Buy a new Carbon Bike Specialized Roubaix vs Fuji

[aperezy]

Hello everyone...I am new to the forum

I have been biking for two three years now and I want to upgrade my Aluminum frame Specialized Allez Compact to a full carbon (Avg. 2500$)
I already decided to purchase a Specialized Rival until other store offered me a great deal on a Fuji Altamira. The deal with the Fuji is about 400 $ less and they are giving me a 200$ card to buy accessories in the store.
Going online to get info for a recreational biker as me is overwhelming, so recommendations/advices are welcome. Following the links of the two biikes

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/road/roubaix/roubaixeliterivalcompact

http://www.fujibikes.com/bike/details/altamira-302

Cheers
Alfredo Perez
Lansdale

 

[danfoz]

Welcome. Those two bikes have very different length headtubes (145mm vs. 165mm for a 54cm). Just a quick glance at the respective photos will confirm. All things being equal the Roubaix will have you more upright - position of course can be ajdusted by flipping the stem and/or adding and removing headset spacers. The Roubaix might considered more of an "endurance" bike, where as the Altimira features geometry closer to a "race" bike. But if you are in good shape and relatively flexible, both bikes could easily be ridden hundreds of miles.

Personally I prefer the aesthetics, geometry and components of the Fuji but you should test ride these two as they will feel different. The Fuji probably has geometry closer to your Allez.

 

[aperezy]

Thanks so much good information and I am really looking more for an Endurance bike but financial deal on fuji is pretty good. Now I checked on the fuji site and I did not ses my size 54, but instead 55...is that because the headtube size? thanks so much for your kindness

 

[danfoz]

Good catch aperezy - my bad... was going too fast. I usually go by top tube length when comparing bikes across models/manufactures, and the "M" Fuji, which is probably the one you'd want, actually has a 140mm headtube (54.5cm top tube), the Roubaix 165mm headtube for the 54 (54.7cm top tube). The Fuji 55 would be way too big - their sizing convention is based off the actual seat tube length, which is shorter on a compact style frame. In this case, Fuji's 50cm correlates to a Medium. Everyone brand measures slightly different, which is why using "effective top tube" is usually the best way to reference.

A good deal is hard to pass up, but for a bike I plan to covet for at least a few years, saving a couple $$ may not be ideal if it means looking back and wishing I'd spent a little extra to get the one I really wanted. Everyone is different though, the bike we own is usually a bit of a tradeoff between what we want and what we can afford.

 

[aperezy]

thank you again and you are right...going for a bike test!

Cheers

 

[Dr Lodge]

Originally Posted by danfoz .

Everyone brand measures slightly different, which is why using "effective top tube" is usually the best way to reference.

+1. Seat height can be changed (upwards anyway), stem length can be changed to some extent and effective top tube length is the most critical dimension of a frame IMHO.

 

[aperezy]

Thanks Guys...now I have a problem...I went today to buy the Fuji at Performance Bike and saw this new bike and I felt in love. It is a Dimondback Podium 4 with Dur Ace comp. at the same price level. I know diamondback in the mountain dimension but not a clue on the Road dimension. ANY ADVISE???

I did not buy the bike and going to the white board again....cheers

 

[Dr Lodge]

Just did a google search and found it in 2 clicks, geometry is here http://www.diamondback.com/2011-podium-4

FWIW, the 54cm frame has a top tube of 54.5cm, same is the Cannodale I was fitted on although the frame angles are slightly more relaxed. I was told this frame geometry has "moderate" dimensions so should be a good all-round ride. with the more relaxed angles (73 seat, 72.5 head angle), should be excellent for longer rides.

 

[Dr Lodge]

Originally Posted by aperezy .
...a Dimondback Podium 4 with Dur Ace comp. at the same price level

The web site shows Ultegra components, are you sure its Dura Ace?

 

[aperezy]

Dr. L...thanks for your response and Yes...it has Durace at Performance Bike. I took a test ride yesterday but honestly Fuji feels more stable... not sure about moving to Diamondback now

I think I will go with an Altamira 2.0

Thanks again
Alfredo

 

[chaztrocity]

If you're still looking, I am selling my BMC Road Racer 2011. A bit more pricy than what you wanted to spend but can negotiate. It's posted in the classifieds.
The road racer is a racing bike. It's size 51 which is just right if you're an agressive rider/racer. I unfortunately.... sigh... can no longer ride long distance... I was just starting take the next step and start training but oh well.... ladders can be slippery.

 

[aperezy]

Chaz ...thank you for the offering I will take a look and will let you know

Cheers

 

[aperezy]

Chaz...sorry for the delay in my response. I already decided for the fuji basically due to my budget and some store incentive. Thanks for your offering and kindness

Cheers

 

[cottone]

Looking for an upgrade for my road bike; is the Diamondback Podium a decent bike ( 5 or the 6). I can get quite a deal but saw that DB is known for MBs.
How does this compare to a Scattante Comp or Fuji Comp ?
thx