Do the "Race" wheels come stock on the Ruby Comp or are you trying to tell the difference between two wheelsets, both of which would be an upgrade to the wheels that come standard on the Ruby?

In general, you will feel a difference in how a better quality wheelset rolls, both in terms of the quality of the hubs and in their (presumably) lower weight. Higher quality rims may also provide a smoother braking surface. However (and this is a big however), some of the difference you're feeling may be attributable to the tires. Tires affect ride quality quite a bit and are a cheap and easy upgrade.

How much would the upgrade cost you? Depending on your answer to that, I would really encourage you to further explore your options. I'm a big fan of custom wheels, especially for women, over and above a lot of factory built wheelsets, most of which (if not all) are built with men in mind. For the money, they remain a good option, but most shops in my experience will not steer you in that direction.