$200 Answer to $3000 problem?

I did this for a year and half.  Did it fit like my tri bike does now?  No.  Was I in a more aero position?  Yes.  I actually bought another saddle to go on the forward seat post.  With a quick release seat post clamp I could change between the two seat posts in a few seconds.  Only took a minute or two to get the clip on aeros off and on as well.

IMO you'll be good to go with the aerobars (and maybe flipping the seat-post) and a refit.

I'm in a similar position as you - Roubaix roadie - which I'll hazard a guess has more slack geometry than your Tarmac and it's working out OK for me (HIM last year, MOO this year).

$0 answer to no problem:  Ride the road bike!

Build your engine and save your pennies.  Until you get faster legs, don't sweat the more aero bike.  Save you coins and wait until an end-of-the-season sale or when you get the cash.  Too many people are hung up on the bike they ride and how it's equipped.  Tain't nothing wrong with riding a mountain bike with slicks.  Everyone wants to be faster, but don't feel that it should be the highest priority.

If you were racing for the podium and really important, you wouldn't be asking... you would look like the quitessential triathlete - pulling a Cervelo P3 out of the hatchback of an '83 VW Rabbit!

+1  It's not about the bike.

Yeah, it's not about the bike.  It's about body position on the bike.  Aero is faster.  If the OP has the money to buy the speed, and if the OP wants to buy the speed, I see no reason not to.  Not being able to win your age group should not be a deciding factor in doing all you can to go as fast as you can.

Keep the existing bike and add the aero's etc until it's time to get a Tri bike.  Aero bars, etc are worth the money.

I ride most of the time with a group of guys and gals who own a very wide variety of bikes, many have multiple bikes for winter, TT's, commuting, racing, etc, etc, etc.  I started my riding on a entry level aluminum frame that did fine.  I rode it for a couple of years put a bunch of miles on it and worked my tail off trying to keep up with much faster riders on a regular basis.  I put aero bars on it for TT's and Tri's and for a 3rd position on long rides.  Aero bars are by far the best bang for your buck to get more aero in TT's and to help your times.

end of the year last year I purchased a P2C.  It was a great deal, it was exactly what I wanted, and I plan on having it for a long time.  It has made a world of diference to my training and racing.  However, most of this is due to it being a much higher end bike then my older road bike.

If you are happy with your road bike, adding aero bars and a few other details (fit, seat, etc) can provide significant benefits to your aero position and your speed in races.  If you really are looking to upgrade the bike to a higher end bike or newer bike like I was then spending money on the old bike may not make sense. 

The other thing to consider is what type of riding do you do?  In a group, on your own, long distance, other races outside of tri's, would you keep both bikes, do you need two bikes or just would a tri bike only do fine?  All of these will have an impact on what makes the most sense for you.

Michael

I've been pondering/researching this same issue for after this season, and also have a Roubaix.  I'm curious how you outfitted yours...?

I think you're making the right decision Randym95. 

Another important aspect of the aerobar besides being more aerodynamic, is having another position to ride in.  "Going aero" should provide you a huge amount of comfort for those long rides.  You'll want to ride more.  Riding more and going on longer rides will translate to "working on the engine" more IMO. 

Have fun!!