Hi. I think the Specialized Roubaix carbon fiber frame is one of the most beautiful ever made. Is the weave carbon fiber pattern on the surface of the Roubaix Comp and Pro a natural view of the carbon fiber configuration, or is it merely painted on? Thanks for the help.

that's a real carbon weave and you are right it does look nice.

Doesnt one have a clearcoat finish and one is more raw looking?

According to my LBS, it's real in that it is a real carbon fibre mat under the clearcoat. BUT, it's not particularly integral to the structure. The real c/f structural bits look a lot like dull black plastic. Have you seen the Trek OCLV displays that show a c/f bottom bracket? It's super light, but not very pretty. By the way, I love my 04 Roubaix comp.

Hi. I think the Specialized Roubaix carbon fiber frame is one of the most beautiful ever made. Is the weave carbon fiber pattern on the surface of the Roubaix Comp and Pro a natural view of the carbon fiber configuration, or is it merely painted on? Thanks for the help.