Oh... my...

[Roadtrip]

Been thinking when I'm ready, I'd pony up for a good fitting, both the Trek and Specialized dealers offer advanced fittings for about $150.

I'm going to test ride a number of bikes before making a decision, even tho this felt like a dream and love at first sight.

Shannon

[Roadtrip]

I went to the LBS today to test ride a few bikes as it was sunny and in the 40's.

I rode the 2011 Dolce Sport and the 2011 Dolce Elite (SRAM Apex)... Price wise the two were $850 and $1350 respectively.

I rode both a 48cm and the 51cm bikes and the 51 was much more comfortable and allowed me to more room. Felt much better on the larger bike.

Then I did the WRONG thing... I got on a Ruby. ACCCKKKK. Ohhhh mmmmmyyyy gooooddd.

I have some BIG decisions to make. The 2010 Ruby Elite that I road is a 48cm bike and $1800 ($200 off retail), which is outside my budget and not my size, but did have full 105 components which was nice to try out. LBS doesn't have a 51cm in the 2010 and I feel I really need a 51 now after riding both.

After riding the Ruby I simply couldn't pry the smile off my face, so I could only imagine what the same bike, but the right size would feel like. Since I'm starting the new job on Monday I may just wait a little while longer for the bike and save the funds for the Ruby.

I'll be in training for the next two weeks and occupied, so I don't have to make a decision any time soon, but this just threw some interesting wrinkles into things.

Shannon

[tangentgirl]

After riding the Ruby I simply couldn't pry the smile off my face...

I know what you mean.

[Owlie]

I'm gonna stay off this forum for a little while, then. Every "new bike" post on here gives me a severe case of new-bike lust.

[Roadtrip]

I'm gonna stay off this forum for a little while, then. Every "new bike" post on here gives me a severe case of new-bike lust.

LOL. This ones for you. It's the one I rode today.

[warneral]

Personally, I'd save more for the Ruby The all carbon vs aluminum/carbon fork is definitely worth the extra cost. I rode teh Ruby and I never got that feeling. But it was a sexy bike! I also rode the Trek Madone and that one felt better to me personally.

I would suggest taking time and riding a few different makes before springing for the best bike that is destined to be yours

[Koronin]

I also would say to save the money get a Ruby. I've looked at the Dulce, Ruby, Madone and Lexa. I prefer the Trek. I've been able to test a Lexa and sit on a Dulce. I like the feel of the Lexa better. I'm 5' even. Now I will not purchase a bike from either the Trek or Specialized dealers that are fairly close to me. For either I'll be driving two hours to Raleigh. One of the Trek dealers there is good and the Specialized dealer there is good. The ones closer I'm not willing to deal with again for bikes. (Well there is a wonderful beach bike store, but they do not sell new road bikes, only beach bikes. Got lucky and found a used road bike there). Plus if I get frustrated enough with all of them, I'll just drive back to Charlotte and go back to my wonderful Trek dealer there that used to be our LBS.

[marni]

I so badly want a new bike and I so badly despair of ever getting my dream madone 6.5 for my 65th birthday in 2 1/2 years that I am going to have to remove myself as well. Bike lust is a bad combination with general depression over lack of progress in training, weight, resistance and cardio not to mention speed in riding that I too will have to take a break from the forum for a while. Sigh....

Can you get a time payment plan with the bike stir- layaway style.

[Roadtrip]

I'd have to ask about layaway or paying over time.

The shop I test rode these bikes at doesn't have this exact (Ruby Elite, but last years model with 105 components) bike in my size. The 2011 Elite has SRAM Apex components, not 105 and I'm sure I'd not get it for $1800, when list is $2100. In order to get 105 on a 2011 Ruby, I'd have to move up to the Comp with a list price of $2700, so a BIG step up in price.

This shop DOES have a 2009 Ruby Comp for $120 more, but in my size, just not really thrilled with the paint



I still have to go test the Trek's as well, just to be sure this is what I want, so I'm not running into dropping this kind of money on a bike.

The salesman told my husband to slow me down while on my little test ride. LOL. I was having too much fun. When I got in the sales guy told me DH came back in while I was riding the Ruby and said, I think I'm in trouble.

Shannon

[Kubla]

I so badly want a new bike and I so badly despair of ever getting my dream madone 6.5 for my 65th birthday in 2 1/2 years that I am going to have to remove myself as well.

Marni, don't give up on your dream. It's amazing what you can save when you put a little aside here and there. Yes, it's a big price tag -but not impossible.

Keep your eye on Craigslist and LBS closeouts. You never know when one might show up at a reduced price.

My original plan 2+ years ago when I started my weight loss journey was to buy a road bike as a reward after I'd lost 40 lb. Then I started questioning why I had to wait *that* long. After all, the bike was a means to an end. I bought the Dolce after I'd lost 20 lb and didn't look back.

[Catrin]

Marni - +100 on what Kubla said. Also you might want to check to see if one of your LBS will do layaway - that is how i am getting my Gunnar. I do know how how common a practice this is, but it is a nice thing to take advantage of. Parts are more expensive than I realized, so it will take me about a month longer than I anticipated to pay the Gunnar off - but they will allow me to come and visit my bike when it is complete and take it for spins in the neighborhood. Anyway, it is worth looking into as a possible option. I do like this much better than yet another credit account or waiting until I've saved everything (it seems that emergencies always come when I try to save for a specific item).

[hebe]

I went to the LBS today to test ride a few bikes as it was sunny and in the 40's.
<little snip>
Then I did the WRONG thing... I got on a Ruby. ACCCKKKK. Ohhhh mmmmmyyyy gooooddd.
<and again>
After riding the Ruby I simply couldn't pry the smile off my face, so I could only imagine what the same bike, but the right size would feel like.

I have nothing else to add here.

Except good luck in the new job!

[Roadtrip]

Thanks hebe. I'll be missing my DH and bike while I'm away at training camp (ha ha-- like the big time racers-- just not on a bike), but it's all for a better future.

Shannon

[Owlie]

Awesome. Good luck with the new job!

I really like that blue. Shrug.

[Jo-n-NY]

just chiming in. I have an 08 Ruby Pro and love it. I up graded from the 05 Dolce Comp which I also loved, but I found such a great difference between Aluminum and Carbon.

I had given up my 05 Dolce, greatly regretted it because I would have used on the trainer and in bad weather. Last year I won a 2011 Dolce Elite with the Sram Apex. It takes a bit getting use to but really not bad to use. Needless to say I have my trainer and bad weather bike and have the best of both worlds.