Good morning, newbie here (soon to be Qs about buying a new bike)

[skywalkerbeth]

Hello everyone

I just stumbled into this forum when I typed "Trek Madone 4.5 versus Specialized Ruby" into google!

I'm almost 45 and to celebrate I hope to ride a century this fall. A very flat century. I haven't been on my (17 yr old mountain) bike in two years. I test rode two Treks (Lexa SLX and the Madone 4.5) yesterday and plan to go back today to test the Madone versus the Ruby.

Time for a new bike and a re-commitment to regular riding.

Good morning!

[Roadtrip]

If you have somewhere you can test Cannondale, the Synapse carbon bike may be worthy of a test ride as well.

Both the madone and ruby are really good bikes... I ended up on a ruby, but that's just my personal feel when riding both.

Good luck and welcome to TE!!
Shannon

[azfiddle]

Same for me! I also tested a Cannondale Supersix. The Synapse wasn't available in my size. T the Madone didn't fit (smalllest size in the 4.5 and felt less comfortable- but everyone is different.

I've had the Ruby since Monday- and love it! The Supersix was a little more stiff, less comfortable.

Try to take them on test rides!

[skywalkerbeth]

Thank you!

I had hoped to go out yesterday but was feeling under the weather.

What are "good answers" when you ask an LBS what their "fitting you to the bike" entails?

I also understand I am to ask them about tuneups - are they free and what is included.

[Catrin]

Thank you!

I had hoped to go out yesterday but was feeling under the weather.

What are "good answers" when you ask an LBS what their "fitting you to the bike" entails?

I also understand I am to ask them about tuneups - are they free and what is included.

Others more knowledgeable can address your fitting question, though it is very much worth it. Typically there is one free tuneup included in the price of a bike. As you probably remember, when you start riding a new bike the assorted housings start to stretch so things must be adjusted/tightened as your bike "settles in" - or at least that is how I visualize it.

Basically they will tighten things up on this initial new bike tuneup and give it a once over to make sure things are settling in properly.

[Susie Derkins]

I am considering the same two bikes... the Ruby Elite/Comp, and the Madone 4.5. I've only ridden the Ruby so far, but loved it. If you get to ride them both, please follow up with your impressions!

Scott was the other option for me, but I think I'm going to end up either Trek or Specialized. Cannondale's top tube is a little too long for me.

[MyRubyE]

I test rode some of the same bikes you tried and I ended up going with the Ruby Elite. I'm also 45.

Questions to asks in reference to bike fit.

1) Height wise - you need a frame that fits your height. If you're not sure that is an important question

2) slight bend to the knees when sitting on the saddle - ask how much is good for your height

3) Handle bar reach - how much lean and bend to the elbows should you have.

4) Or, do you want a more upright position - you can have them set the bars to your specifications. What feels right for you.

Questions will come to you as you try the bike and so don't worry and over think it.

Good Luck :)

[skywalkerbeth]

Hi everyone

Reporting back.

I was going to test the Ruby last Sunday but was under the weather.

I took the Ruby out today, and, since they had sold the Madone I rode the Lexa - same bike but for the frame material.

I *think* the Ruby is edging out the Trek. It is so close, but now that I had a chance to compare I kind of felt like I was reaching a little bit more with the Trek - my arms felt more outstretched. I also think I like the shifter better on the Ruby - one click and two clicks, versus "move one shifter, versus moving both shifters". If you have ridden both you will know what I mean.

It is a tough decision. I had gone into today thinking I'd not only go with the Trek, that I'd also use the LBS near my work which seemed a little more personalized, to me. The LBS near work doesn't carry Specialized though, only Trek and Felt. The LBS I visited for testing was near home not work.

What tips the balance for you?

[clarkbar]

Have been thinking about a new bike for a year, tried all sorts last year and hopped on a Fuji 300 and fell in love. It's on layaway and I can't wait to bring it home. Officially a new rider turning 50 and getting my MBA next month, can't think of a better way to celebrate.

[azfiddle]

I definitely felt like the Trek needed more reach. In addition, the ride on the Ruby felt much more comfortable. I only rode the Madone about 2 miles.

250 miles since I brought her home - I love her more with every ride! Keep us posted on your thoughts.

[skywalkerbeth]

I brought her home! I now am a proud road-bike owner. Yay!

I will report more on the rides, too.

Thanks for all the support!

[Catrin]

I brought her home! I now am a proud road-bike owner. Yay!

I will report more on the rides, too.

Thanks for all the support!

Congratulations! Now, we need pictures - it is a TE rule that all new bike announcements come with pictures :)

[joey.smith2756]

Hey hi...newbie here too :)