The new Ruby!!
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After the success of the 2006 Ruby, Specialized have improved their 2007 top womens road bike. Next year expect a lighter and stiffer frame kitted out with high end components including Shimano DuraAce on the top end S-Works and Pro models weighing 7.1kg whilst the more value oriented Comp Triple model weighs 8.15kg.
There are 4 models of Ruby model:
- Ruby Comp - 105 triple crank and compact FSA double (105 groupo)
- Ruby Expert - FSA triple and compact (ultegra groupo)
- Ruby Pro - FSA compact double only (Dura Ace/Ultegra)
- Ruby S-Works - compact double only (specialized oversized BB) Dura Ace Groupo
We spoke to Eron Chorney, the new Women's Product Manager at Specialized HQ. Here's what she says about the Ruby range:
"All of the Ruby models have the same women's geometry with a shorter top tube, taller head tube, and smaller sizes. The sizes range from 44 to 56cm with 700c wheels on all sizes. All of the models are full carbon including fork and feature Specialized Zertz for add comfort.
Curvy chainstays!!
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The Comp, Expert and Pro each have a carbon 7r lay-up which is a nice light weight carbon lay-up. While the S-Works Ruby model has an even higher-end 9r carbon lay-up with no cosmetic finish to make the frame lighter and more compliant than the other models. The S-works also has an oversized bottom bracket that allows for the Specialized oversize crank to be used. This makes the integrated system (cranks and frame) lighter and stiffer than the equivalent frame without the oversize feature. The S-Works model is new for this year and is the first ever S-Works level bike for women. If you are not aware the S-works models are all the pinnacle bikes or halo products from Specialized."
The Dolce range
The Dolce bikes are the other road bikes available for women from Specialized and they also feature the same women's geometry found on the Ruby bikes. There are 3 Dolce models:
- Dolce Comp - aluminum/carbon mix with Shimano 105 triple combination
- Dolce Elite - aluminum/carbon mix with Shimano 105 rear derailleur + Tiagra combination
- Dolce - full aluminum frame with Shimano Sora groupo
Success of the 2006 bikes
2006 saw the launch of the Ruby, a pro level race machine, and half way through the bike year they'd sold out and doubled the previous order, these continued to sell without any drop in interest. It seems they were flying out of bike shops. A direct kick to the proverbials of any bloke who had previously said that high end womens bike wouldn't sell! We can't tell you how happy we were to see the figures to back up our thoughts and hopes.
Here's hoping the commitment to high end carbon framed road bikes for women will transfer across to the mountain bike range for 2008. See our Specialized 2007 mountain bike launch article for more info on the off-road range.
We can't offer any prices or arrival dates until September when all this info will be announced by Specialized. You can keep a look out on SheCycles or go to the Specialized website
Sexy lines and nice black finish
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Kitted out with lightweight Mavic wheelset
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Cheryl 
