WEB Specialized Roubaix Expert long-term review
Sustained speed and comfort, now with a little less Future Shock
Matthew Loveridge tests the Expert spec featuring Future. WEB Specialized Roubaix SL8 Expert review - BikeRadar. Teal Tint Ice Papaya Black Reflective..
Specialized's Roubaix has been the go-to bike for long, rough sportives and endurance riding since the first iteration, which launched over a decade ago. Thanks to its Future Shock suspension system, the Roubaix has been able to offer comfort and speed in equal measure. The latest version gets a reworked suspension design, and we've been putting the new Roubaix Expert through its paces on the roads around Girona, Spain to see how it fares.
The headline news for the new Roubaix is the reduced travel of the Future Shock 2.0 suspension system. The previous generation offered 20mm of travel, but the new bike gets just 18mm. Specialized says this is to make the bike feel more 'lively', while still maintaining the comfort that the Roubaix is renowned for.
As well as the reduced travel, the Future Shock 2.0 system has been redesigned to be more progressive. This means that it ramps up more quickly through its travel, which should help to prevent bottoming out on bigger hits. The new system also gets a hydraulic damper, which Specialized says will improve the bike's handling and stability.
Other than the changes to the Future Shock system, the new Roubaix is largely unchanged from its predecessor. The frame is still made from Specialized's FACT 10r carbon fiber, and the bike gets the same geometry as before. That means a relaxed riding position with a tall head tube and a short reach.
The Expert spec bike we tested came with a SRAM Rival eTap AXS groupset, DT Swiss R470 wheels, and Specialized's own S-Works Turbo tires. The bike weighed in at 8.3kg, which is a respectable weight for an endurance bike with Future Shock.
On the road, the new Roubaix Expert is a fantastic bike. The Future Shock 2.0 system works incredibly well, providing a smooth and comfortable ride on rough roads. The bike also handles very well, with a stable and predictable feel. The SRAM Rival eTap AXS groupset is excellent, and the DT Swiss R470 wheels are a good match for the bike.
Overall, the new Specialized Roubaix Expert is a great bike for long, rough rides. The Future Shock 2.0 system provides excellent comfort, and the bike handles very well. If you're looking for an endurance bike that can handle the rough stuff, the Roubaix Expert is a great option.
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