One of my training partners who also mountain bikes (on a different bike of course) has just bought a Ruby Expert '08. The only adjustment she had to request was shims as she is a little over 5' and her hands are not huge.

She loves it... absolutely loves it... she is comfortable with the way it corners, handles downhill and on downhill corners... and the first thing she spoke about was how responsive the Ruby was... on flats, uphill and downhill. She is totally enamoured...

And I must say it is a beuatiful looking bike - it is parked in the office most days and I usually slow for a "quick perve" as I go by - even though I would never have one myself as I have an ideal bike-make for me... but boy, is that Ruby Elite drool-worthy in the looks department.

Sorry... can't comment on the madone...