Opinions on Specialized Ruby?

[lov2ride]

I am looking at a 2006 barely used Ruby Expert for $1,650. I would not be able to afford a new one and thought this sounds pretty good. Does anyone have any info to share?

[michelem]

I have a 2007 and I LOVE it. From what I hear, the 2006 was even better. Why do I love it? The FIT. I tried all different kinds of bikes, women's specific and not. The Ruby won out in the end. I had a way-too-big, very heavy low-end mountain bike before the Ruby. In comparison, the Ruby is light as a feather and shifts and handles like a dream. That sounds like a great price. As long as it fits you perfectly and you like the feel, I say go for it! :D

[mudmucker]

This sounds excellent. This is an all carbon fiber frame. If you were to buy this bike back in 2006, it would have cost you close to $2300. The 2006 Expert if I recall, has all Ultegra components. In 2006 I was looking at the Comp and Expert. The Expert was a little too much so I got the Comp, with the next step lower 105 components for $2000. If it is hardly used you will be doing well. Check for any flaws in the frame, just in case.

[aicabsolut]

It's a great bike. A couple better components than my 06 Roubaix Comp and a slightly better frame. You may want to know that this bike came with the FSA SL-K crankset with 50/36 rings and a Shimano 12-27 cassette. That's what I have, and I love the gearing. However, you won't have the same climbing gears as a more common 34T compact small ring. I don't know if that's important to you, but I thought I'd throw that out there.

I don't think that's an exceptional discount considering the age of the bike, but it's definitely better than anything new you'd find in that price range. I'd see if the owner would let you take it to a shop for an inspection before you fully committed, since the frame and cranks are carbon and it is over 2 years old. Barely used doesn't necessarily mean really well cared for. If it's in good shape, go for it if it fits you.

[Jiffer]

The Ruby (in any form) seems to be very popular. I have two friends that have one, I think the Expert ... and they both LOVE their bike. Ultegra components and light frame.

[Flybye]

I have the 2006 Ruby comp that I got used (it only had about 200 miles on it) and it was not quite a year old yet. I purchased it for $1300.
I can't say enough good about this bike.
Hope that helps.

[Susan126]

I love my Ruby! Lover her, love her, love her! The fit, the ride, the components. She is sweeeeeeet! :D

[lov2ride]

I really appreciate everyone's input. The suggestion to have it checked out by a bike shop is something I had not thought of. Thanks. I hope to ride it tomorrow and will let you know how it goes. Anyone want to suggest an offer price if it checks out ok? I have tried to research this and have not been able to find any information. According to the seller, the person who purchased it "never road it" but I still have to verify that.

[melissam]

Lov2Ride,

Don't you wish they had the equivalent of a Kelly Blue Book for used bicycles? I recently bought a used bike that I'd found in a craigslist ad, and I determined the price by:

1. Finding out how much the bike would have cost brand new.
2. Looking for the same year bike in other ads to get an idea of the going rate.
3. Seeing the bike in person to determine if it was the bike for me and to get an idea of the condition of the components and frame.
4. Finding out how many other people are interested in the bike.

If the bike is for you, there aren't any others like it in the area, and others are interested, I'd be willing to pay close to asking price. (Yah, I'll never win any awards for negotiating! :rolleyes:) OTOH, if they don't accept your offer, you can always offer them more!! So, hmmm, maybe I'd offer them $1500 if the bike is in as good of condition as advertised and it fits you.

Also, keep in mind that you may have to replace a few things on the bike, so budget accordingly:
- how are the brake and derailleur cables? New? Old & frayed? In need of adjustment?
- do the tires need to be replaced?
- does the bike fit you, or are you going to have to take it in to get fitted and buy a new stem, etc.
- do you get along with the seat, or do you need to buy a better one for the bike?
- does the bike come with pedals or do you need to provide your own?
- how do you like the handlebars? Are they the right width for you? Can you reach the brake levers with your hands in the drops or on the hoods?

Hope this helps and happy shopping! I'm looking forward to seeing how your test ride goes!

- Melissa

[Delta7]

I have the 2006 Ruby Expert, compact double, and it's a great bike:D! If the bike you're looking to buy is a compact double, and you ride in a hilly area, I do recommend the SRAM 11-28 rear cassette. That price looks good too, the new Ruby Expert costs $3300!

Cheers!

[aicabsolut]

I have the 2006 Ruby Expert, compact double, and it's a great bike:D! If the bike you're looking to buy is a compact double, and you ride in a hilly area, I do recommend the SRAM 11-28 rear cassette. That price looks good too, the new Ruby Expert costs $3300!

