Ruby Comp or Ruby Pro

[li10up]

Saturday I went to the LBS and took the Ruby Comp triple out for a test ride. It is the same frame as the Ruby Pro. The shifting was so much smoother than on my Allez triple. The bike felt much lighter and climbing was easier. I was amazed that climbing out of the saddle was a LOT easier than on my current bike. I didn’t get fatigued as quickly. Unfortunately it was a triple so I’m not sure how the shifting between chain rings will feel on a compact double. The previous post is giving me some cause for concern. But I guess it is mute because……….
I bought the Ruby Pro!!!!!!!!! I am very excited. It should be here Thursday. I hope I didn’t make a mistake by buying a bike that I haven’t ridden or even seen. But from all the satisfied Ruby riders who helped me make my decision I don’t think I’ll be disappointed. Did I mention that I’m excited!?!?

[caligurl]

congratulations! i hope you like it!!!!

as for buying without seeing or test riding.... i did that... well... i had no choice... i put my deposit down before they were ever in the stores! lol! i did have the back out though if i didn't like the color or it didn't fit since there was no way to try one on! (keep in mind... my rave review are based on a full DA setup.... the whole drivetrain, including crank and wheels! lol!)

hope you have many, many happy miles!!!!

[Jo-n-NY]

I also wish you a huge CONGRATULATIONS also along with many enjoyable and safe riding miles.

Keep in mind, that the Pro compact double is FSA K-Force, carbon crankset. I think it is an upgrade from the average compact double. Shifting is so much easier than it was on my Dolce Comp which was a triple.

What a wonderful way to begin Spring 07

~ JoAnn

[li10up]

caligurl, Jo-n-NY: Thank you both. Your input through this whole thing was invaluable. Thank you both so much. Another question. How do I care for a carbon frame. Is there anything I need to do differently in maintaining this bike? I can't wait to get her!!!

[caligurl]

i just wipe mine down with the same stuff i use on my car (zaino z-6)

i had asked my bike shop about what to use when i first got ruby and they told me pledge! as for full on baths..... i'm not sure what hubby uses (i don't bathe the bikes ) but i have sprayed on that pink bikewash stuff and hosed it off at least once!

[Jo-n-NY]

caligurl, Jo-n-NY: Thank you both. Your input through this whole thing was invaluable. Thank you both so much. Another question. How do I care for a carbon frame. Is there anything I need to do differently in maintaining this bike? I can't wait to get her!!!

I didn't give this much thought and since I just got the bike last week, I have not cleaned it yet, although I went on 3 rides so I am going to run home and take a look and see if she should be cleaned. Anyway, I was just going to use my regular bike polish. Now you have me thinking and maybe I should ask my husband.

~ JoAnn

[li10up]

I just called my LBS and my Ruby Pro is in and ready to be picked up! But I want to go on a club ride tonight so looks like one more ride on the old Allez tonight and I'll pick up the new one tomorrow when I get off work at noon! Only one more day of suspense!!!

[FreshNewbie]

Yey, I am leaving through your happy experience. Congruts and please pictures pictures!!!

[tprevost]

Saturday I went to the LBS and took the Ruby Comp triple out for a test ride. It is the same frame as the Ruby Pro. The shifting was so much smoother than on my Allez triple. The bike felt much lighter and climbing was easier. I was amazed that climbing out of the saddle was a LOT easier than on my current bike. I didn’t get fatigued as quickly. Unfortunately it was a triple so I’m not sure how the shifting between chain rings will feel on a compact double. The previous post is giving me some cause for concern. But I guess it is mute because……….
I bought the Ruby Pro!!!!!!!!! I am very excited. It should be here Thursday. I hope I didn’t make a mistake by buying a bike that I haven’t ridden or even seen. But from all the satisfied Ruby riders who helped me make my decision I don’t think I’ll be disappointed. Did I mention that I’m excited!?!?

Congratulations!!!!!! WOW, you are gonna LOVE your new bike Caligurl has one and it is probably one of the most beautiful bikes I've seen!

Can't wait to see pics!

trac'

[li10up]

Yeah, I really wanted to pick her up yesterday. But I figured by the time I did it would be too late to get a good ride in. Plus, I wanted to see how I'd do on the club intermediate ride last night. Also, I felt like I need to ride more in order to be deserving of such a fine machine. I'm all a-quiver....

I'm happy to report I was able to stay with the front group last night too! All around, life is good.

[Jo-n-NY]

Yeah, I really wanted to pick her up yesterday. But I figured by the time I did it would be too late to get a good ride in. Plus, I wanted to see how I'd do on the club intermediate ride last night. Also, I felt like I need to ride more in order to be deserving of such a fine machine. I'm all a-quiver....

I'm happy to report I was able to stay with the front group last night too! All around, life is good.

Good for you li10up!!!! I honestly believe you are very deserving of the Pro as anyone else here you would like to own one.

I took off of work yesterday and in between dr. appts, I took a quick 15 mile ride. I am so happy to report that I went through all the gears on both cranks in the front and my chain did not rub on any gear ratio. I do not think I went down to the easiest because I was on a flat stretch and I was spinning like crazy at some point down there and didn't want to fall over. You cannot beat the shifting on this bike. It also has a mechanism on the cable that gives you an idea where you are in the rear.

Ok...I will now await your report when you pick up yours.

~ JoAnn

[caligurl]

well lookie what i found posted on the specialized rider's club site!

So we have heard lots of questions about carbon fiber these days, and lots of Riders Club members have been writing to ask about caring for their carbon bikes. So us in the Carbon Engineering department sat down and put together this little tip sheet, to help you get the most from your carbon bike or components. Enjoy!

Carbon Tips from the Engineers at Specialized Bicycles

1. Do not use grease on any Carbon seatposts or Carbon seat tubes. What we have started to use in the shop is a product from TACX called Dynamic assembly compound. We have found that this product works very well with all the carbon products.

2. Always use a torque wrench! This is a VERY important tool for carbon fiber frame owners to have. It is much harder to determine the torque on a bolt by feel with carbon than it is with alloy. Overtorquing is probably the biggest cause of cracks that we see in carbon products.

3. It is fine to wash the bikes with soapy water and a hose, and like any bike, it's never a good idea to aim the water directly at bearings (headsets, cranks, etc). We recommend hosing the bike off, then washing with a brush, sponge and a bucket of warm soapy water of diluted Simple Green. Finally, rinse carefully.

4. After a wash, use Pledge furniture polish or something like Pedro's bike lust to put a nice new shine back onto the bike.

5. If you have any stone chips or have had chain suck, then it is a good idea to protect the raw carbon finish with either a clear tape or some clear nail polish.

6. If a frame has been crashed, you should always have it inspected by your dealer.

7. When cutting components (handlebars and seatposts, etc):

- We recommend using a carbon-specific hacksaw blade. These blades essentially “sand” through the carbon instead of tearing through with teeth, which tend to fray and splinter the fibers in the composite. It’s also good practice to wrap the carbon with tape before cutting, though this is less necessary when using a carbon-specific blade.

- Pay particular attention to the orientation of the seat collar. When using a carbon post, it’s very important to have the seat collar slot on the opposite side of the seat tube slot. This helps disperse loads better, reducing the possibility of pinching and crushing the seat post, as well as reducing frame damage. Diagonally slotted seat collars are highly recommended, and proper torque is crucial to long component and frame life.

[Jo-n-NY]

Thanks Caligurl!!!!