Ruby Comp or Ruby Pro

[smilingcat]

As someone here said already, choice of component is mostly based on emotional factor.

105 is adequate. I don't think you will feel or see any shortcomings in recreational rides. It is a solid group. Performs well. Shifts well. I know lot of riders who are more than happy with the 105 group. Unless you are planning on racing anytime soon, save money by going with the 105 group.

Ultegra has improved considerably over the years. And if I'm not mistaken, it is lighter in weight than the 105. Shifting is slightly quicker and would be good for those who are starting to race. It respond faster than the 105. This is important if you want drop your opponent (being able to quickly put some distance between you and your unsuspecting opponent. Its psychological mostly)

Dura Ace is extremely quick in shifting. Again lighter than Ultegra. Definitely race quality.

Last thing. durablility and ruggedness of all three are about the same me think. Just because you are slightly overweight doesn't mean that Dura Ace would hold up better. 105 may hold up better for you.

I used Ultegra on my Litespeed Tachyon, Ultegra/shimono 600 on panasonic DS05000? and my current Obera Dama Race uses Campy's Athena group. (I'm not too happy with Athena. It's not as quick as dura ace or ultegra.)

Save the $1600.

Shawn

[Jo-n-NY]

Well, Liup10...be sure to keep us posted after your visit to the LBS.

If I had 105, I know I would feel the need to upgrade to at least Ultegra. If the Ruby Expert was Blue or the Ruby color I also would have considered it, but I also was not fond of the carbon/silver color which is fine for many others, but I just personally like "colors". I am almost afraid to say this, but if you can afford the Pro, I would go for it. It is a dream to ride.

I shall say no more and await your update

JoAnn

[li10up]

As of now my LBS only has one in stock, it is a 51 Ruby Comp. I believe it is my size (according to an online fit guide that I used). Should I expect my LBS to willingly order a Pro for me to test if I won't guarantee I'll buy it? I've never done this before so I'm not sure what to expect. Last time I just took the first one they suggested - with only a stand-over test. I'm trying to be more thorough this time. I'm going to the shop tonight so anyone who can reply quickly it would be appreciated.

[caligurl]

am i the only freak that just LOVES black bikes?

[li10up]

Yeah.......but we still luv ya.

[caligurl]

Yeah.......but we still luv ya.

[bikerHen]

am i the only freak that just LOVES black bikes?

No, I LOVE my black Expert. It looks so sleek and fast, even if I'm not! And being a netural color it looks good no matter what I'm wearing. bikerHen

[indysteel]

Congrats on the new bike!!!! I'm sure the Pro will be a fabulous ride. Many happy and safe miles.....

Kate

[tprevost]

No, I LOVE my black Expert. It looks so sleek and fast, even if I'm not! And being a netural color it looks good no matter what I'm wearing. bikerHen

... and it's very purdy too

[indysteel]

Every shop is a little different, but it would't hurt to ask them if they'd be willing to order one for you to test ride. Are there any other shops in area that are Specialized dealers? Maybe you could test ride a Pro at a different shop.

My LBS was willing to order my bike without a commitment from me to buy it, but it was a $1300 bike. If your LBS is not willing to do that, then test ride the Comp to get a feel for the geometry, frame and fit. The two bikes are identical in those aspects, right? If so, then the only difference is between the components and, perhaps most noticeably, the shifting. Maybe they have another Dura Ace equipped bike that you can try to a get a feel for the difference between 105 and Dura Ace components.

In my opinion, the most important things to focus on during a test ride is, first, whether the bike fits and, second, whether you like the ride quality of the frame. You should be able to figure that out for either bike by riding the Comp. If you like how the Comp brakes and shift, just picture yourself liking it even more with the Pro.

Also, you haven't mentioned in your posts whether you prefer to get a double or triple crank. I notice that the Comp is offered in either a standard double or triple, while the Pro comes with a compact double. Depending on what kind of gearing you want, that may be an important factor in your decision. I know it was a factor in mine. I have a hard enough time climbing with my triple. I'd never make it up the steep climbs we have in Indiana with a compact.

