More is more! According to Specialized, that holds true for the perfect all-road bike. The Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL8 therefore offers plenty of tire clearance, extra damping thanks to the Future Shock and Pavé seat post, and mounting points for mudguards and bags. Is that still all-road or have we ventured into gravel territory? Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL8 | 7.36 kg in Größe 56 | € 14,000 | Manufacturer’s website This bike was tested as part of the 2024 all-road shootout – you can find an overview of the test field here: 2024 all-road shootout – The four hottest all-road bikes head to head. Categories often make our lives easier. This applies to music, food and, of course, bicycles. This is punk rock, and these are vegetables. But what about the Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL8? It’s not that easy to place it into a neat category. With a tire clearance of up to 40 mm, and dedicated shock-absorbers, the Specialized Roubaix, which they’re calling a long-distance bike, has clearly outgrown the endurance category and its originally intended use. It even goes way beyond the demands of the all-road segment. Despite all its features, however, the S-Works weighs just 7.36 kg, making it the second lightest all-road bike in the shootout. How can that be? The retail price of € 14,000 suggests that there is a lot that’s gone into achieving this. Is it over-engineered or the best that money can buy? What is the 2024 Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL8 made of? Conspicuously inconspicuous! The 2024 Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL8 certainly stands out from the crowd. But not in the usual sense, and not always in the best sense. For example, the design language isn’t entirely coherent. The hump in the top tube, the long seat tube, and the riser handlebar look a little awkward. The Future Shock by the stem doesn’t look entirely right either. In general, however, the integration of the latest Future Shock 3.3 system looks a lot better than previous iterations. The finish and branding, on the other hand, are stylish, classy, and understated. As a whole, it’s a very cool and premium looking bike. The oil-slick chain serves a visual highlight and an eye-catcher, which suits the bike well. Its extravagance is hidden in the details of the Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL8. The S-Works lettering on the down tube isn’t in your face, but is kept nice and subtle. You have to look twice to see it. The same applies to the big S on the head tube. The oil-slick finish on the chain and cassette serves as an eye-catcher on the otherwise very discreet bike. The recessed seat post clamp and the rubber boot on top of it don’t feel as refined as the rest of the bike. The spec of the Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL8 leaves nothing to be desired. You get a 12-speed SRAM Red eTAP AXS drivetrain with a 46/33 t crankset and 10–33 t cassette, ensuring impeccable shifting. The gear range is absolutely fine, at least on the road. However, it’s almost too narrow for excursions on steep gravel slopes. Thanks to Future Shock 3.3 suspension, which offers 20 mm travel, and the Pavé seat post, there shouldn’t be any shortage of damping. The Future Shock can be adjusted via the dial that replaces the stem cap. Room for more! The 40 mm tire clearance is enough to accommodate gravel tires. Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL8 2023€ 14,000SpecificationsFork Future Shock 3.3 w/ Smooth Boot, FACT CarbonSeatpost Specialized D-Shape CarbonBrakes SRAM Red eTap AXS HRD 160 mmDrivetrain SRAM Red eTAP AXS 2 x 12Chainring 46/33TStem S-Works Future Stem 100 mmHandlebar S-Works Carbon Hover 420 mmWheelset Roval Terra CLX II 12 x 100/12 x 142 mm Through AxleTires S-Works Mondo 2BR 700 x 32c 32Cranks SRAM Force AXS Powermeter 46/33 172.5 mmCassette SRAM XG 1290 10-33TTechnical DataSize 44 49 52 54 56 58 61Specific Features – Future Shock 3.3 damping system in the steerer tube– incredibly versatile– compliant Pavé seat post offers added comfort– massive tire clearances How does the Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL8 perform on the test track? The riding position aboard the Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL8 is relatively neutral and balanced yet still sporty. The tall front end, which is mainly due to the riser handlebar, makes it feel a little more upright and confidence inspiring. Overall, this results in a very organic riding experience between the rider and bike. Thanks to the intuitive handling, you can quickly feel at one with the bike, without needing too much time to get used to it. The balanced handling also ensures that both fast and slow corners can be navigated without much effort. The Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL8 remains stable and composed at all times. It’s loads of fun to rail around the corners. The compliance, as expected, is very high. The Future Shock does an outstanding job. Turning the dial on the stem to adjust the damping makes a noticeable difference to the feel of the shock. It adds a big plus in comfort, especially