Felt ZW6 vs. Specialized Ruby

So I've started scouting out bikes.

It's been raining, so I haven't been able to try any of these out on anything other than a trainer. Obviously, I'll need to do that prior to making a decision (and money-wise, I probably still need to wait to make sure I've got it to spend). I did want to have an idea of what I wanted in case a screaming deal came along.

First I tried out a Felt ZW6, 44 cm. It felt a little tight in the shoulders (is that an aggressive stance?), but the bike shop guy said he could raise the handlebars. He's got two left, on sale for $1400 (which got my attention, considering it was a carbon frame). Out of the two, I liked the way the ZW6 shifted better.

Today I tried out a Specialized Dolce, 44 cm. He didn't have a Ruby in that size to try out, but said that the geometry was similar, so I could at least get a good feel for how I fit on the bike. I tried the 48 cm Ruby, and did feel stretched out, so I think the 44 cm is probably a better fit. Without any adjustments, I liked the fit of the 44 cm Dolce (and subsequently Ruby?) better.

I'm not too well versed yet in what the different component options are. Considering the price difference between the two ($300 if the ZW6 isn't on sale, $600 if it is), what are the big differences between the two?

I will keep looking to see if I can actually find a 44 cm Ruby to try.

I'm not so sure that the 2012 Felt Zw6 for $1400 is a great deal. I just looked on the internet for you and there are some places selling that same bike for cheaper
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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

Which Ruby?

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/road/ruby

It looks like the Felt has Tiagra components, but the Ruby might have better components depending on the model you're looking at.

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Originally Posted by ny biker

Which Ruby?

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/road/ruby

It looks like the Felt has Tiagra components, but the Ruby might have better components depending on the model you're looking at.

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Sorry - the basic Ruby Compact. Thanks!

The Zertz inserts seem to be a difference - what are those again? (Sorry for the newb questions). I guess I'm just trying to figure out why the difference in price - what am I looking for in terms of seeing value? Is the make-up of the carbon different? Is it a name recognition thing?

These are both fine bikes. Felt makes a good bike at a very good price, and the carbon Z frame rides really nice. The tiagra components, though not high end, will be just fine if maintained. The price IS really good for a carbon frame!

The Ruby ride is magical, imo. Okay, I have a Ruby, I'm prejudiced :p. When you see someone riding a Ruby/Roubaix, the bike appears to be kind of gliding or floaty. It's hard to explain. Suffice it to say that the shock and vibration dampening technology used on the bike works. It's considered a "plush" road bike. The ride of the Ruby is not really much like the Dolce, though the frame geometry is the same. I had just the opposite problem from you, I couldn't find a tall enough frame to try (54cm). I tried a Dolce and a Roubaix (men's) in my size. I drove 3 hours away to another state to try the Ruby in my size.

I think the model Ruby you're looking at has SRAM Apex? If so, you will need to ride Apex to see if you like it. The spacing between teeth is larger, so you will get noisier and more abrupt shifting. You may actually prefer the shifting levers, which are comfortable for smaller hands.

Both bikes have what's considered relaxed geometry, so you should find both to be fairly comfortable of a riding position. One or the other frame geometry may suit you a little better. Specialized IS priced higher than Felt, but they make a good bike for the money, and I've not been unhappy that I paid more, because I LOVE my bike. That's what you want to do. Find the bike you love and you won't regret what it cost you.

I think the Apex is equal to the Shimano 105 which is an upgrade from Tiagra. I have always rode with Shimano until Apex came the Dolce that I won and was not sure if I liked but as it turns out after getting use to the difference I like it very much. The shifting with Sram is very intuitive, in my opinion anyway.

I have a Felt, but mine is the F series not the ZW series. I love my Felt, but everyone is a bit different in what they need and what feels right for them. I tried the Dolce (and from what I could tell the Ruby and Dolce have the same geometry) and felt cramped on it, where as soon as I got on the Felt it just felt right. I didn't get to try the Ameria since they didn't have one in my size.