
Originally Posted by
Owlie
Hi there! I had a longer post typed out, but Chrome ate it.
Don't be afraid of the racing geometry. If that feels more comfortable, go for it, even if you aren't planning on racing. FWIW, I have no plans to race, and my next road bike will have race geometry--that's what fits me better. I feel scrunched on the more relaxed ones. Comfort and fit are paramount. I couldn't really tell the difference between the stiffer Amira carbon and the "plush" Ruby carbon.
Start looking now if you can afford it. Perhaps you'll find a sweet deal on a 2013 model since the 2014s are coming out soon. Just look for 9 or 10 speed cassettes to help get rid of that jump you feel.
In terms of plushness, I could not tell the difference between the Amira and the Ruby either. But the fit on the Amira felt better for me
2014 Liv Lust
2013 Specialized Fate Expert with carbon wheelset (sold)
2012 Specialized Amira Elite
2010 Santa Cruz Juliana with R kit and Crampon pedals (sold)
2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle (sold)