Amira vs Ruby

[tlnbmd]

How does the Ruby climb? I live in a hilly area and I am trying to decide on either the Amira or Ruby.
Thanks

[azfiddle]

I can't speak to the Amira, but I take my Ruby up a lot of climbs around Tucson. The cassette is 11-28, compact double 50-34. I do get into the lowest gear a lot on long climbs like on Mt. Lemmon here (constant 4-7% grade for miles).

[tlnbmd]

My husband said that the Ruby was heavy at 19 lbs for a carbon frame and it would affect me on the hills. He suggested I look for something lighter but I love the fit of the Ruby and Amira.
His bike is custom and weighs almost nothing, you can pick it up by a few fingers so he is really biased.
I am leaving a hybrid so everything seems lighter to me!

[ehirsch83]

As the other girls said in other posts, the weight is coming from the components/wheels not the frameset itself.

When you are looking at the difference between 15-19lbs, in reality your legs will make the biggest difference.

From the sounds of it, that you are coming off of a hybrid, you will probably enjoy the Ruby more then the Amira. On that note, get the one that fits and is in your budget and then work on conquering the hills with it. The more you ride, the stronger you will get and the easier everything will become!

Also, over time, you can upgrade your wheels and other components and see a difference.

Weight isn't everything, granted I live where it is pretty flat- but I had a super light BMC last year but never felt great on it. I now have a Ridley that is heavier! along with my heavy power tap training wheel, but I feel better on my bike(even on the short hills we have around here) due to the fact that I am more comfortable- so my power transfers through to the pedals better.

I wouldn't look at it as this bike is 19lbs and the hubby's is 15. I would look at it as you are losing 25lbs off the hybrid and gaining a bike that has the geometry to help you climb better :)

[Jo-n-NY]

I agree with Ehirsch83. I also posted in the other section were you posed the question. The Ruby is an awesome bike which I rode 10,000+ miles on her including plenty of climbing. That said, I love the Amira. Climbing is almost effortless and she parctically takes you up the hills.

[ny biker]

As the other girls said in other posts, the weight is coming from the components/wheels not the frameset itself.

When you are looking at the difference between 15-19lbs, in reality your legs will make the biggest difference.

From the sounds of it, that you are coming off of a hybrid, you will probably enjoy the Ruby more then the Amira. On that note, get the one that fits and is in your budget and then work on conquering the hills with it. The more you ride, the stronger you will get and the easier everything will become!

Also, over time, you can upgrade your wheels and other components and see a difference.

Weight isn't everything, granted I live where it is pretty flat- but I had a super light BMC last year but never felt great on it. I now have a Ridley that is heavier! along with my heavy power tap training wheel, but I feel better on my bike(even on the short hills we have around here) due to the fact that I am more comfortable- so my power transfers through to the pedals better.

I wouldn't look at it as this bike is 19lbs and the hubby's is 15. I would look at it as you are losing 25lbs off the hybrid and gaining a bike that has the geometry to help you climb better :)

+1 on this.

A couple of years ago I switched from an aluminum road bike to a carbon one and I am no faster going up hill despite the fact that the carbon bike is lighter. A few pounds from the bike just does not make a difference. And if I really want to worry that much about weight then I will focus on losing it from my butt.

I am a bit faster when I coast with the new bike, which I think is due to having a better wheelset with bladed spokes. But really that does not make much difference in my average speed at the end of the ride.

In general I'm still relatively slow when I dust off the cobwebs in the spring, and I get faster by putting miles on the bike.

[Crankin]

90% the rider and 10% the bike.
My bike weighs 14.7 without the bag, etc and I still am not that fast!
Your DH is coming from a different perspective .

[Owlie]

As the other girls said in other posts, the weight is coming from the components/wheels not the frameset itself.

When you are looking at the difference between 15-19lbs, in reality your legs will make the biggest difference.

