FS: 2009 Specialized Ruby Expert

[emily_in_nc]

I am still trying to figure out how to post pics in the forum. Any ideas?

I hope the shop will take the bike back on a trade on one that fits, but if you can't get any satisfaction, to post photos, you need to have a place to host them first. Do you have an account on Photobucket or Picasa, or any number of photo hosting sites? If not, you can sign up for a free account. I use Photobucket and have been happy with it. You then upload the photos to that site. At least on Photobucket, when you click on the photo, it will give you the direct link. Copy that link.

Now, create a post here on TE. Click on the little mountain icon above the box where you are typing your post. It will ask for the link to your photo. Paste in the link.

That's it! It sounds much harder than it is when I write it out.

Good luck, and please keep us posted about your meeting with the LBS manager.

[amkipe]

Pics are now added on the first post on the second page of the post! Thank you!

[Cataboo]

I'm 5'1 - and I can ride the 51 cm specialized. It's 51 cm on compact geometry. If you look at the actual geometry of that bike the seat tube is actually 45 cm. The top tube is 518 cm, which would be long if you're looking for a WSD, but I prefer my top tubes around 530-540 mm because I don't have a WSD body at all.

I did at some point a few years ago go test ride specialized rubys and the salesmen did put me on a 52 cm model, which fit me fine.

Now, I wouldn't buy that specialized ruby because that 75.5 degree seat angle would kill me. I like a 73 degree seat angle.

So anyways, depending on the proportions of OP and whether she's got a WSD body, saying that she can't ride a "virtual" 51 cm bike at 5'1 isn't necessarily true because I do ride very comfortably road bikes with similar measurements (except for the seat tube angle).

[aicabsolut]

Just a thought... do you need the aero bars? Are you doing triathlon? If not, then the bike might fit you ok to just ride with the drop bars. To get a good fit with bar extensions, many people need to go down a size with the top tube. For example, my road bike fits great, but it would be horrible for using clip-ons. I'd be so stretched out! It's worth considering at least if you can't return the bike. That said, I agree with several posters that this size bike is probably too big for many people of your height. Looking at the fit they've done on the bike, it definitely looks like you could go down at least a size. BUT you probably won't be able to get the bars so high relative to the saddle with a smaller bike (which will have a shorter head tube), if that position is what you are looking for. It looks like you've got the bars at max height on this bike.

[amkipe]

I am actually training for Ironman Canada and Boise 70.3. So, I do need the aero bars and they were purchased when I originally bought the bike.

[amkipe]

Went to the bike shop yesterday. I brought my bike in and showed it to the manager. She is about my size and she saw how large the bike was for me. I tried out a 47 cm amira and felt insanely mOre comfortable. I really do want to make the bike work so we tried a straight seat post. I took the bike home last night and did a two hour ride on the trainer. The way my weight shifted and it really didn't put me that much closer to where I need to be on the bike. I am going to take it back today and just let them know that I am going to sell it and purchase another bike. I truly can't imagine doing my half and full ironman on something that is this uncomfortable to me.

[amkipe]

Over the weekend I went and picked up a new frame for the bike. The bike manager actually had a 48 cm in the emerald green color for me to try out. They put all of my components on the new frame (bars, wheels, aerobars). I rode it on Sunday. What a difference the smaller frame makes. I didn't have any pain in my neck or shoulders. The bike shop has been great to work with.

[Roadtrip]

So you have the frame now that you need to sell or did she offer to buy it back or swap even up? I ride a 51cm and would have considered it, but I recently bought a Ruby Elite at my local shop, tho the Expert is one PRETTY bike!!

Shannon

[amkipe]

I truly haven't decided. I am pretty sure I am going to keep the new frame with all my components on it. Though I still want a tri bike pretty bad!

[cmsimpso]

I am interested in the 51 Specialized if you haven't gotten it sold yet???

[amkipe]

I traded in my 51 cm for a 48 cm. But I am going to sell the bike in general. I have purchased a tri bike that fits perfectly for me. I am still having some trouble with the Ruby and her fit. She has the aero bars on it but they can be removed and the Shimano Look pedals are going with her as well. I am going to sell for $1800.
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