Hi there,
I've been on the hunt for a road bike for about a month, visiting many LBS's as well as bigger chains. I've ridden about 15 different bikes, some of them several times, and I've narrowed my choice down to two bikes: Specialized Amira Comp ('10) and women's Cannondale Synapse 5 ('12).
These two are fairly different and I've had a lot of feedback (even from other shops) that the Amira is an incredibly great value: full Shimano 105 set, carbon frame, incredible fit, for $1890. I've forgotten what wheels it comes with.
The Synapse is a a good fit too, aluminum/carbon fork, Shimano 105 shifters & derailleurs, rs10 wheelset, for $1350.
My bike budget was about $2k, although I can stretch it if I want to -- it won't hurt me financially, just a psychological thing. This is my first road bike since I was a kid, so I have to get accessories... pedals, maybe clipless (not sure about this), patch kit, lights, water bottles & cages, pump, probably some bike shorts, etc. I have a helmet already.
My question is, does it seem reasonable to get the Amira as a first road bike? I've been told by many that it's "a lot of bike". My application is recreational riding / exercise to start, then biking with a friend who's an ironman triathlete and will probably push me a bit. I have visions of one day getting into triathlon, though I hate running so not sure this will come to fruition.
I live in the mountains so around my house there are serious hills, though I think both bikes could handle this okay. I think the Amira has an 11-25 gearset (not sure that's the right term), and the Synapse has 12-28 (which i think is better for hills?).
I *love* the way the Amira feels. Everything about it smooth and slick and it just feels perfect. I *really like* the Synapse, but the Amira has the edge on how it rides, especially with the carbon frame. One other thing -- these are from different shops. It's also possible the Amira is just dialed in better (it's from an LBS) and that when the Synapse (from a bigger store that maybe isn't as careful with its builds) is adjusted it would feel smoother.
The Amira would stretch my budget, but I'd probably be set for a very long time with it. The Synapse obviously would cost less, but I worry that I'd be dreaming about the Amira (or something like it). On the other hand, I do think I'd be happy with the Synapse, so maybe I would forget about the Amira if I'm happy with the Synapse. I like the aesthetics of both, so would be motivated to ride with either one.
Soooo, any advice, guys? Is it really worth it to stretch my budget to get the Amira? Or is it excessive for a first bike? Would love to hear your input and what you might do in this situation and why. Let me know if I can give any more info that would help. I'm not looking for anyone to make a decision for me, but wanted to bounce the facts off some other ears so I can see if I'm being irrational (do I just want the pretty, expensive bike even though I might not need it) or if there's a better argument one way or the other. Thanks!
I've been on the hunt for a road bike for about a month, visiting many LBS's as well as bigger chains. I've ridden about 15 different bikes, some of them several times, and I've narrowed my choice down to two bikes: Specialized Amira Comp ('10) and women's Cannondale Synapse 5 ('12).
These two are fairly different and I've had a lot of feedback (even from other shops) that the Amira is an incredibly great value: full Shimano 105 set, carbon frame, incredible fit, for $1890. I've forgotten what wheels it comes with.
The Synapse is a a good fit too, aluminum/carbon fork, Shimano 105 shifters & derailleurs, rs10 wheelset, for $1350.
My bike budget was about $2k, although I can stretch it if I want to -- it won't hurt me financially, just a psychological thing. This is my first road bike since I was a kid, so I have to get accessories... pedals, maybe clipless (not sure about this), patch kit, lights, water bottles & cages, pump, probably some bike shorts, etc. I have a helmet already.
My question is, does it seem reasonable to get the Amira as a first road bike? I've been told by many that it's "a lot of bike". My application is recreational riding / exercise to start, then biking with a friend who's an ironman triathlete and will probably push me a bit. I have visions of one day getting into triathlon, though I hate running so not sure this will come to fruition.
I live in the mountains so around my house there are serious hills, though I think both bikes could handle this okay. I think the Amira has an 11-25 gearset (not sure that's the right term), and the Synapse has 12-28 (which i think is better for hills?).
I *love* the way the Amira feels. Everything about it smooth and slick and it just feels perfect. I *really like* the Synapse, but the Amira has the edge on how it rides, especially with the carbon frame. One other thing -- these are from different shops. It's also possible the Amira is just dialed in better (it's from an LBS) and that when the Synapse (from a bigger store that maybe isn't as careful with its builds) is adjusted it would feel smoother.
The Amira would stretch my budget, but I'd probably be set for a very long time with it. The Synapse obviously would cost less, but I worry that I'd be dreaming about the Amira (or something like it). On the other hand, I do think I'd be happy with the Synapse, so maybe I would forget about the Amira if I'm happy with the Synapse. I like the aesthetics of both, so would be motivated to ride with either one.
Soooo, any advice, guys? Is it really worth it to stretch my budget to get the Amira? Or is it excessive for a first bike? Would love to hear your input and what you might do in this situation and why. Let me know if I can give any more info that would help. I'm not looking for anyone to make a decision for me, but wanted to bounce the facts off some other ears so I can see if I'm being irrational (do I just want the pretty, expensive bike even though I might not need it) or if there's a better argument one way or the other. Thanks!