Also looking for an all-purpose geometry

[etack]

Again, I'm looking at Specialized WSD bikes. The Amira seems very agressive, and the Ruby very relaxed. I want a little of both. Can I relax the Amira or quicken the Ruby through fit (bike shop thinks so!)? Should I not be looking at these two bikes? I ride with a fast group on the weekend and do a triathlon or two throughout the year, but I'm getting older every day.

[spokewench]

I just looked at the specs for the Ruby and the Amira. The geometry that matters as far as handling and fit, i.e. relaxed vs. quick handling seems about the same. The Amira has a 518 top tube length, 450 seat tube length, 405 chain stay, same angles in seat tube and head tube angle 75.5 and 72. the trail and fork angles are the same; so I can't see how one of these bikes would seem relaxed vs aggressive (quick). they both look like they should fit about the same too, except one of them has a stem that is 90 and one has a stem at 100 I think (which can be switched out in most good bike stores dependent on your fit needs); and one I think had shorter cranks which is preference mostly, do you like to spin more or are you more of a masher. At 5'5" you probably don't need the shorter cranks.

The componetry seems pretty comparable, but perhaps the Amira is designed to be a little more on the light weight side - i did not see specs for the weight so i'm not sure

[Cataboo]

Are you looking at the same sized frames in both? I did test ride a ruby once and thought it was a relaxed fit.

But what I've noticed is that if you're chosing between two sizes of the same bike - the larger size is generally going to give you a more relaxed up right fit, and the smaller size is going to be a more aggressive fit with your seat post up higher than your handlebars. This is assuming that the top tube on the larger size still works for you.

They can do a reasonable amount with changing stems and such like that to make the fit more upright on an aggressive bike (if that's what you're calling aggressive - seat up above handlebars)

[indysteel]

Since the difference between those two models doesn't appear to be in their geometries, it may have more to do with frame construction and material. Perhaps the Amira is a bit stiffer, while the Ruby is more plush. I've never ridden either one so I don't know first hand. A stiffer bike might feel like it handles faster or twitchier. If you can, test ride both.

[OakLeaf]

The OP didn't say what size she was looking at... but the chainstays on the Amira are shorter in every size, which makes up the bulk of the shorter wheelbase. In a 51 cm frame, there's a 1.3 cm difference in the wheelbase, which would definitely be noticeable in handling.

A shorter stem will make the steering feel quicker, but that's not the reason why you put on a shorter stem. If it fits it fits, if it doesn't it doesn't. And it won't make the bike turn in any quicker, it'll just feel twitchier.

[GLC1968]

According to Specialized, the Amira also has a thicker, oversized head tube which I assume lends to greater stiffness. From Specialized:

"Since the all-new Amira is a true performance platform, we use shorter chainstays and shorter head tubes than our more endurance-focused Ruby in order to create the ideal performance position for comfort and efficiency. "

and about the Ruby:
"Since long hours in the saddle demand a forgiving frame, we use longer chainstays and taller head tubes (as opposed to the performance-focused Amira) to truly optimize our Ruby frames for compliance and comfort."

Did they change the Ruby geometry when they introduced the Amira? The Ruby description almost sounds like the previous Dolce descriptions.

I think if all you want is pure speed - you can get that from a Ruby and a good 'engine'. If you also want agressiveness and quickest response, an Amira might be your best bet.

[HillSlugger]

The Ruby has a taller head tube which would make it feel more relaxed.

[OakLeaf]

Did they change the Ruby geometry when they introduced the Amira? The Ruby description almost sounds like the previous Dolce descriptions.

Used to be the Dolce was aluminum and the Ruby was carbon. Don't know about the geometry though.

[MartianDestiny]

Have you considered other brands?

I test rode an '09 Ruby and certainly didn't feel I could fault it in the quickness and responsiveness categories (and I wanted to hate it). I'd say it took a, very respectable, 3rd out of my 6-8 test-ridden bikes. I liked the Scott brand I rode only slightly better, and my Wilier....well, my Wilier blew them all out of the water, but that's beside the point.

I'd take the Ruby I test rode on our fast group rides no problem, so if you don't like the aggressiveness of the Amira I don't think you are going wrong to look to the Ruby, it's not all that "relaxed" in the grand scheme of things and seems to have plenty of get-up-and-go.

Caveat: I have no idea if they changed the Geo for the Rubies from 09 to 10 when they introduced the Amira, so take my test ride experience with a grain of salt.

My take as far as "changing" either bike is this. You can certainly set yourself up more relaxed on most any aggressive race bike using spacers and an angled stem (while still getting the right saddle to bar distance, but basically changing the amount of drop). There's a limit to this (how much steerer tube is available). Slightly more confined trying to get an aggressive position on a relaxed bike (run the stem with no spacers, maybe a negative angle), but the Ruby isn't all that relaxed, so yea I'd agree with them. But, that's changing how aggressive your position is, not the ride characteristic of the bike. Wheels, if anything, would be the best bet for tweaking that (wider tires or rims known to ride "smoother" may smooth out the Amira, and stiff climbing wheels may make the Ruby feel racier)

[Kiwi Stoker]

The 2005-2009 Ruby's were all purpose bikes. In 2010 Specialized decided to seperate the bike to be like the men's Roubaix (relaxed fit) and Tarmac (race bike) hence the change in geometries.

So if you are looking for a bike inbetween and want a Specialized why not try and find a 2005-2009 Ruby.

The 2008 and 2009 Ruby's (Expert, Pro and S-Works) have the extended zertz inserts (bubble like) on the rear stays and the Comp and Elite models have the orginal inline zertz.

[etack]

To answer an earlier question, I am more of a masher than spinner. Would that point me toward the Amira or Ruby? Also, to confirm what has been written, Specialized changed the Ruby geometry in 2010 when it introduced the Amira. I'm thinking I might search for a Giant Avail Advanced, which is purported to be a more all-rounder. More $ than I want to spend, but I just want to get on a bike and say, Yes, that feels right. Thanks, everyone!