My new bike: S-Works Ruby review
08-06-07, 08:23 PM
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My new bike: S-Works Ruby review
Well, it's been a little more than 5 weeks since I picked up my new bike. I've put about 850 miles on her, including a couple of centuries, some 40-mile sprint interval training rides, and a handful of 5000+ ft climbs. I figure it's time for a review/report in case anyone else is looking to make similar upgrades (or has a female friend/SO who is looking for a bike).
For those of you who followed the Saga of the Small Bike Search thread recall, I had a tough time finding a 44-46cm frame with a sub-50 top tube. To recap, I went from a Specialized 48cm aluminum frame with a 105 triple, carbon fork, stem and handlebars to a Specialized 44cm S-Works Ruby frame, Campy-equipped compact double and Fulcrum/Campy wheels.
I know, I know, I didn't exactly take a couple of steps up, it's more like I took an elevator to the upper floors. But here is what I discovered:
Fit
If the real estate market's mantra is "Location, location, location..." than the bike world's should be, "Fit, fit, fit..."
I tried a LOT of 48cm bikes. But after the Serotta fitter measured me and told me I needed a 46cm frame (max) with a shorter TT, I realized I had few options if I wanted to keep 700c wheels. Luckily, Specialized is the leader of the realm of small bikes and their 44cm Ruby fit the bill. Accompanied with a comprehensive 3D Fit (courtesy of Sean at SCC) there is no question that my old bike that was too big for me. The funny thing was, I never thought my old bike felt bad, it was only later I realized that the fit could have been much better.
The smaller bike allows me more comfort in an aero position and greater support for my back, as I no longer need my hands to support any extra weight on the handlebars. I also have greater propulsive strength in my glutes and quads, and can more easily isolate them during specific training exercises.
The smaller frame with the 700 wheels only has two downsides.
• TOE OVERLAP: I have had absolutely no issues with toe overlap when riding (one leans into turns instead of turning the wheel anyway) but I had rapped my foot a few times just sitting on the bike at a stop. No big deal, just something I noticed.
• WATER BOTTLES: The small frame will only take side-loading cages, which is a pain because I have to stop pedaling momentarily to remove/replace a waterbottle. Not a big deal most of the time. Could be an issue on a road like Stunt.
Vibration/Comfort
Next to the fit, this was probably the single biggest difference I felt. Manufacturers can talk all they want about how a carbon fork dampens road vibrations on an AL bike, but until I went full carbon I didn't realize how uncomfortable my previous ride was. The S-Works frame and FSA carbon stem/K-wing handlebars eliminate so much road noise that even without gel tape, the bike just floats. If it weren't for the safety factor, one need not bother wearing gloves. It's that comfortable.
Weight/Performance
I now understand why cyclists go on and on about the need for a stiffer bottom bracket. The carbon frame is exponentially more responsive to acceleration when sprinting and transfers power much more effectively when climbing. Shedding more than 5 pounds from the bike also does wonders –this bike was made for climbing and my own physical limitations are the only thing keeping me from going faster. (BTW, it is not true that a 12-27 cassette is very close in gearing to a triple crank... I can feel a huge difference when the grades top 15%)
My descents are not as rewarding as I hoped and the lighter weight is the reason (110 lb rider + 16 lb bike). Although the tighter fit allows me to cut hairpins with greater ease, my overall downhill speed has been reduced significantly. Even with the faster Fulcrum wheels, in full aero-tuck I have yet to top 43mph. On top of that, I am finding it much more difficult to deal with crosswinds and a few times in Malibu Canyon felt like I was going to be blown off my bike.
Shifting
One of my biggest hurdles was finding a women's bike that comes with high end Campy components. The main reason I wanted them was their smaller hoods. With (shimmed) Shimano brifters my hands were too small to reach the brake levers easily. If I brought my hoods up, I lost mobility in the drops. And vice versa. So custom Campy set-up, here I come... Cha-ching!
That said, I couldn't be happier with my components. I can shift up or down multiple cogs with a single shift and the thumb-shifters are easily accessible from both the hoods and the drops. I don't know why more WSD bikes don't come with them.
Overall
I cannot stress enough how important it is to ride a bike that fits your body like a glove. So many people have commented (including my fitter) that I appear "one" with my bike. And it's true, I feel that way. I fact, I feel that given enough time and training, I can do anything on her!
But is the improvement of the ride worth four times the cost of my aluminum 105 bike?
Honestly, probably not. I think I could have gotten most of these improvements with any number of quality $2000-3000 bikes if manufacturers built bikes in my size. However, as I am not in the 99 percentile who has a selection of stock bikes, I had little choice but to pay dearly for what I wanted. That said, the money's gone and Sacha's exactly what I wanted. I couldn't be more pleased.
Oh, one more thing... my Fulcrum freewheel is really LOUD.
