Well, the prices are only going up so better to buy now
I agree
Prices are not coming down. This is the new normal
I literally can’t argue with this, and therefore, I give you permission to buy that sexy di2 aero race bike. If your spouse asks, I said it was ok.
Emphasis mine:
If you don’t race, I would place more emphasis on the idea of getting a gravel/allround bike. Someone mentioned the Cervelo Aspero, which is also a great option. If you are really worried about losing speed, get another wheelset.
Wider tires and large clearance gives you much more peace of mind when you want to explore. Even if the road turns into simple single track even, you can say “Yes!” rather than being scared for your bike and/or not having fun, because your fillings are being shook out of your teeth.
You found a bike shop with actual bikes in it?!?!? I haven’t seen that in a loooooong time.
The shop is in Washington, DC. He had a couple of Specialized in shop but admitted any custom order would take a long time to arrive. He indicated he could build a BMC in short order, though.
Late to the party here, but this point resonated.
Have a Roubaix and a Trek Madone. The Roubaix is objectively a great bike. It’s versatile - it’s gotten me through the gravel season in New England capably, besides struggling with muddy single track, while being fast on paved roads. It’s fairly light, quite comfortable, and I like how it looks.
And yet, it doesn’t bring me the same irrational joy that the Madone does. I like how you put it: it’s not a very opinionated bike. Knowing myself better now that when I bought it, I probably wouldn’t buy it again.
Needless to say, YMMV.
Totally off topic, where in New England do you live? I grew up in Londonderry, NH and have lived in Groton, CT several times.
Boston, but spend as much time as possible in the Upper Valley, around Hartford, VT
Bermuda, there is one bike shop (the only one) and it was stocked with the Dogma’s and such. Drooling was hard to avoid. How to get it back was the question.
I have the ‘2019 Roubaix’, and love it. Specialized changed it to be more Tarmac-esque, but I do love my Roubaix. The ‘older’ Roubaix is more gravel bike, than Tarmac. I took my backup bike on a road trip, and while riding, my hands took a beating on the rough pavement and I think I may have broken a bone in my hand. (My doc says x-rays are a waste because they can’t do anything about it if I did, except re-break it if it doesn’t set right, and all surgeries are off for the time being anyway due to Covidiots) Wish I had brought the Roubaix. Future Shock is that nice, IMO.
I’d vote for the Roubaix. Seems you get the best of the mix with that one.
Happy Holidays All,
I recently picked up a used 2021 Roubaix Team Frameset w Future Shock 2.0. I wanted a much more aggressive bike to my 2016 Roubaix with the Zertz. The FS 2.0 has the lockout feature in case you want a stiffer ride during a sprint while allowing a softer ride when over crappy roads. The Team Frameset doesn’t appear to be made anymore, so you would have to find it on the used marketplace. If you decide on the regular Roubaix, I believe it comes with the hover bar. Switching to a level bar will drop the Stack by 15mils if you want a more aggressive position. Personally, I loved having a compliant bike and the FS is better than the old Zertz. The Team Frameset gave me the best of both worlds, Tarmac geometry with suspension. Good luck deciding which bike to get. Mostly, enjoy the ride.
Cheers.
I love that bike. the design pops, and I think the white logo is a perfect match. I’d love to get one.
you could always do what Wimpy would say “I gladly pay you Tuesday for a Tarmac Today”
I have the 2020 Roubaix and absolutely love it. I ride in NORCAL (wet, windy, hilly terrain) and it super comfortable with the future shock 2.0. Specialized claims its a bit more aero than the Tarmac as well. If possible, spring for the expert version that has roval wheels and DI2. Interesting enough, 3 other members and racers in our bike club (Delta Velo Valley) have opted for the Roubaix vs. the Tarmac. Either bike will be great, but the Roubaix will have you riding fast and smooth.
Ride safe and strong.
Back on the OP’s original woe
One of the local bike shops, possibly the largest as well, used to lie on my commute to and from work. Then they moved…
right next door to work!
@bobw, total “first world” problem!!!
But in the end it’s ‘which bike will people be the most envious, and drool over the most’, right?
N + 1, it’s the law!
WAAAY late to see this response (only 18 months!) but I was actually thinking of the TeamMachine, not the RoadMachine or the TimeMachine.
The Teammachine is one of my favorite road bikes ever, it is the Porsche 911 of road bikes: perhaps not super remarkable on paper, but in the flesh an amazing machine that is exquisitely balanced in terms of comfort and capabilities.
It’s a nice bike, but it just doesn’t have that ‘thing’ that makes me really want it. I don’t know why, but it just doesn’t do it for me!