Hi Indysteel, thanx for your thoughts. Buying a bike is a very challenging thing, fun but challenging. I was really drawn to the Ruby. Seems like there are as many opinions as there are types of bikes. I went to three different shops and they all fit me as a 44, I am only 5'1 1/2", I like my new bike, but after I got it did some research and think I may have paid too much. When it first came out in 2011 it was listed for $2700, I paid $1800, for the bike, Look clip pedals and computer and two specialized water bottle cages. Sorry to be such a pain but you know the ole second thoughts come up and I wonder if I could have gotten a 2012 for the same price because the 2013 are about to come out. And maybe with Sram Apex, tho I hear the Shimano 105 are very similar in quality. Can you chime in? I notice your blog says choose with no regret, but sometimes it is hard. LOL