I have been looking at the Specialized Roubaix - Comp and Expert. Comp is 105 and Expert is Ultegra and a "better" frame for quite a bit more money. Any opinions as to pros and cons of either bike - especially from owners of either bike.

You might be better off in the Specialized forum but I will tell you that people like to have more detail. How much you ride, how much you can comfortably spend, etc. I have a Tarmac Comp that I love but don't have a Roubaix.

Looking at the specs, the Comp appears to be mixed AL/Carbon and the Expert is all carbon. I would expect, based on my experience and the general mix of opinions I hear, that the mixed AL/Carbon won't prove as comfortable on longer rides. I rather like my CRP (carbon reinforced plastic) bike. Not a specialized. Much depends on your taste, style, sensitivity, etc.

While not the same bike, my wife just opted for a Tarmac Comp, all carbon. Lovely machine for her to ride. She immediately noticed a nice supple feel. Very similar feel to my carbon Wilier.

My various AL/Carbon frames always ride with a chunk - chunk - chunk feel. Not harsh necessarily, but with a rapid takeup of road shock, both road vibration and larger bumps and dips. In contrast, the carbon frames I've ridden have a different feel, not greatly, but different. More absorption of the road vibration and a better takeup of larger bumps. Softer on the outside, just as firm underneath. While this has been consistent, all the carbon models I've tried have been more expensive and probably more complexly engineered than the AL/Carbon models. But that's what you're comparing here.

I'm not sure about other carbon frames, but my Wilier has a buttery, supple smoothness that's quite appealing. It really hugs the road better, far better, than my previous AL/Carbon Fuji, which I still ride. It's also "stiffer" feeling and acting than the Fuji. I can tell the Fuji flexes a little when I'm out of the saddle, in the lower part of the triangle. Just feel this a bit. The Wilier seems to spread the compliance out over the entire frame, possibly contributing to its excellent handling. I suspect part of this difference results from the different material; that it isn't all design, execution, and geometry.

If you're technically competent, you might consider buying a year old frame and a bikesdirect or bikesdirect clone (eBay sellers) with nice components, then building something up. We've got well under $2000 in my carbon Wilier - with DA, Am Classic, San Marco, etc. Does take some work and looking around, but it can work. I got $140 for my $50 AL/Carbon frame on eBay! And over $200 for my DA short cranks.

Good luck!

I've got the 07 Roubaix Expert (full carbon 8r AZ1 frame) and also an 04 Roubaix 27 (Alum/carbon). The ride characteristics between the bikes is night and day....No comparison!!! If you have the cash get the Expert...No question you will be happy! Trust me...

I believe that both the Comp and the Expert are full carbon frames. The Expert does have a nicer component group (as you already know). I have both the base 2007 Roubaix (alum with carbon fork/stays) and the 2007 Roubaix Pro (with the newer 2008 Roval Fusee wheels). There is a significant difference between my 2 bikes, especially pronounced on rougher road surfaces. (The frame on the Expert and the Pro are, apparently, the same.)

I'm not sure you'll notice too much difference between the 105 and Ultegra group sets. The 10 speed 105 that I have on my base Roubaix shifts very smoothly. Obviously, the Pro shifts very smoothly, as well....But, one would expect it to given that it is a Dura Ace/Ultegra combo. I've also heard good things about the Rival group set that is available on the Expert. I would recommend the compact double, regardless of which you choose to purchase - unless you live around serious hills and mountains.

I've never ridden the Comp, so I can't comment on whether or not you'll notice much difference due to the better wheels/frame on the Expert. The Expert frame is supposed to be lighter and stiffer due to its AZ1 construction. If you can, try them both, and if you fail to notice much difference, don't spend the extra $$ unless you want the "bling" factor offered by the Expert.

Good luck with your decision. I must admit that I absolutely LOVE my Roubaix Pro.

Well i own an 07 Roubaix Pro and love it. The pro and expert have the exact same frame. If you can afford it go for the expert.

I have a 2008 Roubaix Expert. It was a lot of money. As soon as I saw it, I had to have it. My decision to get the Expert over the Comp was based on looks alone. It was pure emotion. That is just waht makes me happy. I don't like the way the Comp looks and I would not have been happy on it.

In any case, I love the way my Expert rides too.