Favorite Ride: Masi Rider 5BBT - wouldn't do it any other way
Bike Setup: Upgraded saddle and wheels: Specialized Toupe and Zipp 404 clinchers. Salsa short & shallow handlebars.
Summary: I have no regrets spending $2200 on this bike, which was my first ever road bike. I tried different Specialized bikes and believe me, the extra money is well worth it especially if you are going to do long rides on a regular basis, or are starting to do organized rides or races, whether road or tri. The Ruby was the first bike that I found to fit me (I am 4'9") that had 700c wheels and was also a quality bike. I do road racing as well as triathlon and it has served me well in both sports. I like the zertz inserts that soak up the road vibration - it makes a huge difference in road "feel" compared to my aluminum Specialized bike, which has a carbon fork but had a harsher ride that I noticed esp over 50+ mile rides. I love riding the Ruby especially over longer distances because it is just flat out more comfortable. But it is definitely a speedy bike, on flats and hills, and I liked the Shimano WH-560 wheels it came with - except for the bladed spokes, which made me tip over more in high wind (I am also <100ln). When I traded the wheels out for regular spoke Neuvation wheels, it made a big difference. Now I ride the Ruby with aero bars and zipp 404s and it's an OK setup for triathlon - but I would really rather get a custom TT bike if I had the dough.
Strengths: Light, absorbs vibration (carbon/zertz), great up hills, 105 gruppo does the job.
Weaknesses: Comes with a really dorky huge saddle. I think the new models have a much better saddle. Also, I also have come to appreciate the geometry that a bike with 650c wheels could afford me and I wish that Specialized offered an XS version with 650c and a more relaxed seat tube angle. For that matter, I wish they made a TT bike (the Transition) that fit me too!
Similar Products Used: Specialized Dolce Vita 2005
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Summary: I am so pleased with my purchase. I am 60 years old and decided I would get exactly what I wanted... and why not. Shifts like butter, rides like a dream, handles beautifully and is good looking to boot. I'm 4'11" and the XS size fits like a custom bike. I'm thrilled that it has the 700 wheels. I feel like a real adult!!
Strengths: Everything! Please see my summary
Weaknesses: Weakness.............. maybe the rider, but not for long
Similar Products Used: Trek 1.2 . Is not even close to the Ruby
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Bike Setup: I have a performance fit on the bike zero setback seat post and took the spacers out of the arm rests for the aero bars. components: Dura ace- rear deurailer, aero bar shifters; Ultegra-cranks, brakes,front deurailer; SRAM chain.
Summary: this is an entry level time trial/triathlon bike with aluminum frame and carbon forks. it came with ironman carbon stryke aero bars, shimano dura-ace shifters and rear deurailer, shimano sram chain and ultegra brakes and cranks. The only mods I have made is to switch out the carbon seatpost for a thompson elite aluminum zero setback seat post. I am very satisfied with the componentry. The ride is great it is a little stiff but it's expected from an aluminum bike. The frame is a semi aero frame resembling that of a cervelo. This bike is light and fast.
Strengths: weight, componentry, overall a very fast bike.
Weaknesses: ride is a little stiff thats about it.
Similar Products Used: I have ridden the 06' model cervelo dual with the ultegra package and they are quite similar.
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Bike Setup: Stock setup - 105 components, FSA gossamer compact cranks, Shimano wheels, Specialized for women bar and saddle. Added UST carbon post and Panaracer Stradius Pro rubber.
Summary: This bike was purchased for my wife who is just started riding about 6months ago. She is a petite rider at 4'11" and the bike fits her perfectly. The Shimano 105 components are solid and the carbon fram with the zertz inserts provide her a comfortable ride. The bike is smooth, fast, and comfortable...everything she needs.
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