Published April 21, 2009 12:00AM
When Specialized launched the original Roubaix, in 2004, it legitimized “comfort performance” as a viable category. With the all-new Roubaix SL2, the company stays ahead of the growing pack. Not only did this carbon bike receive higher marks for climbing and handling than most of the race bikes we tested; it also dominated the comfort category. “A top-notch balance of damping and responsiveness,” said one tester. Don’t be fooled by the word comfort, though. This is an elite racer, too, already proven in Europe’s grueling cobbled classics. $7,400; 15.2 lbs (56cm); specialized.com
