I have a 2013 Ruby Elite with the SRAM Apex (the hoods and brakes fit my smaller hands better). I rode the Dolce and the Ruby is definately better on rougher roads and I think has a much smoother ride. It is my first true road bike and I wouldn't trade it for anything. All that being said I rode a ton of bikes before I decided on the Ruby. Most important is to find a good LBS with a good fitter. Fit is always more important because if you aren't comfortable it doesn't matter how many gears or what size gears you have.