Specialized Ruby Comp

[bikerHen]

This biking has really gotten under my skin. I'm on the hunt for a new bike. The current front runner is the Ruby Comp. I'm taking it out for a long test ride tomorrow AM with my saddle and pedals. I hope it feels as good as it did for a couple of turns around the block. My question is for those of you who have the bike. My current bike, Giant OCR1, has been a great ride, but I'm ready to move up to a better ride. Would this bike keep me happy for a few years down the road? It's full carbon with Shimano 105 which is an upgrade from the Giant. I'm coming up to 3000 miles for the year, was hoping for 4000, but got off track in July and August, so may have to settle for 3500. So I want something that I can ride, alot! I've tried Orbea, nice but kinda pricey, and Bianichi (sp), which just won't fit me. I'm also going to try a full carbon Giant tomorrow, but there was something about that Ruby Comp . . . it felt like no other bike I have ridden. Anyway, would love to hear your comments. bikerHen

[blondie06]

This biking has really gotten under my skin. I'm on the hunt for a new bike. The current front runner is the Ruby Comp. I'm taking it out for a long test ride tomorrow AM with my saddle and pedals. I hope it feels as good as it did for a couple of turns around the block. My question is for those of you who have the bike. My current bike, Giant OCR1, has been a great ride, but I'm ready to move up to a better ride. Would this bike keep me happy for a few years down the road? It's full carbon with Shimano 105 which is an upgrade from the Giant. I'm coming up to 3000 miles for the year, was hoping for 4000, but got off track in July and August, so may have to settle for 3500. So I want something that I can ride, alot! I've tried Orbea, nice but kinda pricey, and Bianichi (sp), which just won't fit me. I'm also going to try a full carbon Giant tomorrow, but there was something about that Ruby Comp . . . it felt like no other bike I have ridden. Anyway, would love to hear your comments. bikerHen

Hey Bikerhen..I am in Spokane too and just started road cycling 2 weeks ago.. I too, would like to try the Ruby.. what bike shop are you going to?? I live close to the North Division shop. I'd love to hear what you think of it after your long test ride..

I've ridden 4 times so far.. first 20 miles, then 25.. then 47 (was trying for 50 and biffed on railroad tracks at 23.5 miles up by Post Falls).. then 30 miles on Monday. I've been an avid spinner for the last year and finally am moving out of the gym

[bikerHen]

Someone in North Spokane? North Divison is the closest shop to me too. I was looking at the Orbea bikes there today. Not my favorite shop, but I want to try as many bikes as I can. My riding has been kinda limited to commuting these days, my business is at the north division "Y".
Glad you have made the leap to the great outdoors! There are some nice rides here on the northside. What type of bike are you riding? Tell me about RR tracks! They are NOT my friends. PM me if you would like to hook up for a ride. I'll let you know about the Ruby Comp. bikerHen

[kaybee]

Bikerhen, I have a Ruby Comp -- got her in June. I know what you mean about it getting under your skin. I love the bike, although I'm still having some fit issues (I think the stem is too long for me), which in my opinion, LBS is not being overly helpful with. That being said, the bike is great, and I don't foresee having or wanting to buy anything else in the future. I was riding a Giant OCR3 that was too big for me, so even with a slight fit issue, this is a huge improvement.

It was the first bike I tested, and I kept comparing all the others to it. I also tried the Dolce, a couple of Treks, and an Orbea Mitis Dama (none of the others are full carbon, so maybe not a fair comparison). I liked the idea of owning an Orbea but the Ruby really felt better to me, and that's the main reason I bought her. I'm older (47), so the smoother ride was important to me. I went with the compact double that comes with the bike, and it's been okay for me, although I don't ride up mountains. We do have some hills here in north Georgia, but I can go anywhere hubby wants to go.

I believe Caligirl also rides a Ruby, so maybe she'll be able to give you more feedback. By the way, I hated the saddle that came on Ruby and swapped it out the first week!

Edited to add that I also put my narrower Salsa handlebars on her.

