I need help!

[Cycologist:)]

Hello, ladies! I'm a relatively amateur cyclist. I ride a 2010 Trek Pilot 2.1 I've put about 8000 miles on it in the last 3 years. So far, I have loved it but I would like an upgrade. One thing I do not like about the Pilot is the less aggressive position it puts me in. I have to bend way over to get the speed and intensity I would like and as a result my lower back is killing me. Also, I have some difficulty with the gears...they shift in a really clunky way. Anyway, I'm looking for some guidance on a new bike. I have rented several Specialized road bikes and I have really enjoyed the ride. Two models catch my eye...the dolce and the ruby. I would love some feedback on:

1) Will either of these models be a significant upgrade from my Pilot? I don't want to make the same mistake and "under buy" again. I would love to be able to put in 200 miles a week if I can. The faster the better! I also have a few large hills on my ride. I can barely get my Pilot over them!

2) What is the difference between compact and elite models?

3) Is there a significant difference between the Ruby and Dolce? Is the extra money worth it?

I guess we will start with those questions. I'm sure I will have more in the future! Thank you SO much for your help!

PS Another random question...I need to admit to a very bad habit. On my Pilot, to adjust for the upright "granny" position it puts me in, I have developed a bad habit of holding on the lower parts of the handle bars. Will a ruby or dolce offer a more comfortable position? Or is it bad biking form? Sorry for all the noob questions. :)

[ny biker]

Do you have the WSD Pilot 2.1 or the men's version?

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2010/archive/trek/pilot21/#

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2010/archive/trek/pilot21wsd/#

Your problems with the Trek could be related to poor fit. Whatever new bike you get, make sure it fits you well.

I don't know anything about the Specialized bikes you mention. It looks like there are many versions of the Ruby and Dolce available. Which ones are you looking at?

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/road/ruby

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/road/dolce

[Cycologist:)]

Thanks for responding! I have the Trek Pilot WSD. In regards to the Ruby or Dolce, I'm torn between the compact and the elite models. Not quite sure what the difference is. I believe the Ruby is slightly higher end but I'm not sure how it is exactly different from the Dolce.

[Wahine]

First off I'd like to say that I am really annoyed by the big bike companies that make it really hard to find frame geometry information on their websites.

I looked at the Ruby and Doce geometry but I could not find a geometry chart for the pilot. The Ruby is definitely a more agressive bike that has a longer reach for a given seat tube height so if you're looking for performance and have good flexibility, I'd go for the Ruby. The different Ruby models reflect different frame materials and component packages and what you decide there really depends on your budget. The more money you spend, the lighter the bike and the better the components, so if you're looking for performance, I'd buy what you can afford. If money is no object, the best value is usually in the 75 percentile range. Above that, you are spending a lot of money for lighter components that won't really give you that much in performance.

I'm sorry that I couldn't compare these models to the pilot. That would have helped, but I hope that the info I gave here is useful.

[Owlie]

Ruby's carbon, Dolce is aluminum. The frame alone on the Ruby is an upgrade from what you have. If you're reasonably flexible, I'd go for the Ruby. The component packages are what determine the price. IMHO, go for at least Shimano 105/SRAM Apex on a carbon frame. If you can swing it, that'll be a pretty nice ride.

The Elite models are the higher-end. Comp is pretty basic, though the component specs change from year to year.

[lgibster]

I have a 2013 Ruby Elite with the SRAM Apex (the hoods and brakes fit my smaller hands better). I rode the Dolce and the Ruby is definately better on rougher roads and I think has a much smoother ride. It is my first true road bike and I wouldn't trade it for anything. All that being said I rode a ton of bikes before I decided on the Ruby. Most important is to find a good LBS with a good fitter. Fit is always more important because if you aren't comfortable it doesn't matter how many gears or what size gears you have.