Ruby Comp or Ruby Pro

[Aggie_Ama]

Why not get the Expert (middle group) Ruby? There is no reason a recreational rider should not have Dura-Ace. The only reason I didn't buy the Dura Ace or Ultegra version of my bike was money. All I want to do is ride 3,500 a year and some centuries, but if my budget had been bigger I wouldn't have 105 right now.

From what I hear you would notice a difference between 105 or Dura-Ace. That being said, most reviews I have found on 105 are quite favorable. I find my shifting to be very smooth, but I have never rode Dura-Ace. There is a BIG difference between my old Sora and 105. Get what you are comfortable spending and don't worry about whether or not it is "too much bike".

[logdiva32]

I am very happy with my 105 group. I had a Fuji newest the LBS talked me into, entry level bike with sora and I was very unhappy, I returned it and purchased a better bike. The shifting is smooth almost unoticeable to me. I don't race either just group rides rec, commute and such. So I think it was a good buy. If I had xtra $ to put into a bike I would still keep my 105 and upgrade on frame fit..

[bikerHen]

I second the vote for the Ruby Expert. Mine has full Ultegra. I didn't really like the 105 componets I had on my other bike. I felt a huge difference in the ride between the comp and the expert. Would have love to get the Pro, but I already was stretching the budget with the expert. The Expert was the perfect solution for me. bikerHen

[aicabsolut]

I would've bought a bike with nicer components if I had the money. I'm trying to race, but something like ease of shifting is a concern for all riders. Will the Comp or Expert perform well? Yes. Will the Pro feel even nicer? Yes. I have a lot to learn so a Roubaix Comp seemed like a good compromise between components and not going way over the top. But I already think about how nice S-Works must feel and how much better a lighter bike would climb. So maybe I'll save up more for bike #2 . Will you be itching to upgrade? Maybe. Cycling seems to do that to people. But I don't think you'll really dislike the Comp in a year. The Ruby is a good bike.

[TxRider]

I agree with the others who suggested the Expert ... I knew that I wanted the Ruby, but couldn't justify the extra cost for the Pro since I don't get to ride nearly as much as I'd like. So, the Expert seemed like a good compromise. I also rode the Comp before comitting to the Expert, but I don't really remember how different I thought they were at the time. It's definitely an upgrade from my entry-level Allez and with the type and frequency of riding I am able to do, I don't feel as though I'll "outgrow" it anytime in the near future. i've been extremely happy with it.

[Jo-n-NY]

Hi there, I thought I would add my 2 cents on this one.

I went from a o5 Dolce Comp to just recently as some might have read th 07 Ruby Pro. I am also a recreational rider, but enjoy organized metric and century rides. I prefer the flats, but needless to say one cannot avoid hills so I deal with them which I guess is an understatement for many others.

My Dolce Comp had all Ultegra with DA in the rear. It is a sweet ride, and I thought the shifting was really good. I had occasional rubbing of the chain in certain gears which is very common.

However, after 3 rides on my Ruby Pro I cannot express enough how much sweeter of a ride this is. The shifting is like butter. I kept the compact double, which keep in mind is carbon unlike last years model which was DA. From other posts that I read, some consider this years crankset to be a downgrade from last year, it is not, it is infact an upgrade being carbon which in fact is lighter.

I have not experienced the chain rubbing in any of the different gears so far. I went through all the gears in the larger crank.

Maybe it is the DA brake levers, but it is much easier to brake also, I have very small hands and put very little effort in braking.

If you ask if there is a difference between the two, in my opinion there is. Does it warrent the higher price, that is probably up to you and what your budget can afford. I do not think it matters if you are a "recreational" rider. You will find if you love your bike you will want to ride it more and more. Plus, although it will hold true with all 3 levels, it is sooooo forgiving going over bumpy terrain. After the winter here in NY, the roads are at their worst.

If you have to opportunity, can you try all 3. I new and felt the difference right away going just down the block. Otherwise, I agree with the others that mention going with the Expert as it is just one level below. I forget what color it is, but maybe that might be an issue for you. For me especially paying that amount of money need to love the color also. The Ruby Pro paint job is gorgeous.

I guess that might have been more than 2 cents, sorry.

JoAnn

[indysteel]

To add to my original response. If the Expert is the middle ground betweeen the Comp and Pro (I'm unfortunately not familiar with the Specialized WSD line), I agree that you should go with that. My friends with Ultegra-equipped bikes are all very happy with their performance.

I hope my comment about 105 being adequate for "recreational riders" wasn't taken as a slight. I agree that every cyclist--recreational or competive--is entitled to top-end components if their budget allows. Believe me, my next bike will have Campy Chorus on it if it kills me. I was only trying to assuage any concerns that the OP might have that 105 won't perform adequately for her or that she'll grow disappointed with it. My understanding is that while the shifting with 105 isn't quite as smooth and precise as with DA, it's still a good groupset, especially given the price difference between the Comp and Pro.

That said, the Expert sounds like a great compromise.

[caligurl]

i'm going to chime in and say if you have reservations about spending the money on the pro.... then go with the expert.... it's a great compromise between the comp and the pro!!!!!

[li10up]

If you have to opportunity, can you try all 3. I new and felt the difference right away going just down the block. Otherwise, I agree with the others that mention going with the Expert as it is just one level below. I forget what color it is, but maybe that might be an issue for you. For me especially paying that amount of money need to love the color also. The Ruby Pro paint job is gorgeous. JoAnn

I do want a color that I like. Unfortunately I don't care for the carbon/silver of the Expert...that's why I was jumping from the Comp to the Pro. I wonder if you can get the Expert components with the Comp or Pro frame? The frames appears to be the same on all 3 bikes. I'm going to ask my LBS tonight about it.

Thanks for all the input everyone. Seems like I can't go wrong no matter which one I decide on. I guess what's at the back of my mind is that I can afford the Pro right now and I wonder if I get something less if I'll want to upgrade later...and you never know what "later" will hold financially. I hope I can get the Expert in a different color.

[caligurl]

each bike comes in its color (i.e. the pro is the ruby red.... hmmmmmm didn't they switch the other two? so that this year the expert is black and the comp is blue.... last year the comp was black and the expert was blue....) anyways... unless YOU pay to have it painted after you buy it... those are the colors!

p.s. i really don't think you'd be unhappy with the expert (ultegra) version!!!! i would concentrate on getting either an expert or pro.... from the replies i've read in the various threads.... you may not be happy with the 105 on the comp! but the ultegra is a great groupo!!!!