Specialized Roubaix SL4 Comp Road Bike 2014

Specialized Roubaix SL4 Comp Road Bike 2014

The word ‘Roubaix’ conjures up images of rough terrain, long, hard miles and abysmal weather conditions, where only the toughest riders and bikes can survive. The Roubaix range was developed for professional cyclist Tom Boonen, holding the most victories for the Hell of the North, Paris Roubaix race, with four. Boonen required a bike that could soak up the cobbles, be comfortable over 260 kilometres, respond rapidly to sharp accelerations and be strong enough for a six hour pounding on one of the world’s toughest races.

SL4 FACT 8r carbon has been used in the frame construction to make a frame incredibly stiff yet also dampens the road buzz. This extra rigidity is transferred into increased power transfer, a better handling and sharper ride. The headtube, slightly taller than an outright race bike, improves long distance comfort, as does the FACT full carbon fork. Giving the rider a good balance between a comfortable and aggressive ride.

Endurance Road Geometry sets this bike apart from the rest of Specialized’s road bike range. Giving a more relaxed position, ideal for epic 100 mile sportives but still feeling direct and lively enough if you want to sprint over a climb or push it hard round a hairpin corner.

Specialized’s fantastic Zertz system dampens rough roads and is used in the seatstays and fork, giving a smooth ride, the same shock absorption technology used on Boonen’s race bike.

Major development has been invested in the new OSBB bottom bracket, one-piece shell. Stiffer than ever before, combined with a reliable, stylish FSA Gossamer Pro BB30 crank, that does not just look good but also gives a direct and uncompromised power delivery straight through the pedals onto the road.

A Fulcrum S5 wheelset gives the bike an Italian flare and provides a lightweight, attractive and highly durable set of hoops, rolling well and responsive for changes in pace.

Shimano have supplied the fantastic, lightweight, responsive Ultegra 11-speed groupset. This results in pin sharp shifting and a smooth, reliable ride. We know the Specialized Roubaix SL4 Sport Compact is versatile and they have made it even more so, with the addition of compact chainrings. A 50/34 ratio is perfect for the flat and gives you plenty of options once you hit the hills, the ideal balance for those doing hilly sportives and for riders that like to keep a high cadence. Never will you run out of gears again.

Finishing kit comes straight from Specialized, with a stiff and durable Comp handlebar and Expert stem, both lightweight aluminium and shaped perfectly for an ergonomic ride. Keeping weight down and further contributing to it’s silky smooth ride, a Specialized Comp carbon seatpost gives the rider an armchair ride, however rough the road is.

Key Features

• FACT 8r carbon frame with Endurance Geometry ideal for sportives, racing and long rides
• Zertz inserts in seatstays and forks, reducing road buzz
• Specialized Espoir Elite 25c tyres with BlackBelt Protection for a fast and durable ride
• Specialized Roubaix tape with 2.5 gel pads, providing a comfortable grip
• Specialized Romin Comp Gel Saddle featuring Body Geometry technology for all day riding comfort
• FSA Gossamer Pro BB30 crankset, features compact chainrings and provides reliable performance
• Shimano Ultegra 11-speed groupset providing race-ready performance and split second shifting