A fitting and a little secret

[Owlie]

Yes. The CAAD 10 has the same geometry as the SuperSix, but the SS is carbon. The Ruby appears to fall sort of between the SuperSix/CAAD and Synapse. I really wish our LBS carried Specialized, since I think the Ruby would really be the most ideal bike for me, at least on paper. The Synapse was too relaxed, but there are days when my SS is too aggressive...especially on really long rides.

The Specialized rep I talked to back in August told me that while it's "endurance" geometry, it's not exactly relaxed. It would be a nice compromise, and Spec's geometry fits me quite nicely with a shorter stem. It's interesting that you say the SuperSix can be too aggressive. I'd have to see if I could give both a longer test ride.

Edit:
So maybe I lied. It looks like they tweaked the Ruby to be a truly "plush" ride since the Amira was introduced. The top tube's even shorter than that on the Dolce. (In my size, 52.4 cm vs. 53.2.) The numbers for my sizes in each (51 for the CAAD10, 54 for the Ruby) are quite close (reach, seat tube angle, top tube length), so at least fit-wise, either of these is a viable option. The biggest thing is the head tube height. I'd be very interested in comparing how they climb (well, I fail at that, so...) and corner, as well as road feel.

[goldfinch]

FWIW, my fitter had me get Speedplay pedals that were special ordered to have an extra short spindle.

[Owlie]

I've had some chances to take her out to get used to her (series of 15-mile rides), and I got a long ride in over the weekend.

My neck and shoulders don't hurt anymore. Well, my right shoulder started complaining a little around mile 30 or so of a 40-mile ride. The more aggressive position is a lot friendlier to my lower back, oddly enough. I need to keep up my core work, though--that should help my shoulder. The handling is twitchier with the shorter stem, but was much better on Saturday's long ride with two full water bottles.

I'm still getting a touch of pain in my right knee, though this seems to sort itself out after a few miles. I'm still getting a hot spot on my left foot, so it's probably pedal-switching time (or will be), but it's not as bad as it was.

The one thing that has actually changed for the worse is the saddle. I can't tell if it's just a matter of adjusting to the new position, because every ride is a little different. The thinner-chamoised shorts are much better, but I'm getting pain and chafing in a pattern similar that from my old Selle Italia, minus the bulk of the back-of-the-leg chafing. This does not bode well...

[Roadtrip]

Excellent you had your fitting!!! I too found my bike twitchy after the shorter stem was installed. I'm hoping you get the issues resolved soon!

[azfiddle]

Owlie glad you got the fitting and a lot of good info.

I tried the Super Six and the Ruby, and whether I had read enough ahead of time to expect the Super Six to be more twitch or if it really was, I preferred the Ruby. I have ridden almost 6000 miles on the Ruby and am still super happy with it. But it is such a personal decision.

[Owlie]

Owlie glad you got the fitting and a lot of good info.

I tried the Super Six and the Ruby, and whether I had read enough ahead of time to expect the Super Six to be more twitch or if it really was, I preferred the Ruby. I have ridden almost 6000 miles on the Ruby and am still super happy with it. But it is such a personal decision.

Clearly, the answer is to get one of each, especially if I get the urge to do really long rides. Oh, and the Cross-check, since it turns out (number-wise) to work if I go for a 46cm...

[zoom-zoom]

Clearly, the answer is to get one of each, especially if I get the urge to do really long rides. Oh, and the Cross-check, since it turns out (number-wise) to work if I go for a 46cm...

I must say, aside from my stupid crotch woes I was very happy on my SuperSix for my one day ride across MI last Summer (all 147ish miles of it). I've ridden a friend's cross-check, too. Nice bike. A bit heavier than my Redline, but the feel was pretty similar.

[kmehrzad]

Check out this Craigslist post for a Canondale.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/n...952782315.html

Didn't know if you'd have any interest. Looks like a nice bike.

The Specialized rep I talked to back in August told me that while it's "endurance" geometry, it's not exactly relaxed. It would be a nice compromise, and Spec's geometry fits me quite nicely with a shorter stem. It's interesting that you say the SuperSix can be too aggressive. I'd have to see if I could give both a longer test ride.

Edit:
So maybe I lied. It looks like they tweaked the Ruby to be a truly "plush" ride since the Amira was introduced. The top tube's even shorter than that on the Dolce. (In my size, 52.4 cm vs. 53.2.) The numbers for my sizes in each (51 for the CAAD10, 54 for the Ruby) are quite close (reach, seat tube angle, top tube length), so at least fit-wise, either of these is a viable option. The biggest thing is the head tube height. I'd be very interested in comparing how they climb (well, I fail at that, so...) and corner, as well as road feel.