Opinions on Specialized Ruby?

[lov2ride]

I am looking at a 2006 barely used Ruby Expert for $1,650. I would not be able to afford a new one and thought this sounds pretty good. Does anyone have any info to share?

[michelem]

I have a 2007 and I LOVE it. From what I hear, the 2006 was even better. Why do I love it? The FIT. I tried all different kinds of bikes, women's specific and not. The Ruby won out in the end. I had a way-too-big, very heavy low-end mountain bike before the Ruby. In comparison, the Ruby is light as a feather and shifts and handles like a dream. That sounds like a great price. As long as it fits you perfectly and you like the feel, I say go for it!

[mudmucker]

This sounds excellent. This is an all carbon fiber frame. If you were to buy this bike back in 2006, it would have cost you close to $2300. The 2006 Expert if I recall, has all Ultegra components. In 2006 I was looking at the Comp and Expert. The Expert was a little too much so I got the Comp, with the next step lower 105 components for $2000. If it is hardly used you will be doing well. Check for any flaws in the frame, just in case.

[aicabsolut]

It's a great bike. A couple better components than my 06 Roubaix Comp and a slightly better frame. You may want to know that this bike came with the FSA SL-K crankset with 50/36 rings and a Shimano 12-27 cassette. That's what I have, and I love the gearing. However, you won't have the same climbing gears as a more common 34T compact small ring. I don't know if that's important to you, but I thought I'd throw that out there.

I don't think that's an exceptional discount considering the age of the bike, but it's definitely better than anything new you'd find in that price range. I'd see if the owner would let you take it to a shop for an inspection before you fully committed, since the frame and cranks are carbon and it is over 2 years old. Barely used doesn't necessarily mean really well cared for. If it's in good shape, go for it if it fits you.

[Jiffer]

The Ruby (in any form) seems to be very popular. I have two friends that have one, I think the Expert ... and they both LOVE their bike. Ultegra components and light frame.

[Flybye]

I have the 2006 Ruby comp that I got used (it only had about 200 miles on it) and it was not quite a year old yet. I purchased it for $1300.
I can't say enough good about this bike.
Hope that helps.

[Susan126]

I love my Ruby! Lover her, love her, love her! The fit, the ride, the components. She is sweeeeeeet!

[lov2ride]

I really appreciate everyone's input. The suggestion to have it checked out by a bike shop is something I had not thought of. Thanks. I hope to ride it tomorrow and will let you know how it goes. Anyone want to suggest an offer price if it checks out ok? I have tried to research this and have not been able to find any information. According to the seller, the person who purchased it "never road it" but I still have to verify that.

[melissam]

Lov2Ride,

Don't you wish they had the equivalent of a Kelly Blue Book for used bicycles? I recently bought a used bike that I'd found in a craigslist ad, and I determined the price by:

1. Finding out how much the bike would have cost brand new.
2. Looking for the same year bike in other ads to get an idea of the going rate.
3. Seeing the bike in person to determine if it was the bike for me and to get an idea of the condition of the components and frame.
4. Finding out how many other people are interested in the bike.

If the bike is for you, there aren't any others like it in the area, and others are interested, I'd be willing to pay close to asking price. (Yah, I'll never win any awards for negotiating! ) OTOH, if they don't accept your offer, you can always offer them more!! So, hmmm, maybe I'd offer them $1500 if the bike is in as good of condition as advertised and it fits you.

Also, keep in mind that you may have to replace a few things on the bike, so budget accordingly:
- how are the brake and derailleur cables? New? Old & frayed? In need of adjustment?
- do the tires need to be replaced?
- does the bike fit you, or are you going to have to take it in to get fitted and buy a new stem, etc.
- do you get along with the seat, or do you need to buy a better one for the bike?
- does the bike come with pedals or do you need to provide your own?
- how do you like the handlebars? Are they the right width for you? Can you reach the brake levers with your hands in the drops or on the hoods?

Hope this helps and happy shopping! I'm looking forward to seeing how your test ride goes!

- Melissa

[Delta7]

I have the 2006 Ruby Expert, compact double, and it's a great bike! If the bike you're looking to buy is a compact double, and you ride in a hilly area, I do recommend the SRAM 11-28 rear cassette. That price looks good too, the new Ruby Expert costs $3300!

Cheers!

[aicabsolut]

I have the 2006 Ruby Expert, compact double, and it's a great bike! If the bike you're looking to buy is a compact double, and you ride in a hilly area, I do recommend the SRAM 11-28 rear cassette. That price looks good too, the new Ruby Expert costs $3300!

Cheers!

Yeah, but the new Ruby Expert has a slightly better frame. I don't see much difference in the 11-28 cassette over the 12-27 stock one. Plus, according to my buddy at a bike shop (I've been considering switching to SRAM cassettes) says that SRAM cassettes work best with SRAM chains, and SRAM chains don't get along with FSA cranksets, in his experience.

Provided the bike is in pretty good shape, I'd consider the stuff melissam posted about the most. What wheels are you getting? What stuff will you need to buy or replace? If in 2006 this bike was around $2300, then you're only looking at about $700 discount, which isn't that much for a 2-year old bike. Just with an end of season sale, you could expect to knock off at least $500. I'd try to get closer to $1k off, unless it's in pristine condition, just based on age. You can ask your local Specialized dealer for some help determining what the bike might be worth. Then factor in what the shop says about the condition of the bike.

It's very common for people to want to have carbon frames inspected by a shop before they purchase them, so don't let the seller give you the run-around there. The last thing you need is for them to not disclose some damage or a crash that could be very bad.

[auntiebobo]

I have the 2008 Ruby Expert and absolutely love it. It's a great bike.

[lov2ride]

Well, for those who are interested, here is the latest on this possible purchase. They did not consent to letting me take it to a bike shop for an inspection. Probably because it is being sold through something best described as a pawn shop I guess. Not your usual venue! It looks pristine and the sales person is extremely knowledgable about bikes. It is a 44cm (an extra small) so I went to a bike shop and asked about the 44cm and whether it is the right size for me. The conclusion is that it is probably just right, but I have to see the bike again and make a few assessments based on my new knowledge regarding the fit etc. As far as the bargaining goes, they will take $1,350. plus tax.
Soooooo! I am just about to take the plunge but can not act until tomorrow now, so any added words of wisdom are greatly appreciated!

[ttaylor508]

Since you say your are buying this from a "pawn shop" type of venue, I would check the serial number here:
http://www.stolenbicycleregistry.com/

If you do check it out and it comes out clean, you can register the bike in your name on the Specialized website.

The serial number is located under the crankset on the frame.

[Delta7]

my buddy at a bike shop (I've been considering switching to SRAM cassettes) says that SRAM cassettes work best with SRAM chains, and SRAM chains.

I live in a hilly area and did not want to convert to the triple. I have the SRAM 11-28 and am very happy with it (i.e., no more walking on hills!). I did get a SRAM chain (off e-bay). In my experience, the FSA crankset and the SRAM chain and cassette work just fine.

The new 2008s also have the SRAM 11-28 cassette.

Cheers!