Photography by Wade Wallace

Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL4 Disc Review

by Wade Wallace

If you followed Eurobike and Interbike last month you would have seen that all the major road bike brands are moving full steam ahead when it comes to disc brake models. In this piece we review the Specialized Roubaix S-Works Disc and put it through its paces.

Specialized’s Roubaix S-Works is the bike Tom Boonen rode on his way to his fourth Paris-Roubaix title last year. The Roubaix model is positioned in Specialized’s “Endurance” range rather than its “Competitive Road” line-up, but as I found out, the bike screams to be pedaled in anger. Okay, that’s a bit overdramatic…

Before the ride

The Roubaix S-Works is built up with SRAM Red-22 with S-Works bar and stem along with the CG-R seatpost (CG stands for “COBL GOBL-R” or “Cobble Gobbler”). The CG-R has 18mm of vertical dampening to take the edge off everything from rough roads to the Koppenberg.

The frame is made from Specialized’s FACT carbon and is equipped with the “Zertz” system to create an incredibly smooth ride. The “Zertz” vibration dampeners are just that. It’s a common misconception that these provide a sort of suspension for the bike but if you look underneath the elastomer fixtures you’ll simply see more carbon fibre.

As a demonstration of how these work, look (or rather listen) to this video:

The video shows the difference between having no dampener (first) and the Zertz dampener (second) when being dropped on the floor.

The wheels are Roval Rapide CLX40 carbon clinchers with ceramic bearings paired with S-Works Turbo 26c tyres. The fork provides ample tyre clearance and would fit 28mm tyres. The 26mm tyres are definitely big, but they give you the confidence to seek out those rough roads and gravel paths to create your own adventure.

Note: I’m still awaiting an answer from Specialized regarding the structural considerations taken into the fork due to the new power the disc brakes enable.

Hydraulic Discs

The hero of this bike is the SRAM Red hydraulic disc brakes. It’s the first time Specialized has put a disc brake on one of their high-end road models, and they couldn’t have picked a better fit than the Roubaix.

Rather than getting into a debate here about whether disc brakes are the right or wrong technology for road bikes, refer to this post that we wrote yesterday on the future of disc brakes.

Geometry

The Roubaix’s geometry is best described as “relaxed” and is now typically considered to be an “endurance” geometry.

The chain stays are quite long resulting in a wheelbase 2.5cm longer than the same size (56cm) Tarmac. There is also much more fork rake than the Tarmac and the bottom bracket is quite high (which makes it a fast handling bike), and the head tube is massive 3cm taller and slacker by one degree. This translates more weight in the saddle and less of a reach to the bars (for those of you who like to site more upright, this is good).

specializedRoubaixGeometry

For more information on how to interpret geometry charts, click here.

The remainder of the S-Works Roubiax SL-4 Disc design features include the S-Works SL4 FACT carbon construction, tapered 1-1/8” headtube, internal cable routing, and oversized integrated bottom bracket (OSBB, Specialized’s version of PF30) with ceramic bearings.

Specialized has a total of nine Roubaix offerings and the Roubaix Disc is also offered in its “Sport” model which features SRAM hydraulic disc brakes and SRAM Apex (10-speed) components.

The bike weighs a total of 7.1 kilograms (without pedals) and the suggested retail for Australian buyers is $8,499.

For more information on the Roubaix, refer to the Specialized website.

After the ride

I have to admit that I didn’t care for the Roubaix that I test rode last year. I felt far too upright and perhaps, and excuse the expression, “like an old man”. Perhaps it was the setup, but it just didn’t feel agressive enough for me. The Tarmac was the bike for me, but this time around I got a completely different impression.

This Roubaix fit and felt like a race bike with the ride comfort of a mountain bike. The Zertz combined with the Cobble Gobbler seatpost and 26mm tyres created a remarkably smooth and quiet ride which dampened out all vibrations.

