Which bike-Ruby Pro Compact; Ruby Expert UI2 Compact or Ruby Comp Compact?

[kiwi rider]

I have an opportunity to get a new ruby (warranty replacement-rode ruby sport compact for 2 years). I ride endurance rides, which for me is anywhere from 40-60miles. I am buying with the mind set, whatever I get is for the long haul. My DH is very sweet & says to get which ever I want. I don't know what I want?

I have heard lots of pro's and con's, researched and will ride all three on the same day in the next week or so.
-I am hesitant with the UI2; running out of juice, being stuck in one gear, relying on electronics....... BUT am told it is totally smooth & easy!
-Ruby Pro Compact; do I really need a bike which is worth more than my car haha!
-Comp Compact; a good compromise, but am I settling?

I was wondering if any of you ladies had any thoughts regarding preferences of one over the other.
Any who have had electronic shifters experience? Ultegra to Dura Ace? I welcome your comments.

Happy New Year!

[Kiwi Stoker]

Can you try out a bike (for a decent test ride) with the electronic shifting? I really think it's personal preference, you either love it or hate it. I have heard from one bike shop repairer that several of his customers have dwitched back to mechanical shifting as it didn't suit them. Also today's mechanical shifting is getting very good. I personally am considering electronic shifting for our tandem, however that's because there's advantages in not having to run such long shifter cables and shift timing that a tandem being a long bike would beneifit from.

However there is frame advantages between the Roby Pro and Comp- the carbon layup is different and lighter. Have you considered not a big a jump up and going for an Ultegra Compact Elie? I went from the Comp to an Elite and found it was a much better and value for money upgrade.

[Cyclingfun]

Sorry I've no experience to add to help in answering your question, but just to say what an amazing opportunity and what a lovely generous gift from your DH! - and hope your test-rides can be long enough with sufficient variety of terrain to give you a feel for how the different equipment works in reality. Very best of luck and hope you'll love your choice!

[nscrbug]

As someone who has ridden Ui2 for a full riding season, I say, if you can swing the extra cost of it...go with electronic. I have not had a single problem throughout the 8,642 miles I have ridden this year...and I am not joking! I could not be any happier with the performance of Ui2. It is smooth, precise, quick, and quiet. And for someone with hand issues such as myself, it has been the difference between riding and NOT riding...well, more specifically SHIFTING. I jumped in blindfolded...never even test rode a bike with it, yet chose it as the drivetrain on my custom Ti Seven that I had built last winter. No regrets at all. But if you're unsure, go out and test ride a bike equipped with electronic and see for yourself. BTW...I have yet to run out of juice on a ride...and I do long endurance rides (50-100 miles) too. I think I have only charged up the battery 3 or 4x the whole riding season...only takes about 2 hours for a full charge, easily done overnight. Plus, I have my battery indicator mounted up higher near my handlebar, so that I can keep an eye on the level...but most of the time, I don't even worry about it.

Linda

[kiwi rider]

Can you try out a bike (for a decent test ride) with the electronic shifting? I really think it's personal preference, you either love it or hate it. I have heard from one bike shop repairer that several of his customers have dwitched back to mechanical shifting as it didn't suit them. Also today's mechanical shifting is getting very good. I personally am considering electronic shifting for our tandem, however that's because there's advantages in not having to run such long shifter cables and shift timing that a tandem being a long bike would beneifit from.

However there is frame advantages between the Roby Pro and Comp- the carbon layup is different and lighter. Have you considered not a big a jump up and going for an Ultegra Compact Elie? I went from the Comp to an Elite and found it was a much better and value for money upgrade.

Thank you for your feedback. (guessing you are a kiwi also?).
All three styles should be in the next week or so, and I should be able to test ride them around the subdivision for several miles. Is that what you meant?
I guess I am prepared to take a bigger jump because of the great deal I would get, and not wanting to upgrade again.

Tandem sounds fun!

[kiwi rider]

Thank you Cyclingfun for your kind words!...........

