Calling owners of 2008 Specialized Roubaix Pro

Hi all
I got my Roubaix a couple days ago and have noticed the clearance from the rear tyre seems a litte close to the seat stay.
As a result there seems to be some rubbing on the frame and paint loss.
I've taken some pics of the paint rub and the rear tyre clearance to the frame and posted here.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...4&id=802364615
The tyre is the standard Roubaix Pro 700x23/25 tyre that came with the bike.
Anyone else has a 2008 Roubaix Pro notice this issue ?
I've looked at a 2007 Roubaix Pro and the clearance seems to be much more, at least 1cm with the same tyre.
The other Roubaix Comp/Elites in the store have similar clearance (ie 1cm) with the same Roubaix tyre.
Any info from other 2008 Roubaix Pro owners welcomed!

Presuming you didn't re-adjust the brake pads, I'm going to say that the clearance, as illustrated, isn't correct ...

I would go to the shop with a tape measure to compare the dimensions of YOUR frame with the dimensions on another Roubaix Pro frame (any size) ... if they are the same, then it is a design-or-fabrication flaw. If the dimensions are not the same, ask for a replacement frame under warranty.

If your LBS balks, then you'll know not to buy from them in the future REGARDLESS of how conveniently located they are ...

And, CONTACT SPECIALIZED, directly (before and/or after -- if the shop makes a direct frame/bike swap without balking, let Specialized know how great the service is ... but, if they balk, complain).

For the time being, a SOLUTION which is a bit dodgy AND slightly tedious (and, may not be safe, depending on your dropouts!) when putting the rear wheel back in would be to put some SURLY MONKEY NUTS on the rear wheel to add a few millimeters to the brake-bridge's clearance. I got a pair of Monkey Nuts just to see if it was feasible to increase the clearance for a FRONT wheel (for various reasons, I determined that it wasn't, BTW).

Next time (!?!), consider getting a COLNAGO ... seriously! You won't encounter the design-or-fabrication flaw(s).

Brake bridge made too low. See the place you bought it.

Hi all
Thanks for the info. There has been no adjustments. Basically picked it up from the LBS, rode it 4 times.
On the 4th ride, I picked up a bad flat which tore a large hole in the tyre.
I also noticed the wheel is not perfectly round, when eyeballing the clearance while the wheel is spinning shows a tiny variation in the clearance. (~1 to 2 mm)
But it is really tiny, I'm guessing it could be due to the tyre.
I don't dare to ride it since the flat so it's been a nice ornament in my living room.
Still pending news from LBS.

For your reference, look at the readiliy available pics of bikes from the upcoming Tour de France OR other recent races ... you'll see that the REAR brake pads are near the bottom of the adjusting slot rather than in the middle as on your Specialized Roubaix Pro.

So, as Peter stated, the brake bridge is "too low" ...

It is a design-or-fabrication flaw!

Hi all
Thanks for the info. Will research around more on the pro bikes.
The LBS promised a replacement frame today under warranty. Will be waiting for that to turn up.
The short story is that Specialized have spec'd the wrong tyre size for that frame.
So I suspect I will have to use traditional 700x23 tyres instead of the Specialized Roubaix 700x23/25 tyres.
This kind of sounds similar to this post (http://www.cyclingforums.com/t454100.html) but the resolution for that poster was a faulty wheel.
I will try to fit the 700x23/25 later on to test if the brake bridge issue is still present on the new frame.
It would have thought the brake bridge would come from a mold so there shouldn't be any fabrication flaws..
I have noticed on the specialized site, for the size 52 2008 roubaix pro/expert the stand over height is 737mm where as it is 760mm for all other 2008 roubaix's.
That seems to be the only frame measurement that varies (within the same size). Anyone think the change in standover height would influence the brake bridge ?
Will keep posted when I get the new frame.
Thanks all.

Standover height and brake bridge placement are completely independent as they pertain to your situation. Also, you do not have a tire or wheel size issue. the 700X23 vs 700X25 have nothing to do with your brake bridge issue. The 23 and 25 deal with the width of the tire as measures from sidewall to sidewall, not the diameter of the wheel. Either tire will use the same diameter wheel as the other (probably 655mm). The simple fact of the matter is that you received a defective frame with the brake bridge too far down on the seat stays and that is why the wheel is rubbing on the bridge and the brake. Just wait for your new frame and don't worry about the wheels, unless you want to look a 26" rear wheel .

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Yup. The wheels do not appear to be the issue. They should work just fine on a 'normal' frame. Clearance with a 23 or 25mm clincher is something you will have to check (I am currently riding Specialized 700x25 Roubaix clinchers on a De Rosa frame and I they fit... barely... given the frame geometry).

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As previously stated the wheel is not the issue. My 2008 Roubaix Pro (size 56)has appoximately 4 mm clearance between the brake bridge and the standard wheel. I've ridden about 1,000 miles on the tires.

