Do Something Good, Win a Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL4 (A Week of Giving Away Bicycles, Day 4)
Oh, I know what you think of me. Don’t pretend I don’t. You think of me as a goofball. Yeah, you consider me a lovably lurpy, lumpy guy who stumbles about, writing whatever pops into my head at the moment, only to be forgotten moments later.
And you know what? I’d be very angry at you for thinking that, if it weren’t a perfectly accurate description of how I actually am.
At least, that’s how I am most of the time.
Today’s post, however, will do two important things:
- Announce that the latest prize in the already outrageously prize-laden Grand Slam for Zambia 2 an eye-poppingly beautiful, fast, and comfortable dream bike: The Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL4.
- Prove that, from time to time, I actually think ahead and make plans and scheme and strategize and stuff.
Meet the Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL4
As if the Grand Slam for Zambia 2 weren’t already prize-laden enough (including an S-Works Stumpjumper FSR Carbon 29er, a trip to NYC to see the SRAM pART show, three trips to Moab for the Africa in Moab experience, a Miir bicycle and six $134 gift certificates from Twin Six), we’re now adding an absolute dream road bike: The Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL4.
Look at this beauty (though the wheels and some components will be a little different in the bike given away, which I’ll explain in just a minute):
When I call this $8000 beauty a dream bike, I’m not just using hyperbole. See, I actually have gotten to ride one of these. In fact, I got to ride it twice.
Back in September, I got to ride one during the 2012 Levi’s Gran Fondo, which may be the ultimate perfect course for this kind of bike. At least, it felt pretty darned perfect to me. This bike is light and fast. And yet, it manages to be incredibly comfortable and smooth. By the end of a long day (right around 100 hilly miles on a mix of good and not-so-good road in and around Santa Rosa, California) in the saddle, I had made up my mind: there is no road bike in the world I would rather own.
But that was the second time I had ridden one of these bikes. The first time was when Specialized joined the good folks at Honey Stinger for a group ride in Salt Lake City during the Outdoor Retailer Show. I got to borrow a new Roubaix for a ride up Emigration Canyon — a popular climber’s delight of a road ride.
By the time I had been on the bike for twenty minutes, I had decided: I have to make one of these bikes a grand prize in the World Bicycle Relief contest I was planning to do later in the year.
Yes, back in June I had already started hatching the scheme you are seeing come to fruition right this second.
And as part of that scheme, I knew I wanted someone who actually knows what he’s talking about to explain what makes this bike so incredibly great. So right then and there, I asked Chris Riekert of Specialized — who was along for the ride — to describe the Roubaix on camera (In addition to the fact that Chris does a really good job of talking about the bike, you should watch this video to hear my reaction to his use of the term “Cobble Gobbler”):
So, let me be seriously serious for a second: I really do love this bike. I don’t have one, and I wish I did. And I’m going to be greenly envious of whoever winds up winning this bike.
How About Some Details?
As with the S-Works Stumpy FSR 29er that’ll be given away as part of this contest, the prize is a collaboration between Specialized and SRAM. Which is to say, Specialized has provided the frame, and SRAM is providing the components.
So let’s take a closer look at what this bike includes, OK? First of all, there’s the gorgeous frame set:
I love that understated, elegant matte-black carbon treatment. This bike is gonna be gorgeous.
You’re going to get to build up this frame with a full-on, top-of-the-line SRAM Red group:
This is an sophisticated, smooth, beautiful component group. Seriously, money cannot buy better. Oh, and just because I happen to have a thing for gorgeous components, let’s take a closer look at the crankset:
Yum.
You’re going to need a nice stem and bar to go with this dream bike, of course, and those will come from Zipp SL line. You’ll get to choose the Service Course SL stem in the length you need:
You’ll then pair that to a Contour SL Bar in the size that works for you:
Oh, but we’re not done with the whole custom setup thing. No. Cuz you’re going to need a set of wheels. And you know what? You can choose any Zipp wheelset you want.
For what it’s worth, I think I’d go with the Zipp 404s:
Or, on the other hand, it’d be pretty hard to resist the 808’s:
Hey, it’s a tough decision, but someone’s gotta make it. Maybe that someone will be you.
How — And Why — To Enter
Obviously, this is a pretty amazing bike. Perhaps even more obviously, this is one of an incredible number of amazing prizes. Crazily, there are going to be even more astonishing prizes that will be given away as part of this fundraiser.
And all you have to do to be entered to win this bike — and all of the bikes and other prizes — is donate at my Grand Slam for Zambia 2 page. (Click here to go to that donation page).
So here’s a question you probably haven’t asked yourself: why am I playing against type and actually planning and working and otherwise orchestrating such a monstrously huge fundraiser? (Trust me, the prizes I’ve announced and the ones I’ll be announcing didn’t all just fall into my lap.)