[kiwi rider]

As someone who has ridden Ui2 for a full riding season, I say, if you can swing the extra cost of it...go with electronic. I have not had a single problem throughout the 8,642 miles I have ridden this year...and I am not joking! I could not be any happier with the performance of Ui2. It is smooth, precise, quick, and quiet. And for someone with hand issues such as myself, it has been the difference between riding and NOT riding...well, more specifically SHIFTING. I jumped in blindfolded...never even test rode a bike with it, yet chose it as the drivetrain on my custom Ti Seven that I had built last winter. No regrets at all. But if you're unsure, go out and test ride a bike equipped with electronic and see for yourself. BTW...I have yet to run out of juice on a ride...and I do long endurance rides (50-100 miles) too. I think I have only charged up the battery 3 or 4x the whole riding season...only takes about 2 hours for a full charge, easily done overnight. Plus, I have my battery indicator mounted up higher near my handlebar, so that I can keep an eye on the level...but most of the time, I don't even worry about it.

Linda

Linda, I very much appreciate your feedback. WOW! Congratulations. That is an amazing amount of miles in one year (more than my car has driven, haha). It is very reassuring to know charging does not take that long, and lasts for quite some time.

?-have you had your bike serviced since putting on this system?

[Kiwi Stoker]

Thank you for your feedback. (guessing you are a kiwi also?).
All three styles should be in the next week or so, and I should be able to test ride them around the subdivision for several miles. Is that what you meant?
I guess I am prepared to take a bigger jump because of the great deal I would get, and not wanting to upgrade again.

Tandem sounds fun!

Yes I am a New Zealander, however now residing in Aussie (yeah I know, but where there's work, hubby goes). Tandem is an absolute blast. My talking buddy, mechanic and motivation is with me all the time. Goes really fast downhill and the flat and always gets a smile from people. My Ruby gets a bit jealous I think!

BTW most people I have meet in the couple of cycle clubs I have been a member of are very happy with a carbon frame and ultegra geared level bike. Normally you can stick with that and switch out things like saddles and go-fast wheels. You do need to be riding at a very elite level to notice the difference performance wise by purchasing Dura Ace or Specialized S-Works level bike.

[nscrbug]

?-have you had your bike serviced since putting on this system?

Other than to have my battery indicator moved up higher near my bars where I can see it better (which required them to do some minor rewiring), and a new chain (both done in July)...that's really been it. Like I said, I really have not had any issues to warrant having service done. Compared to my previous bike, a Cannondale Synapse Fem 3, which had a myriad of issues from day 1...this bike has been a dream to own.

Linda

[kiwi rider]

Yes I am a New Zealander, however now residing in Aussie (yeah I know, but where there's work, hubby goes). Tandem is an absolute blast. My talking buddy, mechanic and motivation is with me all the time. Goes really fast downhill and the flat and always gets a smile from people. My Ruby gets a bit jealous I think!

BTW most people I have meet in the couple of cycle clubs I have been a member of are very happy with a carbon frame and ultegra geared level bike. Normally you can stick with that and switch out things like saddles and go-fast wheels. You do need to be riding at a very elite level to notice the difference performance wise by purchasing Dura Ace or Specialized S-Works level bike.

**
I understand that, I live in TX.

Hmmm Tamdem................I guess there is only one boss!

I am not an elite level rider. S-Works is not a consideration. Just joined Randonneurs, so will do some long distance rides this year. Thank you for taking the time to respond. You have given me food for thought.

[kiwi rider]

Thank you Linda. Exciting to hear it is a dream to own.

[kiwi rider]

OK Ladies. Test rode the Ultegra & Ui2 today. On bikes I wouldn't buy (trek, specialized tarmac-they had in my size w/the gearing I am looking for). No big change in terrain available, mostly flat with a little iddy biddy bridge.
This is what I found:
Ultegra
Felt familar-style of handle (so change gears and apply break without moving hand)
Smooth gearing (had apex before)
Could feel change on front derailer when switching back and forth (not problem, just more obvious than Ui2)
Changing front derailer I would push too hard on gear and I would swerve a little
Ui2
Very fast
Front derailer change happened smoothly
Have to move hands a little from gear changing postion to break position
More confidence when I switched up and down fast when needed
Cost $1,000 more! (for a frugal person, hard to justify need v want even if my husband says it is ok)

Will sleep on it. And post back my decision and experience with new ride.
Thanks so much for all the feedback ladies

[azfiddle]

Good luck- what a wonderful dilemma to have!

[kiwi rider]

Yes, it is! I feel incredibly blessed. Unfortunately I am a perfectionist, so don't want to make a mistake!

Love your picture of the earing. :-)

Good luck- what a wonderful dilemma to have!

[bluejellybean]

Happy decision making!!

Yes, it is! I feel incredibly blessed. Unfortunately I am a perfectionist, so don't want to make a mistake!

Love your picture of the earing. :-)