The ride is smooth as butter without feeling soft or wasteful. In fact, when I got out of the saddle and kicked, the bike gave up nothing in terms of efficiency and didn’t feel like an “endurance” bike whatsoever.

My only criticism would be that the CG-R seatpost is perhaps more responsive that what the front end of the bike is built to handle and there’s a slight feeling of imbalance between front and rear compliance when on very rough roads (i.e. my cobbled back lane).

This particular Roubaix weighs in at 7.1kg and while this isn’t light by today’s standards, I thought it would be heavier. When you look at and sit on the bike it looks “beefy” with the 26mm tyres, disc brakes, and enormous brake hoods. However, the way it handles feels light and nimble but as grounded as a cyclocross bike.

The SRAM hydraulic levers do look somewhat odd with their bulk protruding towards the sky, and they do feel a bit “off” when you first lay your hands on them. However, the surface area for your hands is actually identical to the regular RED brakes. They feel “chunky” but as I quickly got used to them, I began to really like that stable feel. My immediate thought was that these would be awesome on a cyclocross bike (stay tuned for a CX bike review featuring these brakes. I’ve been having a hoot on this bike).

There’s no doubt that the disc brakes provide a leap in performance over calliper brakes. The difference was most profound when I hopped back on my regular bike after reviewing the Roubaix and felt how sluggish my calliper brakes were. It’s a similar sensation to going from electronic shifting back to mechanical; you wonder how you survived without it.

Descending on the Roubaix was a treat. Once I gained some confidence with the stopping power of the discs I felt like I was in better control when entering the corners. The “feel” of having the stopping power come from the middle of the wheel rather than from the outside of the wheel is outstanding.

In my experience, most crashes happen as a result of locking up the front wheel when going around a corner. With the improved modulation that disc brakes offer, even though they’re more powerful, my feeling is that the chance of this scenario is reduced because of their linear stopping power.

The Roval Rapide wheels themselves are especially good. I’m not convinced on carbon clinchers (because of braking issues and heat build-up) but the disc brakes get rid of both those issues. Ever since I first rode Roval wheels I’ve been a fan.

Final Thoughts

I only got to ride this bike twice for a total of 150km and I wasn’t eager to give it back. It’s a seriously fun bike to ride and awakened my sense of adventure. Gravel roads, cobbles, mountain passes and descents … that’s where I want to take this bike.

I wouldn’t recommend buying this if you’re looking for a fast criterium race bike, but it would be a joy to pedal on long, hilly rides or sportif events (unsanctioned by the UCI because of the disc brakes, of course).

Although the disc brakes provide much better braking performance I’m still not ready to part ways with my proud collection of legacy race wheels and render them obsolete by upgrading to discs. That said, if I had the money to spend I could easily be convinced.

Thank you to Specialized for supplying this bike for review. Full disclosure: Specialized advertises with CyclingTips.

WRAP-UP

Plush

The Specialized Roubaix SL4 Disc is likely to polarise potential buyers depending on their stance on disc brakes. Those who are pro-disc are likely in the market for a comfort machine that’s well suited to Gran Fondos or long adventure rides, and this is perfect for that sort of riding. It’s a bike that's perhaps a bit too lazy for crits (even with regular caliper brakes) but it’s an absolute pleasure to ride anywhere else. Weight: 7.1kg (without pedals, size 56cm) RRP $8,499 in Australia.

