Victory in the Roubaix velodrome has already been won four times on an S-Works Roubaix retracted. Since 2008, Tom Boonen alone has used the bike to three of his four victories on the legendary pavement of the hell of the north carried. Ahead of this year's edition, we took a closer look at the bike.
The S Works Roubaix Since its launch in 2004, has built a reputation that is second to none. With regard to comfortable long-distance racers, it is still represented in the top group - in a representative position. For the 2013 season, Specialized has the S-Works SL4 revised again. For example, the shape of the seatstays has changed. At the upper end, these are now thicker, which further increases the cushioning comfort. The striking Gobl-Gobl-R seat post also points in the same direction. The familiar Zertz remain in the frame and fork set. In addition to the comfort aspect, the developers have also attached importance to an even stiffer driving experience, roughly as known from the S-Works Tarmac. For this reason, the bottom bracket area is now more bulbous. However, the most important thing in this respect seems to be the revised head tube. This is conically shaped, with the shape and height varying depending on the frame size.
Facilities
The frame and fork of our size 54 test bike are made of Specialized's typical Fact 11r carbon and feature the typical Zertz inserts and internal cable routing. The head tube measures 165 millimeters and thus ensures a slightly more upright position. In order for the bike to remain agile, Specialized relies on a relatively short wheelbase of just 1000 millimeters compared to the area of use of the bike.
Our Specialized Roubaix SL4 Red C2 is, as the name suggests, provided with Sram's current top group. As a compact variant with a gear ratio of 50/34 teeth and a cassette with 11 to 28 teeth, even steeper climbs are no problem with this bike. Only the brakes don't quite manage to transfer their actually decent braking power to the carbon flanks. It's possible that this is due to the Roval Rapide CLX 40, which apart from that leave a solid impression and give the bike that certain something. If you look at the saddle and seat post, the first thing that catches the eye is the head of the Gobl-Gobl-R. This is not only strikingly shaped, but also features the damping system known from the frame. This makes it possible to drive higher tire pressures without having to accept compromises in terms of comfort. The developers prove a golden touch here. The same applies to the stem, which also comes from Specialized and allows individual adjustment to one's own seating position via spacers, as well as to the comfortably flexing S-Works SL carbon handlebars.
Specialized is known for applying the diverse development approaches not only to its frames, but also to its components. In the case of the SL4, this becomes clear not only in the components already mentioned, but also in the choice of tires. The Americans have been busy in this regard for a number of years. During our test drives, the built-in turbo clincher tires convinced us with their very good rolling behavior. We cannot note breakdowns in the log.
Conclusion
Tom Boonen, who was unable to start in the "Hell of the North" has to do without, the S-Works SL4 last year to his fourth victory in his declared favorite race. He was able to rely on a harmonious frame and fork set that leaves little room for doubt. It rolls on rough ground, bumpy pavement and gravel SL4 as you wish. The slightly more upright seating position, the cushioning properties and the very good directional stability allow you to fully concentrate on the path. Thanks to the rigidity parameters that have been thoughtfully incorporated into the frame, the bike remains agile enough for hard acceleration and nimble corners. Even when wet, it can be balanced well. Clearly, the S-Works is a reference for comfortable, fast racing bikes, a winner bike that hardly any competitor model can keep up with.
With a weight of 6,4 kilograms, the bike is below the UCI-approved standard for racing, which could certainly be achieved with the installation of stable bottle holders. After that, nothing stands in the way of hunting over rough ground. But not only for that. Despite its price, the S-Works Roubaix SL4 is certainly a loyal companion for marathon fans and comfort lovers.
product Highlights
- Plus: outstanding comfort
- Plus: stiff and light
- Plus: top equipment
- Cons: subdued braking performance
price and web
- 7499,00 Euros
- www.specialized.com
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