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.