New Specialized Roubaix SL8 with FutureShock

Road 12/09/23 18:00 Migue A.

Pioneers in gran fondo bikes when they launched their first Roubaix 20 years ago, this iconic bike is now in its eighth generation with a focus on performance through maximum comfort, a formula that has allowed them to conquer the Northern Hell 7 times with different versions of this Roubaix.

Turn hellish roads into paradise riding the new Specialized Roubaix SL8

It seems incredible that 20 years have passed since the first gran fondo concept bikes appeared, a category in which the Specialized Roubaix was a pioneer and which represented a break with the traditional mantra of road bikes, all of them sporty, directly derived, if not the same, from those used by professional cyclists in competition.

However, most cyclists have neither the physique nor the conception of cycling to squeeze these thoroughbred bikes. For them, these new bikes, which were born with the excuse of providing professionals with machines adapted to the particularities of the cobblestones of Paris-Roubaix, became the perfect choice for the touring cyclist who could get a more affordable position, greater comfort and, in most models, while retaining great pedaling efficiency.

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This new Specialized Roubaix SL8 arrives with a redoubled effort to increase comfort. To this end, it not only debuts the new version of its Future Shock 3.0 front damping system, but also incorporates the After Shock absorption system in its seatpost, the new option that Specialized has used after the multiple designs that have gone through the different versions of the Roubaix.

The Future Shock 3.0 now has more adjustability, offering smooth, frictionless absorption regardless of the rider's position, with 20 mm of damping travel. The After Shock is a design that seeks to maximize the flex of the seatpost, which, thanks to its anchoring to the frame, is located in a lower position.

At the same time, Specialized also continues to refine the geometry of its bikes, including this Roubaix SL8, using the huge database of the Retul biomechanical system. With all that, Specialized claims that its latest creation is 53% more absorbent than its closest competitor.

All this, without giving up great stiffness and efficiency, do not forget that the cyclists of their sponsored teams still use the Roubaix in the race of the same name, unlike the vast majority who prefer to use their usual bikes, while maintaining certain aerodynamic qualities and a very contained weight. Nor does it renounce the functionality required by the touring cyclist, with threads for a top tube bag, mudguards or a third bottle cage, as well as wheel arches that allow the use of tyres up to 700x40c.