00:00 Hello, I'm in Lisbon, Portugal for the launch of Specialized's new Roubaix.
00:04 It's not a complete overhaul for the Endurance platform, more of an evolution,
00:08 but there's still lots of interesting details and improvements to run through.
00:11 First, let's talk Future Shock.
00:13 The understemmed suspension is perhaps the defining characteristic of a Roubaix platform.
00:17 Previously, the top-end models came with a lockout function and the ability to change spring weights to better suit riders of different weights.
00:24 Now, you can switch through six different levels of suspension by turning the knob to lock out the Future Shock,
00:29 which allows for a bit more of on-the-fly adjustment.
00:32 You can now also use preload spacers to fine-tune the suspension if you happen to land between one of the three spring weights.
00:38 At the rear, the dropped seatpost clamp and the amount of flex which that gives you is essentially unchanged from the previous model.
00:44 Essentially, if it's not broke, don't fix it.
00:46 But what's really nice to see is that if you bought a lower-end model with a lower-end Future Shock,
00:51 it's now possible to upgrade the Future Shock to the higher-end model with the greater functionality which that offers.
00:57 Even better, the new Future Shocks are retrofitable to previous Roubaix models as well.
01:02 Now, let's talk weights.
01:03 The Future Shock weighs a fairly hefty 400 grams and a size 56 frameset, painted, comes in at 828 grams.
01:10 And so, that's a pretty light frame, but still quite a lot of weight coming from the Future Shock itself.
01:15 Still, you can build the Roubaix light if you have pockets deep enough.
01:19 A SRAM Red-equipped Roubaix with carbon roval wheels tips the scales at about 7.3 kilos, which isn't bad.
01:25 Tyre clearance is up now too.
01:27 You can now fit a 40mm tyre into the frameset.
01:29 There was a time when a bike like that would be called a gravel bike,
01:32 but Specialized doesn't want to confuse things with their gravel line,
01:35 and so the Roubaix is being called a road bike, despite its capabilities off-road.
01:40 And finally, it's sporting a few more mounts.
01:42 There's bosses underneath the downtube and also a set for fenders.
01:45 The top tube bosses are particularly important,
01:47 as it turns out that if you strap a top tube bag around the Future Shock, that impacts the weather sealing.
01:53 And so bolting the top tube bag in place and not using the strap is very much advised.
01:57 And so what's it like to ride?
01:59 Well, so far I've only been out for a 60km spin, but in that I've enjoyed the handling,
02:03 especially with the chunky tyres.
02:05 It's a nice combination for carving around the corners with a lot of confidence.
02:08 It absolutely pelted it down with rain on the ride, and so that extra grip was really very much appreciated.
02:13 I think that the spring weight at the front is a little heavy for me.
02:17 It felt more just like added compliance and flex rather than like actual suspension.
02:21 It's quite a contrast to the last Future Shock I rode, which was really very springy indeed.
02:25 So I'm very much looking forward to taking it out for another ride,
02:28 with a different tune on the shock and maybe taking in some more gravel excursions too.
02:32 I'll let you know how I get on once I've spent some more time on the bike.
02:35 (car engine revving)
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