[juliemboyle]

<p><a href="http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=52879&eid=6064&menuItemId=0&gold_ses" target="_blank">http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=52879&eid=6064&menuItemId=0&gold_ses</a>=</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I am starting my search for a new road bike, I would like to get it by early April for when I start outside again.  Right now I have a specialized Dolce.  It was the entry level at the time and I have upgraded some things over time but just have loved it, so I am probably leaning toward another specialized..............thinking the Ruby......anyone have any thoughts or input on a good road bike for about $2500-$3000?</p>

 

[jroden]

<p>I would think you can get into a decent carbon fiber frame top or one from the top shimano components and good quality wheels for that price.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If it were me I would:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>- not restrict my search to women's bikes but rather shop by top tube length (horizontal)</p>
<p>- swap for a shimano compact crank and bottom bracket and avoid the popular fsa</p>
<p>- get a women's saddle</p>
<p>- think about wheel choices, if you can use your existing wheel for training, perhaps do a bit of an upgrade so you have a nice set.  If no, consider a set of standard 32 spoke hand built wheels from the shop with Dura ace hubs, they will last forever</p>
<p>- the shop may have to swap stem and bars for fit</p>
<p>- if you can avoid 650 / 26 in wheels do so</p>
<p> </p>
<p>you should have a wide set of choices but if you are in a smaller size you are somewhat limited.  use the internet and study the geometry charts, some bike just won't fit you correctly.</p>

 

[4boysmom]

<p>Love, love, love my little Ruby!  Actually, both of 'em.  Had the blue named Ruby, but cracked the frame.  Specialized replaced it and now I have the red, which is named Sapphire.  Don't think I've had to replace anything on her.  I did get better wheels which I probably didn't need but they certainly look better.</p>

 

[cak73]

<p>Nothing "lower" than Shimano 105s...preferably Ultegra.</p>
<p>Compact crank (agree with JR regarding Shimano over FSA, I just swapped mine) with something like 12-27 or 11-28 for the cluster.</p>
<p>I totally love my Selle SMP LIte 209 saddle.</p>
<p>The guys at Fit Werx totally know what they're doing.  Consider going where they put you on a "fitter bike" and get you all comfy, then look for a bike that will allow for that fit.</p>

 

[regiolanthe]

<p>Available at Goodales in 54 cm - not sure the fit for your height (5'7), but you are fairly tall so worth a shot. Maybe they'll swap out the crank from the FSA, but it's got a nice enough wheelset (Mavic Kyrisium), alu frame/carbon fork and chainstays, mix of Durace and Ultegra, and a pretty good buy ($1924  - according to Bikepedia, MSRP was 2999). A couple of women who ride the bagelry ride are Cannondale gals, and like the frame.  </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.goodalesbikeshop.com/goodales/product.asp?s_id=0&prod_name=cannondale+six+fem+1+double+2009&pf_id=PAHCIBCCNDONGFII&dept_id=3004" target="_blank">http://www.goodalesbikeshop.com/goodales/product.asp?s_id=0&prod_name=cannondale+six+fem+1+double+2009&pf_id=PAHCIBCCNDONGFII&dept_id=3004</a><span style="display:none;"> </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you want to do some comparisons with your Dolce for measurements, the frame geometry is here (54 in last column):</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.cannondale.com/usa/usaeng/Products/2009/Feminine-Bikes/Details/1609-9RWT1D-SIX-Feminine-1" target="_blank">http://www.cannondale.com/usa/usaeng/Products/2009/Feminine-Bikes/Details/1609-9RWT1D-SIX-Feminine-1</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>And to paraphrase Henry Ford, you can have any color you want as long as it's black.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Reg / geo</p>

 

[regiolanthe]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span><span style="display:none;"> </span>
<div class="quote-block">
<p> </p>
<p>If you want to do some comparisons with your Dolce for measurements, the frame geometry is here (54 in last column):</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.cannondale.com/usa/usaeng/Products/2009/Feminine-Bikes/Details/1609-9RWT1D-SIX-Feminine-1" target="_blank">http://www.cannondale.com/usa/usaeng/Products/2009/Feminine-Bikes/Details/1609-9RWT1D-SIX-Feminine-1</a></p>
<p> </p>
</div>
</div>
<p> Looks like the labelling is messed up on the measurements though (letters do not correspond to stated measurement), but I'm sure you can figure it out.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>geo</p>