This article compares the Specialized Roubaix and Cervelo Caledonia.
I’ll help you understand the bike model lineups, specifications, and suggested retail prices in USD. I’ll explain the carbon fiber technology (Specialized FACT and ) and innovative frameset technologies on each bike.
The objective is to provide you with a clearer understanding of Specialized Roubaix and Cervelo Caledonia.
| Specialized Roubaix | Cervelo Caledonia | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | Endurance | Endurance |
| Frame material | FACT 11r carbon FACT 10r carbon | Cervelo carbon |
| Frame sizes | 44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61, 64 | 44, 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 |
| Groupset | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Cabling | External | Internal (Caledonia 5) External (Caledonia) |
| Price (USD) | $5,200 to $14,250 | $4,700 to $11,500 |
Specialized Roubaix
The Specialized Roubaix is an endurance bike that got its name from the hardest one-day bike race; the Paris-Roubaix. It has a slightly relaxed frame geometry and wider tire clearance compared to the Tarmac.
Specialized sponsored teams will ride this model for the race instead of their usual Tarmac for its Future Shock suspension system. This technology helps make riding more comfortable when the pros ride across rough cobblestones at 30mph.
There are six models in the Specialized Roubaix lineup based on its groupset setup. It’s also available in S-Works frameset only.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S-Works Roubaix | FACT 11r carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | Roval Alpinist CLX | $14,250 |
| Specialized Roubaix Pro | FACT 10r carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Roval Alpinist CL | $8,700 |
| Specialized Roubaix Expert | FACT 10r carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Roval C38 | $8,000 |
| Specialized Roubaix Comp | FACT 10r carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | DT Swiss R470 | $5,200 |
Specialized Roubaix vs others
Cervelo Caledonia
The Cervélo Caledonia is an endurance bike for comfort and long-distance riding over tarmac, backroads, and smooth, hardpacked gravels.
Compared to the Cervélo R5 and S5, the Cervélo Caledonia has a much more relaxed geometry with a higher stack and shorter reach. This puts the rider in a more upright position for comfort rather than aero. Cervélo Caledonia 5 and Caledonia share the same carbon fiber and frame geometry and can take tires up to 34mm wide.
The major difference between the Cervélo Caledonia 5 and Caledonia is in aerodynamics.
- Cervélo Caledonia 5 has a better aerodynamics profile with a slimmer head tube, cleaner front end with internal cable routing, and a D-shaped seatpost.
- Cervélo Caledonia has a more traditional look with a rounder head tube with external cabling and round (27.2mm) seatpost.
Here are all the available Cervélo Caledonia 5 and Caledonia models and builds.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cervelo Caledonia 5 | Carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | Reserve 40/44 | $11,500 |
| Cervelo Caledonia 5 | Carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | Reserve 40/44 | $11,500 |
| Cervelo Caledonia 5 | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Reserve 40/44 | $8,500 |
| Cervelo Caledonia 5 | Carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Reserve 40/44 | $8,500 |
| Cervelo Caledonia 5 | Carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Fulcrum Racing 600 DB | $6,000 |
| Cervelo Caledonia | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Fulcrum Racing 900 DB | $5,500 |
| Cervelo Caledonia | Carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Fulcrum Racing 900 DB | $4,700 |
| Cervelo Caledonia | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra (R8000) | DT Swiss E1850 | $3,600 |
Specialized vs Cervelo carbon fiber
Specialized FACT Carbon
Specialized FACT (Functional Advanced Composite Technology) is an advanced carbon fiber technology used in high-performance Specialized bicycles. It offers a lightweight yet strong frame construction with precise carbon layup, resulting in optimal strength-to-weight ratio and improved ride quality.
FACT carbon frames are engineered to efficiently transfer power, absorb road vibrations, and provide a comfortable riding experience. With continuous innovation and refinement, FACT Carbon demonstrates Specialized’s commitment to delivering top-notch performance and enhancing the overall cycling experience.
The carbon is available in three grades. The choice between FACT 12r, 11r, or 10r carbon depends on the bike model, your preferences, riding style, and budget.
- Specialized FACT 12r Carbon is the highest-grade carbon used by Specialized. Bikes (S-Works models) with frames made from FACT 12r carbon are the lightest and stiffest in the Specialized line-up. These frames are manufactured using the most advanced techniques and materials.
