Ruby Comp or Ruby Pro

I drive 35 miles to get my bike serviced, it is the service that counts for me and I will drive a modest amount for it. The shop won a sale from me based on their service to my other bikes. Of course I do work 8 miles from the shop, so if I go on a week day it is an easier drive. ;)

Why not try the other shop since you seem to have reservations about your LBS. Just see what the other shop has to offer since it is only 30 miles. I want to hear what others say about the LBS pricing. One shop here sells everything (Specialized and Trek) below MSRP and I don't think they are getting in any trouble since the Discovery Team frequently comes for appearances. :confused:

I just wanted to add that while the FSA compact cranks are amazing (love the gearing), shifting into the big ring is a pain in the butt with a standard Shimano double FD, which is what my bike (Roubaix comp) came with. I've had it 6 months, and I've already worn a lot of the teeth on the big ring. I have only recently started using the big ring with any real frequency. It's very easy to drop a chain, and recently the whole crankset locks up occasionally when the chain gets stuck half way on the big ring--you can fix it by slightly backpedaling, for anyone else who runs into that problem.

Some of these complaints seem to be pretty standard for the FSA set, particularly when you aren't given the magic FD that makes it happy.

When I tried the bike, the FSA was so much better than the 105 triple on the Elite. I didn't try the Pro (there was no Roubaix Expert) because it was outside the budget I had set. It's just gotten harder and harder. I take really good care of the chain, cassette, and crankset. But this seems like abnormal wear on the outer ring to me. I took it to a shop recently to figure out a weird noise I started hearing, and the guy who rode it around for me said he couldn't replicate the noise, but he complained enough about my FD and shifting into the big ring. Maybe he put a curse on it, because it keeps getting worse.

For my next bike, I'll save up more and probably go with any compact I can find in DA or SRAM.

At the least, I'd talk to the shop about their service plans and what they could do for you if the FSA set gives you problems. (I emailed FSA customer service about my issues, and they say I have to take it to the shop for them to determine if it could be something under warranty).

Saturday I went to the LBS and took the Ruby Comp triple out for a test ride. It is the same frame as the Ruby Pro. The shifting was so much smoother than on my Allez triple. The bike felt much lighter and climbing was easier. I was amazed that climbing out of the saddle was a LOT easier than on my current bike. I didn’t get fatigued as quickly. Unfortunately it was a triple so I’m not sure how the shifting between chain rings will feel on a compact double. The previous post is giving me some cause for concern. But I guess it is mute because……….
I bought the Ruby Pro!!!!!!!!! I am very excited. It should be here Thursday. I hope I didn’t make a mistake by buying a bike that I haven’t ridden or even seen. But from all the satisfied Ruby riders who helped me make my decision I don’t think I’ll be disappointed. Did I mention that I’m excited!?!?

congratulations! i hope you like it!!!!

as for buying without seeing or test riding.... i did that... well... i had no choice... i put my deposit down before they were ever in the stores! lol! i did have the back out though if i didn't like the color or it didn't fit since there was no way to try one on! (keep in mind... my rave review are based on a full DA setup.... the whole drivetrain, including crank and wheels! lol!)

hope you have many, many happy miles!!!!

I also wish you a huge CONGRATULATIONS also along with many enjoyable and safe riding miles.

Keep in mind, that the Pro compact double is FSA K-Force, carbon crankset. I think it is an upgrade from the average compact double. Shifting is so much easier than it was on my Dolce Comp which was a triple.

What a wonderful way to begin Spring 07 :)

~ JoAnn

caligurl, Jo-n-NY: Thank you both. Your input through this whole thing was invaluable. Thank you both so much. Another question. How do I care for a carbon frame. Is there anything I need to do differently in maintaining this bike? I can't wait to get her!!!

i just wipe mine down with the same stuff i use on my car (zaino z-6)

i had asked my bike shop about what to use when i first got ruby and they told me pledge! as for full on baths..... i'm not sure what hubby uses (i don't bathe the bikes :o ) but i have sprayed on that pink bikewash stuff and hosed it off at least once!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by caligurl

am i the only freak that just LOVES black bikes? :confused:

---

No, I LOVE my black Expert. :D It looks so sleek and fast, even if I'm not! And being a netural color it looks good no matter what I'm wearing. :p bikerHen

Congrats on the new bike!!!! I'm sure the Pro will be a fabulous ride. Many happy and safe miles.....

Kate

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by li10up

caligurl, Jo-n-NY: Thank you both. Your input through this whole thing was invaluable. Thank you both so much. Another question. How do I care for a carbon frame. Is there anything I need to do differently in maintaining this bike? I can't wait to get her!!!

---

I didn't give this much thought and since I just got the bike last week, I have not cleaned it yet, although I went on 3 rides so I am going to run home and take a look and see if she should be cleaned. Anyway, I was just going to use my regular bike polish. Now you have me thinking and maybe I should ask my husband.

~ JoAnn

I just called my LBS and my Ruby Pro is in and ready to be picked up! But I want to go on a club ride tonight so looks like one more ride on the old Allez tonight and I'll pick up the new one tomorrow when I get off work at noon! Only one more day of suspense!!!

Yey, I am leaving through your happy experience. Congruts and please pictures pictures!!!

wow!!! you've got more willpower than i have! i was down there IMMEDITATLY for both ruby and my MTB when i knew they were built!

That is strong will. When I got my Cannondale I had to remind myself how dangerous it would be to ride her around the neighborhood after dark (we didn't have street lights yet).

Bring on the pictures!!:D :D :D :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by li10up

Saturday I went to the LBS and took the Ruby Comp triple out for a test ride. It is the same frame as the Ruby Pro. The shifting was so much smoother than on my Allez triple. The bike felt much lighter and climbing was easier. I was amazed that climbing out of the saddle was a LOT easier than on my current bike. I didn’t get fatigued as quickly. Unfortunately it was a triple so I’m not sure how the shifting between chain rings will feel on a compact double. The previous post is giving me some cause for concern. But I guess it is mute because……….
I bought the Ruby Pro!!!!!!!!! I am very excited. It should be here Thursday. I hope I didn’t make a mistake by buying a bike that I haven’t ridden or even seen. But from all the satisfied Ruby riders who helped me make my decision I don’t think I’ll be disappointed. Did I mention that I’m excited!?!?

---

Congratulations!!!!!! WOW, you are gonna LOVE your new bike :D Caligurl has one and it is probably one of the most beautiful bikes I've seen!

Can't wait to see pics!

trac'