Opinions on Specialized Ruby?

[Crankin]

There are a few that have the same dimensions as the Botranger. I have the Specialized one, only because when I ordered the Salsa, the shop couldn't get it and said the Specialized was exactly the same. It is, it's not expensive, either, unless you get the carbon one. At this point, I don't care. I have a cheap alu bar on a carbon and titanium bike. What you do have to be careful of, is that there is a huge variation in the dimensions of bars that are called short and shallow.The one the LBS put on my Guru where NOT anywhere near as shallow, and not as short either. I argued with them for 2 years, until I took matters into my own hands and just bought the same ones I had on the other bike. Sold the fancy carbon ones to a guy, who thought they would be perfect for him.

[Helene2013]

To answer/comment:

My tires on the Kuota are Gatorskin already 25cm. Love them. The PSI should be 120 and we dropped to 110 but I'm heavy-weight and I can't drop more than this for fear of flat tires. If I could put 100 I would but hubby I'd be getting a flat easier as our roads are bad. But 110 is better than 120. 120 I felt every bump on the road and the bike would jerk up and my back would feel every "jump". At 110 it is much smoother already.

Crankin,
This is how I felt too on the Ruby. Whatever gear I chose, it was always too hard or too easy, no matter which crank set my husband got me on. Bigger gear was so hard to pedal too. Totally different from my Kuota. When I tested the Ruby bike on Sunday, I had my Kuota wheels on (American Classics Aero), so the crank, etc were the same. It's just the stroke and keeping it on speed that was very hard. The second I stopped pedaling, the bike would slow down instantly vs where the Kuota would keep going on and on...just like the Energizer bunny. hihi . Felt as if I had brakes on, and of course nothing was putting the brakes on and the pads were not touching the wheels.

NY Biker,
Funny you mention the inserts as a guy today at hubby's job said exactly that about the Ruby. The fact that you have those inserts, will somehow slow you down. But heck...how much slowing down could it take you! I guess I am so used just giving one stroke of pedal on the Kuota and it's off like a Ferrari, that I felt like a Honda Fit with the Ruby. hihi

Catrin,
The Ruby was a dream to ride. I loved the feeling of it and would have bought it in a heart beat. But getting used to a slow-hard to pedal bike, I am not so sure after having the feel of a Kuota. Talk about being torned between two lovers. hahaha

I am so not ready to get rid of my Pink Lady that I am willing to give it a go again next weekend, in the same trail I have used the past 2 weekends...for comparaison again! Boy when you kick into that Kuota, it is gone and rides like the wind! I'll try to relax my handle on it and not think that it is a reactive bike.

I think I will ask the store to get me that Ruby saddle Women's Lithia Comp Gel (will do price research before asking them - just in case - don't want to get ripped off although they are very good to us on prices - I love to be prepared hihi). I loved it very much. Husband though (while reading your replies) said may the saddle is so soft (which is true compared to the kuota's) that I can bounce more on it (without having noticed during my ride) and it also created friction and slowed me down. So many things plus the basic could have been in the equation.

Crankin,
I did have installed on the Kuota the shallowest bars we could get during the winter. I practiced on the trainer and I feel comfy. But true, I am much lower in the front than with the Ruby, but not that much. Would be interesting to see the %.

I used to think (my pre-age on bike notions) that all road bikes were the same. NOT! hahaha

But I'm just wondering if my energy level was down from riding 30km the day before (which was about 1.5h)...it was such a slow smooth ride just to test the bike. I felt great Saturday, even after the ride. And yesterday I was top shape when I started and never felt out of shape, but because I was pushing so much to get some speed, and having to keep my cadence over 100 to get a decent speed (at 26-28km/h on flats - for me it is fast ) that it "killed" me and I was just exhausted.

I will keep riding my Kuota. I don't know what other bike to try if even a Sports EQ Euro can't do it. My LBS that I love has a few brand names in stock, but they are mostly a Specialized one. They have tons of that brand. Others are mostly Cervélos and can't recall other big names. I may want to ask them to get me a Cyclotouring and see...nothing to lose at this point in trying.

Thank you all for your input. You've been a great help...and support!

[Crankin]

Helene, it most definitely is the difference the gear ratios, from what you just said, because that's exactly how I felt. You may have been tired, but even though you are fit (as am I), I think there are just some of us that need to work harder or need more time to transition to differences like this. Eventually, I ended up using the harder gear combo on the Guru. I built my strength doing this. Now, it's a no brainer. For me, the obvious difference was the Kuota is a triple and the Guru is a compact double, with mountain gearing. So, to get those super low gears, I had to give up my favorite gear ratio.
FYI, my cadence is often over 100, and generally is around 80-90. It might be good for you to practice high speed cadence drills, so you just feel more comfortable with this.

[Helene2013]

Crankin

I'll have this checked out by hubby, and LBS (gear ratios). But if I am remembering well, he said he checked the pedals, the gears, etc and they were the same on them. Going to bring the bike back to shop tonight (as it was a trial for the past weekend) and I'll have a chance to talk with owners if they are there.

