Cervelo's R3 vs. Specialized's Ruby Expert or Pro

[tulip]

Try them both out, and others too, and go with the one that fits you best. Fit is more important than anything else, in my book. Best of luck!

[Eden]

+1 - the only way is to go out and try different bikes.

IMHO there is no "best" theory of fit. (and it bugs me when any builder implies so....) Its about finding the best bike for *you* and not what someone else thinks is the ideal construction of the human body.....

[Grog]

Hi Abakus

Welcome to TE to another Vancouver girl. That makes five of us now. Lovely that your husband is a Marinoni Man. (I come from Marinoni Land, a.k.a. Quebec, although sadly I don't ride one.)

I suggest that you test-ride both bikes and see how they feel, if you haven't done it yet. It is really what matters the most.

If they really feel the exact same (unlikely), then you're probably having to choose between shops. Pick the bike that is sold by the shop you feel most comfortable with. Or, if you really want bike A but are not happy with the shop selling it, you might want to try another shop. (Ex: Specialized is sold by a few shops in Vancouver; Cervelo not so much though...)

Hope this helps, and looking forward to seeing you around!

[RoadRaven]

How did you go with making a decision?

If you are still choosing (I haven't been in for a while so sorry if I have missed another thread and you have a new bike) between specialised and cervelo... for me there would be no choice.

An R3 is superior to a Ruby. Sorry Specialised fans, and I know there are many on this board, but that is my honest opinion based on how the bikes are built, designed, components and who actually rides specialised in semi-pro and pro circles (and before I get pulled up and told that you do see specialised bikes in tours, sorry, but what you tend to see is specialised labels - if you investigate its usually other bike frames/components under the labels. I would choose cervelo over specialised any day.

Having said that, one of my riding buddies has a Ruby Pro, and she loves it - she does big miles on it and it has never let her down.

[Miranda]

How did you go with making a decision?

If you are still choosing (I haven't been in for a while so sorry if I have missed another thread and you have a new bike) between specialised and cervelo... for me there would be no choice.

An R3 is superior to a Ruby. Sorry Specialised fans, and I know there are many on this board, but that is my honest opinion based on how the bikes are built, designed, components and who actually rides specialised in semi-pro and pro circles (and before I get pulled up and told that you do see specialised bikes in tours, sorry, but what you tend to see is specialised labels - if you investigate its usually other bike frames/components under the labels. I would choose cervelo over specialised any day.

Having said that, one of my riding buddies has a Ruby Pro, and she loves it - she does big miles on it and it has never let her down.

This is not my thread, but good to know... I'm thinking about a Cervelo myself.

To OP...
The R3 is more agressive race geometry compared to the RS. Which is a bit more upright. If you have back issues, you might might to check them both out. I've seen both the bikes in person at the lbs and they are sweet looking.

[Eden]

Being a Ruby rider, I have to very much disagree with ya on this one Raven.... At the time I purchased my bicycle the Ruby was the ONLY high end carbon frame available for a person my size. To this day Cervelo's fit theory is all wrong for my body. I would not fit on even their smallest frame. It may be right for some people, but certainly not all of us and fit is really important.

As far as Specialized's quality. My bike is top notch and was an incredible value for the money. Granted I got the first year they produced a women's carbon, they were practically giving them away... and they've changed a few things since then, but I got full DA on my bike, and I mean full DA, even the wheels. I've never had a problem with the bike. It is fast, nimble and stiff enough to be a good sprinter, but still doesn't have a harsh ride.

As far as the pro's go.... only some of the fastest guys in the world have been on a Specialized... (like Boonen and Bettini) It does happen occasionally (with any of the bike brands) that one or even a few of the guys has a different bike branded to be like the team's. I think it happens more often with TT bikes, as it is harder to dial the fit of a tt bike and arguably much more important as 100's of a second are making a difference, so many go with bike/components other than the sponsor bike - often even custom. Road bikes though, I believe most of them really do ride the sponsors bike.

[RoadRaven]

Being a Ruby rider, I have to very much disagree with ya on this one Raven.... To this day Cervelo's fit theory is all wrong for my body. I would not fit on even their smallest frame. It may be right for some people, but certainly not all of us and fit is really important.

And Eden, this is such an important thing... and although we have 5 cervelos in our stable now, none are mine because even though I am taller than you, I have 2 other makes (Giant and EMC2) which fit me better

As far as Specialized's quality. My bike is top notch and was an incredible value for the money.

I don't disagree with you on this one either. They are great value for money, and can (like any bike) be upspec-ed easily to be even better.
However, if I had to choose between the two (and money was no object) I would always choose cervelo.

As far as the pro's go.... only some of the fastest guys in the world have been on a Specialized... (like Boonen and Bettini) It does happen occasionally (with any of the bike brands) that one or even a few of the guys has a different bike branded to be like the team's. I think it happens more often with TT bikes, as it is harder to dial the fit of a tt bike and arguably much more important as 100's of a second are making a difference, so many go with bike/components other than the sponsor bike - often even custom. Road bikes though, I believe most of them really do ride the sponsors bike.

OK... I may stand (or sit) corrected on this one. I may be thinking TT rather than RR, so will go back to the places I have gleaned this from and check and hopefully get back to you with the "real" version of what I remember