For those of you who followed the Saga of the Small Bike Search thread recall, I had a tough time finding a 44-46cm frame with a sub-50 top tube. To recap, I went from a Specialized 48cm aluminum frame with a 105 triple, carbon fork, stem and handlebars to a Specialized 44cm S-Works Ruby frame, Campy-equipped compact double and Fulcrum/Campy wheels.
I know, I know, I didn't exactly take a couple of steps up, it's more like I took an elevator to the upper floors. But here is what I discovered:
Fit
If the real estate market's mantra is "Location, location, location..." than the bike world's should be, "Fit, fit, fit..."
I tried a LOT of 48cm bikes. But after the Serotta fitter measured me and told me I needed a 46cm frame (max) with a shorter TT, I realized I had few options if I wanted to keep 700c wheels. Luckily, Specialized is the leader of the realm of small bikes and their 44cm Ruby fit the bill. Accompanied with a comprehensive 3D Fit (courtesy of Sean at SCC) there is no question that my old bike that was too big for me. The funny thing was, I never thought my old bike felt bad, it was only later I realized that the fit could have been much better.
The smaller bike allows me more comfort in an aero position and greater support for my back, as I no longer need my hands to support any extra weight on the handlebars. I also have greater propulsive strength in my glutes and quads, and can more easily isolate them during specific training exercises.
The smaller frame with the 700 wheels only has two downsides.
• TOE OVERLAP: I have had absolutely no issues with toe overlap when riding (one leans into turns instead of turning the wheel anyway) but I had rapped my foot a few times just sitting on the bike at a stop. No big deal, just something I noticed.
• WATER BOTTLES: The small frame will only take side-loading cages, which is a pain because I have to stop pedaling momentarily to remove/replace a waterbottle. Not a big deal most of the time. Could be an issue on a road like Stunt.
Vibration/Comfort
Next to the fit, this was probably the single biggest difference I felt. Manufacturers can talk all they want about how a carbon fork dampens road vibrations on an AL bike, but until I went full carbon I didn't realize how uncomfortable my previous ride was. The S-Works frame and FSA carbon stem/K-wing handlebars eliminate so much road noise that even without gel tape, the bike just floats. If it weren't for the safety factor, one need not bother wearing gloves. It's that comfortable.
Weight/Performance
I now understand why cyclists go on and on about the need for a stiffer bottom bracket. The carbon frame is exponentially more responsive to acceleration when sprinting and transfers power much more effectively when climbing. Shedding more than 5 pounds from the bike also does wonders –this bike was made for climbing and my own physical limitations are the only thing keeping me from going faster. (BTW, it is not true that a 12-27 cassette is very close in gearing to a triple crank... I can feel a huge difference when the grades top 15%)
My descents are not as rewarding as I hoped and the lighter weight is the reason (110 lb rider + 16 lb bike). Although the tighter fit allows me to cut hairpins with greater ease, my overall downhill speed has been reduced significantly. Even with the faster Fulcrum wheels, in full aero-tuck I have yet to top 43mph. On top of that, I am finding it much more difficult to deal with crosswinds and a few times in Malibu Canyon felt like I was going to be blown off my bike.
Shifting
One of my biggest hurdles was finding a women's bike that comes with high end Campy components. The main reason I wanted them was their smaller hoods. With (shimmed) Shimano brifters my hands were too small to reach the brake levers easily. If I brought my hoods up, I lost mobility in the drops. And vice versa. So custom Campy set-up, here I come... Cha-ching!
That said, I couldn't be happier with my components. I can shift up or down multiple cogs with a single shift and the thumb-shifters are easily accessible from both the hoods and the drops. I don't know why more WSD bikes don't come with them.
Overall
I cannot stress enough how important it is to ride a bike that fits your body like a glove. So many people have commented (including my fitter) that I appear "one" with my bike. And it's true, I feel that way. I fact, I feel that given enough time and training, I can do anything on her!
But is the improvement of the ride worth four times the cost of my aluminum 105 bike?
Honestly, probably not. I think I could have gotten most of these improvements with any number of quality $2000-3000 bikes if manufacturers built bikes in my size. However, as I am not in the 99 percentile who has a selection of stock bikes, I had little choice but to pay dearly for what I wanted. That said, the money's gone and Sacha's exactly what I wanted. I couldn't be more pleased.
Oh, one more thing... my Fulcrum freewheel is really LOUD.
Last edited by Happytime; 08-07-07 at 05:53 AM.
08-06-07, 08:30 PM
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That review makes me very happy. Nothing like getting it right.
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08-06-07, 08:35 PM
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What gearing are you running? If you need a little more spin on the climbs, get the 13-29 cassette.
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08-06-07, 08:36 PM
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Nice writeup. 
Sacha is a sexy bike. It's a good thing she doesn't properly fit me (I did manage to ride her, but it wasn't exactly an ideal fit) or else she might disappear sometime at one of our group rides.
Sacha is a sexy bike. It's a good thing she doesn't properly fit me (I did manage to ride her, but it wasn't exactly an ideal fit) or else she might disappear sometime at one of our group rides.