From the sounds of it, that you are coming off of a hybrid, you will probably enjoy the Ruby more then the Amira. On that note, get the one that fits and is in your budget and then work on conquering the hills with it. The more you ride, the stronger you will get and the easier everything will become!

Also, over time, you can upgrade your wheels and other components and see a difference.

Weight isn't everything, granted I live where it is pretty flat- but I had a super light BMC last year but never felt great on it. I now have a Ridley that is heavier! along with my heavy power tap training wheel, but I feel better on my bike(even on the short hills we have around here) due to the fact that I am more comfortable- so my power transfers through to the pedals better.

I wouldn't look at it as this bike is 19lbs and the hubby's is 15. I would look at it as you are losing 25lbs off the hybrid and gaining a bike that has the geometry to help you climb better :)

This.

[tlnbmd]

I really appreciate all the comments.
Thanks for the help.
Still road testing bikes, tried the Madone 3.2 50cm, nice fit. Feels like the Ruby to me.
I want to try the Amira one more time. The more aggressive frame felt odd but I am game to give it one more chance since some of the experienced riders have gone from Ruby to Amira,...well 3 that I know of. Does that frame geometry make it easier on the hills? The Ruby and Amira are the same weight given the same components and the fit feels the same except for the lightness or road feel of the front. I don't feel stable enough on the Amira to grab a water bottle but that may come in time.
I rode a hybrid that could ride in a straight line with no hands...ok, not that I did that often.
Will try the Giant and Felt tomorrow.
Hopefully will have a decision this weekend.
Mahalo!

[TigerMom]

As everyone above has said, take your budget into consideration. :eek: Obviously, the higher end the bike with the better wheelset will get you a lighter bike that climbs up hills. Personally, if your husband has a $5000 custom road bike, then maybe you should too ;)

Also, as everyone has said, the "engine"/rider is the most important part of climbing up the hills.

I personally liked the Amira better because I felt the handling was less ackward than the Ruby. When my LBS weighed the Ruby/Amira with similar components in front of me, the Ruby was 1/2 pound heavier. But, maybe you should rent the Ruby/Amira for a day and ride your hills. Most LBS will credit back the rental price to your bike purchase.

We can't wait to read what you end up choosing!:D

____________________________________

2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

[ny biker]

Personally, if your husband has a $5000 custom road bike, then maybe you should too ;)

Either that, or you get to spend ($5000 - cost of bike) on cycling clothes whether you need them or not.

[MGM]

I wouldn't look at it as which is lighter-therefore-the-better climber. I'd look to see which one has more comfortable geometry for your body type. I tried quite a few road bikes, both aluminum and carbon, and for me it was love at first ride on the Ruby. The Amira had me too stretched out, and I felt more road vibration on it. Some people like to feel the tranmission of the road through their bike. I loved the feel I got on the Ruby Comp, so I bought it. I really liked the Ultegra components, too.

Traditionally speaking, though, the more stretched out racing type frames are considered better for climbing because you have more of your weight over the front end. It is not the weight of the bike so much. If you want to make your bike lighter, as others said wheels make a big difference as does the component group. Most hardcore roadies upgrade their wheel set from the stock ones.

I've been taking a friend of mine shopping for road bikes, and last week he tried a Roubaix (men's version) along with some other bikes. After testing he loved the Roubaix, but there was something I noticed that I haven't seen with any of the other bikes he tried. He looked like he was just gliding on air, almost floaty. I don't know how else to explain it. When we ride together he's commented that I look like I'm just gliding, smooth and effortless. I had no idea what he was talking about until I saw him on the Roubaix. He got that same feeling from an Orbea as well, though I couldn't see it on that bike. The salesman (a knowledgable one ;) ) did tell him that the Roubaix would feel a little bit heavier than some of the other carbon frames, until he got going. Then that would disappear. It did. Coming from a mountain bike where he averages 12 mph he went whizzing down the road at 25mph!