Cheers!

Yeah, but the new Ruby Expert has a slightly better frame. I don't see much difference in the 11-28 cassette over the 12-27 stock one. Plus, according to my buddy at a bike shop (I've been considering switching to SRAM cassettes) says that SRAM cassettes work best with SRAM chains, and SRAM chains don't get along with FSA cranksets, in his experience.

Provided the bike is in pretty good shape, I'd consider the stuff melissam posted about the most. What wheels are you getting? What stuff will you need to buy or replace? If in 2006 this bike was around $2300, then you're only looking at about $700 discount, which isn't that much for a 2-year old bike. Just with an end of season sale, you could expect to knock off at least $500. I'd try to get closer to $1k off, unless it's in pristine condition, just based on age. You can ask your local Specialized dealer for some help determining what the bike might be worth. Then factor in what the shop says about the condition of the bike.

It's very common for people to want to have carbon frames inspected by a shop before they purchase them, so don't let the seller give you the run-around there. The last thing you need is for them to not disclose some damage or a crash that could be very bad.

[auntiebobo]

I have the 2008 Ruby Expert and absolutely love it. It's a great bike.

[lov2ride]

Well, for those who are interested, here is the latest on this possible purchase. They did not consent to letting me take it to a bike shop for an inspection. Probably because it is being sold through something best described as a pawn shop I guess. Not your usual venue! It looks pristine and the sales person is extremely knowledgable about bikes. It is a 44cm (an extra small) so I went to a bike shop and asked about the 44cm and whether it is the right size for me. The conclusion is that it is probably just right, but I have to see the bike again and make a few assessments based on my new knowledge regarding the fit etc. As far as the bargaining goes, they will take $1,350. plus tax.
Soooooo! I am just about to take the plunge but can not act until tomorrow now, so any added words of wisdom are greatly appreciated! :confused:

[ttaylor508]

Since you say your are buying this from a "pawn shop" type of venue, I would check the serial number here:
http://www.stolenbicycleregistry.com/

If you do check it out and it comes out clean, you can register the bike in your name on the Specialized website.

The serial number is located under the crankset on the frame.

[Delta7]

my buddy at a bike shop (I've been considering switching to SRAM cassettes) says that SRAM cassettes work best with SRAM chains, and SRAM chains.


I live in a hilly area and did not want to convert to the triple. I have the SRAM 11-28 and am very happy with it (i.e., no more walking on hills!). I did get a SRAM chain (off e-bay). In my experience, the FSA crankset and the SRAM chain and cassette work just fine.

The new 2008s also have the SRAM 11-28 cassette.

Cheers!

[Loso85]

I am looking at a 2006 barely used Ruby Expert for $1,650. I would not be able to afford a new one and thought this sounds pretty good. Does anyone have any info to share?

Well your in luck cause i have one that my girlfriend had, an now I still have it an I want to get reed of it. I'm actually selling it for $1,200 and it to was barley used. An as far as the info that your requesting, its a beautiful bike light weight sleek. If interested please don't hesitate to let me know.

[Susan126]

Well your in luck cause i have one that my girlfriend had, an now I still have it an I want to get reed of it. I'm actually selling it for $1,200 and it to was barley used. An as far as the info that your requesting, its a beautiful bike light weight sleek. If interested please don't hesitate to let me know.

Hello Loso85,

This thread was originally posted in July 2008 but there still may be someone out there who is looking for a specialized ruby today. And welcome to the forum! :)

[kajero]

I know someone who may be interested. She won't buy any bicycle unless the seller has the proof of ownership. She wants to make sure she is not buying a stolen bicycle.

Could you let me know if you have this, what size the bike is, and where you are located?

[Helene2013]

An older thread, but the bike name is the same. :)

I'm going to try a Ruby this weekend. I don't know if it is a 2013 or 2014 but it is only to see how it compares to my Kuota.

I have a 2013 Kuota Kharma that I find a bit too reactive and nervous for me. My LBS kept telling me to come and test drive for a weekend one of his Ruby. So they will fit me on one tomorrow night and I can give it a shot - I was going for a 100km (60 miles) on Saturday or Sunday - depending on weather. He said to me for comfort (feeling safer on the bike), definitively the Ruby will better than the Kuota.

