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Hi Ladies-
Found this forum doing a search for bike reviews. I'm currently an MTBer looking at getting my first road bike. Spent about 6 hours at my LBS over the past two days trying several different women's-specific bike and narrowed it down to the Specialized Ruby Comp and the Cannondale Six13 Feminine 3. After going back and forth between the two several times, the Cannondale Six13 is winning out, but by a slim margin. Just wondering what other ladies experiences are who have these bikes.
I don't have a Ruby or a Six13, but I did just buy a SystemSix. Love! Not the bike you're asking about, I know; but since the geometry (in my size, anyway--48cm) and the ride quality are pretty similar to the Six13 Feminine, I thought I'd chime in. Plus, any opportunity to gush about the new ride...:D
In 3 years, I've gone from a steel hybrid to an aluminum-carbon Trek Pilot, to an all-carbon Orbea Orca, to the carbon-aluminum SystemSix (all that bike-buying...it's a wonder I'm still married. :p). I've also moved from casual solo riding at 12-15 mph to fast group rides and a little bit of racing, and my bike buying sort of follows the evolution of my riding style. The faster I wanted to go, the racier the bikes became.
I haven't ridden the SystemSix much yet...a couple short test rides, and a 50-mile club ride. So far, though, it's working really well for me. One of the issues I had with my Orca was that it creaked and flexed on sprints and climbs (mostly because of my above-average weight :o). The SystemSix is considerably stiffer, and I feel like more of my pedaling power is going toward forward motion. It took me a little bit to get used to the handling differences, but I now feel like I have a lot better control of the bike through corners and at higher speeds, and can accelerate and respond to surges in the pack with less effort than on the Orca.
I did worry initially about the difference in ride comfort, moving from all-carbon to carbon-aluminum. On the relatively short rides that I've done, though, I haven't noticed a significant difference. And the more efficient power transfer more than makes up for it, at least for my purposes.
I'm not sure this helps you much...the Ruby and the Six13 are both great bikes. But based on my experience with the SystemSix, if the Cannondale feels better to you already, I say roll with it. :)
If you want to compare bike to bike it would be Ruby vs. Synapse. Is the System Six Aluminum with Carbon fork and post? I can't remember. I don't have either bike but I am biased to Cannondale, I ride a Synapse and DH a R5000. How do the components compare? Fit? What are you trying to accomplish, race, centuries?
Components are comparable. Fit is comparable, but the Cannondale is a bit more comfortable for me. Purpose is kinda varied....want to be able to put in longer, more steady training rides than I can with my MTB. Immediate purpose is to get ready for my share on a team of 2 for a 12 hour MTB race (longer training rides). Ongoing purpose is putting in mileage with friends/riding groups, maybe a century just for fun, maybe a sprint tri just for fun (I really like to mix up my activities and enjoy both short and long races/activities).
I rode a Cannondale Synapse and a Trek Madone and eliminating them quickly in comparison to the Cannondale Six13 and Spec Ruby. As I'm new to this road riding thing, I don't know *why* I didn't care for the Synapse or Madone...just that neither really thrilled me. :)
Thanks!
I had to consult DH on the Six13. It is aluminum so it will be slightly harsher ride than the Ruby. But with the carbon seat post, front triangle and fork I don't know how much the aluminum will come into play. Cannondales are excellent bikes, so are Specialized and from what I hear both are excellent on warranties if you (hopefully don't) need them. I don't see how you could be disappointed in either bike, if you like the fit of the Cannondale I would go that way.
I have the Ruby Expert and I LOVE my bike. That said, it fits me very well (when I had it professionally fit, I only changed some very very minor things). While I am biased to the Ruby, I would go with the bike that fits you best. If you can tell that easily, then go with the Cannondale. However, I would think about whether you are testing the fit based on a mtb style of riding, as opposed to road ... Can you test these bikes on a longer ride? That is what I would try to do first ... But, either way it sounds like you will be happy.
They both are nice bikes, however I would have to second Cannondale as well. As an owner, of three Cannondales , I think that they are great bikes... have a great warranty and most are made in the US! Of course, fit is the most important option.... have fun test riding!:D
Decided on the Cannondale. Did 48 miles today at a moderate pace and only had a little soreness in my palms and balls of feet. Since I'm totally new to this and certainly haven't built up to it, it seems that I made the right decision. :-)