Specialized Ruby Riders

[Aggie_Ama]

I am in the market for a new bike (finally!) and I am really leaning to the 2006 Ruby Expert. I know I want full carbon and don't want to spend more than $2500. Since my budget is kind of low for full carbon, the Ruby is the only choice I have where I can still get Ultegra.

The LBS I prefer has the 2007 Cannondale Synapse and I plan to test ride it, but it is 105. The budget cannot be stretched to the Synapse with Ultegra ($3k).

Now that some of you have been riding the Ruby awhile, do you still love it? I want to test ride this weekend, but it is Christmas! Boo hoo, maybe before year end.

[JmcG]

Yes, I love my Ruby Expert. I'll be riding her in about a half hour, actually! The bike fits me really well, the drivetrain is wonderful (full Ultegra), and I haven't had any problems with the bike at all. My shifting was a little off this weekend, so I took it into the shop and the chain was stretched - after 3000 miles, so I got a new chain. That's the only maintenance I have needed on the bike so far. I have switched out the wheels, which has made the handling better, but the stock wheels are good too (I got a really good deal on a used pair of Kysriums). Specialized bikes fit me really well, and I've been happy with both of mine (I also own a 2004 Dolce that I now use for commuting).

Good luck! Let us know what you decide on. The ride of the carbon is superior to the aluminum (for me at least) and if it fits you well, you'll love this bike. Oh, and I also think the price is right, for a full carbon bike with Ultegra components.

[Susie]

I have the '06 Ruby Pro and absolutely love it. I bought one in February and it's the best fitting bike I've ever owned. It accelerates fast and is the smoothest ride I've ever had. I was hit by a truck in May and the bike was completely totalled, but I replaced it right away with another Pro (actually, the driver's insurance company did) and never thought about changing to another bike.

Susie

[Eden]

Another 06 Ruby Pro rider here - love my bike! Fast, smooth and fits me great (which is a feat for someone of my small stature).

If you want an 06 Ruby you may need to make sure you can actually get one in your size though! I got my Ruby in June and it was actually a wait and a gamble beause the number of them made was very low. My frame, a 44cm 06 Ruby pro only had 9 produced! yes that's 9 with no zeros, so I had to wait until another shop actually returned one to Specialized to get one. I think more of the Expert's were made though. The prices for 06 Ruby's are totally awesome. I think that Specialized was somewhat unsure of how a high end women's bike would sell so they priced it very conservatively. They sold so well this year that the 07's are significantly more expensive..

[Aggie_Ama]

Another 06 Ruby Pro rider here - love my bike! Fast, smooth and fits me great (which is a feat for someone of my small stature).

If you want an 06 Ruby you may need to make sure you can actually get one in your size though! I got my Ruby in June and it was actually a wait and a gamble beause the number of them made was very low. My frame, a 44cm 06 Ruby pro only had 9 produced! yes that's 9 with no zeros, so I had to wait until another shop actually returned one to Specialized to get one. I think more of the Expert's were made though. The prices for 06 Ruby's are totally awesome. I think that Specialized was somewhat unsure of how a high end women's bike would sell so they priced it very conservatively. They sold so well this year that the 07's are significantly more expensive..

Well I am hoping I fit a 48. That is the size of my Fuji and the size the LBS thinks I would need for the Synapse. A local shop has two Experts in the 48. For some reason high end women's bikes don't sell that fast here. I see a lot of Trek Madones, but otherwise most bikes seem to be around $1500. I am fairly sold on the Ruby on paper, but I need to ride it. I also need to try the Synapse to compare. Unfortunately, I think that is the only other carbon in my price range in our town.

I had been wanting thinking about an aluminum bike, but I noticed our new country roads are rough and I want carbon's comfort.

ETA: I just called and the 48 is at the LBS that is WALKING distance from my work (it is a chain with two shops I thought it would have been the other one). Hmmm.... I think I am leaving sick. Hehe. Really, I can wait until DH will take me.

[pooks]

Well .... ?

What did you get?

(Maybe you've already posted, but I'm catching up on old threads!)