Pilot 5.2 WSD spa or Ruby Expert or....

[Jo-n-NY]

I just recently received the 2007 Ruby Expert. I didn't think it could get any better after receiving my Dolce Comp in 2005. But I cannot believe the sweet ride the Ruby gives me. Then with the components as well as the upgrade in wheel set of the Expert model, I honestly cannot imagine a better ride.

My family primarily chooses Specialized bicycles as my dh believes component wise, we are getting better for the money. Specialized as most companies also offer life time guarantee of the frame from defects and does a great job with carbon.

I guess it would be best to ride whatever you are interested in and see what feels best to you.

JoAnn

[Kano]

Carol, you mentioned the Roubaix as one you tried, and I just got one of those. Only 35 miles on her so far (she's been pining for me while I've nursed a nasty cold!) but I'm very happy with the ride -- We moved me away from the WSD bikes because I felt too scrunched on them. I have the triple, since we have hills on top of hills here too, and even though so far, the hills I've been on have been fairly invisible, I'm noticing she's flattening those out admirably, and I'm looking forward to riding on my "challenge hill" for this season on her for the first time!

Karen in Boise

[DarcyInOregon]

Carol, I ride a Trek Pilot 5.2 WSD. I love my bike. I had the stem and handlebars swapped out initially for a better fit. I've been riding outside all winter and logged in quite a few miles. The reason the Pilot suits me is because I have arthritis in my spine, along with two ruptured disks, so I wanted a WSD carbon bike with less of a crunched over posture. If I was younger and not pampering my back, I would have chosen the Madone.

I think color is important. It is important everywhere else in your life. For example, the walls in your home are probably not painted black with green stripes, or you don't go to work wearing purple plaid slacks with a green polka dot top. So when you get your bike, think about what colors really make you happy, and don't buy a bike until you find one with your colors on it.

Darcy

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Since you live in CA you really should try to visit Rivendell or at least get a look at their bikes somewhere near you:
http://www.rivbike.com/home

[Cyclebird]

Hi,

I want to thank you for your replies to my post. I've been busy trying bikes. I tried the Madrone again. I spent quite a bit of time on the Rivendell website. Very interesting. I hadn't considered steel. Their P.O. Box is in the same town as where I work. My curiosity is piqued but I need a bike soon and so will not take the time now to go further with Rivendell. Maybe when I am ready for the next bike...

Darcy, thanks for the pep talk about color and looks of a bike. Which brings me to the rest of my story. I tried a couple of more bikes this weekend: Cannondale Synapse and the Scott Contessa CR1 Pro. I like the looks of both of these bikes. This not-so-LBS that had the Scott, adjusted the Scott more precisely for me and it was a nice ride. It's the first time I got that feeling that I had finally found my bike. I think they are right that I will do better with a slightly shorter top tube length.

Of course, after having decided that I want a triple, the Scott only maybe comes in a triple in the unisex version (same frame size). The colors are more garish than the pleasantly understated WSD color scheme. They are going to give me a quote for swapping out the compact double for a triple. Unfortunately, this LBS is not in the habit of horse trading parts the way other shops do so I think it will cost some money.

As soon as 10 am rolls again, I'll call another shop that carries Scott to see what they can do for me. I read the post about the women who bought a Giant from Bike Nut in SF. They were willing to do the compact to triple switch without additional cost. That's great. I don't think I will be so lucky.

Anyway, it feels good to have finally found something I like in all the important categories. The Pilot 5.2 WSD is my fall back choice. It's a triple and very close to the dimensions of the Scott. Oh... and there is the Wilier too. It's got a slightly longer top tube length though. I'm getting close! Reading the threads here has been extremely helpful. Thanks.

Carol

[Veronica]

Rivendell may have a bike in stock in your size. They are worth a call. They are great people to deal with. BTW for a Riv you'll probably get a 53 or 54. Their sizing is a little different. I'm about your height and I have a 53 Legolas and a 54 Rambouillet.

V.

[Trekhawk]

Mmmmm Wilier - beautiful bikes.