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Review: Specialized S-Works Ruby

Canadian Cycling Magazine Specialized S Works Ruby

Canadian Cycling Magazine Specialized S Works Ruby

 

Specialized’s S-Works Ruby is made for serious cyclists. Those ready to move to the top of the company’s Ruby line will appreciate its redesign and highperformance details. It also continues to be smooth and comfortable on really long rides.

It was only a matter of time before the U.S. bike manufacturer launched the S-Works version of the tried-and-true Ruby. Elevating the endurance road bike to the elite class was a no-brainer because it’s been raced on by some of the top women in the world for nearly a decade. The bike is known for being one of the most comfortable on the market, but its new construction and high-performance specs make it more competitive.

“It’s a completely different bike now,” said Andrew McGregor of Specialized Canada. “The Ruby was our first real foray into women’s road bikes. We always wanted it to be an endurance bike and a race bike at the same time, but it wasn’t really where we wanted it to be at that time.”

It’s hard not to notice the nearly weightless feel of the new S-Works Ruby when pulling it out of the box for the first time. Specialized revamped the frame by introducing its FACT triple monocoque construction that keeps carbon-fibre-wrapped bonded joints to a minimum. Using less carbon-fibre decreases its overall weight, making it feel more responsive on hills than the previous Ruby. Overall, the bike is stiffer torsionally and through the bottom bracket than its predecessor and it reacted quickly to sprints and small accelerations on flatter sections of the local group ride.

One of the most noticeable changes is its geometry. The bike now has a longer wheelbase and taller head tube that allow it to make a larger turning radius for more predictability through the corners. The features also help the bike roll almost effortlessly along undulating terrain and stay as smooth as ever on bumpy pavement. These factors make the bike suitable for both long, easy rides and more aggressive racing.

“The big change is that it now has true endurance geometry,” McGregor said. “The construction changes were made to increase the performance of the bike, make it turn better, accelerate faster and climb better. We want people to understand that it’s a road bike that is very comfortable and quick. Smooth is great, but smooth and fast is better.”

Specialized’s trademark vibration-dampening Zertz inserts are still an important part of the bike’s design. They are placed strategically in the uniquely shaped seatstays and full carbon-fibre fork. The inserts help absorb some of the choppy pavement and dirt roads during the ride. A standout feature on the bike is the brand new carbon-fibre leaf-suspension seatpost, which also has a Zertz insert. This setup is said to add 7 mm of vertical compliance. It’s named the Cobl Gobl-R because it’s supposed to add an extra level of comfort over cobblestones.

The S-Works Ruby was built using the company’s own women’s-specific features that include ergonomic carbon-fibre handlebars and Oura Pro saddle. The gruppo is Shimano’s top-of-the-line Dura-Ace set, which is paired with the company’s own carbon-fibre compact cranks. The bike comes in sizes that range from 44 cm to 57 cm.

The bike came with Shimano Dura-Ace C24 carbon-fibre wheels – tubeless optional – which were great on rough roads because they got fewer flat tires. The tubeless tires also have thicker walls and allow for slightly lower pressure, if needed, making them smooth and reliable for adventurous riders who like to add dirt roads and gravel sections to their routes.

Not only does this bike come with high-performance features, but it also has a brand new look. Its esthetics are simple, modern and feminine with internal-cable routing along a crisp white frame. The finish has a sheen and subtly placed silver and gold graphics along the top and down tubes. Specialized gave it a wow factor by using its own flashy gold gel handlebar tape to match the saddle. The other wow factor is its price. Specialized makes sure you get what you paid for because all in all this bike is smooth, fast and competitive. Its high-end features make it a real luxury.

Components Shimano Dura-Ace

Wheels Shimano Dura-Acecarbon tubeless

Sizes (cm) 44, 48, 51, 54, 57

Price $9,499