Considering a Ruby Compact with Sora

[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.

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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.

[mamakass]

This is all very helpful. The Felt sales person is a very cool woman/triathlete/ironman who was one of the coaches in my Tri training. She used that gizmo that measures your leg angle...but didn't use any tools to diagnose the arms/reach. I told her I thought the angle of the Felt gave my neck some strain and I wasn't sure that i had enough bend in my elbow when on the hoods. More comfortable in the drops. This bike is called a M which she said was about a 52. I am 5'5 1/2" formerly 5'6", and think i have pretty average length legs/arms/torso for my height. I tried out both the 51 and the 54 Specialized and I think the 54 is a little better - we had the seat WAY up in the 51. I will take your advice and go back and try the specialized Ruby with the next level components but now it's getting really pricey!

I don't get the impression that the KC used bike market is too great.
thanks again

[TigerMom]

It's true. We all keep upgrading.

I try to restrain myself, but I am pretty addicted. Interestingly, I normally have zero interest in shopping for clothes/fashion.

[azfiddle]

I love my 2010 Ruby, with 105 components. My first bike had Sora front, Tiagra back and the 105 was much better. If there is any way to upgrade to the 105- the cost over the life of the bike will be minimal compared to how you will feel on the bike. BTW, I am 5'1" and ride a 44, which fits me great.