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08-06-07, 08:37 PM
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riding once again
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Not that it's a huge deal, but the 13-29 cassette requires the use of the Campy medium cage derailleur, right? I almost went Campy just to get a manufacturer-supported 34/29 low gear. I still think about it sometimes.
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08-06-07, 08:44 PM
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That Ganado makes me wish differently, though!
08-06-07, 08:51 PM
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IRD makes a cassette with a 28 low, and the Ultegra triple will shift an 11-32 in the 9 speed. Oh, and if you feel like mix/matching wheels,
check out one of these: https://www.jtekengineering.com/shiftmate.htm . I run campy ergo with Shimano on the Paramount and Surly.
check out one of these: https://www.jtekengineering.com/shiftmate.htm . I run campy ergo with Shimano on the Paramount and Surly.
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2007 Bacchetta 700c Carbon Aero
2005 Bacchetta Corsa
2004 Surly Long Haul Trucker
1990 Waterford Paramount
Mark Wolfe -- Lakeside, CA
2007 Bacchetta 700c Carbon Aero
2005 Bacchetta Corsa
2004 Surly Long Haul Trucker
1990 Waterford Paramount
08-06-07, 10:16 PM
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I love the way the Fulcrum freewheel sounds - and I'm a complete Campy convert. Sweet bike, and very much deserved!!
08-07-07, 12:14 AM
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Wow, nice bike! I'm jealous of all you spoiled brats. I hope someone ties you up and spanks you!
08-07-07, 07:38 AM
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08-07-07, 08:40 AM
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That's hot. While i'm mildly disappointed there are no parts made from cotton candy for me to eat while you're not looking, that bike is hot. 
April 2008, La Quinta. I want to see you riding it there.
April 2008, La Quinta. I want to see you riding it there.
08-07-07, 02:16 PM
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Beautiful bike!
Thanks for the detailed write-up. I’m currently riding on ZR9000 Alloy (Trek’s fancy term for aluminum) and considering upgrading to all Carbon. Your review is very helpful.
Thanks for the detailed write-up. I’m currently riding on ZR9000 Alloy (Trek’s fancy term for aluminum) and considering upgrading to all Carbon. Your review is very helpful.
08-07-07, 02:47 PM
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Nice one Joy- great bike & I'm happy you've got it dialed in to your satifaction.
You'll be fine with a low of 34/27- considering I'm packing an extra 60lbs.of mass, if I can drag myself up Ganado with that combo you should float up it!
Since injury will keep me off the bike for quite a while, I'm seriously considering the switch to Campy while I'm waiting.....
Have fun!
Andy
You'll be fine with a low of 34/27- considering I'm packing an extra 60lbs.of mass, if I can drag myself up Ganado with that combo you should float up it!
Since injury will keep me off the bike for quite a while, I'm seriously considering the switch to Campy while I'm waiting.....
Have fun!
Andy
08-07-07, 05:14 PM
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Great write-up! Your comments about full carbon are very interesting and when the next bike does come around for me, I will be looking long and hard at a full carbon bike. Also, about the thumb shifters, my KHS has them as well (although mine are low-end Shimano units).
08-07-07, 05:36 PM
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I'm clueless about bikes as you already know, Joy. But having seen Sacha in the flesh (carbon) and how well she fits you, you done real good.
08-08-07, 01:40 PM
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Congrats, sounds like you found a winner!
I built up my custom steel with Chorus 10 for no other reason than to try something different. Am I glad I did. I am a full Campy convert.
Oh, and Fulcrum is made my Campy, and Campy freewheels are LOUD. I've got Zondas, Ventos and Sciroccos, and they all announce my arrival when I'm coasting.
Jim
I built up my custom steel with Chorus 10 for no other reason than to try something different. Am I glad I did. I am a full Campy convert.
Oh, and Fulcrum is made my Campy, and Campy freewheels are LOUD. I've got Zondas, Ventos and Sciroccos, and they all announce my arrival when I'm coasting.
Jim
08-08-07, 03:06 PM
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I have Khamsin on my bike, they're like an alarm system telling me not to coast
First ride I did was with my sister and she was convinced that I got a defective wheel.
Nice bike, btw, Happytime. Congrats!
08-09-07, 11:25 AM
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Thanks everyone! I'm really having a great time on her, although I'm totally sold on the wheelset yet. My downhills are still a bit disappointing, but I'm not sure a better pair (Zipps, Ovo?) will make me significantly faster.
08-09-07, 11:43 AM
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08-09-07, 12:13 PM
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When I switched to a lighter bike, my downhill speed dropped a little. I was fine with that since I still don't like to descend that fast anyway. Putting heavier wheels on might help, but it'll hurt your climbing. I'd say just stick with what you've got unless you can borrow some wheels. If you weren't running that snooty campy set up, you could've borrowed some of my extra wheels.