Considering a Ruby Compact with Sora

Hi all ... new to the forum.. hope this is the right place to post this question... I started riding last year on an old steel schwinn my son found on craigs list. It was probably a pretty good guys bike about 20 years ago (ha ha). I did a women's sprint Tri last summer and discovered I really enjoyed riding. I use clipless pedals and ride about 14mph average speed on the trails. I'm not super competitive but like to be able to do my best and enjoy it. I've really only ridden on trails around town (Kansas City) which are great but have their drawbacks (narrow, crowded, bumpy, twisty, etc).
I am looking to up-grade my ride and found my way to a store which sells Specialized. They are showing me the Dolce Elite with Tiagra for $1250 and the Ruby Compact with Sora for $1450. (Specialized has put the Ruby's on sale this month). For a carbon bike, that Ruby price looks pretty good to me... but I am wondering if I should consider something else...a different brand or price point... (this is higher than I thought I would be going).
Would love any advice about what else I should be looking at...or what might be an interim step here before plunking down such a big amount.

I think one of the things I need to figure out is do I stick with a road bike or should I be looking at a different type of bike. So far the only riding I have done would call for a road bike... but if I wanted to do a multi-day ride, for exapmle, could i put paniers on the Ruby?
thanks girls!
Mamakass

I have a 2008 Ruby Triple Compact and love it. Last year I added a Specialized Vita Elite to my bike collection. I am 5' 2" with short legs / long torso and have found that the Specialized bikes fit me better than Trek or Giant (the other two brands popular in my area). You might want to check out the Vita. It will take fenders and a rack. The Ruby will not. I use my Vita as a commuter and often taken it out "just for the fun" of it. If I could only have one bike the Vita would win out over the Ruby and my Trek MTB.

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Originally Posted by deanywalker21

I have a 2008 Ruby Triple Compact and love it. Last year I added a Specialized Vita Elite to my bike collection. I am 5' 2" with short legs / long torso and have found that the Specialized bikes fit me better than Trek or Giant (the other two brands popular in my area). You might want to check out the Vita. It will take fenders and a rack. The Ruby will not. I use my Vita as a commuter and often taken it out "just for the fun" of it. If I could only have one bike the Vita would win out over the Ruby and my Trek MTB.

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This is very helpful - Thanks... my mom lives just 2 miles away and I often think it would be nice to ride over and see her but too much of a pain to put on the clipless shoes, re-fill the tires etc just to tool over for a visit. As such I simply don't ride my bike around town.
This is one of my big concerns... that I get committed to a very expensive road bike and it limits the kind of riding I can do... but for now, I have only ridden on trails... hmmm...

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Originally Posted by Muirenn

Welcome to TE Mama! :)

The order of importance to consider when buying is frameset first, then components (drive-train group), then wheels. Components are easy to change out. So are wheels, but I'd do components first. Based on that, I'd get the Ruby.

That assumes the bike fits perfectly, and suits your riding style.

You can also ask if they have any deals on upgrading the Sora, sometimes they do when you purchase a bike. Just depends on the shop and how much they want to move it. But you can always wait to upgrade, too. Or you can just enjoy the Sora on a nice bike. If it were me, I'd skip Tiagra and move up to 105. But Tiagra is nice, too.

That said, there is nothing wrong with the Dolce. :)

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Agree with all the above. The Ruby is a great bike! If you're looking for big upgrade from an old steel frame you will love the Ruby. Though there's nothing wrong with the Dolce, once you ride that nice, light carbon frame you do get spoiled. And for the minor price difference I'd definitely go for the Ruby. The components will be fine, but of course the pricier ones are lighter and smoother. You can always upgrade later should you choose to.

I tried many, many road bikes last year, both aluminum and carbon. I chose the Ruby. Your shop's price is excellent!

Great to hear... thanks MGM

Great help guys - thanks for the responses... just went out and further confused myself by riding a Felt ZW5... I do think the Carbon is the way to go for these tired ol' bones and NOW I see why people pay more for the slicker components...this bike had Tiagra and even newbie me could tell the difference from the Sora. So - Felt vs Specialized... any opinions?

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Originally Posted by Muirenn

Which frameset had the more comfortable fit for you?

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This ^^ is all-important!

Felts are great bikes also, that was actually my second choice. They're a little cheaper than Specialized, so you get more bang for your buck. But in the end, you will be buying one bike, you should go with the one you love riding.

Nicer components DO ride better. Which is how I ended up with Ultegra when I originally went in to buy SRAM...try the Ruby with the next level up components to see if it's the bike you like better or the groupset.

I look at it as it was cheaper to get the bike I really loved to ride, than to keep getting upgrade-itis...

I'm actually having a hard time telling which is more comfortable for my body. when I come back from a test spin they always say "well, we can push the seat forward or change out that stem" I think the specialized might have fit better... just not really sure.
BTW the Felt was listed at $1750 but think they may come down a little... I am also thinking now that I have a better idea of what I want that i should consider buying used. How hard is it to get the right bike, in good condition, for a decent price?

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Originally Posted by mamakass

I'm actually having a hard time telling which is more comfortable for my body. when I come back from a test spin they always say "well, we can push the seat forward or change out that stem" I think the specialized might have fit better... just not really sure.
BTW the Felt was listed at $1750 but think they may come down a little... I am also thinking now that I have a better idea of what I want that i should consider buying used. How hard is it to get the right bike, in good condition, for a decent price?

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So if the Ruby's are on sale, what would a Ruby with higher end components cost? It might not be any more expensive than the Felt.

$1450 for that Ruby is a GREAT price. And I have loved (loved loved loved) my Ruby.

FWIW, my husband tried a similar Felt (in a men's/unisex) and a Roubaix (the men's/unisex bike the Ruby was based on), and he liked the ride on the Roubaix better.

In terms of used, I think it depends on your size and where you live. I haven't noticed any screaming deals on my local Craigslist, and my size (44 cm) is so hard to find anyway that I wasn't going to have much luck. You might have better luck.

It depends on your city and the cycling community there. Here in Dayton, the used bike market is terrible. In a few of the close-by larger cities, it's better, with the capital being better than the other city to the south. It seems like most of the used bike market in either place is for HUGE bikes.

Though finding a good used bike might not be too difficult, I think that finding the RIGHT used bike, what you want and in your size, could be very difficult! In my case, not too many people (if any) are selling their Rubies with higher end components in a 54cm size. In fact, I had to drive two states away to even try one with Ultegra in my size. I just couldn't judge how comfortable I'd ultimately be by trying the smaller frames that the shops had, and didn't want to commit to ordering the larger size when I wasn't sure what components I wanted.

People sell their bikes usually to upgrade, so lower end bikes are easier to find. And certain types of bikes - hybrids, mountain bikes, are more prevalent in the used market.

But once again, if you are getting a carbon frame for under $1500 it's a steal!

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Originally Posted by luvmyguys

So if the Ruby's are on sale, what would a Ruby with higher end components cost? It might not be any more expensive than the Felt.

$1450 for that Ruby is a GREAT price. And I have loved (loved loved loved) my Ruby.

FWIW, my husband tried a similar Felt (in a men's/unisex) and a Roubaix (the men's/unisex bike the Ruby was based on), and he liked the ride on the Roubaix better.

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I took my BF road bike shopping, and after many bikes the one he liked the best was also the Roubaix. He ended up buying a Specialized Tarmac APEX because the clearance price was too good to pass up. He had always told me I looked like I was gliding effortlessly on my Ruby, and until I saw him ride the Roubaix I didn't quite understand what he meant. He went by me looking like he was floating on air. There's a special quality to the Ruby/Roubaix ride.

This is all very helpful. The Felt sales person is a very cool woman/triathlete/ironman who was one of the coaches in my Tri training. She used that gizmo that measures your leg angle...but didn't use any tools to diagnose the arms/reach. I told her I thought the angle of the Felt gave my neck some strain and I wasn't sure that i had enough bend in my elbow when on the hoods. More comfortable in the drops. This bike is called a M which she said was about a 52. I am 5'5 1/2" formerly 5'6", and think i have pretty average length legs/arms/torso for my height. I tried out both the 51 and the 54 Specialized and I think the 54 is a little better - we had the seat WAY up in the 51. I will take your advice and go back and try the specialized Ruby with the next level components but now it's getting really pricey!

I don't get the impression that the KC used bike market is too great.
thanks again :)

It's true. We all keep upgrading.

I try to restrain myself, but I am pretty addicted. Interestingly, I normally have zero interest in shopping for clothes/fashion.

I love my 2010 Ruby, with 105 components. My first bike had Sora front, Tiagra back and the 105 was much better. If there is any way to upgrade to the 105- the cost over the life of the bike will be minimal compared to how you will feel on the bike. BTW, I am 5'1" and ride a 44, which fits me great.

Hey gals... Any thoughts on the relative benefits of the Amira vs the Ruby?

The Amira is a more aggressive bike, with a stiffer carbon. (The highest-end Amiras have the super-fancy carbon.) It's a racehorse. It doesn't have the same "plush" ride as the Ruby. I wouldn't have described the one I rode as uncomfortable, though. (But, really, that's up to you). The new Ruby is less aggressive, and didn't feel quite as fast to me. It's still a fast bike (after all, it used to be their race frame, and according to the Specialized rep the geometry isn't a whole ton less aggressive.) I prefer a more-aggressive bike, though. For the new rider, I usually tell people to go with the more relaxed frame. since it's not going be quite as responsive (read "twitchy" for the new rider) and it'll be easier to get the handling down.

hey there. i'm actually pretty close to getting a ruby myself. did you check out the ruby sport compact? just like the ruby compact but with slightly upgraded components - 105 and tiagra for $1800 through the end of may. i really liked the way it rode but it was also the first road bike i've ever been on.

btw - i live in kansas city too!

Can someone explain the difference of upgrading to the 105? I'm looking at the Ruby Sport Compact. My LBS offers rentals, so I'm planning on taking a Ruby for a spin, but I'm not exactly sure which models they have for rental. It would be helpful to know what to look for (beyond good fit). I'm new to road bikes - well "new" in the sense that I haven't owned or ridden one for about 25 years. I don't want to get all excited and buy what they have in stock, not understanding the detail differences between the models.

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Originally Posted by lor

Can someone explain the difference of upgrading to the 105? I'm looking at the Ruby Sport Compact. My LBS offers rentals, so I'm planning on taking a Ruby for a spin, but I'm not exactly sure which models they have for rental. It would be helpful to know what to look for (beyond good fit). I'm new to road bikes - well "new" in the sense that I haven't owned or ridden one for about 25 years. I don't want to get all excited and buy what they have in stock, not understanding the detail differences between the models.

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I tried both the Ruby with the 105 and the Amira with the 105. Honestly, I could not tell the difference between the Ruby's "softer" ride quality vs the Amira's stiffer ride quality. I picked the Amira because I have a long torso and my back felt curled up and hunched on the Ruby.

As for the Shimano 105 derailleurs, I think that you will definitely feel the difference between the lower end shifters and the Shimano 105 and above shifters. The difference in the better shifters is how fast the shifters shift when you go uphill, and sturdy the shifting feels, how your hand feels/how easy to shift in your hand (which is why some people prefer Shimano while others prefer SRAM and others prefer Campy), and less often to derail. The lower end shifters feel more clunky and sometimes, I can't tell if it shifted well when I pedal hard uphills. That is the best way that I can explain what it feels like.

We would love to know which bike you ended up with though!

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Originally Posted by lor

Can someone explain the difference of upgrading to the 105? I'm looking at the Ruby Sport Compact. My LBS offers rentals, so I'm planning on taking a Ruby for a spin, but I'm not exactly sure which models they have for rental. It would be helpful to know what to look for (beyond good fit). I'm new to road bikes - well "new" in the sense that I haven't owned or ridden one for about 25 years. I don't want to get all excited and buy what they have in stock, not understanding the detail differences between the models.

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105 is considered "entry-level racing" componentry. The shifting will be smoother, and it can take a beating better than the lower-end stuff (one of the managers at work races cross with 105 on the bike, and it's still going strong with only very minor tweaks). Less need for adjustment. The weight here is secondary.

Try out Sora, Tiagra, 105 and SRAM Apex. (I doubt you'll find Rival on a shop floor, but the shifting is very much the same, as far as I know.) If you have an idea of what frame you're looking for (ex, Ruby vs. Amira), you can put that out of your mind for a little bit and just try out shifters on different bikes. (No shop is going to keep a full range of a given model on the floor, but it might help you figure out what you're looking for.)

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Originally Posted by TigerMom

As for the Shimano 105 derailleurs, I think that you will definitely feel the difference between the lower end shifters and the Shimano 105 and above shifters. The difference in the better shifters is how fast the shifters shift when you go uphill, and sturdy the shifting feels, how your hand feels/how easy to shift in your hand (which is why some people prefer Shimano while others prefer SRAM and others prefer Campy), and less often to derail. The lower end shifters feel more clunky and sometimes, I can't tell if it shifted well when I pedal hard uphills. That is the best way that I can explain what it feels like.

We would love to know which bike you ended up with though!

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Very helpful, thank you. I'm pretty much only looking at the Ruby right now (I'm not the original poster looking at the Amira), but I will for sure share what I get. Based on the posts here and the bike shops I've talked to (outlining my personal requirements/needs), the Ruby sounds dreamy to ride.

I love my Ruby. It's the one I plan to ride for Cycle Oregon.

When I purchased my Ruby, one of the LBS guys said that moving to the 105 components would give me the biggest "bang for the buck" and that there would be a less noticeable improvement moving to Ultegra. I definitely prefer the shifting with 105 than the Sora/Tiagra combo I had on my first bike.

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Originally Posted by lor

Very helpful, thank you. I'm pretty much only looking at the Ruby right now (I'm not the original poster looking at the Amira), but I will for sure share what I get. Based on the posts here and the bike shops I've talked to (outlining my personal requirements/needs), the Ruby sounds dreamy to ride.

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Hi lor - I bought a 2nd hand Ruby Comp with 105 last November and, with the weather improving, am just beginning to get out more - She's wonderful! I had a professional bike fit session which really helped. Good luck!

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Originally Posted by azfiddle

When I purchased my Ruby, one of the LBS guys said that moving to the 105 components would give me the biggest "bang for the buck" and that there would be a less noticeable improvement moving to Ultegra. I definitely prefer the shifting with 105 than the Sora/Tiagra combo I had on my first bike.

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I can understand him saying that, as 105 components are quite decent, but I noticed a big difference in the Ruby Comp with Ultegra. Such a difference that that's what I ended up buying. I think the Ultegra group was lighter - the whole bike just seemed faster to me. And quieter shifting.

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Originally Posted by Cyclingfun

Hi lor - I bought a 2nd hand Ruby Comp with 105 last November and, with the weather improving, am just beginning to get out more - She's wonderful! I had a professional bike fit session which really helped. Good luck!

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That makes me even more excited! I'm dying to go rent one and check it out, but I really want to get my tush reconditioned to the saddle before I jump on a new bike. I'm going on a ride tomorrow, and if I'm not sore, and it works in my schedule, I'm going for my first Ruby ride next week.

I am planning on getting a professional fit as well.

Totally off topic, but how the heck do you create a signature? I looked in the help file, but I think those instructions were for the old forum software.

Thanks, Muirenn. Maybe I have to post a certain number of times before I can create one. I can edit my avatar and profile, but there isn't currently an option for signature.

If I wasn't clear, he was suggesting that the difference between the Sora/Tiagra and 105 would be greater than the difference between 105 and Ultegra. I'm sure I'd like and notice the move up to Ultegra!

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Originally Posted by Muirenn

Hmm. Maybe you should email the Administrator? (Cute dog, btw. :)).

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I will, thanks! Leeloo the dog is my little doofus.

I rode a Roubaix today (they didn't have a Ruby in my size), and I LOVED it. I ordered the Ruby Sport and am so excited! It should be here next week! I used a ton of information from this thread and this forum to make my decision. Thanks to everyone!

Enjoy! The Ruby is a great bike. :)

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Originally Posted by lor

I rode a Roubaix today (they didn't have a Ruby in my size), and I LOVED it. I ordered the Ruby Sport and am so excited! It should be here next week! I used a ton of information from this thread and this forum to make my decision. Thanks to everyone!

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I love the women on this forum too. I have learned a ton about biking and bikes!

Thanks Team Estrogen!

Congrats on your Ruby Sport!!!

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Originally Posted by Muirenn

Congrats on the Ruby!

And I expect lots of pictures when it come in! :D

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If you insist, I shall deliver. :)

I went out this weekend and managed to score some fantastic sale prices at a LBS. I am now armed with a jersey, bike shorts (40% off Pearl Izumis that were crazy comfy!), a helmet (I went with the Specialized Aspire - I liked the pony tail hole and it fit perfectly), and a rear light. My floor pump and bike computer should be here tomorrow, and I'm going to buy the Specialized kit (2 cages, seat bag, multi tool, frame pump, patch kit, spare tube, and tire levers) at the bike shop when my bike comes in. I already have half of the stuff in that kit, but I'd like to keep a set with each bike, since I'll be switching back and forth. I am soooo excited!! I can't wait for it to be here. I keep peddling on my trainer to condition my tush so I'll be ready for my first ride on my Ruby.