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.
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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.”
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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
Ben Delaney is a journalist with more than two decades of experience writing for and editing some of the biggest publications in cycling. Having studied journalism at the University of New Mexico, Ben has worked for Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, VeloNews and BikeRadar. He has also previously worked as Global Brand Communications Manager for Specialized. Ben covers all things road and gravel, and can be found logging big miles in the Rocky Mountains that nestle alongside his home in Boulder, Colorado. He has covered the most important bike races in the sport, from the Tour de France and Tour of Flanders, to the Unbound gravel race, and specialises in tech content, showcasing what the pros are riding and putting everyday equipment through its paces.