When I called him yesterday afternoon I told him the big picture: super fun bike to ride but so slow and he did not have an explanation but that I may have been tired from my previous day ride. For me harder to believe as we did not push much, no hills, it was just a fun light 28km ride. But all is possible in life. My husband also measured the bikes bars and some are shorter or longer. The kuota is a 49cm and the Ruby is 51. The kuota is also lighter. Not by much but is. So in the end, I think all adds up.

As for training for higher cadence, I do that at least 3x a week (I work with a personal trainer since January).

This week is a moderate training, next week will be the toughest and the 3rd week (week before that 135km on June14 is very very easy)

Tonight is an easy training (60 minute) as I had 2 rides this weekend and was sick with migraine yesterday (still headache this morning as I type this) but it goes like this

Warm up
20 min
- 5 min C90 I3
- 2 min C95 I3
- 2 min C100 I3
- 5 min C90 I3
- 2 min (sprint max speed I can get in higher cadence possible to not be jumping on saddle 10 sec every 30 sec)
- 2 min PROG every 15 sec (changing to higher gear every 15 seconds)
- 2 min I1

Technic/training
3x
I = Intensity of work out (1 easy - 10 meaning I have to stop or I'll die lol )
1’30’’ I5 / 45’’ I1 / 45’’ C115
1' I6 / 30’’ I1/ 1’ hands in drops
1’30’’ I5 / 45’’ I1 /
30’’ Left leg / 30’’ Right Leg (cycling with only one leg - so unclipping the other one)
30’’ I6 Force / 30’’ I1 / 30" Cadence max

3 minute relax between sets

Return to calm and stretching
10 min

[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!

[Helene2013]

Thank you. I did read the other thread. Very interesting, but complex too.

I dropped off the Ruby I tried this past weekend. And the fitter did say that the Ruby, although a very good bike, has no power on kick-offs compared to some other bikes. That is why I had many issues with it when doing stop and go, climbing hills or even stopped pedaling on flat and trouble getting it back on speed. He also would not recommend me to buy the saddle I liked so much on the Ruby and told me why. The Ruby has the Zertz vibration dampers and it bounces some when we hit "holes", etc. So it gives me the impression that the saddle is "softer" but it is due to the dampers. So getting it for my Kuota I may (will) be disappointed as it will be just as hard. It's good to know before spending money. I never thought about the shock absorbers making the saddle "feel" better.

He showed me the bike I will be borrowing Friday night for Saturday's ride (I could have taken it home tonight but did not want them to lose a sale if someone came in and wanted it before I test drive it - just fairness in my view). My husband likes it more than I do. hihi It's the bike used by the Spec/Lululemon women cycling team. Nice bike, just not my colour. Black with zebra lines, nah! But it comes in Ultegra. I still prefer the look of the Amira Sport (white with green stripes and green tape - tape I would change for pink or fushia to match my American Classics wheels that I keep).

Anyhow, I'm taking the Amira Expert for the test. They will do my fit Friday night so I can have a nice decent comfy ride on Saturday. If I like the feel of it, which they confirmed is way less agressive than my Kuota, I may try to get them to get me the Amira Sport and do the upgrade from 105 to Ultegra. May come more expensive but I get the colour I want, with the components upgraded. He said they did not have the Sport in stock because last year every woman wanted the Expert model.

Before moving earth, I will try the Expert and go from there.

Thank you all again for your input.

[Helene2013]

Sorry. Been a very long busy weekend.

Picked up the Amira Expert Friday night after work. Hubby tried it (for me) in a street near store to make sure all was in order before our 100km ride next day. He said the shifting system (new Ultegra) is unbelievable and we are in trouble (I would love the bike. haha)

Indeed...I took it for that spin. 1st 10km we were up (flat hill) facing winds at 15km/h. Rough climb. I'm still not that strong in hills/windy conditions. I complained all the way up. hahah But the bike is kicking into gears so well. A real turbo engine in there. haha Once I got used to the bike (always takes me a little while), trusted it, and got out of that opened fields winds I was kicking dust!

We rode 50km one way and most of it is up (false flats). I was able to maintain a good speed for me and when I needed acceleration the bike was giving it to me. Very very stable fast bike. What I did with this bike on the 1st ride, I never was able to do with the Kuota in a year. Kuota, I'm afraid of it as it is too reactive/nervous.

The Amira Expert is very stable. Hit a large bump at some point. I was speeding at about 26km/h going down a small hill. The bike was just pushed into the air, kept going straight and landed right back to the front where it was heading. No swinging left to right. Never felt out of control...and this was my 1st ride.

