Which bike to get...

Over 11.5 miles comfort isn't going to too much of a concern. Your wife is a runner...ANY bike is going to be more comfortable than pounding the pavement. <insert smilie here>

What are your approximate ages, local road conditions and what are the longest distance rides you plan on undertaking?

Seriously, ride the Tarmac. Its a great race bike, not that the Roubaix is not. The Rou can tackle the worst roads in Ohio and Flanders (no difference there, really) and that is what it is designed to race over...really crappy roads.

If you are not going be constantly going over really crappy roads the Tarmac and 25 MM tires not at max. pressure is comfortable enough for most riders. A good fit, a good saddle and plenty of time in that saddle will be all you need.

Thanks campybob I didn't think the short commute to work would be uncomfortable I just know we have been looking at a few trips that are around 100 miles round trip, not that we will be doing that in the beginning. I was wanting to go with the Tarmac but the wife kept trying to talk me out of it so I guess I just needed someone else on tell me that it would be a good bike.

Mmm I suggest a bicycle capable of withstanding general bike training trips, such as the Sora road bikes or even a Tiagra. Definitely, picking something like a cheap Shimano 2300 is not going to perform well for long trips, but is fairly good for commuting and leisure rides.

And I understand that I'm not going to be getting the best bike out there and that's not what I'm expecting. I'm just looking for a starter bike that will do the job while I'm learning what I actually want in a bike. Also I would get a better bike if I wasn't purchasing 2 at the same time, one for my wife.

I don't see the point of getting a racing bike if you don't ever plan on racing it, I think for what you're going to be doing with a bike the Roubaix would be more than just fine. The Roubaix is one of the most comfortable carbon bikes to ride on city streets than any other carbon bike, with the zertz inserts to dampen the vibrations and shocks riding on surface streets can dish out in addition to be a sport geometry makes that bike a very comfortable bike to be on. You've already rode it and liked it, I think once you ride the Tarmac you'll go back to the Roubaix. This would be a great high end starter bike, a bike you can use later if you decide to get a racing bike for nothing but commuting or take camping etc.

Personally, a starter bike is a really nice $250 to $350 used bike, a bike where if you're like 78% of the population who takes up a exercise program stops after 3 to 6 months, won't become expensive garage art.

Of course this is all just opinion which is why you asked the question...to get an opinion.

Depends really on your budget, as the quality and dependency of the bike is based on how much you are willing to shell out, and in most cases, the sturdy ones that require minimum maintenance are incredibly expensive to begin with. There are lots of choices out there in the market, and all you have to do is compare your budget with the prices of the ones that catch your eye, and maybe you can find a middle ground between these factors.

Choosing between the Roubaix and Tarmac is a great decision to have! Both are fantastic bikes from Specialized. The Roubaix is indeed known for its comfort and smooth ride, making it an excellent choice for beginners. On the other hand, the Tarmac's race geometry can offer a more aggressive position, which some cyclists prefer as they become more experienced.

If you're already considering the Tarmac, it might be worth trying it out and seeing how it feels. Comfort and personal preference play a big role here. But remember, there's no rush - you can always upgrade or change your bike as you progress in your cycling journey.

Looking forward to hearing about your experience with the Tarmac! Keep us posted. 🙂

The Roubaix is a popular choice, and for good reason - its endurance geometry makes for a comfortable ride. But if you're after something more performance-oriented, the Tarmac is a solid option. It's built for speed and responsiveness, which might be just what you're looking for as you delve deeper into the sport. Just keep in mind, a race geometry can be less forgiving on longer rides. It's all about finding the right balance between comfort and performance. And remember, it's not about the bike, it's about the engine (that's you!). Good luck with your decision, and welcome to the world of cycling. Though, I must warn you, once you're in, it's a slippery slope to lycra and shaved legs. 😉

The Roubaix and Tarmac are indeed popular choices, each with their unique strengths. The Roubaix's endurance geometry offers a comfortable ride, making it great for long distances. On the other hand, the Tarmac, with its race geometry, is designed for speed and responsiveness, a real asset for performance-oriented cyclists.

However, the trade-off for the Tarmac's performance is that it can be less forgiving on longer rides. It's crucial to find the right balance between comfort and performance, especially if you're just starting to delve deeper into the sport.

The phrase "it's not about the bike, it's about the engine (that's you!)" is very true. The bike is just a tool to help you reach your goals, whether that's covering long distances, improving speed, or enjoying the outdoors.

And yes, once you're in the world of cycling, the allure of lycra and shaved legs can be strong! But remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the ride and keep pushing yourself to improve. Happy cycling! ‍♂️

Exactly! The Roubaix-Tarmac choice depends on your ride style. For long, easy cruises, Roubaix's comfort rules. But, if you're all about speed and responsiveness, Tarmac's race geometry is your ally. Just remember, performance often means less comfort on marathon rides. It's all about finding the sweet spot. And yes, lycra and shaved legs... once you're in, it's hard to resist! Enjoy the ride! 🚴‍♂️💨