compared to the Canyon Endurace. The Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL8 is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to acceleration, too! Unlike the FOCUS, and similar to the Canyon Endurace, it seems to cry out to you to get on the pedals and give it your all. It’s extremely light-footed for such a comfortable bike. Whether on a sprint or a climb, the bike just surges ahead. However, the Future Shock cannot be completely locked out and still has some give in the stiffest setting. Speaking of which, the spring rate adjustability of the latest Future Shock model allows you to fine tune the system to suit your own preferences. However, it can’t be completely locked out. The Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL8 also scores in terms of practicality, capable of accommodating three bottle cages, offering additional bosses on the top tube, and even boasting mudguard mounting points, all of which can be very helpful, whether on a long tour or in everyday life. In addition to the generous 40 mm tire clearance, you’ve also got the option of equipping the bike with a mechanical drivetrain. The remaining components, from the tires to the frame, play very well together. Overall, it feels like a very high-quality and special bike. The only minus point is the difficult-to-reach seat post clamp that tends to jam and is difficult to adjust. Furthermore, the integration of the seat post with its rubber boot isn’t as seamless as we’d like, and it doesn’t convey the same premium feel as the rest of the bike. This bike rides like a magic carpet, even on the worst roads. Helmet Specialized S-Works Prevail 3 | Glasses SCOTT SHILD | Jacket CAFÉ DU CYCLISTE Laureline | Jersey POC W’S ULTRA TEE | Bib Pas Normal Mechanism | Shoes SUPLEST ROAD PRO | Socks Specialized Soft Air Road Mid Sock Who is the Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL8 for? Looking for an all-rounder? The Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL8 is an ideal match for those who enjoy varying terrain and long tours. From rough gravel to smooth asphalt, the bike caters to all use cases, and it suits those who want a do-it-all bike in a road bike guise. A second wheelset with gravel tires can turn the Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL8 into a light and fast gravel bike in no time! Commuters will also get their money’s worth thanks to the high level of comfort and mudguard mounting points. Tuning tip: A second wheelset with gravel tires for the ultimate do-it-all bike Riding Characteristics 4AgilitycumbersomeplayfulStabilitynervousconfidentHandlingdemandingbalancedFun factorboringlivelyComfortfirmcomfortableValue for moneyterriblevery goodTechnical DataSpecializedS-Works Roubaix SL8Size: 44 49 52 54 56 58 61Weight: 7.36Price: € 14,000Indended UseSmooth tarmac 1Allroad/Gravel 2Everyday/Commuting 3 Our conclusion on the Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL8 The Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL8 is a versatile all-rounder, blurring the boundary between all-road and gravel. Its do-it-all character is further underlined by its practical features, and its intuitive handling, coupled with a high level of comfort, opens up a lot of possibilities when planning a route, and makes it a ton of fun to ride. In addition, the all-road bike is incredibly light considering the built-in suspension. All in all, it’s a very coherent overall concept! Topsoutstanding complianceintuitive handlingcoherent overall conceptFlopsseat post clamp leaves room for improvement For more information, visit specialized.com No, it’s not about perfect race tracks, it’s about efficiency. Fast, fleet-footed and efficient – those who want to speed along high-speed passages need a defined and spritely bike that accelerates with ease and efficiency. Nevertheless, reliable components are important too. We interpret “Smooth tarmac” bikes as follows: Hard efforts at high speeds with a maximum efficient bike on a consistently well-paved road. Effort-joy ratio: 80:30 (not everything has to be 100%!)↩… also known as bike riding. Broken-up roads in the hinterland, deadlocked gravel roads, loose surfaces – sometimes muddy, sometimes bone-dry. For this, it takes bikes with super all-round, handling and wearing qualities uphill and downhill. Effort-joy ratio: 50:50↩If you want to use your bike almost every day, you usually do not need an extremely tuned racing machine. Solid components, which are able to cope with the rigours of continuous usage in any kind of weather, are part of the basic equipment. At the same time, the bike should have practicable details: integrated fenders/assembly options, luggage racks/attachment points and a light system or at least the option of installing bike lights. The position on the bike should be rather relaxed, the overall comfort high, so that the Afterwork Ride becomes a cure and not a curse. Effort-joy ratio: 30:70↩You can find more info about our rating system in this article: Click here! ↩Der Beitrag Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL8 – A gravel wolf in all-road clothing? erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.