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!

[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!

[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.

[Loso85]

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?

Well your in luck cause i have one that my girlfriend had, an now I still have it an I want to get reed of it. I'm actually selling it for $1,200 and it to was barley used. An as far as the info that your requesting, its a beautiful bike light weight sleek. If interested please don't hesitate to let me know.

[Susan126]

Well your in luck cause i have one that my girlfriend had, an now I still have it an I want to get reed of it. I'm actually selling it for $1,200 and it to was barley used. An as far as the info that your requesting, its a beautiful bike light weight sleek. If interested please don't hesitate to let me know.

Hello Loso85,

This thread was originally posted in July 2008 but there still may be someone out there who is looking for a specialized ruby today. And welcome to the forum!

[kajero]

I know someone who may be interested. She won't buy any bicycle unless the seller has the proof of ownership. She wants to make sure she is not buying a stolen bicycle.

Could you let me know if you have this, what size the bike is, and where you are located?

[Helene2013]

An older thread, but the bike name is the same.

I'm going to try a Ruby this weekend. I don't know if it is a 2013 or 2014 but it is only to see how it compares to my Kuota.

I have a 2013 Kuota Kharma that I find a bit too reactive and nervous for me. My LBS kept telling me to come and test drive for a weekend one of his Ruby. So they will fit me on one tomorrow night and I can give it a shot - I was going for a 100km (60 miles) on Saturday or Sunday - depending on weather. He said to me for comfort (feeling safer on the bike), definitively the Ruby will better than the Kuota.

I told him I wanted to keep my Kharma (still love it - sooooo cute) but for the trainer. He said: try the Ruby and then we'll see and talk. I have no intention on spending so much after coughing out $3000 on the Kuota last June. So maybe I will be doing a trade-in (losing money on Kuota), or cough out money and keep the Kuota on trainer (which is not a wise option - but hey! What love can do to you. hihi). Will see 1st how it rides, and what's in it for budget. Money does not grow on tree in Montreal either! Never found a place for that yet! hihi

I had told him I did not like the colour of their Ruby. He kept saying: just come and try it. Then we'll talk! haha He just wants to see if it is ME the problem on a bike or the Kuota's really too nervous for me (which he's sure it is as it is a different type of bike).

So I will let you know how I liked riding the Ruby vs my current Kuota.

[brigada]

I think you could get more for that Kuota if you sold it and then used the money for the Ruby than by doing the trade-in.