I told him I wanted to keep my Kharma (still love it - sooooo cute) but for the trainer. He said: try the Ruby and then we'll see and talk. I have no intention on spending so much after coughing out $3000 on the Kuota last June. So maybe I will be doing a trade-in (losing money on Kuota), or cough out money and keep the Kuota on trainer (which is not a wise option - but hey! What love can do to you. hihi). Will see 1st how it rides, and what's in it for budget. Money does not grow on tree in Montreal either! Never found a place for that yet! hihi

I had told him I did not like the colour of their Ruby. He kept saying: just come and try it. Then we'll talk! haha He just wants to see if it is ME the problem on a bike or the Kuota's really too nervous for me (which he's sure it is as it is a different type of bike).

So I will let you know how I liked riding the Ruby vs my current Kuota.

[brigada]

I think you could get more for that Kuota if you sold it and then used the money for the Ruby than by doing the trade-in.

[Helene2013]

It depends. That same shop traded-in my husband's 2013 Cervelo R3 (which he did not buy there to start) for his 2014 Cervelo S3 and he received the same thing he would have had if sold by himself. They are pretty good at this. But bike had to be top-notch. And he saved the taxes (15% taxes here in Quebec) on that amount that was traded-in. Which is roughly $300. And he had no hassles and having to deal with a future buyer. So I will have to see how much he would give me in return. So even if hubby would have been lucky to get $200 more from private sale, he still would have lost compared to saving on taxes with trade-in.

We have a formula prepared by a guy on a French board and he's pretty accurate (it was on the dot with LBS). So if I go by his, I should get roughly 2000 for my Kuota. We'll see if his formula is near that. My bike is still in excellent shape, no scratch, and under 1000km to it. And he knows it. I bought it there and all modifications, etc. were done there. TBC... :)

[Helene2013]

Went to pick up the white/pink Ruby for testdrive this weekend. They got me a 48cm - which would be equivalent to my Kuota's size. Fitting is done, all is perfect. It is soooo comfy. The saddle I think I will adore. My hands fit well on the handlebar, etc. So we're ready to ride this weekend. Yeah!

BUT!! I get back into the store area and other owner (they are 2 brothers) sees the bike and seat height and says: I think you should try the 51cm. I'm not too sure about the 48cm. So he goes in the back and comes back with a 51cm that is dark flat grey (beurk!) but hey...it's only to test right! Anyway, he goes in the mechanic area and has it prepared, my measures were applied to that bike and he told me if I like it, they do have a white/pink brand new in a box in a 51cm. So that's good. :)

I went outside to try both bikes and feel how they handle so I can decide which one I want to try this whole weekend. Both feel good to me. I barely see the difference. Hubby is same size as me and tried them too. He said I will be better too on the 51cm.

For the first time in a year I was able to make a u-turn without stopping my bike, I was able to turn my head to check if back traffic was coming. All this while the bike kept stable. I was never scared once on that bike.

So what we'll do today is just ride it around the house (a 30km ride) and since we'll go towards the bike shop, if there is an adjustment to do before my 100km ride tomorrow, out of town.

So far, I like it a lot. TBC...

[azfiddle]

Very cool. I love my Ruby and hope this bike works out for you!

[Helene2013]

Ok...here we go!

The "test drive" was great on Saturday for a little drive I took it in. My comments to the store owner was that it was very slow compared to the Kuota. Like it does not kick in when I ask for power. It seems I always need to pedal and never lose the momentum as it is hard to catch up. But it maybe the price to pay for stability/comfort vs road racer Kuota.

I love the comfort and stability of the bike, mostly the saddle!!!! Wow.

We got the bike ready for Sunday's long ride. So I put my own equipment, changed the basic wheels/tires for my American Classics (to see if I could gain more speed). And I'm not talking racing as I don't go that fast anyway.

Then I took the bike for a long stretch of a 100km yesterday. This is where everything fell apart for me. :(

After 48km total, I was back in the car, totally exhausted. But riding it felt like I was driving a car with the hand brake on all the time. As soon as I'd stop pedaling, the bike would slow down like crazy. Like if the tires were glued to the bike path. I could never get any decent speed unless I was pedaling really strong/hard. My cadence was to be kept very high in order to get something decent. I tried to work on the big and small gears. Test all I could to make my ride enjoyable. Nothing worked, but for the stability.

My husband checked to see if the brake pads were not sticking to wheels, compared gear numbers with Kuota (which is same), etc. I was never able to complete the whole ride. It drained me as if I had never trained all winter.

I had done the exact same path last week (and longer) with no tiredness, no soreness, nothing. Yesterday was totally opposite. I just don’t know what to think of it. But certainly not a bike I would have liked to purchase. I will call the LBS (anyway I have to return this one).

