I Did It ! ! !

After much ruminating but mainly rationalizing I took the plunge and put money down on a 2007 carbon black Specialized Ruby expert. :D :D :D
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22207

I test rode the 54 (L) triple expert, but just wasn't sure so I test rode a 51 (M) double comp. At first the 51 felt fine but after about 20 min into the ride my shoulders started fatiguing. I went back onto the 54 and it felt so much better.

My old bike (specialized Sequoia) is only 2 years old so I had to do a lot of rationalizing. (DBF needs a new bike - he is currently on a 12 year old hybrid and my Sequoia w/ some minor tweaking would fit him)

Rationale:
- I tested a tri bike and figure I don't need that special a bike just for 3 or 4sprint tris a year. A faster road bike w/ aero bars will work fine
- I love supported touring so I need a comfortable bike that will go the distance and climb (hence the triple vs the double)
- I love club rides where I can get out and hammer. This should help prevent getting dusted too badly
- the top reason: the rack price at the shop was $2900 for joe blow off the street. I am getting it for $2148

It has all Ultegra components, and Ultegra wheelset, the 2008 models don't have the Ultegra wheelset.

Now how could I resist a buy like that ? ? ?

It is at the shop getting purdied up for me to pick up next week. I will be out of town so the wait won't be terrible.

Congrats! I just got my Expert a few weeks ago and I LOVE it. I've swapped out a few things (130 saddle instead of the 143 it came with, 80mm Ritchey adjustable stem, 38cm handlebars as opposed to the 40's it came with) . . . added the newest Ultegra pedals as well. Many happy miles to ya! :D

Congrats on your new bike! You deserve it, Eclectic.

I know you will have a great time with it too. Have you named it yet?

Awesome news, Eclectic

One of my training partners (who is a mountain biker and cross trains on the road) has just bought herself a Specialised ruby - I have yet to see it, but she is wrapped with it too!

Congratulations, they sound like an awesome bike!

~Raven~

Congrats E.

I test rode the same bike but couldn't buy it.:( It's a great bike, enjoy.:D

Congratulations on the new bike. It's a beauty!!!

Congrats on the new bike, many happy and safe miles to you and "her"!