Ruby Versus Madone (again?)

[Starfish]

True. But that would also be like getting the Madone because I really like the colour...

You know, I am contemplating a new bike in late summer or fall. And, I am just p!ssed that I HATE the colors on many of the models that really are the ones I should be looking at, component-level-price-wise.

I know that it is not the most important thing on a bike, but I have spent the past few years on a frame in a color I don't love. Good bike, but not beautiful. If I am going to spend thousands on a bike that will probably be my last road bike for years and years to come, I want to love it when I look at it. But, I am furious at the color schemes this year!!!

[Veronica]

You can always get it repainted.

V.

[Starfish]

You can always get it repainted.
V.

I've been thinking about it! Actually, I've been wondering if I shouldn't just get new wheels, maybe seatpost and bars, and cranks or something, get it painted, and call it good!

(Except...I really, really do want 2 bikes...this time of year, I SOOOoooo remember why I want a rain bike, and one for the outside vs. one on the trainer...)

OK...sorry for hijack...back to the Ruby/Madone issue!

[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.

[Thorn]

I just gotta jump in and back Tulip up on the custom....I knew I should go custom and I put it off for more than a year. Now that I have possession of the bike and can feel what a good fit feels like, I kick myself that i didn't have it for last summer.

Check with your local bike shops to see if they have a relationship with a custom builder. I cheated and happen to live within 20 minutes of a good, custom steel frame builder. I visited them, had the fitting done there and had a LBS do the build. I know that there is another thread by Lisa where she's working directly with Luna.

Still, I really think there is something to the in-person fitting. After taking the measurements, the fitter plugged them into the computer and set up the machine based on its recommendations. After I rode for a while (it felt good), he tweaked a bit (it felt better), and then he tweaked again (and, amazingly, it was even better). Then they built me a frame that exactly matched it.

In the end, I spent a little bit more than if I had bought a high-end road and it weighs *maybe* a pound or two more, but it has exactly what I want for components and it fits me with all my foibles.

Also try looking at Serrota's website. I looked at them for a while--devoted following.

[Mr. SR500]

I might be a little suspect of your LBS, if they are pushing what they have on the floor over what you seem to be leaning toward. So it you are thinking of custom, you might want to find a better LBS.

That said I'm not sure how close you are to Portland, but they just hosted the hand built bike show. Looked like many local builders were present. I think I would ask around for a great LBS that specializes in custom bikes. It might even be worth taking a long weekend trip to Portland to check them out.

I'm still sold on the Madone. If I ever go custom, I would likely go TI. There are more builders doing carbon, but if you really want a carbon bike, I still think Trek might be the way to go.

Good Luck and have fun with the process.

[katluvr]

[QUOTE=kelownagirl;287274]

HOw big is your wife? I am 5-3 with a 29" inseam. QUOTE]

I am VERY short and my bike shop guy (who is WONDERFUL) was trying hard to get me into 700c wheels AND carbon. We tried the smallest Madone, because of the slopping top tube and WDS design. It came real close in fit, but my legs/inseam just tooooo short. Trek does a great job fitting small women. I tried a 44 Ruby--again 700c wheels. The upper body fit/reach was ok, but not quite right. I was still sold on Trek bikes. Believe it nor not I was fit for a Lemond Zurich, 700c wheels (yippee), carbon and really a nice ride. (diff geometry that an Trek, but alas still in the "family".) Not a bike many folks think about or ride, but easier to get hands on. Madone delivery takes forever. This small size Lemond came in less than a week. Price was good for the all components. Fit was perfecto!
The key is riding before you ride, not a luxury always for us small gals!

Good luck on whatever your decision is.

Kay