A prototype Specialized Roubaix with hydraulic SRAM RedBen Delaney/BikeRadar
‘Project Black’ is what Specialized calls its prototype programBen Delaney/BikeRadar
The SRAM hydraulic lever has a reservoir atop the shifterBen Delaney/BikeRadar
A Red hydraulic caliper on the Roubaix fork post mountsBen Delaney/BikeRadar
Routing on this particular model seems to still be a work in progressBen Delaney/BikeRadar
While the current Roubaix Disc with mechanical brakes uses DT Axis 4.0 wheels, look for Specialized’s Roval brand to pop up soon with road discsBen Delaney/BikeRadar
The current mechanical Roubaix Disc uses Shimano cailpers and rotors, but engineers were playing with rotors from Formula and othersBen Delaney/BikeRadar
A closer look at the hydraulic SRAM Red leverBen Delaney/BikeRadar
Dual routing for the brake and derailleur linesBen Delaney/BikeRadar
Again, this is a prototype – don’t expect to see a Pedro’s Tülio QR tool on a production bike. But it is a handy tool!Ben Delaney/BikeRadar
135mm spacing on the rear Roval centerlock hubBen Delaney/BikeRadar
The Specialized Roubaix hydraulic disc prototypeBen Delaney/BikeRadar
Specialized has a Roubaix bike in the works with SRAM Red hydraulic brakes. BikeRadar recently spotted a prototype on a Specialized group ride. While the company is mum on the details of the new bike, a mechanical Roubaix Disc model is available now.
Advertisement
There are a number of visually apparent differences in the prototype and the mechanical Specialized Roubaix Disc, but, being a prototype, it in unclear what designs and components will make it to production and what elements will be discarded.
A red hydraulic caliper on the roubaix fork post mounts: a red hydraulic caliper on the roubaix fork post mountsBen Delaney/BikeRadar
SRAM Red hydraulic caliper on a Roubaix fork
“We are always testing new prototypes in the field with real athletes,” said Specialized PR man Chris Riekert. “This is a hugely important piece of our development process.”
Advertisement
Take a look through the gallery at right for some hints at what could come.
The specialized roubaix hydraulic disc prototype: the specialized roubaix hydraulic disc prototypeBen Delaney/BikeRadar