I really do love my Ruby. It's a much better/faster bike that its rider, lol. Try them all out and see what feels best to you. Try to ride up some inclines in the area to get a feel for the bike's climbing abilities. It may be that the Amira is more what your looking for, or the Madone, or even some other brand/model.

[tlnbmd]

oh boy, liked them all.
Today I tried the Trek Madone 3.2 (did not have the 5.2 in my size) felt very much like the Ruby but weighing less.
The Felt bike was light and fun to ride but they put me in to a 45 cm, felt ok but I just can't get over how tiny that sounds.
I took a 48 in the Specialized, 50 in Trek and now a petie 45 in Felt?.

Does Felt run big?

I am going to try another Felt dealer to see if they agree. I thought the small frame fit ok too...a tad of a reach but not bad. They said they could move the seat forward.
I am getting quite the work out and education trying all these different bikes.
I wish they had a rental program where you can rent them for a few days at a time.

[Koronin]

I don't know anything about the Felt Z series which is what I'm guessing you are testing instead of the F series. I own a 48cm F-5 which I love. The F series does not have a WSD version. For comparison I would ride a 44cm Specialized and a 47cm Trek. Hope that helps you a bit.

[ny biker]

oh boy, liked them all.
Today I tried the Trek Madone 3.2 (did not have the 5.2 in my size) felt very much like the Ruby but weighing less.
The Felt bike was light and fun to ride but they put me in to a 45 cm, felt ok but I just can't get over how tiny that sounds.
I took a 48 in the Specialized, 50 in Trek and now a petie 45 in Felt?.

Does Felt run big?

I am going to try another Felt dealer to see if they agree. I thought the small frame fit ok too...a tad of a reach but not bad. They said they could move the seat forward.
I am getting quite the work out and education trying all these different bikes.
I wish they had a rental program where you can rent them for a few days at a time.

If they think you move the seat forward when the reach is too far, they don't know about bike fit.

[jyyanks]

oh boy, liked them all.
Today I tried the Trek Madone 3.2 (did not have the 5.2 in my size) felt very much like the Ruby but weighing less.
The Felt bike was light and fun to ride but they put me in to a 45 cm, felt ok but I just can't get over how tiny that sounds.
I took a 48 in the Specialized, 50 in Trek and now a petie 45 in Felt?.

Does Felt run big?

I am going to try another Felt dealer to see if they agree. I thought the small frame fit ok too...a tad of a reach but not bad. They said they could move the seat forward.
I am getting quite the work out and education trying all these different bikes.
I wish they had a rental program where you can rent them for a few days at a time.

Did you go to Hastings Velo for the Felt. I noticed on your other thread that you live in Westchester. Hastings Velo carries Felt bikes and i ve fiund them to be very helpful

[Jo-n-NY]

If they think you move the seat forward when the reach is too far, they don't know about bike fit.

+1 very true!!!

[tlnbmd]

I rode the Scott Contessa Foil today and loved it!
I think after the long search I have finally found THE BIKE.
They fit me for the XXS 47 I am 5'2 1/2
Although that number sounded small it fit perfect. It felt stable and fast, did a quick small hill and it was responsive and fun.
I will probably pick it up tomorrow.
Yipeeee.
Any comments from those who are familiar with this bike?
I don't know anything about the manufacturer but I do see these bikes around here.
Thanks
Terry

[TigerMom]

Is it the purple and black Scott Contessa Foil 2012 with Ultegra? If it is, I LOVE that paint job....very jealous since I am a purple type of gal!!!

Just make sure that you get a certified bike fitting and that the handlebars are also made of carbon (since you are spending a hefty sum of money). The carbon handlebars decrease vibration to your hands.

