It has been 15 years since the Specialized Roubaix launched introducing us to a new species of road bike that combined comfort and stability with stiffness and next to no weight penalty.
Still very much the best-in-class in the discussion of 'endurance' frames, the Roubaix Expert has recently received its biggest ever makeover, with the introduction of the FutureShock suspension.
Yet look beyond this comfort-inducing suspension and you will find a well-crafted bike that ticks almost every box, and will be available for you to ride at one of the 2018 Cyclist Track Days.
> Buy your Cyclist Track Day tickets here
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While the Roubaix probably ranks last in terms of Specialized's road bikes when considering racing, this does not to mean it is not fast. After all one of the greatest riders of all time, Tom Boonen, often raced on the S-Works Roubaix.
A lower bottom bracket and shorter stack height on the current Roubaix Expert have brought the frame more in line with its racier sibling the Tarmac while not compromising on comfort.
You may think that by becoming stiffer while staying comfortable, Specialized will have accepted a weight penalty but you would be wrong as a stock 56cm frame comes in at a respectable 7.30kg fully built.
Thanks to the Future Shock suspension system, the S-Works Roubaix Expert also promises to be comfortable offering 20mm of vertical travel in the handlebars, enough to help dampen the cobbles of its namesake.
> Buy your Cyclist Track Day tickets here
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The cobble-bashing Specialized S-Works Roubaix Expert disc will be one of the fleet of Specialized bikes available for you to ride at the Cyclist Track Days this spring.
If you want to ride something other than the Roubaix then do not worry as bikes from the likes of BMC, Canyon, Bianchi, Cannondale and 3T will also be on offer for you to test around the purpose-built tracks.
With your ticket, not only will you get to ride bikes to your heart's content but also you will also get to speak to experts from the brands and the Cyclist editorial team while getting a hot lunch and goody bag.
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Buy your Cyclist Track Day tickets here
Cyclist Track Days 2018
Saturday 14th April: Lee Valley Velopark, London
Sunday 15th April: Lee Valley Velopark, London
Sunday 29th April: Castle Combe, Wiltshire
Sunday 20th May: York Sport Village, Yorkshire