I never ever went fast on a bike before yesterday. A "real" cyclist passed us. I was already going 28-29km/h. He's tired and is stalling me. I can't really pass him yet (he had just done that and I felt I would have just provoked him) because the other side of bike path is not great (safe) just yet. I also see a very nice long hill (not too steep) way ahead. What's the point passing him if he's going to come and get me as I'm weak on hills. Well...I passed him at 30km/h. I was enjoying this sooooo much inside. Me passing a real cyclist and burning rubber! Yeah! The bike kicked into gears so well. I had good energy and he never came to get me. Even the hill I was impressed.

At some point....and this is miraculous for me.... I nailed a 39.2km/h (I want to keep my .2 ok...hahahaha I wanted to target 40...but I'll keep this for next time!). My god...what is happening to me. That is super fast for me. Small false flat down again. But heck.... I think my eyes were not big enough to look at my speedometer. I impressed myself. I fell in love with the bike then, I think. The bike totally controllable, eating the road. Wow. I could not keep the 39km/h for more than 8 minutes. But that is a LOT coming from me!!! Wow.

So you think I like this bike? You can bet! I want it now. haha Only thing is I hate the Zebra colour. Not my type at all. Hubby said to put my "pink" american classic wheels on, bar tape some pink or fushia colour and it will totally change the look. I'm not sure but I have to be fair and say the bike is a taker...forget the look. I feel super safe, confident and smiled all the way (but for that 1st 10km).

I did 100km, not tired but happy to have ended it. A bit achy at shoulders/neck area but it is my 1st 100km ever. And the fit was not optimal either but nothing negative at all to say from this bike. I was able to let go of the brake handles and ride with hands on the side (giving them a rest) and even one hand on the flat part of the handle while the other one was keeping near the brake. Don't ask me too much on 1st ride. haha But that is something I would not and was never able to do with the kuota as it has little stability from left/right. I would have crashed long time ago with the kuota. Geometry is just not for me/my style. It can be perfect for someone else, but stresses me too much and it shows in the end and makes me hate my rides all the time.

The ultegra system is a new ultegra type for 2014. My goodness...the shifting is amazing. I would not even want to have the di2 I thought I wanted (like hubby has). It's not even needed.

Anyway, I can go on and on...this is the bike that will fit me...and encourages me to go fast and still feel safe and steady.

Now I have to call the store owner tomorrow to see what deal he can do on my Kuota's trade-in (I bought it there and they all know issues I've had since Day 1). They're very good customer-service so I'm sure we'll get to something. But I'll be losing on the Kuota more than I'd think because I want to keep the wheels (they would keep the Fulcrum that is on Arima), etc... so to be continued. It is still a $4000 bike plus 15% tax. So nearly $5000. Expecting $1800 in trade-in. So there goes my summer vacation money. No choice to keep my campground reservation in Boston area for this summer. hihi No more money to travel to Minnesota, nor Nasvhille to visit friends. Oh well. You can't have it all they say. And once I buy a bike I truly like, it will be with me until I get to 70 probably...so another 20 years. Good deal in the long run. haha

[Helene2013]

I have the women version (Glamour) - 1st pic taken when we picked it up (handles have been changed to wider one (and are angled normal now - those were raised when I was injured at elbow)


I love my Kuota and would certainly keep it if it was not for the handling of it and never feeling "glued" to ground. Totally different experience with Ruby Sport (which sticks way too much haha ) and now the Amira Expert which is an in-between that I think suits me much better. So you may have nailed it 100% with the text extract. I do realize I chose the wrong bike to start. I did not know which real questions to ask then, and hubby and I fell in love with a bike look.

Lesson learned for sure: test the bike on a long stretch if you can, make sure the LBS knows what you intend to do and how truly experienced you are before selling you a bike not totally suited for you, even if you love its look!!! I've learned (and still learning) a lot from this experience. But will be wasting money on the re-sale and so much time and energy in trying to making zillions of changes to the bike, that did little in the end but frustrates me and make me want to stay on trainer instead of outside. hihi

Reading that article, it does say braking is waxed a bit...so true. They even changed the braking system for Shimano (instead of Kuota) because it would not brake fast enough. The Amira for instance is instant, with so little pressure I'm impressed. I had fun just braking Saturday. haha

So tomorrow night going to the bike shop and I'll find out how much the trade-in and new bike (Amira) will cost me in the end. I figure it's going to cost me a return of $2300...maybe more depending how much he gives me in taking back the Kuota, and since I keep my Americain Classic wheels - that came with Kuota - I may have to cough up even more, even if I don't keep the wheels that come with Amira.

TBC... But it is an excellent article. I think I'll go read reviews on Amira in case something's "wrong" before I spend again so much. But seriously, Amira after 100km ride, I would not have changed anything on it. All was perfect and loved the whole package. And it was not even fitted properly. Imagine!!!

[ny biker]

I trust my own 100km ride over any review.

The people writing the reviews may have different priorities, comfort levels, etc. If your own experience with the Amira indicates that it is a good bike for you, then that is the most important thing.

Good luck and have fun with it!!