Can a Ruby Comp go cross country?

[captenaj]

Are the trails you will ride when the tour is over paved?

They are almost all paved. Some are crushed limestone. I did part of my test ride on one of these trails and it seemed OK.

Maybe try to get the shop to throw in a pair of Armadillos?

If they don't throw them in, are they worth buying? How much are these?

Does the support have an excellent reputation...?

I don't know their reputation. The tour is run by WomanTours. Anyone ever hear of them?

As for the compact double gearing, that really depends on what you know about yourself as a climber, what the mileages will be, and so forth.

I don't know anything about myself as a climber. This is my first tour.

Thanks for the help!

[Kano]

The question was "are armadillos worth the money"

My answer -- YES!

I'm riding a Roubaix -- similar to the bike you're thinking about, and those tires are skinny -- but the armadillos are nice and tough. I haven't had any more trouble ever since I got them. We live across the street from the cop who handles bike maintenance for our force here in Boise, and he swears by them!

Karen in Boise

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I don't know their reputation. The tour is run by WomanTours. Anyone ever hear of them?

A good friend of mine went on one of their week long women's bike tours in AZ last year. 12 riders. She loved it and said the whole thing was run very well. She wants to do another tour with them soon.

[Starfish]

They are almost all paved. Some are crushed limestone. I did part of my test ride on one of these trails and it seemed OK.

I know many, many women who have Rubies love them. So, if you're going to want a road bike, and if it fits you well, it would probably be a very nice bike to have for your future purposes.

If they don't throw them in, are they worth buying? How much are these?

I had some Armadillos after a spate of flats from winter cr@p alongside the road, and I got just as many flats. I quit using them because they are heavier, and they didn't seem to help that much. But then, I don't live in an area with massive thorns, etc, like some places. Our kind of debris runs to lots of winter gravel and pieces of stuff off logging trucks, and broken glass, etc.

I don't know their reputation. The tour is run by WomanTours. Anyone ever hear of them?

From Lisa's report, sounds like a reputable company. Just to settle your mind a little, you might call them and ask what the on-road support is like for mechanical issues.

I don't know anything about myself as a climber. This is my first tour.

Well, how has it been for you when you have had to climb a few hills? Totally exhausting with burning legs in a short amount of time? Or, no, you seem to not have much trouble? For instance, when I first started riding, there was no question that long hills really, really tired me out and made me SORE...and winded me, etc. I've known other people who climb much more easily than I do, even as beginners.

What do you know about the route and any passes you might have to climb, etc?

[Tokie]

Hey Captenaj! I rode with America by bicycle this summer from Astoria Oregon to Jackson Hole Wyoming on my beloved Ruby Pro. It was almost brand new to me at the time - and what a sweet ride- the frame soaked up lots of rough road. There were two other women with Rubys too, and none of them had any problems either. I had Rolf wheels on mine (very few spokes and tricky wheels to work on) That wasn't the best idea, but the tour company had extra wheels built up for the tour in case people had wheel catastophes. I only weigh 103 lbs, so it wasn't like I was testing the limits of my wheels with crushing weight either. I may find some sturdier and more standard wheels for future touring.I just wore a fanny pack and put a bento type box on the top tube(but the bento box thing kind of scratched my paint a tiny bit) Our ABB tour had great support, so carrying alot wasn't an issue. Next summer, my little Ruby with go with me from Jackson Hole to South Dakota! I'm crossing the US 2 weeks at a time. I can recommend using chamois butter(maybe even carrying those little packets of it sold on TE) and getting out of you sweaty bike shorts ASAP every day to help avoid saddle sores and folliculitis. A helmet that has its own visor is nice too. Have fun! Tokie

[Aggie_Ama]

I rode Gator Skins (similar idea to Armadillo) for 3,000+ miles and only had one flat on the road. It was a pinch flat do to low tire pressure, my own darn fault. My husband did not have as good of luck with them. I would still recommed them over the soft tires that are going to come on a Ruby and plan to spend $30-45 per tire.

[Starfish]

I'm crossing the US 2 weeks at a time.

Hijack: What a great idea!!! It is going to be a few years until I can do my dream ride across the US in one shot. I like this idea!! Is there a thread about your 1st leg trip and your planning for the future ones, etc? Would love to hear more on another thread!

[captenaj]

I rode with America by bicycle this summer from Astoria Oregon to Jackson Hole Wyoming on my beloved Ruby Pro.

A Ruby Pro. That must be nice. I don't think I'll ever spend that much on a bike .

I had Rolf wheels on mine (very few spokes and tricky wheels to work on).

The Ruby Comp has "Specialized Roubaix Pro, 700x23/25c, aramid bead, 120TPI." All I know is they don't look like they have enough spokes. I'm concerned about durability/reliability. I guess I could learn to replace a spoke for an emergency but I would rather have them not break. How often to people have spoke problems?

I rode Gator Skins (similar idea to Armadillo) for 3,000+ miles and only had one flat on the road.

Has anyone heard of the Panaracer Pasela Tourguards? Any thoughts? I guess tires are something else I have to research.

Thanks for all the help.

[Eden]

All I know is they don't look like they have enough spokes. I'm concerned about durability/reliability. I guess I could learn to replace a spoke for an emergency but I would rather have them not break. How often to people have spoke problems?

Unless you are 200 lbs+ spoke breakage usually isn't much of a problem (or you are carrying that much gear!) My husband only suffered broken spokes were doing loaded touring - 6'4" man + gear......
He has raced on low spoke count wheels wheels and never had any problems with broken spokes or wheels coming out of true. I have never broken a spoke personally.

[Bad JuJu]

The tour is run by WomanTours. Anyone ever hear of them?

I toured with WomanTours in the spring of 2006, and it was excellent. The leaders were extremely knowledgeable and helpful without "hovering" too much, the cue sheets and maps were accurate and easy to follow, and the accommodations were comfortable. Also, it was really fun to ride with a bunch of other women, and the routes covered some very interesting territory. The sag van rides "sweep"--they don't just follow you around, but they did turn up several times during each day, and you just used a hand signal if you needed them to stop for anything, from needing more water or snacks to carrying chance purchases.

In case you couldn't tell, I highly recommend WomanTours.

[captenaj]

I highly recommend WomanTours.

That's great to hear! The tour sounds incredible but since it's my first, I'm a little nervous.

Please let us know what you decide.

I decided to go for it. Although the LBS didn't have any triples in stock, I was able to order one. It's a better color anyway. It should be here in two, very long weeks.

Unless you are 200 lbs+ spoke breakage usually isn't much of a problem.

I'm relieved to hear that. Having bike problems is really my only fear on this trip.

[kaybee]

Ooh, I wish it had been offered with a triple when I got mine. The LBS said they would swap the compact double out for a triple if I REALLY wanted it, but they thought I would be "just fine" with the double. Well, I guess I am, but I can't keep up with the boys on the hills around here with the compact double (pouting and stamping foot)! I do like the smooth shifting of the compact double, but I tend to stay away from places with the word "Hill" or "Mountain" in the name!

Let us know how you like the new bike!

KB