- Specialized FACT 11r Carbon used to be the highest-grade carbon until the S-Works Tarmac (SL5). Today, it’s the highest-grade carbon for the S-Works Roubaix.
- Specialized FACT 10r Carbon is two steps below 12r in the Specialized carbon hierarchy. While it doesn’t provide quite the same level of weight savings and stiffness as 12r, 10r frames are still very light and stiff, providing a high level of performance. FACT 10r carbon is used in all non S-Works models and is ideal for riders who want a balance of performance and value.
Cervelo Carbon
Cervelo doesn’t publicly release information about the types of carbon fiber used on their road bikes.
From my observation of the current Cervelo bikes lineups, there are at least two carbon fiber grades used.
- Highest grade. Cervelo R5 and S5 could be using the highest carbon fiber grade of all the models. These are pure race bikes used by the pros and would likely have the best carbon fiber available at Cervelo.
- Mid-grade. Cervelo Caledonia and Soloist could be using a mid-level carbon and heavier fiber grade of all the models. These are endurance bikes that prioritize comfort over stiffness. So it’s not a surprise to see a lower-grade carbon fiber being used here.
Frameset technologies and innovations
Specialized Roubaix and Cervelo Caledonia framesets incorporate advanced technologies to enhance their bikes’ performance and ride characteristics.
Here’s an overview of the technologies used in each bike model.
Specialized Roubaix
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| FACT carbon | Functional Advanced Composite Technology (FACT). A carbon fiber construction method that balances lightweight, stiffness, and compliance in Specialized bike frames. Available in two carbon grades; FACT 11r and 10r. A higher number indicates a higher grade of carbon. S-Works models use the FACT 11r carbon and Specialized Pro and Expert models use the FACT 10r carbon. |
| Future Shock | A suspension system designed for the Roubaix road bike to improve rider comfort and control by absorbing road shocks and vibrations, resulting in a smoother and more efficient ride. Located above the head tube, it offers up to 20mm of vertical travel to absorb road bumps and vibrations, enhancing rider comfort and reducing fatigue on rough terrains. |
| Rider-First Engineered™ | Rider-First Engineered™ is a design philosophy used by Specialized that ensures every frame size delivers the same predictable and responsive ride characteristics. This concept was first introduced with the 2015 Tarmac, and the idea has been incorporated into all models since. Instead of simply scaling frame sizes, Specialized takes into account that riders of different sizes have different weights, which are distributed differently. This means that each frame size experiences different forces. Therefore, each frame size is engineered independently with different carbon layups and tube dimensions, ensuring the optimal balance of rigidity, weight, and responsiveness for each size. In short, no matter what the frame size is, the ride quality and performance remain consistently excellent. |
| Win Tunnel | Specialized utilizes advanced tools and technologies to pursue aerodynamic excellence, such as the Win Tunnel, FreeFoil Shape Library, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and Data Acquisition (DAQ) system. The goal is to optimize aerodynamic performance by conducting wind tunnel tests, developing new airfoil shapes, simulating fluid flow, and collecting real-world data to improve rider position and enhance overall performance. |
Cervelo Caledonia
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Aero Cable Management | The Aero Cable Management feature on the Cervélo Caledonia 5 enhances the bike’s aerodynamics without compromising usability or performance. The frame, fork, ST31 (carbon) or ST32 (alloy) stem, and AB09 handlebars are meticulously designed to conceal brake hoses and shifter cables from the wind. The Cervélo Caledonia doesn’t have the Aero Cable Management and has external cable routing. |
| Performance Fit | The beauty of the Cervélo Caledonia 5 lies in Cervélo’s Performance Fit. The stem and two bearing caps allow a choice between a more aggressive 7mm or relaxed 22mm stack without needing any spacers. |
| 34mm tire clearance | The 34mm tire clearance makes the Cervélo Caledonia a versatile endurance bike, especially in fitting wider tires for rougher terrains. |
| Integrated mounts | The 34mm tire clearance increases Caledonia’s versatility, especially in fitting wider tires for rougher terrains. |
Where to buy
Specialized shops
- Specialized online shops. Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States
- Specialized retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Specialized retailers.
Cervelo retailers
- Cervelo retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Cervelo retailers.
Alex Lee is the founder and editor-at-large of Mr. Mamil. Coming from a professional engineering background, he breaks down technical cycling nuances into an easy-to-understand and digestible format here.
He has been riding road bikes actively for the past 12 years and started racing competitively in the senior category during the summer recently.