Takeaway: You’ll want to take out the Roll Low-Entry as often as you can to enjoy its smooth ride and easy handling capabilities.
- Offers a relaxed, upright riding position and easy balancing at stops.
- The wide saddle keeps you comfortable on long rides.
- Extra-low step-over aluminum frame is accessible for a wide range of ability and mobility levels.
Price: $535
Weight: 30.6 lb. (S)
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This past fall, I inadvertently started my first ride streak. I moved to Pennsylvania in August and was shocked to find day after low-humidity day. It was the kind of summer weather I longed for while living in Missouri, where the sweltering heat can stick around until October. Apparently, the weather was a bit of an anomaly even for the Keystone state, but I still took full-advantage of it, hiking and riding my way around my new home. In October when I realized I’d be logging weekly rides, I was determined to keep it up. Eventually, though, winter caught up to me, and the cold numbed my fingers one too many times. I didn’t hang my sneakers up for the season entirely, but I wasn’t riding as consistently. That is, until I hopped onto the Roll Low-Entry.
One of Specialized’s hybrids, this bike is built first and foremost for comfort. It rides like an urban cruiser, using the relaxed positioning of a beach cruiser on a commuter-ready frame that can haul cargo. The geometry of the lightweight, aluminum frame put me in an upright position, which is also great for people who struggle with numb fingers, a stiff neck, or an aching back after a few minutes in the saddle. The leaned-back seat tube makes it easier to put a foot on the ground so riders can balance at a stop, and the low step-over frame makes it accessible for a wide range of ability and mobility levels.
Commuter-Friendly
Add a rack or fender to the rear and a basket or phone holder to the BMX-style handlebar and you’re ready to run errands or for your daily commute. The ergonomic grips and extra-wide saddle yield a comfortable ride mile after mile. And compared to the previous model from 2018, the Roll sports grippier tires with puncture-resistant rubber and a seatpost that’s now easier to adjust on the fly thanks to the new quick release clamp (though I did have a little trouble getting it to stay snug at first). Most importantly, Specialized added a size medium bike to the lineup (it was just S and L) expanding the sizes to better fit a wider range riders, both taller and shorter.
Pros
- Comfy saddle
- Stable tires
- Upright position
Cons
- Not very fast
Ride Impressions
Before heading out for my first ride on the Roll, I lapped the office parking lot a few times and immediately felt a child-like sense of glee. Circling parking lots always reminds of when I first learned to ride a bike in one, but this wasn’t just my usual warm, fuzzy ride down memory lane. Everything about the Roll felt nice and easy. The wide tires seemed to glide along the pavement as I settled into the incredibly comfortable saddle. The rim brakes eased me to a stop without issue. With a quick flick of the smooth Shimano Altus paddle-style shifter, I checked the gears, then took off in earnest.
The Roll felt smooth and easy as I traveled on the road to a mostly gravel trail in a nearby neighborhood, where the rocks are deep and loose in many places. The 650b x 2.3-inch Nimbus II Sport tires on the Roll were capable here: I felt stable in the swishy rocks and wet, mulchy descents.
The Roll’s precise steering helped me navigate a curvy pathway during one ride, but my favorite place to go for a spin quickly became my local rail-trails (technically one is a converted canal path). Cruising along these routes, the Roll felt in its element, and I got to enjoy its premium features, namely the saddle. I have yet to find one that matches the comfort of The Cup. Specialized designed it with a wide back that fully supported my sit bones. The cutout in the middle upped the ante, relieving pressure from my tailbone. Even after daily rides and one 20-mile long day, I didn’t experience any discomfort. If you don’t like riding in chamois-padded shorts, this is the saddle for you.
Five Cool Features on the Specialized Roll Low-Entry
Step-Over Frame
The low-entry design lets cyclists of varied mobility go for a spin.
Extra-Wide Seat
The Cup saddle features a wide back and a cutout in the middle.
Inflation Gauge
When the green indicator disappears, it’s time to re-inflate.
Rack/Fender Mounts
Easily add a rack or fender for regular cargo hauling.
Integrated Reflectivity
The shimmery paint finish reflects light to boost driver awareness.
I was also impressed to find the valve caps weren’t the typical plastic type—instead, Specialized used the opportunity to integrate an inflation gauge. With adequate tire pressure, a green indicator remains visible. You know it’s time to re-inflate when the indicator drops down, leaving the clear plastic housing empty. I got out the door faster, knowing my tires were just fine, thanks to this clever add-on.
Specialized Roll Low-Entry Component Details
Frame: A1 Premium Aluminum
Cassette: Shimano HG200, 12-32t
Shifter: Shimano Altus, 7-speed
Brakes: Tektro V-brake linear pull
Tires: 650b x 2.3” Nimbus II Sport
Rack/Fender Mount: Yes
As you might guess, the Roll isn’t built for speed. My riding partner averaged a full 2.5 miles per hour faster without me when I hung back from our usual route one day. Of course, that’s not scientific, considering she is in better shape than me and was riding a faster-rolling touring bike—but if you like to go fast, look into a more aggressive hybrid model. Tackling hills felt more grueling than with other bikes because of the upright positioning. I was at least glad to have some flexibility with the wide range of gears, though.
Ultimately, neither of these were deal breakers for me (and if they are for you, you probably should consider a different type of bike altogether), and I liked the Roll better than the Crossroads 2.0 Step-Through, another comfort-oriented cruiser from Specialized that I tested in the fall. The bikes are very similar, but the Roll has a lower frame clearance, a more comfortable saddle, and a slightly lower price tag. But my favorite thing about this bike? The smooth, stable ride quickly became addictive, and I fell back into my weekly streak without even trying.
