Still trying to decide on Tarmac vs. Roubaix.

My LBS offered a 2005 Roubaix w/ full dura-ace (including wheels) at $2200. I've read where Roubaix stiffened up the frame and made some changes that impact ride quality after the bike came out in 2004. Does anyone know if the 2005 w/b the original lay-up?

Seems like a screamin' deal as a new one w/b $3,900 (though wheel set isn't as good as the DuraAce wheels on the sale one).

Said they'd bought 100 of them and this was the last to go.

My other concern is that you gotta look good....and this one has a black matte carbon looking finish. Not quite as sharp, but what they hey, I might be able to go fast enough I'm just a blur.....

I have an 05 roubaix comp, full ultegra and I love it. My husband got the 08 expert with full ultegra for another thousand. They have made minor changes to the frame and paint but the big price jumps are with components. If the 05 is new I would get that. You will pay alot more for the 08 to get the dura-ace. Its all about components after all, right?

Actually great components are an edge (and I agree with you on that), but it's really all about the engine! No legs, no wind, never win.

So anyway, thanks for the input. I know the dura-ace full components & wheels with this are a deal. I do some triathlons and otherwise mainly 25 to 40 mile rides with a pack of guys, so part of me is leaning toward the Tarmac (supposedly faster bike with more road feel). I really need to ride both to see. The LBS said the Roubaix w/b more comfortable if I ride much more than 60 (don't do that much) and also w/b less road feel. I've read some reviews which say the Roubaix rides with full pressure tires with a feel that is like you were under pressure by 30 lbs. What do you think?

I actually respectfully disagree with you and the other poster that it's all about components. Considering most people keep their bikes long enough to wear things out and/ or upgrade compoents/ wheelsets, the most important part is the frameset. It's the heart of the bike and dictates about 90% of the handling.

As far as Tarmac versus Roubaix, I'd say if you want a bike with a sllightly more aggressive (lower) riding position, like more lively handling along with some road feel, then Tarmac is the way to go. If you like a more upright riding position, predictable (albeit, slower) handling, along with less road feel (more comfort?), then the Roubaix is it.

I personally find nothing much to dislike about the Roubaix, but it doesn't do much to excite, either.

Aren't there different Roubaix frames, such as Comp v. Expert? I can't even tell which one is the subject of this discussion.

I'm guessing since it's a Dura-Ace Roubaix, it's a Pro. Aside from the entry level Roubaix, for 2005 it's not clear to me that there was any difference in the Pro, Comp, or Elite frame set.

Excellent point. I'm not certain as I was truly on my way out after spending an hour talking to my guy about the Tarmac and the owner made a comment on the older Roubaix. Had not been too serious at looking at it, so will need to check that detail

If you want to pick 'technology nits' then we can discuss different CF layups (6r monocoque, 8r az1....) but the Roubaix's geometry is shared among its models, with the Tarmac's being seperate and distinct among its models. And that's what will dictate the character of the bike, not the model designation.

I put around 5000 mi. on an '04 Roubaix Pro frame, and a few months ago moved all the same components and wheels over to an '07 S-works Roubaix frame. I've put around 2000 mi. on that. The 0'4 and 0'5 Roubaix Pro frames were the same and the 0'7 and 0'8 S-works frames are the same. I realize that the S-works is made with Specialized's highest modulus carbon fiber, which you would expect to be stiffer and lighter, so the comparison is skewed. My experience suggests the newer frames are way stiffer and modestly lighter. The bottom bracket area and chain stays are huge. You pedal, the bike goes. Best accelerating and climbing bike I've owned. The new Roubaix's ability to take hits from large cracks, potholes, broken up pavement, wooden bridges, and the one patch of pave in our town is seriously better than any other bike I've owned. The newer Roubaix is not as good, however, at absorbing smaller road vibrations, cracks, small bumps as the older one. Overall it is not as comfortable, but then, I thougt the original Roubaix was insanely comfortable.

My guess is that you would do fine to buy the 2005 model for such a great price. If you are willing to give up some comfort, and a lot of dough, for a maybe (my estimate) 10% performance boost, then get the 2008.

BTW, all of my family and friends thought the '04, matte black Roubaix Pro was far cooler looking (more Stealth-like) than my new, shiney red and black S-works Roubaix