KB

[bikerHen]

Hi KayBee, I was hoping to hear from you. I was reread old posts last night, and you were really excited about the bike. Glad you still are, that's what I want to know! I'm still a little worried about going to 105 from Ultegra. I really want Campy, but can't find a bike that fits, that I can afford, that is full carbon AND Campy. I might ask at the LBS today what it would cost to build one up on the Comp frame. Ah, so many choices! bikerHen

[kaybee]

BH, you're right -- there are TOO many choices! It can give a girl a real headache. By the way, I let my husband, who is six feet tall, take a spin on Ruby shortly after I got her (I'm 5'4"), just to "feel" the ride, and I think he was jealous! He seems to love her as much as I do, since he's always offering to carry her up and down the stairs, clean her chain, pump her tires, etc. Hmm, should I be jealous?

Afraid I can't help with the 105 v. Ultegra issue -- 105 is as good as I've ever had, and it's much better than what I had on the Giant. Of course you know that fit is the most important issue, so if it fits and you love it, you can always upgrade. Gosh, this conversation is making me want to go home, load up Ruby, and head to the country! Let us know how the test ride goes. Maybe Caligirl will chime in sometime today.

KB

[bikerHen]

Afraid I can't help with the 105 v. Ultegra issue -- 105 is as good as I've ever had, and it's much better than what I had on the Giant. Of course you know that fit is the most important issue, so if it fits and you love it, you can always upgrade. KB

Hey KB, That's just what my DH said. And definitely an option. I also thought I'd check if any of their other stores have a Ruby Expert in my size. bikerHen

[TxRider]

BikerHen -

I have the Ruby Expert & it's an amazing bike! Took a little getting used to the compact double compared to the triple I had on my Allez, but now I wouldn't trade it for anything! I didn't particularly care for the saddle at first, but once I bought some better shorts (Sugoi RS Flex), I've been perfectly comfortable, so I haven't changed it out.

When I was shopping, there was only one store in the Houston area that even had a Ruby in stock - it was a Comp & I tried it and was amazed at how nice it was. But, it wasn't quite the right size for me (54 & I really needed a 56), so I went ahead & ordered the Expert (figured that way I wouldn't want or need to upgrade it for a very long time) & I'm very happy with the bike!

Unfortunately, I don't get to ride nearly as much as I'd like to, but when I do, it's a great ride! Much smoother than my Allez & definitely much lighter!

I hope you enjoy your ride!

[caligurl]

i'm here! lol! not sure how much help i'll be though!

first off... the ride on ruby is AWESOME! and YES.... you CAN tell the difference... at least "I" could! i had a dolce expert.... but the minute i rode ruby.... so much smoother! NICE ride!!!!! i know they use different "grades" of carbon for the 3 bikes.... but i can't imagine that the comp and expert aren't at least close to being as smooth as the pro.... and i would think they would definitely by smoother than an aluminum bike!!!!

for fit... i think specialized does a good job... they made the fork specially so they didn't have to put smaller tires on the smaller bikes... with no toe overlap! (i ride a 48) i also had to get a shorter stem.... i think i could probably go down even more... but i'm riding comfortably now as is (i THINK a 90? if i remember correctly!)

can't help on the components except to say i understand your reluctance to go from ultegra to 105.... EXCEPT what year ultegra do you have? perhaps the current 105 stuff is actually comparable if it's a newer year? i read a LOT of good stuff about the 105 stuff.... i think my hubby had 105 mostly on his allez (a few years old now) and it's still working! (now his trainer/backup bike when the other is "broken"! lol!) as for "hands on".... can't help cuz i've only had ultegra and dura-ace...

you could get campy put on the ruby.... i know another gal (forget her user name??????) did that! she put record on her pro! you'd have to work with the bike shop to see if they would be willing to do it (well... i'm sur they'd be WILLING.... but just for how much $$$$?) i know when i had them put my triple on (i do climb mountains!)... they didn't just swap it out for the price difference because they had no market for the shorter double..... i had to buy the triple (at a good price) and i still have the double! (anyone need a dura-ace 167.5 double? lol!)

there is a gal over at bikeforums that has the ruby comp.... unfortunately she just left toady, for italy for 3 weeks.... so can't get any input from her! but in briefly talking to her.... i know she's happy with hers!!!!!

ok.... all that wordiness.... i can say in a nutshell: i don't think you'll be disappointed!!!!!!!!!

editted to add: uhm.... ya... the saddle..... i HATED it! i ended up putting a dolce ti saddle on it!

