New Specialized Roubaix SL8 - Smoother, Faster, More Aero
New Specialized Roubaix SL8 - Smoother, Faster, More Aero
The new Specialized Roubaix SL8 has had a big re-design to improve speed and comfort. The Roubaix was originally designed as a race bike to tackle cobbled classics like the Paris-Roubaix. It’s ability to handle mud, rocks and potholes at race speeds has made it a favourite with UK riders navigating rough country lanes. The new SL8 model equipped with Future Shock 3.0, is a lighter, faster, and smoother road bike. However rough the road is the Roubaix promises a heavenly experience above the hellish terrain below.
With the all-new Future Shock 3.0 at the front and AfterShock technology at the rear, impacts are reduced by an impressive 53% compared to the nearest competition. This allows riders to effortlessly navigate above the chaos, maintaining control, comfort, and minimizing fatigue, all while ensuring the bike remains nimble and laterally rigid for optimal power transfer and precise handling.
What is Future Shock?
Introduced in 2016, Future Shock swiftly proved its effectiveness by securing victories in the 2018 and 2019 Paris-Roubaix. Positioned between the stem and head tube, it counters bump forces, substantially reducing impact and vibration at the handlebars while maintaining front-end rigidity for precise handling. This results in a remarkable 53% force reduction compared to competitors, offering riders a smoother, controlled, and faster ride.
Tunability becomes a key feature, allowing individual riders to adjust Future Shock 3.0's reaction to bumps based on their terrain preferences. With three different springs (firm, medium, and soft) and up to five preload washers for each spring, riders can easily customize their setup at home, ensuring a comfortable and controlled riding experience. The Roubaix SL8 emphasizes durability, with Future Shock 3.0 designed to withstand challenging roads and rough weather, featuring increased boot thickness and additional seals to keep out water and contamination.
What is AfterShock?
The Pavé seatpost and Dropped Clamp design, collectively known as AfterShock technology, complement Future Shock by handling the rear of the bike. The Pavé seatpost's carbon layup minimizes impact and vibration to provide a smooth ride without compromising power transfer. The Dropped Clamp design, positioned 65mm lower than a traditional seatpost clamp, maximizes rear deflection for efficiency over rough terrain.
Light and Aero
The Roubaix SL8 stands out as the lightest and most aerodynamic model to date, leveraging insights from creating the Specialized Aethos, the world's lightest production bike. By optimizing the bike's leading edge, redesigning the downtube and seat stays, and reducing drag, the Roubaix SL8 achieves a four-watt reduction in drag. The frame's layup is also optimized, shedding over 50 grams in weight while maintaining added capabilities such as increased tire clearance and additional mounts.
Road+
Responding to the evolving demands of riders, the Roubaix SL8 excels in crushing long miles with enhanced smoothness and speed, offering tyre clearance up to 38c/40mm to tackle rough roads and gravel. This endurance road machine expands riders' horizons while alleviating pressure on shoulders, neck, hands, and backside, delivering a comprehensive solution to the increasing expectations of cyclists.
Shop the new Specialized Roubaix SL8
£2,500.00
