Specialized Elite vs Pro

:confused: I have tested out several bikes and are narrowing my decision down to the Specialized family. I want the following options on my bike-low gears for climbing ( currently ride a triple with a MTB derailler of 11-34 with a 30 on the small ring in the front). I test rode the Specialized Elite and we can put a 12-34 on the compact crank with a MTB back derailler. I can do the same thing with the Pro but when I look at the specs I don't see much of a difference in the bike( basic frame and crank). The Elite will have Ultegra components vs DA for the Pro.

The next point is the price. My bike shop is awesome and are working with me on the price and components. I see it retails on the Specialized site for $2900( earlier this year) and was wondering if anyone has any thoughts. The current price we are at is around $3400. Thanks

Phyllis:)

BTW it is GREEN:eek:

sorry... which version of the Specialized are you refering to? Is it Ruby? The Elite model is all 105. The Expert is Ultergra. Is that what you mean?

THe differences in the bikes are going to be the components and the grade of carbon on the frame. The pro frames, in all of their lines, have a higher quality carbon then the Elite- so it will produce a more responsive ride. The components will include the gruppo,wheels,and probably the stem and bars. The geometry of the frames will be the exact same.

So once you decide that you like how the bike fits, your next step is to decide which components you really need for what you will be doing:-)

So, I got the Ruby Pro last Jan. The deciding factor for me over the Elite was the better carbon, the MUCH better wheel set, and the carbon handlebars (I live in Texas where they love chip seal roads!)

If both are in your price range, i would consider going higher, though the Elite is a great bike with great components. The biggest thing is the difference in wheel set. If you wanted to upgrade the wheels yourself on the Elite in the future it would cost you a lot more than to upgrade them on the bike at the beginning (unless you snag a killer deal on wheels).

That was the biggest driving factor for me. Not sure if you are looking at the 2008 or 2009 bikes, but the 2008 Ruby Pro is a beautiful bike! I get compliments on it on almost every ride I go on.

Here are the photos from when I got my bike last year: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...highlight=Ruby

Good luck on the decision, either way you are getting a great bike!
Ellen

It is the Ruby Expert. I would like to see if the price is a good one. I am going to change out the components to a triple so I can have more efficient climbing gears. I have not been able to determine if the price I'm quoted is a fair. It is $3500

I am also wondering about wheels. I have never purchased a set of wheels and the bike comes with the Shimano ultegra wheel set and they have offered to switch out to the Easton( don't know what kind). I want something that is dependable and will take on several thousand miles per year of recreational riding. I do many different kinds of riding but no racing.

Thoughts and any help would be appreciated.

Phyllis

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Phyllis

It is the Ruby Expert. I would like to see if the price is a good one.

I have not been able to determine if the price I'm quoted is a fair. It is $3500

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Well, for starters, are you looking at a 2008 or a 2009 Ruby Expert?

If it's 2009, what is the msrp on the Specialized website? (Never mind, I just looked, it's $3700).

Have you tried a Google search to see what the going rate is on 2008 / 2009 Ruby Experts, especially in your area?

(fwiw, GoRide Bikes in Redwood City CA has the 2008 Ruby Expert on closeout for $2400, down from $3000)

hth

Phyllis, the Pro will give you a little smoother ride because of the grade of carbon used in the bike. It will also be lighter. Generally the more you pay, the lighter the bike and the more responsive the components.

By the way, that green is a gorgeous jade color that looks pearlescent in the sunlight. :cool: