I'm getting a road bike!!

[myarider]

I just committed to a 2008 Specialized Ruby Comp!!! It will be arriving at my lbs this Thursday, and I will be getting fitted for it and test driving it Saturday. If anyone has advice for pedals, seat, etc., I would LOVE to hear from you - this is the first road bike I have ever owned. One person suggested that I change the wheel set to ksyrium sl or elite, but my lbs doesn't carry this brand. The salesperson suggested bontrager racelite - good idea?? By the way, if I wait for the 2009 (same bike, different colour), it will cost $500 more!!

[VeloVT]

Congratulations!!! So exciting.

My $0.02?
Don't worry about the wheels yet! You will have lots of other, more pressing things to get used to, tweak, and spend money on. I'm sure the stock wheels will perform admirably for your first season. Next year after you've had some time to bond with your bike and get a better idea of what you like and need, you can revisit the wheel issue. Don't let the shop guys make you feel like your bike won't be complete without spending hundreds (or thousands) of extra $$$ on bling wheels.

Someone will say that wheels make the biggest difference for the money. And that's not untrue... it's just not something that *I think* you have to worry about until you have everything else about your ride sorted out and you are making what is already perfect MORE perfect.

Just my opinion.

Good luck with your new bike . Post pictures when you get it home!

[elk]

congratulations!!!

(and listen to Liza....

[kermit]

Congrats! I am a big fan of Specialized bikes, I have a roubaix that I love. As far as pedals, I have Look carbon keo's on mine, easy in and out. Saddles well......you'll have a good start with whats on the bike. You can always swap out for any of the different Specialized saddles, depending on how much padding and width you need. I second the wheel comment, you'll be spending money on other stuff and get to know your bike before a new wheelset. Post pictures, its the law!

[roadie gal]

Yayyyyy, new bike!

2+ on what Liza said about the wheels.

As far as pedals go, there are a lot of choices. Do you have any knee problems and need a lot of float? Then check out Speedplays. Do you want double sided entry? If so, then make sure your choice has that. There are lots out there and each has advantages and disadvantages. If this is your first pair of clipless, make sure to practice on a trainer or on soft ground. You'll learn to love them, but be prepared for a *bit* of a learning curve.

Saddles are so hard to recommend. Everyone has a different opinion. Try out the one that comes on the bike first. If that doesn't work, talk to your LBS about swapping saddles. If they won't let you do that, order saddles through an online company that will let you exchange saddles for no cost (except shipping) like Terry or Performance or Koobi.