simply too ugly for me to ever consider it. Thanks for the vids though, very enjoyable!
I am with you. Rode a 2018 Roubaix Elite 25 miles terribly noisy on pot holes sound like the frame was going to crack. Mine was an ugly red/clear coat carbon frame. I thought was defective until I contacted Specialized, said that was normal!! Try painting it BLACK next time.
those handlebars look like they absorb watts. 'not sure if I'd want those bars.
I've never felt like the jolts through the hands have been painful. Perhaps this feature is for women and old people?
worth trying. I wonder what people who've actually tried it think.
Your opinion is based on the size bike you ride. Different sizes have different geometries as well as having different frame layup. Different geometries ride different . So your opinion is just on the bike you ride and cannot be cross referenced to any other frame sizes, geometries with certitude. What size are you riding, is it custom fitted to you? Do you know positively it is correct? Price is usually asymetrical to comfort, the lighter the bike the stiffer it is, the stiffer it is the more road vibration you get.
Comfort depends on rider position, rider position depends on frame geometry. Frame geometry depends on size of the frame because manufacturers design smaller bikes, less than 56cm for safety (toe overlap) not human physiology. The more upright the seat tube the more road surface transfer, the more the weight is on the saddle and bars instead of the pedals. Check the geometry specs of the manufacturers, tube lengths, seat and head tube angles are different. An aluminum frame of the right geometry and rider fit can out-comfort bad geometry and fit of any carbon road frame.
why do they always look like they are riding bikes 2 sizes too big for them? for the love of god those handlebars are too wide, and almost no seat to handlebar drop..
I kept thinking that. It looks ridiculous... But I guess they know how to bike fit.
Both bikes are aimed more at comfort rather than being racer like. Wider & higher bars are more comfortable!
AWESOME!
so wait, a bike with suspension fork allows lock out , right? necessary when climbing or sprinting , so what about this suspension thats inside the head tube? no need for lock out?
That's what I've been told.
"comfort is just gonna make u stronger for longer..."
Anybody knows which sunglasses the rider of S-Roubaix wears? Looking for some like these! Thanks a lot!
Michal Maly adidas eyewear...
I wonder if this year we'll see an updated Diverge with FutureShock
I wonder if they will straight up discontinue the Diverge, it is such a marginal bike. If you want road, do Roubaix, if you want grave, do Sequoia. Diverge is smack in the middle useless.
I think it would be a good commuter.
Isn't Sequoia a steel bike? It wouldn't be a problem if Diverge only comes in Alu, but since it does come in Carbon as well, I see the overlap.
Though if I'm not mistaken, the current Diverge still has a larger tyre clearance then the new Roubaix
Up to 32 mm on a Roubaix. Up to 35mm on Diverge. Up to 45mm Sequoia. The 10mm of tire is a lot more useful than a carbon frame.
Giant defy
You missed Bmc softtail
absolutely *ROUBAHIDEOUS*
TREK bikes are the BEAST!!!
Stupid soundtrack in the background... can barely understand the guy talk
Just bring back high quality chromoly steel tubing and forget the damn gimmicks.
I just can't get past the look of the Roubaix. It reminds me of a quill stem and I understand the bars are about fit but eww.
The new 2020 Roubaix is going to be much, much cleaner and "normal" looking. Trust me, aesthetics will be top notch indeed. ;)
The roubaix is looking better and better. Do you guys think that this will be a tech trend in future bikes?
How lovely sun marks
Watched the video and don't know which is better, hate that XD
I use this
the specialised is absolutely not nice, the Trick looks good. What has happened to specialised ?
I'm with you my 2014 Tarmac looks 100% better.
I bought a Domane SL but I didn't like it. I couldn't get over the HUGE tire. It felt like riding a Harley.
You know you could have changed your tyres to 28c or 25c. At least the 32c would have provided some cushioning for your rides.
I'll stick to my 70's steel-is-real bike. THAT is comfort.
I have a Rossin 70s steel and a Piranello - both great character rides but the Roubaix glides over the road surfaces. It does everything they say it does - a great bike but I love the energy and feel of the steel that's for sure. The Rubaix has no character because it makes it all so easy, however, I don't regret buying it.
The seat post collar/bolts on the Roubaix is ugly as sin and I really don't think I can get past how bad it looks.
sometimes you have to listen to your balls and not your brain..
wow 28mm tires on trek sweet
The one thing he doesn't say about the Domane SLR is if you get the Disc version you can go up to 32mm tires.
that accounts likewise to the Roubaix.
The ‘17 Trek SL6 actually comes with disc, carbon wheels, and 32 tires. I don’t know where they found this bike for this review...
I think it will go 38 on the disc.
The Roubaix only helps smooth the bumps in the front does nothing for the bumps in the rear. If you have any back problems don't waste your money.
They put the Headshok on the wrong end of the headtube....
thechosendude disagree because a shock below the head tube would cause Bob
The future shock isn't designed to be suspension. It's designed to only suppress the handle bars. No watts are lost due to the fork still being fixed. However, when you go over a bump, instead of the fork receding into the bike like most suspension systems, the future shock allows you, as the rider, to have more bump suppression at your hands. It makes sense! Accomplishes the same goal, but with no power loss. I own a 2018 Roubaix Expert and I was skeptical too. It takes a few rides to get used to, definitely, but it's well worth it!
It's all just a load of gimmicky testicles to sell bikes. "Comfortable bike" is just another oxymoron. This is from someone who has been riding all sorts of bikes for over 40 years. Whatever happened to the Zertz inserts on the Specialized for instance?