At the 48km mark I had to lie down on a bench and only had 10km left to ride for the car but could not get myself started. By the way, I had my “water tank” with me and drank a lot, electrolytes, good food, etc. I was top shape before heading for the 1st kms. My husband thought I was pedaling too much (higher cadence) but I had no choice if I wanted speed without burning my leg muscles. Working with gears did not work.  The only time the bike was fast was going downhill. The rest of the time it would slow me down a lot (if I compare with Kuota). Enough to get me sick by giving too much energy. I got home exhausted, migraine and the whole shabang.

So for now, I will remain with my Kuota as it glides, flies on the roads, requires so less energy for same distance…if I could just handle it’s nervousness better I would adore this Kuota.

So that was my test drive for the Ruby Elite. I guess I had set my hopes too high on that one. I realize that I have to give something up for comfort and stability. But I never thought that I’d be losing that much in speed. :(

[Crankin]

Is the gearing *exactly* the same? I had a moderate amount of difficulty when I got my custom Guru, as compared to the Kuota. While the Guru actually has 2 lower gears than the Kuota, it does not have some of the same gear combinations. I felt that I was either in a gear which was too easy or hard, and had some trouble finding my comfortable place. I sucked it up for about a year, and finally my average was about the same on both bikes. I am very sensitive to any change on my bikes. Like if something is off 1 cm, I will know it. I can handle 1-2 changes, but every step for me means ingraining it in my muscle memory for quite a while, before it becomes second nature, if there's a lot of steps involved. There have been a few things that have been intuitive for me, like clip less pedals and shifting, and I gues that has helped me that those are big things, which often trip people up.
Putting 25 cm tires on my Kuota made it feel more stable, and since I already had them on my Guru, I made the switch last summer.

[ny biker]

I don't know anything about the Kuota, but the Ruby has inserts to absorb road vibrations. I wouldn't be surprised if that affected the way it rides. Also I'm wondering if the Kuota seems skittish because it is designed to be a faster, more responsive bike.

+1 on trying wider tires on the Kuota. Also you might try a lower psi in them. How much do you usually inflate them?

[Catrin]

I don't know anything about the Kuota, but the Ruby has inserts to absorb road vibrations. I wouldn't be surprised if that affected the way it rides. Also I'm wondering if the Kuota seems skittish because it is designed to be a faster, more responsive bike.

+1 on trying wider tires on the Kuota. Also you might try a lower psi in them. How much do you usually inflate them?

Don't know if they are the same type of inserts or not. My Trek 7.6 FX had those, and I had more road-buzz on that bike than any of my others. Of course, all of my others WERE steel bikes so.... never mind :D Concur on trying wider tires and lowering the PSI.

[Owlie]

The Ruby is a "plush" road bike, so it's designed to be a bit more upright and stable, at the sacrifice of some speed. While I don't know anything about the Kuota, it might be a more aggressive bike, so it seems twitchy. (The biggest thing that helps with that is relaxing!) The gearing is probably different. While they may have the same number of gears (2x10, in all likelihood), the spread is probably different. The "plush"/endurance bikes tend to be geared lower, whereas your Kuota may be geared higher.

The good news? If you like the saddle on the Ruby, that's not a hard thing to buy. ;)

[Crankin]

Also, getting the shortest and shallowest handlebars I could find helped my confidence immensely. I really don't find the Kuota any more skittish than the Trek 5200 (pre-Madone version) I had for the 2 years before I had the Kuota. It is incredibly responsive and I love the feel of the tight geometry. Some would say it's too small for me, but, no, it makes me feel perfectly balanced. Once I get *on* my other bike, I feel fine, but even though it's custom, I still have to say to myself "push yourself up," when I start riding the Guru. I feel like the saddle is too high up, even though it's not, and I feel fine when riding. The position is just so different. Both have the same drop bar, but I feel "high up" on the Guru and just right, all scrunched in on the Kuota.

[ny biker]

If anyone wants to look for shallower bars, my research found the Bontrager VR-S (formerly the VR-WSD) to have the shortest reach and drop. And they're not expensive.

(This reminds me, I ordered my narrower bars a while ago but haven't heard from the LBS about them. I need to remember to call them tomorrow.)

[Crankin]

There are a few that have the same dimensions as the Botranger. I have the Specialized one, only because when I ordered the Salsa, the shop couldn't get it and said the Specialized was exactly the same. It is, it's not expensive, either, unless you get the carbon one. At this point, I don't care. I have a cheap alu bar on a carbon and titanium bike. What you do have to be careful of, is that there is a huge variation in the dimensions of bars that are called short and shallow.The one the LBS put on my Guru where NOT anywhere near as shallow, and not as short either. I argued with them for 2 years, until I took matters into my own hands and just bought the same ones I had on the other bike. Sold the fancy carbon ones to a guy, who thought they would be perfect for him.