I know I've given my two cents on this already but in looking closely at the specs for both bikes, I have to say that the Pro is what I call a "whole lotta bike." I'm a total bike geek and completely understand the appeal of high-end bikes and components, but I think that the difference in price between the two bikes is just too much for the performance advantages that you would be getting with the Pro. I have no idea what your budget is and, if price isn't a factor, then knock yourself out with the Pro. Otherwise, I'd go with the Comp.

[caligurl]

the geometry of the frames is the same... last year the carbon used was different... they used their best carbon on the pro.... not sure about this year's versions.....

[indysteel]

the geometry of the frames is the same... last year the carbon used was different... they used their best carbon on the pro.... not sure about this year's versions.....

From their specs for 2007, it looks like the frame for each is the same--FACT 7r carbon.

[li10up]

Geez...just when I was about set on the Pro........But Indysteel you make a good point, actually several good ones. I currently have a triple but want to go to a compact double. We don't have a lot of hills around here and when I compared the gearing the high and low where nearly the same anyhow....and they are better spaced in-between on the Ruby. Too many double shifts on the Allez triple. I rarely use the granny gear now.

Deciding is tougher than I thought it would be. I'm just glad I have some people to bounce ideas off of and get their experienced input. Thanks everyone.

Can't wait for 5:30 to roll around!

[indysteel]

Geez...just when I was about set on the Pro........But Indysteel you make a good point, actually several good ones. I currently have a triple but want to go to a compact double. We don't have a lot of hills around here and when I compared the gearing the high and low where nearly the same anyhow....and they are better spaced in-between on the Ruby. Too many double shifts on the Allez triple. I rarely use the granny gear now.

Deciding is tougher than I thought it would be. I'm just glad I have some people to bounce ideas off of and get their experienced input. Thanks everyone.

Can't wait for 5:30 to roll around!

First off, I'm jealous that you don't need your granny gear anymore for hills. Man, I must suck at climbing b/c I'd be dead w/o one.

Anyway, if you prefer a compact crank, then maybe the Pro is the right bike for you, notwithstanding the higher price tag. But, if you like the price of the Comp but prefer a compact crank, you can always work out a deal with your LBS to swamp out the triple crank for a compact. You'd probably also want to change out the rear derailleur since you wouldn't need the long cage r/d that comes with the Comp. If so, you could upgrade the r/d to Ultegra which would improve your shifting in the rear. I'm not sure what your LBS would charge for that, but it would likely be far less than $1600.

Good luck with your decision. Keep us posted. Don't be afraid to sleep on it for a few days.

[caligurl]

i figured out what "turns me off" the blue ruby.... the paint job is almost identical to my dolce's paint job! (the dark and light blue!)

if you can stand the black.... go for the expert.... that is really your BEST bet... you get the better ultegra parts without spending the PRO price....

ok.... one other thought.... most times it's cheaper to buy a whole new bike than to upgrade significant components..... so say you do buy the comp... but want a whole drivetrain upgrade... that's gonna be spendy..... (example... when we were looking at getting my MTB hubby was gonna upgrade a couple things... fork.... whatnots.... it was RIDICULOUS! he ended up with a whole new bike, too!)

sooooooooooooooooooooooo if you really think you're gonna want to upgrade (and VERY big possibility i would think with the 105)... and you hate the gorgeous black then just buy the pro..... i guarantee you will love the ride!

however..... since you seem to feel guilty about spending the money (don't we all!) then, as i said... if you can get past the black.... that is really the best bang for your buck.... you won't feel the need to upgrade the ultegra!

gee.... i'm not much help, am i???????????????????

to me it's between the expert and the pro.... i, personally, after looking at the specs (and color) wouldn't get the comp..... but that's ME!