They replaced them with the aforementioned built in micro suspension system for the 2017 model? Theyve been using zertz for years, succesfully. this is the new evolution.
Go ride the Domane and tell us that again. You don't know how wrong you are.
your balls must hate you!!
Good point. My first Specialized had the Zertz inserts on the front carbon fork and road like a dream
domane over roubaix purely based on the fact that the roubaix is ugly as sin.
Give me a break with this garbage from Trek and Specialized. Honestly, how much do these companies pay you to shill this shit? Out of all of the road bikes on the planet, you pick these two. These mass produced bikes from South-east Asia have sucked the soul out of road bikes.
Unfair comparison.
The spec head cartridge will not stop you getting a flat tyre hitting a pothole! Utter pseudoscience claim. Less shock to your hands, yes, but the wheel and tyre doesn't know what's happening above the headset.
No he's right. In my car when I hit a bed of nails the tires won't go flat because my suspension is so good I can't feel it. /s
Cristian Olmos lol. Imagine how much more puncture proof your car tyres would be if you removed the car suspension and just put a little damper on behind the steering wheel! You could drive over central meridians with that baby!
Si Duke I think there might be something to it. I'm thinking the head shock cushions the impact of the rider on the wheel. If the bike was riderless but somehow rolling and hit a pothole, no flat I bet. A 50 pound rider, not much. 200 pound rider, lots of flats. 400 pound rider, wheel collapses with pothole! I think the head shock would lighten the impact the wheel/tire "feels". I've got no proof though!
It will make a difference. Imagine the bike runs over the pothole with nobody riding it. There won't be nearly the force coming down on the wheel as it drops into the pothole. The shock sort of works the same way; soaking up some of the impact and lessening how solidly the wheel hits the hole.
Sprung weight vs unsprung weight. Placing a spring below the headset would reduce the unsprung weight more than placing it above the headset. If your aim is to reduce pinch flats, placing it below the headset -- as on a mountain bike -- would be more effective. But then you would have an entirely different kind of bike.
After all the fuckups from spech, you simply don't buy a spech. buy ethical, avoid spech.
calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/war-veteran-forced-to-change-bike-shops-name-after-threat-from-u-s-bike-giant-specialized luckily they gave up after a massive beating in social media, but still, it says something about the values in the company.
No they are not. This was a pure fuckup from greedy lawyers hired by spech, failing to see the obvious - that they would loose massively if they tried - and the less obvious apparently: that goodwill has a economical value. And they should at least know that they do not own the name Roubaix, as it is after all a city in France.
You know why this made a splash and made people get all hot and bothered? Because its fucking 2017 and everyone fucking LOVES A victim today. I dont care if its a "big ol mean corporation" coming down on a "little guy". Fact of the matter is, Specialized owns the trademark on the word Roubaix. That fucking simple. NO one said they own the city, they own the trademark on the word. Bottom line is, they have every right in the world to go after that bike shop
Is it nice? No. does that matter in the real world? not really.
Alright. cynical dumb fuck there, I respect that. spech isn't about bikes any more, it's all about money. If you want a world where passion for the activity is less important than billionaires increasing their wealth, go ahead. buy big brands. That's not my type of bicycling environment I would like. Bless you.
These bikes are losing the purity of a road bike but they have a market. Perhaps they represent a sub- genre of road bikes. I definitely don't think the Roubaix is a pure road bike.
Roger Lecocq
I agree. Ive ridden it a couple of times, it feels more like a CX bike rather than a pure racer.
The Dict8tor robioux has never been a pure racer. The position is slightly. Uptight and it's a Lil more comfy too
Don't know about the Roubaix but the Domane won't disappoint you. I prefer it to my Emonda unless its a really short ride.
@pleased to meet you There's no reason to be nasty. Geez.
I'm not so sure about that Roger. The Madone uses IsoSpeed at the back end. I wouldn't be surprised if next year they add it to the front end. The technology allows for stiffer, lighter bike without having terrible to ride. I think you'll see the market expand, and the "pure" bikes will become the niche, as has already happened with high-end steel frames.
first like and comment 😊
Please pronounce your words a little better, you can slow down your speech a little. Thank you, great review
WTF is this cat saying mumble mumble mumble
Second like second comment
Like me bcs its not my birthday
Was a little apprehensive when buying this with the few negative reviews on here, but this was exactly the kind of bike I was looking for. czcams.com/users/postUgkxn_jUDSlprMIeubd9rHdEAnv59nKfjcKv I plan to ride it on paved roadways and trails, and wanted a "Grocery Getter" so to speak. After receiving it (without any damage), I had it out of the box, and fully assembled in about 30 minutes. I did not have to look at the manual, and I'm glad because I did look at it after I got it together, and it looks like it's a manual for several different styles. I did have to adjust the breaks and gear shifters, but that's been my experience with every bike I've owned. There was one review in particular that made me nervous, saying it was not meant for someone 6'4", it was too short. Well I'm 6'5" (230lbs) with a 36" inseam, and can tell you this bike fits perfectly, granted the seat is in it's highest safe position. I've only had it for 3 days so far, and if things change I will update my review, but I put 26 miles on it so far, and it rides like a dream. Very comfortable seating position. The front suspension is good for the occasional rock or bump you hit on asphalt, but this bike is not made to be taken off road, and I'm OK with that. I was particularly happy to see the wheels were trued perfectly. I was expecting to have to take them in and have them trued at a local bike shop, as I've had to do with all my past bike purchases, but in this case they were already in great shape. For the money, this is an awesome bike.