[Helene2013]

To answer/comment:

My tires on the Kuota are Gatorskin already 25cm. Love them. The PSI should be 120 and we dropped to 110 but I'm heavy-weight and I can't drop more than this for fear of flat tires. If I could put 100 I would but hubby I'd be getting a flat easier as our roads are bad. But 110 is better than 120. 120 I felt every bump on the road and the bike would jerk up and my back would feel every "jump". At 110 it is much smoother already.

Crankin,
This is how I felt too on the Ruby. Whatever gear I chose, it was always too hard or too easy, no matter which crank set my husband got me on. Bigger gear was so hard to pedal too. Totally different from my Kuota. When I tested the Ruby bike on Sunday, I had my Kuota wheels on (American Classics Aero), so the crank, etc were the same. It's just the stroke and keeping it on speed that was very hard. The second I stopped pedaling, the bike would slow down instantly vs where the Kuota would keep going on and on...just like the Energizer bunny. hihi . Felt as if I had brakes on, and of course nothing was putting the brakes on and the pads were not touching the wheels.

NY Biker,
Funny you mention the inserts as a guy today at hubby's job said exactly that about the Ruby. The fact that you have those inserts, will somehow slow you down. But heck...how much slowing down could it take you! I guess I am so used just giving one stroke of pedal on the Kuota and it's off like a Ferrari, that I felt like a Honda Fit with the Ruby. hihi

Catrin,
The Ruby was a dream to ride. I loved the feeling of it and would have bought it in a heart beat. But getting used to a slow-hard to pedal bike, I am not so sure after having the feel of a Kuota. Talk about being torned between two lovers. hahaha

I am so not ready to get rid of my Pink Lady that I am willing to give it a go again next weekend, in the same trail I have used the past 2 weekends...for comparaison again! Boy when you kick into that Kuota, it is gone and rides like the wind! I'll try to relax my handle on it and not think that it is a reactive bike.

I think I will ask the store to get me that Ruby saddle Women's Lithia Comp Gel (will do price research before asking them - just in case - don't want to get ripped off although they are very good to us on prices - I love to be prepared hihi). I loved it very much. Husband though (while reading your replies) said may the saddle is so soft (which is true compared to the kuota's) that I can bounce more on it (without having noticed during my ride) and it also created friction and slowed me down. So many things plus the basic could have been in the equation.

Crankin,
I did have installed on the Kuota the shallowest bars we could get during the winter. I practiced on the trainer and I feel comfy. But true, I am much lower in the front than with the Ruby, but not that much. Would be interesting to see the %.

I used to think (my pre-age on bike notions) that all road bikes were the same. NOT! hahaha

But I'm just wondering if my energy level was down from riding 30km the day before (which was about 1.5h)...it was such a slow smooth ride just to test the bike. I felt great Saturday, even after the ride. And yesterday I was top shape when I started and never felt out of shape, but because I was pushing so much to get some speed, and having to keep my cadence over 100 to get a decent speed (at 26-28km/h on flats - for me it is fast :) ) that it "killed" me and I was just exhausted.

I will keep riding my Kuota. I don't know what other bike to try if even a Sports EQ Euro can't do it. My LBS that I love has a few brand names in stock, but they are mostly a Specialized one. They have tons of that brand. Others are mostly Cervélos and can't recall other big names. I may want to ask them to get me a Cyclotouring and see...nothing to lose at this point in trying.

Thank you all for your input. You've been a great help...and support!

[Crankin]

Helene, it most definitely is the difference the gear ratios, from what you just said, because that's exactly how I felt. You may have been tired, but even though you are fit (as am I), I think there are just some of us that need to work harder or need more time to transition to differences like this. Eventually, I ended up using the harder gear combo on the Guru. I built my strength doing this. Now, it's a no brainer. For me, the obvious difference was the Kuota is a triple and the Guru is a compact double, with mountain gearing. So, to get those super low gears, I had to give up my favorite gear ratio.
FYI, my cadence is often over 100, and generally is around 80-90. It might be good for you to practice high speed cadence drills, so you just feel more comfortable with this.

[Helene2013]

Crankin

I'll have this checked out by hubby, and LBS (gear ratios). But if I am remembering well, he said he checked the pedals, the gears, etc and they were the same on them. Going to bring the bike back to shop tonight (as it was a trial for the past weekend) and I'll have a chance to talk with owners if they are there.

