Help Me Decide!

[kaybee]

Okay, ladies, I need your opinions. I'm trying to decide between an Orbea Mitis Dama and a Specialized Ruby Comp, and I like them both! Would anyone like to express an opinion on either or both?

KB

[Trekhawk]

Ooohh tough decision. I just had a quick look at the Orbea website and that is one great looking bike but hey so is the Ruby.

So as you can see I can be of absolutely no help.

Was there much difference in the test ride?

[kaybee]

That's the problem -- the bikes are in shops 120 miles apart, and I had to ride them a week apart! I don't *remember* any major differences. I told the guy at my LBS that after I rode the Ruby I thought it was "the one," but after I rode the Orbea, it thought IT was "the one." Then, went back to the first store and rode the Ruby again and totally confused myself. LBS says it sounds like either would work, and can get either for me. The one difference I recall is that the Ruby has shims on brake levers,which was a tad more comfortable for me, and the Orbea does not. I'm also thinking that the full-carbon frame of the Ruby will be more forgiving of bumps for this aging body of mine.

KB

[Trekhawk]

If the Orbea has Shimano you can get shims put on the brake levers to give them a better reach for you.

I have never tried either of these bikes so cant give you any feedback on them but I do have two carbon road bikes and I love them.

I do believe there are a couple of Ruby and Orbea riders at TE so perhaps they will be able to give you all the good info.

[Trekhawk]

Ooops forgot to ask what is the difference in components?

[Dianyla]

What size were you looking at? I've got the Orbea Dama Race in size 53, and I personally find it a lot more comfortable than the other WSD bikes that I tried. I'm pretty sure that I tried on a Specialized Ruby (probably the non-carbon version, though) and I seem to recall feeling a little cramped by the short top tube and narrow handlebars. It could be because the Specialized might have been a slightly smaller size, like a 51cm. I have wide shoulders and large'ish hands, too, so I have no knowledge to impart re: shims, etc.

FWIW, I'm absolutely in love with my bike. I was looking at Orbea's website and it seems that the Mitis Dama and Dama Race have the same seat tube vs. top tube proportions.

It's really tough when the two stores are so far apart. You could possibly verify the return policy of both stores and buy the one you think is best and take it to visit the other one just to make sure after doing a side-by-side comparison. Or you might just be able to take it on a little road trip by leaving the proper security deposit - if you explain to the LBS that you really must compare it with another bike a few hours away. When I trial-rode my Orbea at my LBS, they took my credit card & driver's license and basically said "just come back before we close in 6 hours, go wherever you want".

[kaybee]

T -- The components are the same on the two bikes -- Shimano 105, which is okay with me.

D -- The Orbea is a 53, and the Ruby is a 51. My LBS says either is a good fit for me. I'm 5'4" and seem to have the proportions for which WSD is designed. The Ruby is in Chattanooga, 30 miles north, and the Orbea is in Atlanta, 90 miles south, so it's almost impossible to ride both in one day.

I will actually purchase through the LBS here. The guy I've been working with has been great about talking to me, doing a fit kit, etc., and has quoted me better prices on the bikes than the othe two shops. And, most importantly, he's right here in town when I need adjustments or repairs. Unfortunately, there aren't enough women riders in our community for the shop to be able to afford to stock WDS bikes, so I've had to travel to test ride bikes. I love the *idea* of the Orbea, since it's always been my dream bike, but I think I'm going to talk to the LBS again on Monday, look very carefully at dimensions with him, and then go with whichever bike will give me the best fit.

I really appreciate your input!

KB

[Surlygirl]

Another vote for the Orbea. I have the Dama Race also and its the first bike I've ever ridden that actually fits me. I ride the 49 and I'm 5' tall. I swore I'd never go with an aluminum bike but with the carbon fork and seat stays it rides like a dream. I had mine built up with Shimano Ultegra 10spd triple and they put the shims in my levers also since I have small hands.