A valid question?

[LondonBikeCommuter]

Have now decided that my next bike WILL be a Specialized.... Roubaix???

While doing the research I came across lots of questions on various forums asking the question should I get a Roubaix or Tarmac. Was wondering if it was a valid question insofar as is the geometary really that different to make a noticable difference?

It turns out that some Pro's prefer to race on a Roubaix rather than a Tarmac.

[reohn2]

Unless you ride both for a day you won't know the difference and if that difference is appreciable, so buy the Roubaix and enjoy it

[Dave W]

Roubaix has a taller head tube so a less racy riding postion. It also has the zertz inserts supposedly to reduce vibrations. I have one - nice comfy bike.

[Tonyf33]

Depends what you want from the bike but as a more flexible use bike the roubaix wins..but only just, should give you more comfort as mentioned above but isn't going to give you as sharp handling as the tarmac would. That said wider tyres on the Tarmac and a slammed stem on the Roubaix and you have greater comfort and a more racier position for each bike respectively.
Might come down to what disounts you can get for the moddels you're looking at or indeed if you are prepared to snag a low mileage used
Some discussions elsewhere
http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic ... o-confused
http://forums.bicycling.com/topic/54635607126589484