GOOD STUFF

Remarkable comfort and vibration dampening
Innovation in every aspect from frame design to early adoption of discs
Carbon clinchers are now a good option with discs and the Roval Rapides are sensational

BAD STUFF

Mechanics I’ve spoken to claim these hydraulic disc brakes can be finicky to set up
Your legacy wheelsets cannot be used
Some buyers might be put-off by the non-traditional styling (from frame design to disc brakes)

CTECH RATING

9.5

Performance

10.0

Presentation

8.0

Handling

10.0

USER RATING

Not enough user ratings to show averages

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REVIEWS () COMMENTS (30)

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Tags: product reviews, Roubaix, Specialized

Dave

Good review. I’ve been looking into getting a new road bike and started purusing your bike reviews and noticed a lot of Specialised reviews or smaller/high-end bike maker reviews. Any chance of other main-stream brands?
- http://www.cyclingTipsBlog.com cyclingTips
  
  Hi Dave, thanks for the note. We pursue all sorts of bikes for review but sadly only a portion of our requests get answered. We’re also conscious that most people want to see aspirational bikes and not necessarily low end models. Personally, I get more excited about reviewing and showcasing a $10k bike than a $2k bike.
  - Adam
    
    hehe, aspirational may depend on if you are currently riding a $500 bike or a $5000 bike!
  - Mark
    
    What I would be interested in, is a side by side review of a cheaper and more expensive model from the same range.
  - Phil
    
    I prefer reading about lower end bikes that I might actually buy (so the review actually has some use)
  - Dave
    
    Thanks for the feedback. I wasn’t trying to ask for low-end bike reviews (you can find those all over the internet anyways) - but was more curious about other main-stream brands that would be the equivalents of the Specialized bikes you review. I like the bike reviews on this site, which is why I asked. The fact that you ask around for bikes, but only get some sent over makes sense. Thanks again and I look forward to other reviews. I’m personally excited about disc brakes. I think the SRAM guy who made the comment about the disk vs. rim brakes on mtb’s is right and that road bikes will go the same way.
eatmorelard

Love to see a shoot out in the so called “fast endurance road bike” category. It’s getting quite crowded now with the new Synapse, Colnago, Scott, Bianchi Infinito to name but a few.
Steel

Nice pushy.
timallard

With the UCI change I like this Roubaix upgrade for function, but not so much the finish, and, just to add something for those into steel for cobbles and cross this frame is a supple ride on the rough, testing it on dirt, rain & pain … jump curbs a lot and it handles high-speed turns tracking really well and front braking is smooth from the giant headtube, bb stiffer than it looks, weighs too much to race, 21-lbs with wheels but best ever I’ve ridden in steel for pave & pavement.
geoff.tewierik

Nice to know the collection of “legacy race wheels” just need a new hub if you do go down the Disc route in the future.
Jim

I couldn’t tell the difference between the two dropped stays.. Gimmick?.. Nice bike otherwise.
- haitch
  
  Yeah I was wondering about that - there’s obviously a different noise, but the Zertz one bounced and spun more if anything!
  - http://www.cyclingTipsBlog.com cyclingTips
    
    The difference in sound was much more noticeable in real life. Trust me!
    - dcaspira
      
      reminded me of dampeners we stick in tennis rackets strings
bigstu_

Reviewing the effectiveness of a seat stay by dropping it on the floor? Seriously? Only a 70mm BB drop for a 61cm? With a seat post variation of 18mm how can assess frame compliance? 28mm tyre clearance? This is a cyclo-cross frame that the manufacturer has conned you/compromised you into believing is a road frame in order to shift product and diffray the cost of developing a specialty solution for a particular race. Don’t swallow it. 99.9999% of owners will never ride 500m on cobbles let alone the 52km of cobbles in the PR which is the only time you would need a full suspension post (18mm on a road bike!) which you admit doesnt match the front half - which is what’s important in descents. And if you fall because you brake mid corner then no amount of magazine advertising will convince me that I need a better bike in place of a dose of common sense. Try not to make the mistake of selling out.
- http://www.cyclingTipsBlog.com cyclingTips
  
  Thanks for your comment @bigstu_ but I think you’re making a marketing conspiracy theory out of nothing. What would you prefer out of a comfort endurance bike?
- haitch
  
  Would like to see, and point and laugh, at anyone doing CX on the tyres this thing would take.
velocite

Nice bike, pity about the weight.

