First nicer road bike - Specialized Amira, Ruby, Cannondale Synapse, Scott Contessa?

[north woods gal]

I don't race, so can't give you advice in that direction. However, I have spent many, many thousands of miles on road bikes, both for fun and commuting. The advice you've gotten from everyone else, so far, is spot on.

Components are important, yes, and they do make a difference, but not equally from the standpoint of performance. Some make more of a difference than others.

When shopping for a bike, I start with the frame. You can always upgrade bolt on components like shifters, derailleurs and so on, but the highest end components can't turn a lower or mid level frame into a top end frame. I'd rather have a better frame with lower end components than the cheaper frame with higher end components. The frame is really the heart of the bicycle.

Next I look at the wheels and hubs. Derailleurs and shifters get most of the attention from folks shopping for road bikes, but actually, one of the most important components on a road bike, in my experience with upgrading, are the wheel sets. Huge difference in performance between an entry level set of rims and hubs and the good stuff. Would rather get a new bike with top end wheels and save money on the derailleurs and shifters, but new bikes aren't sold that way. Upper level wheel sets aren't found on entry or even a lot of mid level bikes.

Then, I look at the shifters and derailleurs. Have only used Shimano on my road bikes (but love SRAM on my MTBs). My minimum on shifters and derailleurs has always been 105 and for good reason. I've probably have north of 20K miles on 105 and have never had a single failure. The new Tiagra, though, is actually pretty darn good, very comparable to what 105 was in the old days. I love Ultegra, though. It really is smoother and quicker. You'll never regret going Ultegra.

Brakes? Well, I still like traditional caliper brakes on road bikes, but you just can't beat the practicality and performance of disc brakes for a multi use, all weather bike. Quicker and easier to change wheel sets, too.

[ny biker]

I would buy the Ruby Comp Disc that is $400 more than you planned to spend. Comparing the bike Muirenn linked to and a Ruby Comp Disc that is $1950, the components on the more expensive bike are two levels better and in my opinion are worth the investment. And it's comfortable for you, which is very important.

I can't speak to disc brakes vs rim brakes, since I've only used the latter. There is a thread or two discussing the advantages of disc brakes somewhere on this forum, should be something you can find by searching.

[azfiddle]

I love my ruby comp disc. I loved my previous Ruby that was stolen - they are super comfortable and you will own the bike for a long time. Go with what is most comfortable and suits your needs.

[gingergirl]

I just bought a Ruby Comp 2 weeks ago and I love it. I was going to buy an aluminum bike but after test driving the carbon there was no going back.

[macski]

I would definitely buy the Ruby even though it is slightly above your price preference. Just one question - are disc brakes allowed in the racing you want to do? I live in Australia and for criterium racing, for example, disc brakes aren't allowed. And in some categories of Sportives they aren't allowed either. It's a lovely bike, though.

[serov8468]

Check this list and try to figure out which bike is nicer for you, according to your budget and your personal preference.
https://www.bestadvisor.com/road-bikes
For beginners, I would recommend Schwinn Phocus 1600. It was my first bike, and it was great. It rides smooth, and components are also good for its price.

[Celeste1013]

Go with the Specialized Ruby. I purchased the Dolce Elite almost 2 years ago. I thought I wanted the Ruby (based on my initial research), but for the type of riding I do and my budget, my bike shop recommended the Dolce Elite. I rode it and fell in love instantly. The bike is amazing - each time I ride, I discover something new - about my riding capabilities and the bike's ability to respond to my needs. Follow your instincts and go with the Ruby - you will be so happy.