Specialized Bikes

[mtngoat]

Hi Everyone!

Sorry, I do not know where to post for help on this one.

I ordered a Specialized Vita Comp (fitness bike with flat handlebars) paid in full a couple months ago. Was told it would get here by beginning of May.
Now, the LBS can't get an answer from Specialized when it will be here. It is more back ordered with no date at all.

Would it make sense to apply my order to a 2011 model if it were going to take longer?

Also, I need a bike!! I have an organized bike ride that I signed up for beginning of June. Been doing spinning classes.

So I didn't know if I should apply my money towards a Specialized Ruby Comp (Triple) on sale - last year's model or a Specialized Dolce Comp (2010 model) and just have the Specialized Vita Comp a wash. I was really looking forward to riding with flat handle bars.

I bought a Specialized Myka FSR Comp Mountain Bike last month - it makes me smile when I ride it!

Help - I don't know what to do - I am very disappointed with not getting my bike in.

I did test ride the Specialized Dolce Comp - I really like it - but for a few hundred more - I can get the Specialized Ruby Comp - even if it is last year's model. I have to test ride it though. Anyone compared a Ruby Comp with a Dolce Comp? I did compare a Dolce Sport and Dolce Comp and could feel the difference.

Thanks for the help and any feedback!

[rubywagon]

I did test ride the Specialized Dolce Comp - I really like it - but for a few hundred more - I can get the Specialized Ruby Comp - even if it is last year's model. I have to test ride it though. Anyone compared a Ruby Comp with a Dolce Comp? I did compare a Dolce Sport and Dolce Comp and could feel the difference.

I test rode both, and ended up buying last years Ruby Comp. I could tell a huge difference between the alum. and carbon frames. I did however, end up replacing the cassette that came on the Ruby, with an 11-28. I don't know if you live along the mountains of Colorado (although your username suggests that you do ), the extra gears might help you with climbing the hills. I would just take them both for a spin and see which one feels better to you.

[mtngoat]

Hi There,

Thanks for your reply - I just got back from test riding a Ruby Comp 2009, Ruby Comp 2010, and Dolce Comp 2010.

There is a big difference to me in the fit. The Ruby Comp 2009 - I was more down instead of upright. The Dolce Comp 2010 - I loved the fit! Sorry, I couldn't tell the difference between carbon and aluminum. I did like the Ruby Comp 2010 - but the turn off was not the bike but probably the shop - here is a $2400 bike with the handlebars on crooked and the lowest gears for going up a hill needing adjusting.
Yes, I will probably need a 11-28. I think it comes with a 12-27.
They did not have a Ruby Elite - I am going to a different bike shop to try that one out. It is $400 less than the Ruby Comp.
Does anyone have the Ruby Elite 2010 and compared with a Ruby Comp 2010?

Thanks for your feedback greenbean!

[mtngoat]

Hi Everyone!

I finally went with the 2010 Specialized Dolce Comp! She sure is pretty!
I get fitted soon - I have never had that done before - why does it take at least an hour?

Thanks Again!

[loopybunny]

I finally went with the 2010 Specialized Dolce Comp! She sure is pretty!
I get fitted soon - I have never had that done before - why does it take at least an hour?

Congrats on the new bike!

They'll probably do a somewhat more involved fitting aside from just making sure the saddle is in the correct position. Maybe they'll check that the stem isn't too long/short, the shifters are in the correct position, etc.

Also, if you're going clipless, it can take a while to get the cleats placed properly and any tension or float adjustments made.

[TrekTheKaty]

When I did my fit, he had me pedal for quite awhile. I believe he was waiting for me to settle into my normal cadence--instead of the first few pedal strokes where you are paying attention to your form.

[miamibiker]

Sorry, I couldn't tell the difference between carbon and aluminum. I did like the Ruby Comp 2010 - but the turn off was not the bike but probably the shop - here is a $2400 bike with the handlebars on crooked and the lowest gears for going up a hill needing adjusting.
Yes, I will probably need a 11-28. I think it comes with a 12-27.
They did not have a Ruby Elite - I am going to a different bike shop to try that one out. It is $400 less than the Ruby Comp.
Does anyone have the Ruby Elite 2010 and compared with a Ruby Comp 2010?
So I have the 08 Ruby Pro but if I remember correctly it goes Elite, Comp, Expert, Pro & S-works. The more you pay the better the components and the lighter the weight (material changes). If you live in a hilly area (mountain goat) you will be putting a fair amount of strain on your components as well as needing them to shift smoothly. I personally wouldn't put my grandmother on Shimano 105's. Have the LBS put you on 3 bikes w/ different levels of components and try them out. Doesn't matter the brand of bike or even size--- just pedal and shift gears so you understand what you are paying for. There is a HUGE difference and they should help you understand that. Try to compare a Shimano 105, Shimano Ultegra and a SRAM Force. The local LBS stores may carry more Roubaix's (men's version of Ruby) so you can put the models next to each other and compare weight differences. The Roubaix line follows the same levels i.e Elite, Comp, Expert etc.
The other thing that can drastically change the price of a bike are the wheels. My husband just bought a new set of Reynolds this weekend that cost $1500, so look at the wheels.

Good luck!