Considering a Ruby Compact with Sora

[MGM]

Welcome to TE Mama!

The order of importance to consider when buying is frameset first, then components (drive-train group), then wheels. Components are easy to change out. So are wheels, but I'd do components first. Based on that, I'd get the Ruby.

That assumes the bike fits perfectly, and suits your riding style.

You can also ask if they have any deals on upgrading the Sora, sometimes they do when you purchase a bike. Just depends on the shop and how much they want to move it. But you can always wait to upgrade, too. Or you can just enjoy the Sora on a nice bike. If it were me, I'd skip Tiagra and move up to 105. But Tiagra is nice, too.

That said, there is nothing wrong with the Dolce.

Agree with all the above. The Ruby is a great bike! If you're looking for big upgrade from an old steel frame you will love the Ruby. Though there's nothing wrong with the Dolce, once you ride that nice, light carbon frame you do get spoiled. And for the minor price difference I'd definitely go for the Ruby. The components will be fine, but of course the pricier ones are lighter and smoother. You can always upgrade later should you choose to.

I tried many, many road bikes last year, both aluminum and carbon. I chose the Ruby. Your shop's price is excellent!

[mamakass]

Great to hear... thanks MGM

[mamakass]

Great help guys - thanks for the responses... just went out and further confused myself by riding a Felt ZW5... I do think the Carbon is the way to go for these tired ol' bones and NOW I see why people pay more for the slicker components...this bike had Tiagra and even newbie me could tell the difference from the Sora. So - Felt vs Specialized... any opinions?

[MGM]

Which frameset had the more comfortable fit for you?

This ^^ is all-important!

Felts are great bikes also, that was actually my second choice. They're a little cheaper than Specialized, so you get more bang for your buck. But in the end, you will be buying one bike, you should go with the one you love riding.

Nicer components DO ride better. Which is how I ended up with Ultegra when I originally went in to buy SRAM...try the Ruby with the next level up components to see if it's the bike you like better or the groupset.

I look at it as it was cheaper to get the bike I really loved to ride, than to keep getting upgrade-itis...

[mamakass]

I'm actually having a hard time telling which is more comfortable for my body. when I come back from a test spin they always say "well, we can push the seat forward or change out that stem" I think the specialized might have fit better... just not really sure.
BTW the Felt was listed at $1750 but think they may come down a little... I am also thinking now that I have a better idea of what I want that i should consider buying used. How hard is it to get the right bike, in good condition, for a decent price?

[luvmyguys]

I'm actually having a hard time telling which is more comfortable for my body. when I come back from a test spin they always say "well, we can push the seat forward or change out that stem" I think the specialized might have fit better... just not really sure.
BTW the Felt was listed at $1750 but think they may come down a little... I am also thinking now that I have a better idea of what I want that i should consider buying used. How hard is it to get the right bike, in good condition, for a decent price?

So if the Ruby's are on sale, what would a Ruby with higher end components cost? It might not be any more expensive than the Felt.

$1450 for that Ruby is a GREAT price. And I have loved (loved loved loved) my Ruby.

FWIW, my husband tried a similar Felt (in a men's/unisex) and a Roubaix (the men's/unisex bike the Ruby was based on), and he liked the ride on the Roubaix better.

In terms of used, I think it depends on your size and where you live. I haven't noticed any screaming deals on my local Craigslist, and my size (44 cm) is so hard to find anyway that I wasn't going to have much luck. You might have better luck.

[Owlie]

It depends on your city and the cycling community there. Here in Dayton, the used bike market is terrible. In a few of the close-by larger cities, it's better, with the capital being better than the other city to the south. It seems like most of the used bike market in either place is for HUGE bikes.

[MGM]

So if the Ruby's are on sale, what would a Ruby with higher end components cost? It might not be any more expensive than the Felt.

$1450 for that Ruby is a GREAT price. And I have loved (loved loved loved) my Ruby.

FWIW, my husband tried a similar Felt (in a men's/unisex) and a Roubaix (the men's/unisex bike the Ruby was based on), and he liked the ride on the Roubaix better.

.

I took my BF road bike shopping, and after many bikes the one he liked the best was also the Roubaix. He ended up buying a Specialized Tarmac APEX because the clearance price was too good to pass up. He had always told me I looked like I was gliding effortlessly on my Ruby, and until I saw him ride the Roubaix I didn't quite understand what he meant. He went by me looking like he was floating on air. There's a special quality to the Ruby/Roubaix ride.