Ruby Versus Madone (again?)

[DrBadger]

Dr. Badger - what made you decide to go with the Pro over the Expert? I can afford either one but I am thinking that I probably will not notice the improvement between the two, considering the extra $1000 cost. That being said, I don't expect I will ever buy another road bike of this caliber so I don't want to underbuy either - maybe I'll deserve the higher end components eventually? It's a tough call.

Kelownagirl-
I could notice the difference between the Ultegra and Dura Ace components...the Dura Ace is really smooth and shifts faster. The Pro also comes with much nicer wheels, carbon handlebars, better brakes and shifters, and a carbon crankset. From what I read the wheels are really a lot better, and that can make a huge difference in a bike.

Like you, I had the $$ to spend, it wasn't at the top of my price limit that I had given myself, and I figured I would buy the best bike I could get. I too figured this was the big bike buy for many years (I say that now, we will see )

Good luck! It is always a hard decision!

[kelownagirl]

Hey DrB, at your age, you will probably buy many more bikes. However, I'll be 48 in another month and this will likely be my last road bike.

Good to know you notice a difference with the dura-ace. I wish I could actually ride the pro and expert. They only have a comp close to my size.

[DrBadger]

I also was only able to ride the Comp in the Ruby, but I rode a number of other bikes that had full ultegra and some dura ace, so you could always do that... just to get a feel for what the shifting feels like.

[Starfish]

Hey DrB, at your age, you will probably buy many more bikes. However, I'll be 48 in another month and this will likely be my last road bike.

Whoa...at 48, I hope that isn't necessarily your last bike!

[kelownagirl]

Maybe not my last bike, I can't see myself buying a more aggressive racing bike after this. But you're right. Who knows! Maybe my next bike will be a tri bike.

[tulip]

I still say, especially if it's your last bike, go custom.

[kelownagirl]

I have no clue how to go custom. Where do you go? A regular lbs?

[tulip]

I have no clue how to go custom. Where do you go? A regular lbs?

I would start checking around on websites such as Waterford, Luna, Seven, Independent Fabrication, Rivendell, Vanilla (2 year wait, however), Kogswell...I'm sure other TErs will also have some suggestions.

You may have an LBS that you can work through, or you may deal directly with the company.

I can only tell you that my experience with a custom bike is fabulous. I've ridden alot of bikes in my day, and it's amazing to have one that fits perfectly. If you can, why wouldn't you?

[sgtiger]

KG -The LBS is your best bet. They would know where most of the local frame builders are located and even have a few recommendations to their favorites. Even if you have to travel a bit IMO it better to work directly with the builder as they can get a more accurate fit and see you on your current set-up. Even if there aren't any builders in the area, many LBS's are an authorized dealer for custom frames of a handful of builders. It usuallly means that they have been trained by the manufacturer to their fit standards or are at least familiar with the frame-buildier's fit guidelines(Is it just me or does every place do theirs just a wee bit differently?) In that case, the LBS should offer to do all the tweaking that come with the purchase of a new bike and even change out parts(different size crank, longer stem, etc.) if need be. But definitely ask what support the LBS offers if you go that route.