When I called him yesterday afternoon I told him the big picture: super fun bike to ride but so slow and he did not have an explanation but that I may have been tired from my previous day ride. For me harder to believe as we did not push much, no hills, it was just a fun light 28km ride. But all is possible in life. My husband also measured the bikes bars and some are shorter or longer. The kuota is a 49cm and the Ruby is 51. The kuota is also lighter. Not by much but is. So in the end, I think all adds up.

As for training for higher cadence, I do that at least 3x a week (I work with a personal trainer since January).

This week is a moderate training, next week will be the toughest and the 3rd week (week before that 135km on June14 is very very easy)

Tonight is an easy training (60 minute) as I had 2 rides this weekend and was sick with migraine yesterday (still headache this morning as I type this) but it goes like this

Warm up
20 min
- 5 min C90 I3
- 2 min C95 I3
- 2 min C100 I3
- 5 min C90 I3
- 2 min (sprint max speed I can get in higher cadence possible to not be jumping on saddle 10 sec every 30 sec)
- 2 min PROG every 15 sec (changing to higher gear every 15 seconds)
- 2 min I1

Technic/training
3x
I = Intensity of work out (1 easy - 10 meaning I have to stop or I'll die lol )
1’30’’ I5 / 45’’ I1 / 45’’ C115
1' I6 / 30’’ I1/ 1’ hands in drops
1’30’’ I5 / 45’’ I1 /
30’’ Left leg / 30’’ Right Leg (cycling with only one leg - so unclipping the other one)
30’’ I6 Force / 30’’ I1 / 30" Cadence max

3 minute relax between sets

Return to calm and stretching
10 min

[Helene2013]

Amira is a bit too high in my budget. Already spent over $3k for the Kuota and exchanging it I'm already losing money. So I'm trying to remain in the Ruby range for $$$.

I could look for a Synapse but that would mean changing LBS. No choice if that's the way I need to go. And even look into Pinarello. Haven't seen that many yet in Montreal.

[Helene2013]

I hear you on tablets...hate typing on those, especially if word corrector is on and I toggle between French and English. ARgghh

It's not an emergency to change my bike. I can live with it for now, just not ride it as much outdoor as I don't like the nervousness of it with the front wheel. Too bad as it is the only thing I don't like about the bike. :( It is perfect on the rock and roll trainer. So outdoor is mostly on weekends as I have no time to really go on long rides weekdays. Quicker for me to squeeze in a tight-hard training inside combining all I need.

I want to take my time in finding another one as I will keep it for a long time. Probably my only bike til I die. hihi . I'm not much into changing for changing either. So I want to take the right decision in the next one. Not make the costly mistake I did with my Kuota.

I'm lucky enough in the LBS I have now that they lend me one for weekend. Going to another place will certainly not happen. I never signed a discharge paper, nothing on a $2300 bike! But we bought over $13,000 on bike stuff in just under a year! So they know where I am. hihi

Just too bad they are limited in brands and most are high-ends too. :(

[Helene2013]

Thank you again.

I checked and my LBS has the Amira, in all sizes, at the price you said. Which is in my price range too.

When I bring back my loaned tonight, I will ask owner about the Amira. I like the colour too. :) A plus! I can put my pink tape on it and it will still look good. :)

[Helene2013]

I just called the LBS owner and he is checking to see what he has in stock in a 51cm. I'll call him back. He said I could borrow one with pleasure for Saturday. Sunday is going to be too hot for me to ride. :p So I will call him back before lunch to see what would be available. Will see as I have to get fitted (again!) on that bike. They are truly patient with me. hihi

Thanks again for the guidance!

Edited as saw your note too late (too bad we don't get a message before posting a new reply that says another posted while you were typing!). I will look for a Pinarello test drive. Even if it is another dealer I have to go to. Nothing to lose for now.

[ny biker]

I would just like to add that is sounds like you have a really good LBS. It's great when you can work with people who are so helpful.

[Helene2013]

They are the best to us. Very client oriented and always with a smile and oh such patience! I don't know how many times we've been inside for fixing this or that, question this or that, or going in to purchase a simple thing (like a magnet) and come out without ever paying. They've been around for such a long time. It is a family business (but very big with 3 stores) and owners are our age. I remember buying our hybrid from his parents and it was in 1992. That's how far I remember. These guys were in their early 20s like us...and now they're in their early 50s. Small world sometimes.

So going elsewhere for my bike business is not as tempting. I don't think I could get better service. Ok may be... but we like them a lot.

The owner even told us to get in their group (free of charge) for the June 14th 135km challenge in just over 2 weeks. They will drag me to the finish line for my 1st ever long ride. "Regular" folks pay $100 for that (and other stuff like a team jersey, certified cycling escorts, etc). So for us it is a priviledge and we know/appreciate it.

