My new girl

[JaneE]

After a several-week-long process of test riding bikes and swapping out parts and wheels, I finally brought my new girl home:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/attac...1&d=1221255667

She's a 2008 Specialized Ruby Comp.

My LBS swapped out some 105 parts for Ultegra, upgraded the wheels a bit (made a HUGE difference) and still gave me a break off the 2008 Ruby Comp price. I think we got a pretty good deal.

My old road bike was a retro-fit (bought it used) and this new frame is a bit smaller, over all, which may help account for why I was never completely comfortable on the old bike. The Ruby fits like a glove.

The shop put a Bontrager Women's Inform saddle on it to try (didn't care for the Lithia); I'm anxious to give it a test. I believe I'll also embrace my inner "pinkness." I have the shop searching for some pink water bottles and I've already been checking out the PurelyCustom website to see what they have to offer. What do you all think? Pink handlebar tape? You probably can't tell very well from the photo, but the frame is black with pink lettering and details.

She's very stiff and zippy. Can't wait to get out and ride! (No more rain!!)

[ilima]

Very nice. I like the subtle pink effects. But I like the black stealth look, too. It really is a nice looking bike.

I want to pimp my ride with some of the Purely Custom stuff, as well.

[Zen]

Very nice. I like the subtle pink effects. But I like the black stealth look, too.

I agree.
My bike is all black with lettering like that too.

Don't over pink it.

[celerystalksme]

very nice! has that dark stealth bomber look!

[Miranda]

I love the all black. The pink is a nice subtle touch... I think I would pull it in with attire. Attire is much easier to undo if you get "pink sick".

Ride her in health and safety.

[JaneE]

Yeah, I guess I do like the stealth look, myself (LBS wanted to give me pink bottle cages but I thought they were a little much).

I may add a few small pink touches like chain ring bolts and bar end caps on the black bars; nothing too obvious.

[cosc]

Jane congratulations on a sweet bike. So pretty with the subtle pink touches on your frame.

[pardes]

How very lovely, proud mama! You should have lots of fun with that bike.

[RoadRaven]

Lovely Jane
One of my training partners got a new Ruby last year, and she has just loved it.
Enjoy

[Tokie]

You will have a blast with your Ruby! I am getting mine patched up at Calfee after I crashed out in a race. It is such a comfortable ride, and handles very well. Mine is the "pro" (lighter carbon frame) after my crash, I wished that I had the Ruby with the heavier carbon frame like yours. Live and learn! tokie

[JaneE]

You will have a blast with your Ruby! I am getting mine patched up at Calfee after I crashed out in a race. It is such a comfortable ride, and handles very well. Mine is the "pro" (lighter carbon frame) after my crash, I wished that I had the Ruby with the heavier carbon frame like yours. Live and learn! tokie

Aw...sorry to hear about your bike! Hope they fix her up good as new for you.

[wnyrider]

I really like your bike Jane! I like how you worked out the parts to have the bike suit you. I did go to Handlebars, your LBS, in my pursuit of a road bike earlier this summer. I went in specifically for a LeMond Reno. A blonde guy named Bob waited on me. They didn't have any in stock however. Initially I was turned off of Handlebars because of the mandatory $75 fee for a fitting in order to even try out any of the models. I didn't have a clue what brand of road bike I wanted. That was (actually still is) my biggest frustration in choosing a bicycle-- the combination of being interested in more than one brand and/or models and the bike shop(s) not having that brand and/or model and size on hand to try out. Did that make sense?! I actually went to 6 bicycle shops that day. Seeing your positive experience with Handlebars may have me reconsidering them in the future! Did you purchase your LHT through them also? That would be extra encouraging for me since it would seem likely that if I did have a fitting there, they could order a bike for me that was not in stock.