Considering a Ruby Compact with Sora

[MGM]

Though finding a good used bike might not be too difficult, I think that finding the RIGHT used bike, what you want and in your size, could be very difficult! In my case, not too many people (if any) are selling their Rubies with higher end components in a 54cm size. In fact, I had to drive two states away to even try one with Ultegra in my size. I just couldn't judge how comfortable I'd ultimately be by trying the smaller frames that the shops had, and didn't want to commit to ordering the larger size when I wasn't sure what components I wanted.

People sell their bikes usually to upgrade, so lower end bikes are easier to find. And certain types of bikes - hybrids, mountain bikes, are more prevalent in the used market.

But once again, if you are getting a carbon frame for under $1500 it's a steal!

[mamakass]

Hey gals... Any thoughts on the relative benefits of the Amira vs the Ruby?

[Owlie]

The Amira is a more aggressive bike, with a stiffer carbon. (The highest-end Amiras have the super-fancy carbon.) It's a racehorse. It doesn't have the same "plush" ride as the Ruby. I wouldn't have described the one I rode as uncomfortable, though. (But, really, that's up to you). The new Ruby is less aggressive, and didn't feel quite as fast to me. It's still a fast bike (after all, it used to be their race frame, and according to the Specialized rep the geometry isn't a whole ton less aggressive.) I prefer a more-aggressive bike, though. For the new rider, I usually tell people to go with the more relaxed frame. since it's not going be quite as responsive (read "twitchy" for the new rider) and it'll be easier to get the handling down.

[rustyosaurus]

hey there. i'm actually pretty close to getting a ruby myself. did you check out the ruby sport compact? just like the ruby compact but with slightly upgraded components - 105 and tiagra for $1800 through the end of may. i really liked the way it rode but it was also the first road bike i've ever been on.

btw - i live in kansas city too!

[lor]

Can someone explain the difference of upgrading to the 105? I'm looking at the Ruby Sport Compact. My LBS offers rentals, so I'm planning on taking a Ruby for a spin, but I'm not exactly sure which models they have for rental. It would be helpful to know what to look for (beyond good fit). I'm new to road bikes - well "new" in the sense that I haven't owned or ridden one for about 25 years. I don't want to get all excited and buy what they have in stock, not understanding the detail differences between the models.

[TigerMom]

Can someone explain the difference of upgrading to the 105? I'm looking at the Ruby Sport Compact. My LBS offers rentals, so I'm planning on taking a Ruby for a spin, but I'm not exactly sure which models they have for rental. It would be helpful to know what to look for (beyond good fit). I'm new to road bikes - well "new" in the sense that I haven't owned or ridden one for about 25 years. I don't want to get all excited and buy what they have in stock, not understanding the detail differences between the models.

I tried both the Ruby with the 105 and the Amira with the 105. Honestly, I could not tell the difference between the Ruby's "softer" ride quality vs the Amira's stiffer ride quality. I picked the Amira because I have a long torso and my back felt curled up and hunched on the Ruby.

As for the Shimano 105 derailleurs, I think that you will definitely feel the difference between the lower end shifters and the Shimano 105 and above shifters. The difference in the better shifters is how fast the shifters shift when you go uphill, and sturdy the shifting feels, how your hand feels/how easy to shift in your hand (which is why some people prefer Shimano while others prefer SRAM and others prefer Campy), and less often to derail. The lower end shifters feel more clunky and sometimes, I can't tell if it shifted well when I pedal hard uphills. That is the best way that I can explain what it feels like.

We would love to know which bike you ended up with though!

[lor]

As for the Shimano 105 derailleurs, I think that you will definitely feel the difference between the lower end shifters and the Shimano 105 and above shifters. The difference in the better shifters is how fast the shifters shift when you go uphill, and sturdy the shifting feels, how your hand feels/how easy to shift in your hand (which is why some people prefer Shimano while others prefer SRAM and others prefer Campy), and less often to derail. The lower end shifters feel more clunky and sometimes, I can't tell if it shifted well when I pedal hard uphills. That is the best way that I can explain what it feels like.

We would love to know which bike you ended up with though!

Very helpful, thank you. I'm pretty much only looking at the Ruby right now (I'm not the original poster looking at the Amira), but I will for sure share what I get. Based on the posts here and the bike shops I've talked to (outlining my personal requirements/needs), the Ruby sounds dreamy to ride.

[Owlie]

Can someone explain the difference of upgrading to the 105? I'm looking at the Ruby Sport Compact. My LBS offers rentals, so I'm planning on taking a Ruby for a spin, but I'm not exactly sure which models they have for rental. It would be helpful to know what to look for (beyond good fit). I'm new to road bikes - well "new" in the sense that I haven't owned or ridden one for about 25 years. I don't want to get all excited and buy what they have in stock, not understanding the detail differences between the models.

105 is considered "entry-level racing" componentry. The shifting will be smoother, and it can take a beating better than the lower-end stuff (one of the managers at work races cross with 105 on the bike, and it's still going strong with only very minor tweaks). Less need for adjustment. The weight here is secondary.

Try out Sora, Tiagra, 105 and SRAM Apex. (I doubt you'll find Rival on a shop floor, but the shifting is very much the same, as far as I know.) If you have an idea of what frame you're looking for (ex, Ruby vs. Amira), you can put that out of your mind for a little bit and just try out shifters on different bikes. (No shop is going to keep a full range of a given model on the floor, but it might help you figure out what you're looking for.)