Specialized Roubaix in review
Within the first few meters onboard the new Roubaix, it quickly becomes clear that the Future Shock 2.0 is a unique system that takes some getting used to. Thanks to the simple adjustability, you can set the damping to the maximum, which makes the front of the bike feel like any other when pedalling out of the saddle. You can go through the settings and see which setting best suits your personal preferences. Pro tip by Yves Lampaert: stick some grip-tape on the top of the cap, making it a lot easier to turn with the palm of your hand. With the damping completely open, the front end tends to dive when you’re pedalling out of the saddle, although slightly delayed. With it closed, the acceleration of the bike is as fast as usual, which is not least thanks to the total weight of 8,05 kg in size 56 (Roubaix Pro with Force eTap AXS), the stiffness around the bottom bracket and the smooth turbo cotton tires. All in all, we preferred the acceleration of the new 2020 Roubaix compared to the 2019 model. Both on flat stretches and on mountain passes, the 2020 Roubaix is extremely efficient. The Turbo Cotton tires and the significantly improved aerodynamics of the bike enable high speeds even without the help of a slipstream. Due to the comfortable, only moderately stretched riding position, you’ll be able to stay in the drops for longer.
The SRAM Force eTap AXS convinced us with its excellent braking performance in wet and dry conditions and with its large shifter paddles. Thanks to the size of the paddles and the intuitive shifting, you’ll hardly ever miss-shift on rough cobblestones. This tends to happen from time to time with the Shimano Di2 shifters, as it’s easier to miss the smaller paddles. The SRAM Orbit Clutch mechanism keeps the chain tensioned, so you only occasionally hear the chain slapping when you’re in the hardest gears, where the chain is closest to the chainstay. The only bitter aftertaste we got with the new groupset is because of the front mech: we dropped the chain several times when shifting from the big to the small chainring.
The comfort of the 2020 Roubaix is noticeably more balanced compared to its predecessor. The adjustability of the Future Shock 2.0 damping system is finely graded, allowing you to set it up precisely according to personal preferences. We usually rode with the damping system closed by two thirds, which gave us enough feedback from the ground. The Pavé seat post helps balance the feeling of comfort at the rear with the front, allowing you to take on even the roughest cobblestone roads as comfortably as possible. We especially liked the minimal lateral compliance of the seat post. Thanks to that, the rear end doesn’t feel like an undefined cushion, but more like controlled suspension. Chapeau!
I believe in this way of cycling. It reminds me of a mountain bike. I believe that more comfort is good for everyone. But you know what? That’s my just opinion. Let the ride decide, try it! – Mike Sinyard
At no time did we lack confidence on the 2020 Roubaix. Although handling in tight corners isn’t the most direct due to the Future Shock 2.0 system, it’s sufficiently precise in avoiding obstacles – even if you notice them late. The precision of the handling can be improved by increasing the damping, but that doesn’t affect the height of the front end. For an endurance bike, it’s perfectly fine though. In other words, on perfect roads, the cornering of the Tarmac remains unbeaten. On the other hand, if the asphalt is rough or you frequently ride on cobblestones, as you would in Belgium and France, the Roubaix reveals its strengths, instilling the rider with confidence.
Conclusion
With the new 2020 Roubaix, Specialized shows how aggressive a modern endurance bike can be, making for a potent all-rounder that offers a high level of comfort and confidence, especially on poor surfaces. The adjustable damping of the Future Shock 2.0 in combination with the innovative Pavé seat post offers a nice balance of comfort in an aerodynamically optimised package, and it’s also aesthetically more appealing than its predecessor. It remains to be seen whether the new frame size policy will work out – in any case, their approach seems logical and consistent with their findings. Cobble killer: yes; pavement princess: no.
For all those who feel they must have this bike immediately, we’ve got good news: The new Roubaix is available in stores now!
For more Information head to specialized.com
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of GRAN FONDO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.
