Dubbed the “Smoothest road bike ever made”, the all-new Roubaix SL8 is the latest offering to grace the Specialized road line-up.
Roubaix is a well-known staple in the road riding scene, with a huge following in the UK… but what’s changed?
Here’s our deep dive into everything you need to know about the new Roubaix.
Heaven Above, Hell Below
Compliance
The smoothest road bike ever made – more speed, more control, less fatigue.
With the new Rouboix SL8, Future Shock 3.0 is the star of the show. More tunable, adjustable, and durable than ever. Now, regardless of position on the bike, every rider experiences 20mm of smooth, friction-free travel between the stem and head tube.
Future Shock helps keep your hands and bars steady for a smoother ride with more control to stay fast, safe, and confident.
Capability
Pioneering endurance geometry and tire clearance to unlock more roads.
The Roubaix pioneered endurance geometry, so you ride “IN” the bike, not “ON” the bike. Roubaix relieves pressure on your hands, arms, and shoulders for capability and confidence on any road, yet it’s always ready to take on a mountain decent at full gas.
Performance
Nothing in its class is more aero, responsive, or lighter.
The new Roubaix SL8 is Specialized’s most aero bike yet, with new aero shapes from their Free Foil library and dropped seat stays.
At just 825 grams, the frame is 50 grams lighter, utilizing lessons they learned from the Aethos – the world’s lightest production frame – and the premium Fact 12r carbon blend. Nothing in its class is faster or lighter than the Roubaix.
Future Shock
This is the smoothest road bike the Specialized Ride Science Team has ever tested – with a reduction of impacts at the bars and saddle by 53% vs. the nearest competition.
Most of this is thanks to Future Shock, a revolution in smoothness. Bringing you 20mm of travel without degrading speed, handling, or comfort.
“The Future Shock features up to 20mm of travel, and it’s positioned above the head tube in order to move in a vertical path. So when the front wheel encounters rough terrain, the bike moves up towards your hands and preserves your forward momentum without slowing you down.
Another important fact is that, because the Future Shock is positioned under the stem, the bike’s wheels are held together rigidly by the frame. In other words, because the wheelbase isn’t changing throughout the suspension’s travel, like with traditional systems, you get the added benefit of extremely predictable handling.” – Specialized
Rough & Ready
With tire clearance up to 38c/40mm, this endurance road machine delivers better traction than ever on rough roads and even light gravel.
Thanks to its lightweight, super-efficient Specialized tyres, that extra tire volume and traction comes with no downsides.
Roubaix was built for big days on the bike, so Specialized kitted it out with every mount your adventures could need; three bottle mounts, top-tube mounts, and it’s even fender-ready.
Lighter, faster, and smoother.
Could the new Roubaix SL8 be the one for you? Browse the links below for more info on specs & availability.
Available soon to order, Online & In-Store!
To enquire about stock & delivery dates, find your local Leisure Lakes Bikes store here.
Shop our available Roubaix range here!