Have your LBS check the clearance on the new frame first upon arrival. Once this issue gets resolved you enjoy many miles on this absolutely wonderful cycle.

[QUOTE=perth_shun]Hi all
I got my Roubaix a couple days ago and have noticed the clearance from the rear tyre seems a litte close to the seat stay.
As a result there seems to be some rubbing on the frame and paint loss.
I've taken some pics of the paint rub and the rear tyre clearance to the frame and posted here.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...4&id=802364615

I had a similar issue with a frame I bought from a company in China. xacd.com
was their website from which I made the purchase. I bought their 'standard'
medium road titanium from. Using a chorus groupset, I found that there was no
more than a couple of milimetres gap between the brake caliper and the tyre.

I eventually sold the frame to a friend when I decided to buy another one. He used
an ultegra groupset and to my amazement the gap between the tyre and brake caliper
was about another 4-5 milimetres.

When I bought my 2nd frame from xacd.com I asked them to several amendments
after they sent me the drawings. Longer chainstays, longer top tube, removal of
front mech hanger, and alter the position of the brake hanger. Newer frame much
more to my liking.

I'm sure your new frame will be fine, but IMO that doesn't excuse the fact that you were sold a bad one. Specialized is no small-time outfit selling $500 frames via a website, so it's disappointing that they shipped a frame like this.

And why your LBS dealer sold a defective bike to you is a mystery as well. Maybe they thought you wouldn't notice just a slight tire rub? Sorry to be sarcastic, but what were they thinking? At least they could have explained the situation, gotten the replacement frame on order, and given you the option of waiting for it before you paid your money and rolled out the door on your new ride.

Well, I was very interested in this post and the thread that follows. I purchased my Roubaix Expert about a month ago from a local shop with a good reputation. I also have the Specialized Roubaix tires (700x23/25). To be honest, it never would have occurred to me to inspect this on delivery, but after 150 miles I am sorry to say I have the same situation as you describe. However...and maybe this is something you should check also...my problem is BOTH front and rear...though it is worse in the rear.

I started to notice that the tires would "pick up" little bits of sand...especially when I was riding slowly. I would hear little "pops" and "clicks"...couldn't figure out what these noises were...thought perhaps they were spokes getting "seated" and other early creaks. Then I started to notice that the noises were worse when roads were wet and, finally, I realized that the noises were being caused by grit getting stuck between the tire and the frame and/or brake and "popping" out.

A close inspection reveals that up front, under the fork (right below the steerer tube), there is considerable scratching running fore and aft. I would estimate that there is about 2 - 3 mm of clearance between tire and fork.

Then when I looked at the rear brake/bridge, I realized the situation was even worse...only about 1 mm of clearance AND with the wheel off, I can see that not only is the bridge scored badly, but so is the BRAKE. (So, be careful before you accept a new frame...check your brakes!)

I have written to Specialized...haven't had a reply yet. I have called the LBS and am bringing the bike back to them tomorrow. I am very interested to hear their proposal.

I can tell you that I visited another Specialized retailer today to inspect new bikes. Some good news (I think): on all of the models on display, including mine (Expert) and others (Pro)...in a range of sizes...there was a LOT of clearance both fore and aft. As one poster noted, indeed, the brake pads were nearly at the bottom of their adjustment. I would guess 1/4 inch.

Please post future updates...as will I. I love the bike but this is very disappointing. Bob

Hi Bob,
Sorry to hear that you have the same issue. Mine clearance issue was only on the rear. On the old frame there was plenty of clearance under the front fork. Infact I could fit a 700x28 tyre under there easily.
I did notice the pop's and clicks from the moist/wet sand getting stuck under the rear brake/bridge.
I'm yet to receive my bike with replacement frame back from the LBS.
It should be ready by the end of the week.
I believe the frame geometry for the Expert and Pro are the same.
The Expert was my first choice, but due to lack of stock I had to go for the Pro. What size is your frame ? Mine is the 52.
I guess it looks like there was a batch of bad frames as some point.
I'm guessing you're located in USA or UK (you used miles above).
I'm located in Aus. I wonder if there are more cases of this globally?

I emailed Specialized at the general customerservice at specialized.com address last week (5th July) and have yet to get a response as well.
If any specialized employee's trawl these forums please do not hesitate to get involved :-)

You should grab some (un)happy snaps of the frame damage as well before returning to the LBS.

Fingers crossed!
Shun

erhmm, we had a Colnaco at my store. Turns out it should have been a Colnago...

Actually, a tire of greater width will be larger in diameter.

As the post above has stated, this is not true. The compressed radius may not differ much, but the uncompressed tyre passing the brake bridge will stick out 2mm further. Most road frames, however, should take a 25mm tyre with no trouble.

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