Specialized Ruby Comp

[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!