Need road bike fit help - I'm getting desperate!

[sundial]

I have ridden both 44cm and 48cm Specialized Ruby's, from the Elite to the Expert. The reach on the 48cm was too long, but I'm concerned that the saddle height to handlebar height is too much of a drop on the 44cm, though I understand that a different stem might work, but I'm not sure if it will work enough.

Couple things came to mind after reading about your bike fitting experience.

Specialized puts a stock 100 mm stem on their bikes. You can buy a shorter, adjustable stem and that will help bring you closer and more upright relative to the handlebar. However, the shorter the stem the quirkier the handling, particularly when you are cornering. Also, your seatpost is most likely a setback, which puts you back about an inch further than a straight seatpost. Changing that will help bring you closer to the handlebars and put less pressure on your wrists, shoulders, and neck.

The brakes can be shimmed so that reach it shorter. I've added shims to mine and it made it a lot nicer.

Another thought--have you looked at a Terry bike? They can ship it to your local bike shop and you can test ride it for a period. If it doesn't fit, your bike shop can ship it back and you are out a minimal fee. If you have questions about fit, e-mail Georgena Terry and she will usually promptly reply to your questions. I don't usually recommend ordering a bike without first test riding it, but if you are having trouble finding a bike that fits, you may have to resort to more drastic measures.

A custom made bike won't necessarily put you out more money than a stock bike on the floor of your lbs. It will fit you better and really, that's what it all boils down to. If it doesn't fit, you won't ride.

Good luck with your search and hope this helps.