[mudmucker]

I am 46 and just got a Ruby Comp 4 weeks ago. I immediately went for a full carbon frame, as I have been riding a steel Lemond Tourmelet for the last 14 years and well, wanted to treat myself well in my happy golden years. I also wanted a WSD as I have been riding men's bikes all my life. The Tourmelet just started feeling bad, even after a new fitting. I tried the Trek Pilot 5.2 and that just didn't feel right. I went to 4 different bike shops, and bar none in their opinions, they all agreed that Specialized made the best women's specific bike on the current market. It rides like a cadillac, and no longer do I get joint pain, or drop a few seconds momentum from being jolted on bad pavement. It's smooooth.

I am in north central MA in a particular hilly region and like to ride into southern NH. For me, although I ride often and am pretty fit, needed a triple. The compact double in the 2006 version was still geared too high for me, I ride with mostly hills 6-10%, several per mile. I might have one 3/4 mile flat near me. So I got the newer 2007 that now offers a triple. The 2007 Comp also upgrades to a better saddle, Specialized BG Jett (instead of Dolce), and to Mavic open sport rims (rather than the Shimano WH-560). Because of the triple, the FSA Gossamer MegaExo has been changed to Shimano 105 crankset.

This bike is so nice. My legs have never felt better. I can't recall getting lactic acid buildup even on some of these hills. Hell, with a 12-27 and a triple, I certainly will always find a comfortable gear. Sprinting hills are fun now. The response of this bike is incredible.

However, I am having some problems. I am having sit bone pain still, after 4 weeks by about 25 miles. Some of it is alleviated by good shorts. I'll be sore with my Cannondale Domestique's by 10 miles, and the Pearl's by about 24. So this is a saddle issue, which I will tweak on my own or go back to my LBS.

Also, a little lower back pain. I am not sure if this is from "knowing I have a cool light bike" and just pulled a higher gear too soon when I started out. I still lost one lowest gear from my old bike with the new gearing, so maybe I'm a woos and need that lower gear back. I am giving it time. Being on this bike and having been fit well, I recognized I had poor form when on the old bike. I am strengthening my core more, and trying to keep a flat back and that has helped some. My typical rides on these hills are 24 to 35 miles. I am shooting to 40-50.

If you have a good fit and you choose the carbon frame, I would think most certainly this bike will be suitable for many years. You can always upgrade to the what the Specialized Ruby Pro offers in terms of wheelsets, handle bars, and DuraAce components later. Not unless you want to pay $4500 upfront now for the Pro. As for Ultegra vs. 105. I have no direct experience. But what I gather from several bike forums, the 105's will last "longer", and that there is not much difference between 105 and Ultegra and not worth the extra money. Some say the Ultegra is a little tight. It's the jump from 105 to DuraAce that will make the difference. Since I am not racing, I feel I don't need the expensive, less long lasting DuraAce.

As for Kaybee, going to a good bike shop is so important. Not only did I hone in on the final bike I wanted, I also honed in on the bike shop. I got a good one. They fit me just for the test ride, swapped out stems and such, measured. Ordered the bike, came in 4 days. For pickup day and the final fitting I went in around 3:15 and left around 6:00 (this included trying on shoes, final bike inspection, swapping over my cyclocomputer). They gave me alot of attention and spent a lot of time with the fitting. Not only that, they took off another $150 because I asked them to, let me take the bike home before they charged my visa 4 days later so I could capitalize on Mass. tax-free day (saved the 5% sales tax), a couple of pairs of free socks, and took another $20 off my new bike shoes. They guarantee fit so I bring it in until the bike causes no pain. If you haven't chosen one, get a good bike shop. If not, demand that they "service" you and make them responsive. You just spent a lot of money at their shop.

[Brina]

i ride the ruby comp and I love, love, love it. The smootheness of riding full carbon after 10 years on an aluminum frame is just heavenly. Since I went from riding a hybrid the 105 was a huge improvement for me and I did not feel the need to upgrade to ultegra or dura ace. Since I have done mainly tri training and not straight biking I have fewer miles in than you are describing - probably only 800-1000 (I was really focusing on my run this year) but have no problems, except when I wear tri shorts (very little padding). In normal bike shorts - mainly shebeest triple s - I am a happy camper with the stock saddle. The compact double also served me well, as we don't have much in the way of hills around here.

