Is a specialized roubaix suitable for a 1000mile bike tour?

Question

I'm biking through france and spain this summer and a friend has offered to lend me his specialized roubaix elite (he's very trusting) I know its not designed for that purpose but is it feasable-can you attach rack/panniers etc. My bike is very old, cheap and very heavy.Could anyone who has a roubaix please let me know thanks.

Answer 1

Well, the Roubaix doesn't have built-in attach points for rack/fenders. (they're called braze-ons or eyelets).

There are ways to attach racks/fenders anyway, via clamps, and they can work ok, but I still don't recommend this bike for that purpose.

It's a nice bike for unloaded day-riding but not really suitable for loaded touring, since it has a carbon fiber fork and low spoke-count wheels. It would start breaking spokes and be unrideable very soon after you loaded it up.

If money's tight, you could take an old mountain bike and turn it into a decent touring bike. Get the kind with a regular fork (no shocks). Switch the tires to slick, high-pressure, give it a tune up. You can get older, quality models for a few hundred.

Or, see about renting a nice bike over there - look in the back of Bicycling magazine, there are lots of tour companies who may be able to help you.

Have fun,
Scott

Answer 2

I would caution about using a bike like the Roubaix for loaded touring. I've done a lot of loaded rides and here are my thoughts. The Roubaix does not have braze on mounts for racks. You would essentially need to use clamps to position the racks for holding gear. Whereas this is not the end of the world, it's not to best way to carry a lot of weight. Plus, it will certainly mar the finish and potentially damage the carbon.

Second, the geometry of this bike may preclude it from carrying rear panniers. Racing bikes are built on a shorter wheelbase than touring bikes. Your foot could potentially hit the rear bag on the upstroke. Additionally, the balance issues created by up to 40 pounds of gear might make the bike unstable.

Finally, touring is a messy endeavor. It is not like road riding where you come home everyday and have the ability to maintain your bike. Sometimes you don't have the option. A bike like this will get trashed. Scratches, dings, you name it. A well used touring bike is never pretty.

Answer 3

Yes, but only if you have a complete support system i.e. you don't have to carry anything with you but the bare essentials. If you need to attach panniers and essentially support yourself, it really isn't appropriate. For a 1000 mile bike tour, I would sping for a good, quality touring bike or mountain bike with slick (road) tires.

Good Luck!!!

Answer 4

I don't think your bike has braze ons for panniers, but for a trek that long look into a Bob-Yak trailer or Burley has a two wheel trailer for events like yourself. Panniers are nice but I found that the trailer has more benefits in the handling at speed issues. A very nice ride indeed and nice friend........

Answer 5

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