Details like those really set them apart. And I like that.

[Helene2013]

Ok. So he has a 51cm Amira Expert Ultegra in stock (at $4000 it is much over my budget so he better do a very good trade-in if this is going to work out. haha). He said this one should be less agressive then my Kuota. Hummmm. I don't like the colour at all but I need to test drive to see differences in handling/comfort. So I will give it a try on a 100km...if I can kick in with the pedals this coming Saturday!

[Helene2013]

Thank you. I did read the other thread. Very interesting, but complex too. :p

I dropped off the Ruby I tried this past weekend. And the fitter did say that the Ruby, although a very good bike, has no power on kick-offs compared to some other bikes. That is why I had many issues with it when doing stop and go, climbing hills or even stopped pedaling on flat and trouble getting it back on speed. He also would not recommend me to buy the saddle I liked so much on the Ruby and told me why. The Ruby has the Zertz vibration dampers and it bounces some when we hit "holes", etc. So it gives me the impression that the saddle is "softer" but it is due to the dampers. So getting it for my Kuota I may (will) be disappointed as it will be just as hard. It's good to know before spending money. I never thought about the shock absorbers making the saddle "feel" better.

He showed me the bike I will be borrowing Friday night for Saturday's ride (I could have taken it home tonight but did not want them to lose a sale if someone came in and wanted it before I test drive it - just fairness in my view). My husband likes it more than I do. hihi It's the bike used by the Spec/Lululemon women cycling team. Nice bike, just not my colour. Black with zebra lines, nah! But it comes in Ultegra. I still prefer the look of the Amira Sport (white with green stripes and green tape - tape I would change for pink or fushia to match my American Classics wheels that I keep).

Anyhow, I'm taking the Amira Expert for the test. They will do my fit Friday night so I can have a nice decent comfy ride on Saturday. If I like the feel of it, which they confirmed is way less agressive than my Kuota, I may try to get them to get me the Amira Sport and do the upgrade from 105 to Ultegra. May come more expensive but I get the colour I want, with the components upgraded. He said they did not have the Sport in stock because last year every woman wanted the Expert model.

Before moving earth, I will try the Expert and go from there.

Thank you all again for your input.

[Helene2013]

Sorry. Been a very long busy weekend.

Picked up the Amira Expert Friday night after work. Hubby tried it (for me) in a street near store to make sure all was in order before our 100km ride next day. He said the shifting system (new Ultegra) is unbelievable and we are in trouble (I would love the bike. haha)

Indeed...I took it for that spin. 1st 10km we were up (flat hill) facing winds at 15km/h. Rough climb. I'm still not that strong in hills/windy conditions. I complained all the way up. hahah But the bike is kicking into gears so well. A real turbo engine in there. haha Once I got used to the bike (always takes me a little while), trusted it, and got out of that opened fields winds I was kicking dust!

We rode 50km one way and most of it is up (false flats). I was able to maintain a good speed for me and when I needed acceleration the bike was giving it to me. Very very stable fast bike. What I did with this bike on the 1st ride, I never was able to do with the Kuota in a year. Kuota, I'm afraid of it as it is too reactive/nervous.

The Amira Expert is very stable. Hit a large bump at some point. I was speeding at about 26km/h going down a small hill. The bike was just pushed into the air, kept going straight and landed right back to the front where it was heading. No swinging left to right. Never felt out of control...and this was my 1st ride.

I never ever went fast on a bike before yesterday. A "real" cyclist passed us. I was already going 28-29km/h. He's tired and is stalling me. I can't really pass him yet (he had just done that and I felt I would have just provoked him) because the other side of bike path is not great (safe) just yet. I also see a very nice long hill (not too steep) way ahead. What's the point passing him if he's going to come and get me as I'm weak on hills. Well...I passed him at 30km/h. I was enjoying this sooooo much inside. Me passing a real cyclist and burning rubber! Yeah! The bike kicked into gears so well. I had good energy and he never came to get me. Even the hill I was impressed.

At some point....and this is miraculous for me.... I nailed a 39.2km/h (I want to keep my .2 ok...hahahaha I wanted to target 40...but I'll keep this for next time!). My god...what is happening to me. That is super fast for me. Small false flat down again. But heck.... I think my eyes were not big enough to look at my speedometer. I impressed myself. I fell in love with the bike then, I think. The bike totally controllable, eating the road. Wow. I could not keep the 39km/h for more than 8 minutes. But that is a LOT coming from me!!! Wow.

