New to tri's and cycling/bike shopping

Hi all! I'm new to tri's, from many years of competitive pool and open water swimming. I am currently training for a couple of sprint tri's this summer with a tri club that I joined last month. I'm really excited for it; I've always wanted to make the time in my life to do this. I'm new to cycling and am currently a weak runner, but working to improve. (Once upon a time I did a 10k very respectably, but that was my freshman year in college...)

I'm currently bike shopping, and after a test ride yesterday of a number of Specialized bikes, am looking at the Specialized Ruby (Elite or Comp), which I unequivocally fell in love with. I was originally there to test ride the Dolce. (Oops.) I'm debating seeing if I can get my hands on a Trek Madone 4.5 to test ride for comparison. Anyone have any feedback on that?

In any event, I've lurked a bit and found the posts here really helpful in knowing what to expect in the coming months of training and racing. Hope to be able to contribute soon :)

Welcome to TE!

I have nothing to offer in the way of experience with the Ruby (I did own a Dulce for a year though!) but they are definitely quality bikes and quite popular.

We could use some of your expertise in the swimming area around here so you certainly don't need tri experience in order to contribute! :)

I love my Ruby. I have an 07 Ruby Expert and she's great. Can't comment on the Trek as I have never ridden.

Thanks for the welcome. On the bikes, I ended up going with the Ruby - it should be here tomorrow or Friday. My bike fitter told me the top tube on the Madone would be a little too short for me, and I really loved my ride on the Ruby... so I went for it. Can't wait.

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Originally Posted by Susie Derkins

Thanks for the welcome. On the bikes, I ended up going with the Ruby - it should be here tomorrow or Friday. My bike fitter told me the top tube on the Madone would be a little too short for me, and I really loved my ride on the Ruby... so I went for it. Can't wait.

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Congrats!

TE rules say you need to post a picture once you get the bike. ;)

I have a Madone 4.7, which is very similar to the 4.5. I'm very happy with it.

If you can, you should test a Madone to see if it fits you better or worse than the Specialized.

(I have a Madone 5.5; I'm loving it)

I have had my 2011 ruby elite apex for 3 weeks now. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE it! It is still cold in RI and I have managed a few shorter rides. The bike handles wonderfully. I am 5'1" and am on a 48cm bike. I tested MANY bikes including Cannondale Synapse, Felts, and an orbea. None of them fit me as well. I think you know the "right" fit once you ride a few to compare. can't wait to kick butt this year for the MS 150!!

hope you enjoy your new ride!

Welcome to TE and to the sport of triathlon, Susie!