Tom Boonen's new Specialized Roubaix SL4

Tom Boonen, Sylvain Chavanel, and other members of Omega Pharma-QuickStep will tackle the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix aboard a new bike from team sponsor Specialized. It doesn't officially have a name yet but past convention tells us this will be the next-generation S-Works Roubaix SL4.

Specialized wouldn't divulge details of the new bike, as it's still in the final stages of development. Per UCI rules, bikes not only have to meet the governing body's testing process but it also "has to be presented to the media" so we were shown the new bike, but were not given any details.

Still, visual inspection shows several key changes, most notably yet another evolution of the company's distinctive Zertz viscoelastic dampers inserted into the fork blades and seat stays. They're not only bigger than ever but also plug into new pockets in the frame that maximize surface area contact to more effectively damp vibration. Specialized wouldn't disclose the reasoning behind the new shape but we presume it lends more comfort than the current Roubaix SL3.

Specifics regarding tested frame stiffness figures and claimed frame and fork weights were also unavailable at press time, but the tapered steerer retains the current 1 1/8in -to-1 3/8in diameters. Tom Boonen’s personal Roubaix SL4 prototype weighed 7.53kg (16.6lbs) on our scale.

More information is expected later this summer, but Specialized brand communications manager Ben Delaney told BikeRadar that the new bike will be, "available in very limited quantities in the fall."

Specialized say Boonen — as well as new teammate Zdenek Stybar — began testing the new bike on the cobbles late February in Mol, Belgium.

Along with the new chassis, Specialized have a new complementary seat post concept. Currently referred to as the COBL GOBL-R, Specialized director of advanced development Chris D'Aluisio says it "doubles the compliance" of the Roubaix on its own, but is still stiff enough that it doesn't actually feel like it's moving under normal riding conditions.

Moreover, D'Aluisio says most of the motion of the Roubaix frame itself is fore-aft and Specialized are reaching the limit of how much movement is available. On the other hand, the COBL GOBL-R's motion is mostly up and down and since it only moves on bigger hits, riders apparently aren't bothered by the subtle (and momentary) change in saddle height. Claimed weight for the carbon fiber COBL GOBL-R is 230g.

This season Boonen debuted some significant changes to his personal position for this season after a fit session with Specialized SBCU director Scott Holz. His saddle height is now up a full centimeter, and they decreased his bar width from 46cm to 44cm, and finally they made tweaks to his shoe insoles, which have, supposedly, improved his pedal stroke.

Overall, Specialized claim the modifications (especially the change in bar width) save Boonen 20 watts of energy at cruising speed and his sprinting style is now significantly more stable and lower up front. It obviously worked in Flanders, and this weekend will likely be total proof of concept for the new Roubaix, and Boonen’s new position.

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1