So you think I like this bike? You can bet! I want it now. haha Only thing is I hate the Zebra colour. Not my type at all. Hubby said to put my "pink" american classic wheels on, bar tape some pink or fushia colour and it will totally change the look. I'm not sure but I have to be fair and say the bike is a taker...forget the look. I feel super safe, confident and smiled all the way (but for that 1st 10km).

I did 100km, not tired but happy to have ended it. A bit achy at shoulders/neck area but it is my 1st 100km ever. And the fit was not optimal either but nothing negative at all to say from this bike. I was able to let go of the brake handles and ride with hands on the side (giving them a rest) and even one hand on the flat part of the handle while the other one was keeping near the brake. Don't ask me too much on 1st ride. haha But that is something I would not and was never able to do with the kuota as it has little stability from left/right. I would have crashed long time ago with the kuota. Geometry is just not for me/my style. It can be perfect for someone else, but stresses me too much and it shows in the end and makes me hate my rides all the time.

The ultegra system is a new ultegra type for 2014. My goodness...the shifting is amazing. I would not even want to have the di2 I thought I wanted (like hubby has). It's not even needed.

Anyway, I can go on and on...this is the bike that will fit me...and encourages me to go fast and still feel safe and steady.

Now I have to call the store owner tomorrow to see what deal he can do on my Kuota's trade-in (I bought it there and they all know issues I've had since Day 1). They're very good customer-service so I'm sure we'll get to something. But I'll be losing on the Kuota more than I'd think because I want to keep the wheels (they would keep the Fulcrum that is on Arima), etc... so to be continued. It is still a $4000 bike plus 15% tax. So nearly $5000. Expecting $1800 in trade-in. So there goes my summer vacation money. No choice to keep my campground reservation in Boston area for this summer. hihi No more money to travel to Minnesota, nor Nasvhille to visit friends. Oh well. You can't have it all they say. And once I buy a bike I truly like, it will be with me until I get to 70 probably...so another 20 years. Good deal in the long run. haha

[Helene2013]

I have the women version (Glamour) - 1st pic taken when we picked it up (handles have been changed to wider one (and are angled normal now - those were raised when I was injured at elbow)
17166

I love my Kuota and would certainly keep it if it was not for the handling of it and never feeling "glued" to ground. Totally different experience with Ruby Sport (which sticks way too much haha ) and now the Amira Expert which is an in-between that I think suits me much better. So you may have nailed it 100% with the text extract. I do realize I chose the wrong bike to start. I did not know which real questions to ask then, and hubby and I fell in love with a bike look.

Lesson learned for sure: test the bike on a long stretch if you can, make sure the LBS knows what you intend to do and how truly experienced you are before selling you a bike not totally suited for you, even if you love its look!!! I've learned (and still learning) a lot from this experience. But will be wasting money on the re-sale and so much time and energy in trying to making zillions of changes to the bike, that did little in the end but frustrates me and make me want to stay on trainer instead of outside. hihi

Reading that article, it does say braking is waxed a bit...so true. They even changed the braking system for Shimano (instead of Kuota) because it would not brake fast enough. The Amira for instance is instant, with so little pressure I'm impressed. I had fun just braking Saturday. haha

So tomorrow night going to the bike shop and I'll find out how much the trade-in and new bike (Amira) will cost me in the end. I figure it's going to cost me a return of $2300...maybe more depending how much he gives me in taking back the Kuota, and since I keep my Americain Classic wheels - that came with Kuota - I may have to cough up even more, even if I don't keep the wheels that come with Amira.

TBC... But it is an excellent article. I think I'll go read reviews on Amira in case something's "wrong" before I spend again so much. But seriously, Amira after 100km ride, I would not have changed anything on it. All was perfect and loved the whole package. And it was not even fitted properly. Imagine!!!

[ny biker]

I trust my own 100km ride over any review.

The people writing the reviews may have different priorities, comfort levels, etc. If your own experience with the Amira indicates that it is a good bike for you, then that is the most important thing.

Good luck and have fun with it!!

[Helene2013]

Oh I know for reviews, you're better off trusting your own feelings/sensations on a bike. With the little riding (a one-day 100km in various road conditions - including hills, nice winds, etc.) it is just perfect. Even on 23mm tires. But I would put my 25mm on it for better comfort riding. With that riding done you either like it or not! No need to test more. It is a good fit for me (but for the price that is - but it is what it is!). At least at this point. And what I read just matches what I felt on that bike. At least most of it.

I just wanted to read for "issues" if encountered by those who tested it. So far so good. :)