I love cycling in the early morning. There’s something almost magical about the crisp breeze against your face as you barrel through the gentle morning mist along a quiet, dimly lit road. The first rays of sunlight, still uncertain of their own existence, peek over the horizon, warming both the earth and the soul with a sense of renewal and hope.
I’ve been cycling since childhood—mostly because, back in my day, it was the only way kids got around. In that sense, I’ve technically been cycling for decades, though I only dabbled in what some might call “serious” cycling about a decade ago. Since then, I’ve managed to wear out two bikes and am now on my third (and most beloved) steed: a Specialized Roubaix.
Now, there’s something poetic about the name. It’s built using the same technology that helped Peter Sagan dominate the Paris-Roubaix leg of multiple Tour de Frances. Of course, there are a few– well, tens of thousands– of ringgit separating my bike from his. His has a different frame material, better group sets, superior rims, wheels, and probably a sprinkle of fairy dust. But fundamentally, they share the same geometry. And while my Roubaix isn’t as “aero” or lightweight as some of the other machines out there, I love it– quirks and all.
For starters, it’s not exactly built for speed. The front fork has an ingenious suspension system that smooths out bumpy roads, making it feel like you’re gliding over rough terrain. The tradeoff? It dampens power when you need to sprint off the saddle. So, if you’re thinking of attacking on a climb, do yourself a favor: shift to an easier gear, stay seated, and embrace the slow, contemplative grind to the top.
Then there’s the handling—let’s just say it’s interesting. Because of the suspension, you don’t get as much direct road feedback, which makes high-speed maneuvering a little sketchy. That said, I’ve yet to wipe out on a sharp turn (knocks on wood). But I have had my fair share of heart-stopping moments drifting over sandy roads after engaging the wrong brake at the wrong time. The newer Roubaix models with Future Shock 2.0 let you turn off the suspension, much like an F1 car adjusting for track conditions. But in general, this bike is designed for control over rough terrain, not outright speed.
And yet, despite all of this, it remains an incredibly comfortable ride– perfect for both daily use and long-distance adventures. I take it out almost every weekday for early morning spins and go on longer weekend rides. But recently, I’ve discovered that with a few tweaks, this bike still has some untapped potential.
I swapped out the stock DT Swiss alloy rims for Zipp 303s carbon rims, and suddenly, I’m 15% more efficient. Less wattage to maintain the same speed? Yes, please. Pushing hard with the same effort now actually makes me faster.
Then there’s the saddle. After enduring persistent tailbone pain (read: suffering in silence like a true cyclist), I finally switched to a Prologo NDR Nack– lighter, shorter, and designed with ergonomics in mind. The result? Pain gone, and, as an unexpected bonus, better power transfer. Turns out, when your hips are positioned correctly, your legs actually work more efficiently. Who knew?
With these upgrades, I’m rediscovering the joys of my Specialized Roubaix. Of course, now that I’ve started down this rabbit hole, it’s only a matter of time before I start eyeing an upgraded frame and groupset. But that’s a discussion (and a financial crisis) for another day.