Opinions on Specialized Ruby?

[Helene2013]

Amira is a bit too high in my budget. Already spent over $3k for the Kuota and exchanging it I'm already losing money. So I'm trying to remain in the Ruby range for $$$.

I could look for a Synapse but that would mean changing LBS. No choice if that's the way I need to go. And even look into Pinarello. Haven't seen that many yet in Montreal.

[Helene2013]

I hear you on tablets...hate typing on those, especially if word corrector is on and I toggle between French and English. ARgghh

It's not an emergency to change my bike. I can live with it for now, just not ride it as much outdoor as I don't like the nervousness of it with the front wheel. Too bad as it is the only thing I don't like about the bike. It is perfect on the rock and roll trainer. So outdoor is mostly on weekends as I have no time to really go on long rides weekdays. Quicker for me to squeeze in a tight-hard training inside combining all I need.

I want to take my time in finding another one as I will keep it for a long time. Probably my only bike til I die. hihi . I'm not much into changing for changing either. So I want to take the right decision in the next one. Not make the costly mistake I did with my Kuota.

I'm lucky enough in the LBS I have now that they lend me one for weekend. Going to another place will certainly not happen. I never signed a discharge paper, nothing on a $2300 bike! But we bought over $13,000 on bike stuff in just under a year! So they know where I am. hihi

Just too bad they are limited in brands and most are high-ends too.

[Helene2013]

Thank you again.

I checked and my LBS has the Amira, in all sizes, at the price you said. Which is in my price range too.

When I bring back my loaned tonight, I will ask owner about the Amira. I like the colour too. A plus! I can put my pink tape on it and it will still look good.

[Helene2013]

I just called the LBS owner and he is checking to see what he has in stock in a 51cm. I'll call him back. He said I could borrow one with pleasure for Saturday. Sunday is going to be too hot for me to ride. So I will call him back before lunch to see what would be available. Will see as I have to get fitted (again!) on that bike. They are truly patient with me. hihi

Thanks again for the guidance!

Edited as saw your note too late (too bad we don't get a message before posting a new reply that says another posted while you were typing!). I will look for a Pinarello test drive. Even if it is another dealer I have to go to. Nothing to lose for now.

[ny biker]

I would just like to add that is sounds like you have a really good LBS. It's great when you can work with people who are so helpful.

[Helene2013]

They are the best to us. Very client oriented and always with a smile and oh such patience! I don't know how many times we've been inside for fixing this or that, question this or that, or going in to purchase a simple thing (like a magnet) and come out without ever paying. They've been around for such a long time. It is a family business (but very big with 3 stores) and owners are our age. I remember buying our hybrid from his parents and it was in 1992. That's how far I remember. These guys were in their early 20s like us...and now they're in their early 50s. Small world sometimes.

So going elsewhere for my bike business is not as tempting. I don't think I could get better service. Ok may be... but we like them a lot.

The owner even told us to get in their group (free of charge) for the June 14th 135km challenge in just over 2 weeks. They will drag me to the finish line for my 1st ever long ride. "Regular" folks pay $100 for that (and other stuff like a team jersey, certified cycling escorts, etc). So for us it is a priviledge and we know/appreciate it.

Details like those really set them apart. And I like that.

[Helene2013]

Ok. So he has a 51cm Amira Expert Ultegra in stock (at $4000 it is much over my budget so he better do a very good trade-in if this is going to work out. haha). He said this one should be less agressive then my Kuota. Hummmm. I don't like the colour at all but I need to test drive to see differences in handling/comfort. So I will give it a try on a 100km...if I can kick in with the pedals this coming Saturday!