I’ll venture a question about a higher-end bike. What do you think of the Specialized sale price of US $10,500 for the S-Works Roubaix SL8, marked down from $14,000? It’s a lot, but I have been looking for some time and, now that the kids are graduated from college, we are fortunate to be able to afford it (my wife approves, sees it as an investment in fun, and says to buy it already). I will keep this bike for 10-15 years, health willing. https://www.specialized.com/us/en/s-works-roubaix-sl8/p/216941?color=349860-216941. This includes a power meter on the SRAM Red eTap AXS (a new version is supposed to come out next month – should I care?).
The price is the same at a Specialized store and two nearby LBSs I checked. I wondered about just getting just the frameset ($5,500) and my own parts, but I’m not skilled enough and don’t have time to build my own bike.
Most of the bikes I tested, including the Roubaix SL8 Pro 105 model, are heavier than my 18 pound 2010 road bike with SRAM Force (mechanical) and caliper brakes (I love the bike, but it’s time….). In test-riding different bikes on crappy roads, the Future Shock was noticeable in that the lack of jarring while descending made me feel safer.
I wouldn’t consider this bike if my rides were all flat, but my usual ride is 35-50 miles and 3 to 4000 feet of climbing. My “I have no time” short 20 mile ride climbs at least 1,500 feet. I plan to do a century or two each year. I don’t race.
by InstitutionalizedPun