If you fall in love at first ride, this is probably the bike for you.:cool:
____________________________________

2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

[tlnbmd]

The bike shop spent 20 min measuring and asking me questions before even taking the bike out for me to see it. Then they adjusted the bike to my measurements. I took it for a few spins, love it. I am going back tomorrow to ride it again and up a nearby hill. It was raining off and on today so I did not want to venture too far. The bike shop was friendly and appear to be well informed. (They were the first rest stop for the Gran Fondo held in NYC last week. My husband rode in that ride and did well as well as several of our friends. It was a well run bike ride!)
The paint job is fabulous on this bike, it is almost a violet highlight against charcoal/black.
I can't wait to try it on a hill.
Terry

[MGM]

I've not tried that bike, but have read only good-to-great comments. I think you made a good choice. Plus, it sounds like you've found an excellent, knowledgable bike shop, one of the most important factors for happiness withyour new bike. Good fit is everything! :)

[MojoGrrl]

I LOVE my Contessa Foil. I got an upgrade to Dura Ace. I've put almost 500 miles on it in less than two months; I can definitely go fast and get more power out of it than my other bike (although I know, it's more me than the bike). It really does feel like it cuts into the wind better though, and I can zip up hills in the big chainring with no problem.

[tlnbmd]

It feels like flying on The Scott Contessa Foil!!!! It weighs approx 16lbs and very easy to shift. It is surprisingly comfortable although in a very racing form.
I am in the Catskills for the weekend and will be climbing a lot.
It's a great place to practice my gears, clipping in and out and riding in traffic. Not much traffic except for in town. Cars are very courteous to bikes here.
I did fall initially because I could not get my left foot out of the spd clips.
I loosen it and has not been a problem. I fell standing stii, just like those comedy shows. No one saw me, what a klutz. The bike was unscathed
And since it was a slow fall no injuries. Had to laugh
I have been using clip in pedals for years on the tandem, these were just too tight.
Rode the tandem around Hunter, prattsville, Windham yesterday.
Absolutely beautiful. Did a hilly 35 miles.
Hope to do the same on my single bike tomorrow. I have to learn how to shift on these new gears. It is so different from my hybrid.
Thinking of training for a century. I have done 60 on the tandem.
I bought the cyclist training bible. Any other suggestion on books?
Thanks for the Comradship.
Terry

[tlnbmd]

Did 17 very hilly miles, i think I got the hang of the new gearing.
The hills were brutal, not so so sure now about a century. May be a half century.
A quarter? These mountains are so humbling
I thought Westchester was hilly. Oh boy
I have to say it was weeeeeeeeeeee going own in a tuck. That's new for me.
What a blast!

[ny biker]

Did 17 very hilly miles, i think I got the hang of the new gearing.
The hills were brutal, not so so sure now about a century. May be a half century.
A quarter? These mountains are so humbling
I thought Westchester was hilly. Oh boy
I have to say it was weeeeeeeeeeee going own in a tuck. That's new for me.
What a blast!

If you're in the Catskills, they are definitely mountains, not hills.

Remind me, where is the century? Is there info available about the ride profile and total miles climbed? That could help with your decision.

[tlnbmd]

ok, decided to do 50 miles in the Golden Apple in Sept 2012.
(Westchester Cycle Club New York)
Anyone in the area interested in training together? 10-14 mph and a newbie on a road bike.
Terry
Westchester, NY

[jyyanks]

Tin - I honestly would love to as I'm also a beginner and a member of the Westchester Cycle Club (though I have yet to go on a group ride). However, I really can't commit to much to anything right now with this crazy, crazy job that I have which is taking up almost all my time lately and my crazy kids. If I end up signing up for the golden apple, I'll definitely PM you. One of these days I will sign up for one of their "D" rides and I'll be the girl in the pink/black Ruby who can barely do 12 mph!

