While Specialized have made changes across the Roubaix, the FutureShock suspension is undoubtedly the standout feature – said to offer a 4,538 per cent improvement in front-end smoothness. That’s a simply astounding figure, so what exactly is FutureShock?

In developing the latest Roubaix, Specialized once again teamed up with McLaren Applied Technologies, the Formula One engineers who also helped design the Venge ViAS aero bike, in an attempt to ‘truly understand what ‘smooth’ actually means’. Together, McLaren and Specialized developed a piece of software called the Rolling Efficiency Simulator in an attempt to understand the effect of compliance (or, as the rider understands it, comfort) has on the efficiency of the bike.

FutureShock itself is a cartridge system placed within the steerer tube and provides 20mm of travel. The unit contains three springs, and the upper spring can be changed, with three options available with varying spring rates, so the rider can tweak the feel according to personal preference and the road surfaces on which they typically ride. Check out the video below for a closer look at how FutureShock works.

Specialized have focussed on front-end compliance with the Roubaix and say that adding to much compliance into the rear can affect stiffness – undoubtedly important for a bike designed for Tom Boonen to race at Paris-Roubaix, as much as it is for the rest of us to take on bashed up country lanes at the weekend. Still, Specialized haven’t completely forgotten about the rear-end compliance and have dropped the seatpost clamp by 65mm, to the junction with the seatstays, to allow for most seatpost flex, without impacting on the stiffness of the rear triangle. The CG-R seatpost itself is also designed to offer a little more shock absorption. All things considered, Specialized say the Roubaix is considerably stiffer than before.

The Roubaix is also the lightest frame Specialized have ever produced – lighter than the Tarmac. The flagship S-Works version of the frame weighs a claimed 900g, compared to 966g for the Tarmac. Step away from the top-end S-Works platform and the Roubaix frame weighs a claimed 1,050g. Bear in mind, however, that the FutureShock suspension adds a claimed 295g to the overall weight.

Specialized have also tweaked the geometry, lowering the stack to bring the Roubaix closer to the Tarmac race bike, so it’s possible to achieve a more aggressive position. However, Specialized have also ensured the fit is highly adjustable, with a number of headset top covers and riser handlebar options, so you can still easily achieve a relaxed, upright position.

For more on the new Ruby, Specialized’s female-specific endurance bike, head over to our sister-site, Total Women’s Cycling.

Specialized Roubaix 2017 bikes

The 2017 Roubaix range will be made up of six bikes: two made from Specialized’s top-end FACT 11r carbon fibre, whereas the rest of the bikes in the line-up are constructed from Spesh’s second-tier FACT 10r carbon. The S-Works chassis will also be available as a frameset only.

Here’s the line-up:

Specialized S-Works Roubaix eTap – £7,500

Specialized Pro Shimano Ultegra Di2 – £5,500

Specialized Roubaix Expert Shimano Ultegra Di2 – £3,800

Specialized Roubaix Expert Shimano Ultegra – £3,200

Specialized Roubaix Comp Shimano 105 – £2,400

Specialized Roubaix Elite Shimano Ultegra – £1,900

Specialized S-Works Roubaix frameset – £2,750

• See the Specialized website for full specs.