It’s because I’ve been to Zambia, and I’ve seen what a huge difference a bike makes in a person’s life there. That improvement is immediate and wonderful and lasting. And I’ve seen for myself that World Bicycle Relief is doing a fantastic job of doing this work thoughtfully, of making our work and donations count.
In other words, I’m doing this because WBR is doing good work, and I believe in it.
And also, because I really love giving cool stuff away.
So, click here to donate. Thanks, and I hope you win.
Comment by Shelley (aka @peckishcyclist) | 11.29.2012 | 12:43 pm
Just bought a bike for someone I don’t know in Zambia–and, dang, it feels great! Thanks, Fatty, for giving me the opportunity :)
Shelley
Comment by Mark J. in Dallas | 11.29.2012 | 12:54 pm
I have no data to back me up but that may be the most expensive prize you’ve ever given away, when adding up all the components. Many props to Specialized, SRAM and ZIPP. VERY generous.
Actively seeking budget dollars for my donation…stand by.
Comment by Clydesteve | 11.29.2012 | 1:12 pm
this makes me drool
Comment by Clydesteve | 11.29.2012 | 1:20 pm
JFYI, Fatty, 15mm = about 5/8″, not 1-1/2″
Comment by Brian | 11.29.2012 | 1:51 pm
Oye… this would make my day, month, year, years… maybe longer :)
Pingback by Do Something Good, Win a Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL4 (A Week of Giving Away Bicycles, Day 4) | Bicycle News Gator | 11.29.2012 | 1:58 pm
[...] the original here: Do Something Good, Win a Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL4 (A Week of Giving Away Bicycles, Day 4) This entry was posted in FatCyclist.com and tagged bike, dream, prize, ride, road, roubaix, [...]
Comment by Brian in VA | 11.29.2012 | 2:42 pm
I am so not worthy of such a bike, and yet so coveting one. I just hope my drooling doesn’t render my keyboard inoperable before I finish this po……..
Comment by gfurry | 11.29.2012 | 2:56 pm
Just donated. silly question. Any idea what type of mount he used for the go pro?
I was the one riding this bike, and that’s my mount (I’ll show footage from the ride in another post). It’s the K-Edge GO BIG Pro Saddle Rail Mount. I love it, and use it more than any other mount. Very highly recommended. – FC
Comment by Dan | 11.29.2012 | 3:30 pm
Lust, envy, desire, are not strong enough words to describe current feelings. I want…no I need.
Comment by davidh-marin,ca | 11.29.2012 | 3:44 pm
Very cool!
Any truth to the rumor that the Trailer Park Cyclist is giving a prize to come down to the park for a weekend of riding? And if not, why not? Of course all costs involved in getting to Florida are the responsibility of the winner. TPC could only offer comraderie and beer! But hey! That’s good enough for me!
Checking under the kid’s bed, and in their pockets, for more donation funds.
Comment by Wife#1 | 11.29.2012 | 4:34 pm
Holy cow! That is one nice bike. Time to change the access code to the kids’ college accounts again, because by now, David has realized I already sacked the kids’ rooms for coffee money this morning. :-)
Comment by Martin Burk | 11.29.2012 | 6:36 pm
Saaaweeeeeeet……..
Comment by Nathanial Nelson | 11.29.2012 | 6:45 pm
such a amazing bike I have been riding for 20+ years and I have a 2010 specialized tarmac that is a amazing bike that has been helping me stay strong and helped me get excited for biking again after I had a fight with cancer back in 2009 but I could so love to rock a new bike sense mine is starting to see some good wear on it and then plus I got hit by a car last week while riding it but that is nothing to stop me I’m still going strong biking every day even out here in the cold of utah
Comment by Brian | 11.29.2012 | 6:48 pm
Standard Go Pro. It comes with all bike mounts you’d need.
Actually, GoPro comes with quite a few mounts, but an under-the-saddle mount isn’t one of them. This was a K-Edge GO BIG Pro Saddle Rail Mount. It’s my favorite, most-used mount. I can’t recommend it highly enough. – FC
Comment by Anthony Keller | 11.29.2012 | 7:51 pm
Been riding a 2011sectur apex for the last year and a half this would be a awesome upgrade
Comment by AKChick55 | 11.29.2012 | 8:16 pm
Now THAT’S what I’m talking about. Once the contest is over, it would be SO cool for the people that win the bikes to send in photos and a little blurb about themselves. I’ve often wondered who won various Fatty contests. Of course, if people didn’t want to publicize that they won a super duper cool prize, that would be different. :)
Payday next week so I can make another payment on my bike for Zambia!
Comment by ClydeinKS | 11.29.2012 | 9:35 pm
Just viewed the video as it is blocked while I’m at work, good thing too as NOTHING would’ve been accomplished today if it were accessible. I’ve always wondered about weight limits on carbon and glad to know I’m in that window! I’m not worthy but know that this would absolutely help my acsending speed. Nothing more to say beyond WOW!!!
