Did I make a mistake?

[MGM]

Hi!
I can understand your plight. When I started riding two years ago I couldn't handle the road bike position. So I bought a comfort bike, and was thrilled with how "comfortable" it was, how I could ride and see the scenery. It wasn't long, though, before I realized that it was pretty darn slow on pavement and was actually more work. Within a couple of months I was shopping for a hybrid that was more "roadish" and faster. I found that hybrid, and my LBS set me up in a more forward position. It was going to be my "road" bike. It took me a while to get used to, to build up some core strength and not put so much weight on the front handlebars. Six months later I decided that riding a road bike might open up more opportunities for doing group rides and the charity rides that I liked, so I started trying aluminum framed bikes. But I didn't really find them much faster or different than my hybrid. Then I tried a carbon framed bike, and realized that THAT was what I was looking for! It had the nimbleness of my hybrid but was definitely faster. After trying quite a few bikes, the ride I enjoyed the most was that of the Specialized Ruby - which I bought. At first the position took some getting used to, but it is so smooth and fast it wasn't long before I gained more strength in my core and legs, which you need to make riding easier. So I took the opposite route of you, spent more money, and ended up with the same bike!

You do want to be sure that you don't have any mechanical issues. As was mentioned, your brake pads rubbing, or something else. One thing that could be making it more work for you is if the stem is set up in the straighter, or longer, position. It can be flipped the opposite way, which angles it up closer a bit and has you less stretched out. I needed that, as riding bent lower was too uncomfortable on my back.

But another thing comes to mind, and I just want to throw it out there. When I was trying road bikes, a local shop had a 2011 Ruby available in my size with 105 components. It was discounted, but no matter how hard I tried to like it I felt like that bike was work. It was kind of rough riding and I felt a lot of road buzz. It just wasn't comfortable. The Apex model felt more nimble. It could've been rubbing brake pads, needed some adjustments, wheels out of true, or just not put together well. I did ride a Roubaix and another Ruby after that and they were a joy to ride. So for whatever reason, that 2011 was NOT going to be my bike! I ended up with the Ruby Comp with Ultegra and couldn't be more pleased.

So I think you made a GOOD choice, a wise one, and need to give yourself more time getting used to the more athletic position of the bike. If you're like many of us, you may decide that one bike doesn't fill all of your cycling needs anyway, and maybe you would like to add a hybrid for off-pavement or running errands, riding with the kids, etc. But definitely see if there's any fit adjustments or mechanical adjustments that need to be made. If you bought from a Specialized dealer, they usually use the BG Fit computerized fitting system which worked very well for me. Just keep riding!

[tiva]

You might want to check something as simple as the speed you're riding. When I first got my road bike, I was exhausted compared to how I felt riding my hybrid. Then I compared the average speeds: I was averaging 9 mph on my hybrid and 15 mph on my road bike. No wonder I was more tired: I was pushing myself a lot harder. I still have to make a conscious effort on my road bike to pace myself on longer rides; otherwise, I get tired too quickly.

[chatnoire]

You might want to check something as simple as the speed you're riding. When I first got my road bike, I was exhausted compared to how I felt riding my hybrid. Then I compared the average speeds: I was averaging 9 mph on my hybrid and 15 mph on my road bike. No wonder I was more tired: I was pushing myself a lot harder. I still have to make a conscious effort on my road bike to pace myself on longer rides; otherwise, I get tired too quickly.

Speed definitely is something to consider. I took my old bike out today and it was a much slower ride - 7 mph compared to the 15-19 I usually do on the same terrain with my carbon bike. I also ride my carbon bike differently: thinking about shifting, looking ahead, babying it a bit because I don't want to hurt it (it's so pretty!) and worrying about my pedals (Unclip right, lean right!)...on my old bike, which is heavier, slower tires, I just mosey on down the road, in the wrong position, and feel all sorts of lazy and easy on it.

Don't discount the stress part of it too. I personally get very stressed when trying something new, which can make the learning curve feel a bit steeper (ie: "Why can't I get this! I am a failure!" and all sorts of negative self talk). Honor your experience and the work that it takes, but also, take advantage of the experience of the LBS staff, and see if you can make it a happy thing to be on the bike.

Good luck!