Geometry question: why decreasing trail as frame size increases?
- Sean Doyle
  
  Trail decreases to offset the increase in wheel base, front ctr. more specifically. That way the big frames don’t end up feeling like boats to steer.
  - velocite
    
    Thanks, makes sense. Interesting though. Intuitively, to me at least, it’s obvious that directional stability will be heavily dependent on trail, but I would have thought less so on wheelbase. And I note that the difference in trail between smallest and largest is 11.3% while the wheelbase variation is 5.7%. I reckon the big one would be twitchier..
    - Sean Doyle
      
      Lots of other factors influence bike handling as well. Position on the bike (weight distribution), bar and stem dimensions, tyre size and pressure and even wheel weight and stiffness. Taking raw numbers on head angle and trail compared to wheel base only tells some of the story. That’s why most bike reviews are comparing apples and oranges. You have to take the package being reviewed in isolation really.
      - velocite
        
        All true of course, and thanks for replying, but not really helpful. I rather suspect that geometry charts are largely descriptive, that is they document what’s been established empirically to work in the required way.
Wellsy

FFS SLAM THAT STEM
Michael Walsh

Hi Wade great review!! Have been on an S-Works Tarmac and Venge for the past two years and love them both! Must say my fav is the Venge! But after reading this review I will seriously consider the Roubaix S- Works with disc brakes!!! Cheers Mick Walsh.
bbbici

Jesus- almost $9000 for an old man/Fred/newbie bike. If my body ever gets too creaky I would switch sports rather than ride this geekmobile.
Mark

Any idea why the SRAM crankset and not the s-works one? Is that a normal bb30 setup with those SRAM cranks?
Steve G

S-Works is bike p0rn.
I’m surprised to read about the comfort change on the Roubaix; I was the same as Wade initially and after trying both I went for a Tarmac (a poor person version, SL3 Ultegra non-S-Works… saving for a wedding will curb any bike purchases really).
A friend of mine recently went from a hipster NJS track bike to another brand that has the ‘endurance’ fit; I can’t understand how people used to riding ‘aggressively’ (if you can call it that, certainly not in my case according to my watts/kg) suddenly love a slack/relaxed frame. Maybe the disc brakes make a huge difference in this case, causing more confidence to attack corners… or maybe the aggressive posture suddenly seems uncomfortable when presented with the opportunity to ride a more relaxed frame.
Dunno?

Either way I’ll admit biased to Specialized as that’s what I own and enjoy; the only caveat is that they use their OSBB so you can’t really throw a Shimano crank on there (you can use an adapter maybe, but apparently crap gets into it and wears quicker); mine has a FSA 52/36 and I would love to change it over to a Shimano crank and 53/39
Marcel

Is this the same frame that Silvan Chavanel prefers as his go to bike ?

To me, most of us would enjoy our rides more on this style of machine, except those of us who are a little dillusional thinking we are neo pros.

And with larger being faster tyres on anything but pista, its a perfect allrounder.

Bigger not better? Check what the itt world champ was riding on this year on perfect roads….
John Groves

You list fiddly brake setup as a negative. What is the background of the mechanics you’re speaking too?

Any mechanic that is used to working on hydraulic disc brakes will find these easier to setup than rim brakes for the simple fact that there are less fiddly steps. Both styles require you to bolt on and centre the caliper. Once centred rim brakes then need you to adjust pad height and angle, cut inner and outer cable to length and find the correct cable clamp position for optimal lever throw. Disc brakes don’t need any pad adjustment once centred, require you only to cut the hose to length and have lever throw set optimally already.

What about bleeding you say? That isn’t required at initial install if you pay an ounce of attention to what you’re doing during the trimming stage. When brake feel starts to suffer a bleed is likely required, but this is less often and quicker than a cable change on rim brakes.
Spider

Wade, what is the spoke count of the Roval wheelset. Will be interesting to see what the industry settles on, I believe it will likely be 28 holes for disk wheels (for CX), wonder how low they will try for road wheels?