[tlnbmd]

Hi,
I live in Irvington and have twin 9 yr old boys who are in sports, piano ect. so I understand your time restraints!!!!
I am going to ride in the D ride this Saturday(hubby said I should do the C but I am still learning how to shift my gears and ride in traffic) if the weather holds up and on Sunday the Bronx River Pkwy ride with my son.
It will be closed for cyclist only form 10am till 2pm.
The Westchester Cycle Club is great, lots of friendly cyclist who are willing to give you good advice.
We rode our tandem with the C and C plus group for years. Have not gone out much with them the last few years because the kids have their games ect. This summer is different since my mom will be here for the summer. (yippee...) She live in Maui so when she visits she usually stays for months at a time. (Thank goodness my husband adores her.)
I am happy to ride on the bike path anytime with you.
I usually catch it up around Tarrytown Lakes and ride to the reservior a little pass Millwood. You are rewarded with an amazing vista. I would guess that is about 25-30 miles, not too hilly and we can stop for espresso in Millwood. :)
Terry Biaggi

[tlnbmd]

We can shorten that ride if we pick it up at the A/P in Millwood. A lot of the Westchester rides start there.
D rides are fun, it feels like you are being looked after. They have a leader and a sweeper. They don't lose anyone and the pace is set by the slowest cyclist. Sometimes they split to slower and faster groups but we regroup at the next rest stop. Yes they take rest stops, usually coffee breaks. My kind of riding group. The C's keep on going with one stop for bathroom/food and the C plus are trying to be B's....go much faster and shorter stops.
All good stuff.
Its fun. I really enjoyed it. Great group.

[tlnbmd]

My son and I are going to ride on the Bronx River Parkway on Sunday in Westchester New York.
Any suggestions for parking?
Thanks

[jyyanks]

Tons of free parking in Scarsdale Train Station Commuter lot off of Garth Road. From Ardsley Road, head towards the Scarsdale train station. Right after you see the entrancy to the Bronx River and cross the bridge, make a right at the stoplight by the 7-11. Make a left (I think its the 2nd left) at Grayrock Road and then make your first left to access the commuter train parking. Read the signs closely as one half of the lot you need a permit but you do not need a permit for the other half. This is where I always park. I may see you there depending on what time my son's soccer game is.

You can also park in White Plains by the County Center, tons of parking but you have to pay.

[tlnbmd]

Thank you for the parking recommendations.
Are you going?
We are a 9 yr old boy on a lime green road bike and a mom 50+ on a White Cannondale hybrid.:p

[jyyanks]

No problem! I will be there tomorrow, probably around 10:30-11! I'll be parking in the Garth Road/Scarsdale Commuter Lot (make sure you're in the correct lot, it is literally parallel to the train tracks with a chain link fence separating the tracks from the parking spots and read the signs to make sure that you can park there. The front of your car, should be up against the chain link fence with a stone wall behind you and there's a big sign.)

I'll be the lady (late 30's) on the pink ruby with a black backpack on and a lavender jersey. I'll be on the lookout for you and your son!

[tlnbmd]

:rolleyes:We have a change of plans. (son prefers a playdate with his buddies...I understand!)
I am going to ride the D/D+ Westchester Cycle Club ride tomorrow.
I will be riding my black/purple Scott Contessa Foil.
I will be the one in the back of the group trying to keep up!
It should be fun, you should join us! The cue sheet is on the web site so you can get an idea of what the ride is like.
Hope to see you otherwise have fun on the Parkway. I will probably ride it next weekend.
I am trying to figure out my new Garmin tonight so I can download the cue sheet in to it. My 9 yr old is at a baseball game right now and I need his help!
Looks like nice weather tomorrow for a bike ride.
Terry

[tlnbmd]

Going to Bronx pkwy after all
Will be on mr black/purple Scott
Purple/yellow jersey

[deanywalker21]

I just had to put a plug in for the Ruby. Mine is a 2008 Ruby Comp with a triple. I know they have made some changes to the bike since I got mine but mine handles well, climbs well and it felt "right" from the very first ride. I am finding the Specialized line to fit me better then the other brands. Might be part of the test ride set up the bike shops are doing. Should I find a reason for a new bike sometime in the future I will start with the Specialized and everything else will have to fight for my affection. <G>