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Anyone ride one of these? I have the Myka Comp (2008 model) MTB and I love it! I know that riding that beast will get my legs in shape with a quickness, so when I get a roadie next year I'll flyyyyy down the road. :)
Just wondering if there were any other D4W fans out there!
About 6 weeks ago, I bought a D4W Ruby Expert. I had also considered the Trek Madonne 5.1. Both bikes are similar; with the Specialized being slightly cheaper in price. My choice came down to fit, and the Specialized for me was slightly better than the Trek. I needed a compact 48 in the Specialized vs a compact 47 in the Trek. Specialized geometry offers a slightly longer top tube with the same stand-over clearance. Fit is personal, but it's the first consideration for purchasing.
As for handling, my opinion comes with just 82 miles on the Ruby Expert. In the fork and seat stays, the Ruby expert has gel inserts that do little to absorb shocks when the roads become harsh. Climbing is smooth and progressive on most hills. Of course, big hills reflect the rider and not the bike. Descending steep hills on the Ruby is not as smooth as I would have liked, but I have been spoiled with raked forks and steel and titanium frames that track better on steep downhills.
The Ruby Expert comes with Ultegra wheels which are equivalent to Mavic Kysrium equipe-level. Next year I will upgrade the wheels to lighter and stiffer Kysrium elites and I plan to upgrade the over-priced nasty Specialized saddle for a saddle that's both very light and cushier in the front.