Comment by Tania L. | 11.29.2012 | 9:42 pm
I will donate what I can, but I love what the cause is! I love these bikes and with my condition biking is one of the only things I can do. My first riding was this year, It was for a local charity, and it was a spiritual experience for me, I am now hooked on riding!
Comment by Alanrock | 11.29.2012 | 9:51 pm
Bought a bike! Thanks for the opportunity to help someone.
Comment by Daychel | 11.29.2012 | 10:37 pm
Cyclust.
Comment by Keith Pro | 11.29.2012 | 11:14 pm
Excellent cause, marvelous bike! Are the sweepstakes open to anyone, or are only US citizens eligible to win?
Open to anyone. If you’re outside the US, however, you’re responsible to pay customs on any prizes that come your way. Or if you win a trip, you’re responsible to get yourself into the US, at which point we’ll cover the rest of your travel. – FC
Comment by Martin | 11.29.2012 | 11:57 pm
me me me …..
Comment by Georgi | 11.30.2012 | 2:19 am
one of the best bikes ever
vamos contador ;)
Comment by T.J Olaussen | 11.30.2012 | 8:45 am
Dear almighty bicycle God….. Please let me win it, please let me win it, please let me win it, please let me win it.. I will sacrifice 11 tubes and a multitool in your honour. Oh yeah, almost forgot.. Tor and Odin sends their best and said you had to stop by for some mead next time you were up North
Comment by Davidh-Marin,ca | 11.30.2012 | 1:17 pm
Dear Abby…..Fatty:
Finding $15.00 in my son’s pants, set for laundry today, I am set to donate said amount to a worthy cause which just so happens to have the added benefit, the chance to add a new awesome bicycle to my collection. The question is;
1. If I win, do I have to share? (He’s only 9, and not yet close to my 6′-3″ frame)
2. Do I have to give him his $15.00 back?
A third question where the money came from I can ask him myself. Oh! Then he would know I found his money, and would want to know where it went. Maybe I’ll ask your sister, Ann Landers jillene what to do.
A concerned contest Dad
Thank you
Comment by eclecticdeb | 11.30.2012 | 2:04 pm
Wish I could afford to donate more than one bike to those kids, I’ve been to Zambia (a long time ago), and it is startling to witness such true poverty, yet at the same time the people have such a generous spirit.
My riding ability is so NOT worthy of such an incredible ride…but that will not stop me from accepting the prize.
Comment by Kukui | 11.30.2012 | 5:18 pm
I’ll be donating a bike or two every paycheck! More than worth it for the kids in Zambia.
Man, that bike is something else! =)
Comment by Al Pastor | 11.30.2012 | 7:36 pm
Donated! Don’t care if win anything – happy to be able to do something positive today.
Comment by Owen Bentley | 11.30.2012 | 8:23 pm
A great cause. Wish I could’ve given more but it all helps. Good luck and best wishes from sunny Phillip Island.
Comment by Tore Olaussen | 12.1.2012 | 5:23 am
great bike. Have made my sacrifices to the bicycle God in order to win it.
Just watched the video and have a little comment. 15 mm is not an inch and a half.
An inch is about 25,4 mm. So an 1,5 inch would be 38 mm which would be an impractical huge amount of flex.
Comment by Ruth | 12.1.2012 | 10:34 am
Thank you so much for putting this together, please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
Comment by The Cyclist | 12.2.2012 | 11:52 am
I am a troll, and I want attention.
[Original comment edited for clarity and honesty. - FC]
Pingback by Show 49: Lauren Tamayo and Elden Nelson | TourChats for Cycling Fans | 12.2.2012 | 10:12 pm
[...] Elden Nelson aka @FatCyclist Decided to use a blog to employ the diet tactic: humiliation plus tell stories about rides and “fake news (especially around Tour de France time, when there’s usually lots of stuff in the bike industry that begs for satire).” He’s started a fundraiser and you could win a Specialized Roubaix. [...]
Comment by mark ifi | 12.3.2012 | 8:28 pm
is this an international sweepstake?
Pingback by Fat Cyclist » Blog Archive » Win a VIP Entry in Levi’s GranFondo (New Grand Prize in the Grand Slam 2) | 12.6.2012 | 9:03 am
[...] So I’ve been wondering lately: what would it take to make a fundraiser contest so freakishly compelling that nobody would want to not be part of it? Would it take a bunch of trips to Moab as prizes? A dream mountain bike? A fistful of gift certificates to Twin Six? A sweet commuter bike? A dream road bike? [...]
Pingback by Show 49: Lauren Tamayo and Elden Nelson | 01.11.2013 | 3:33 pm
[...] in the bike industry that begs for satire).” He’s started a fundraiser and you could win a Specialized Roubaix. Lauren Tamayo – Silver medalist in the Pursuit, Lauren Tamayo is switching from the track to [...]