[caligurl]

However, I am having some problems. I am having sit bone pain still, after 4 weeks by about 25 miles. Some of it is alleviated by good shorts. I'll be sore with my Cannondale Domestique's by 10 miles, and the Pearl's by about 24. So this is a saddle issue, which I will tweak on my own or go back to my LBS.

i had to switch my jett (AWFUL, AWFUL saddle for me!!!!!) back to the dolce! i used to ride centuries and double metrics on my dolce bike with the dolce saddle.... i couldn't ride 15 miles on the jett on my ruby without getting SORE! the ONLY time i didn't so a recovery ride after a century was when i did it on the AWFUL jett saddle! i tried some others (i really wanted something cool on ruby!) i realized i had to go back to what was comfy! only problem is.... those darned dolce seats tear at the seam so easily! UGH!

[GLC1968]

Bikerhen -

I don't have a Ruby...unfortunately...but I do ride the Dolce Comp and I love her dearly. But, I'm replying to speak to the Ultegra vs 105 concern. My previous bike was Ultegra (a 2004 Fuji) and when I bought my Dolce Comp (all 105 and 10 spd) I was really concerned. Turns out that I had no reason to be. With the exception of a bad chain that my LBS switched to Ultegra at no charge, I've not had a single issue. I do have a triple, but I've not noticed any difference between this bike and my old one. My shifting is as smooth and responsive as the day I got her. My ultegra bike was constantly needing adjustments. Plus this bike has been through some really rough rides that my other one never experienced (tough commutes, centuries, tons-o-rain, etc) and it's running beautifully.

If the 105 is the one thing holding you back, don't let it!

And I'm jealous...I want a Ruby!

[Susie]

I'm the one with the Ruby Pro and Campy that Caligurl mentioned and I absolutely love my bike. There's a pretty torn up descent around here that on my old bike would feel like I was riding a jack hammer. My shoulders and neck would always be in pain when I hit the bottom. I went down that road on my test ride and the Ruby was so smooth, I thought they had finally repaved it. I actually rode back up to make sure that they hadn't.

My LBS was great about swapping out the parts. They put the Dura Ace parts on another new bike and credited me back the money. But know that it's not just the components that you'll need to swap out -- you'll need a different wheelset with Campy-compatible hubs. I decided to go ahead and put some fairly pricey Rolf Elans on the bike (~$850 with my discount). With the trade in credit, I paid about $800 more than I would have if I had left the bike with Shimano.

I hope that helps,

Susie

[bikerHen]

Hi All, Thanks for your input! Just got to work after my test ride. Here's my opinions:
1. LOVE the full carbon frame. Everything about it was sweet, sweet, sweet!
2. Didn't like the handlebars to much, would switch out with the ones on my current bike, full carbon bars I got earlier this summer.
3. Not real real happy with the 105, felt alot like my current '05 Ultegra that is having some issues.

Over all though, the ride felt good. Did I mention how wonderfully smooth the carbon makes the ride? It really levels out the road. I made it a point to run over every crack on the road. Very smoooth! Just awesome! And it really jumps with you when your trying to make it across a busy 4 lane road. I'm going back on Sunday to try the Ruby Expert they are bringing in from the other store. I spent some quality one on one time with the spec books comparing models and found a few interesting things. The bike I test rode is the '07 model. All '07 in the Ruby line now come with the same weight carbon. Caligirl, you are lucky you bought the '06 Ruby Pro cause it did come with a lighter carbon! The '07 Comp is blue while the Expert is now black. And they do have a very cool look to the carbon fiber. Component to component other than the Ultegra the Expert has a slightly better wheelset, carbon crank and something else . . . just can't remember. And it is slightly lighter.
I'm still debating the compact double or triple. Both the Comp and Expert come either way. Will most likely end up with the triple. We do have some hills/mountains around here. And while I maybe getting a lighter bike, there is still too much of ME to push up those hills. But I am happy to say there is less of me now, than at the beginning of the year.

So, I guess I'll just have to cool my jets until Sunday. bikerHen