cannondale synapse 5 vs. specialized amira comp

[telebum]

Hello all, I am new to raod biking. I was wondering if anyone can help me choosing a bike for myself.
After trying countless bikes around town (bianchi, orbea, felt,trek), I am left with these two to choose from. They are both equally comfortable. I think the decision will come down to which one is physically better. anyone knows which one of these two has better frame?
thanks:D

[Owlie]

The Amira is meant as an aggressive race-oriented bike. The Synapse is a more upright, "endurance" (read "relaxed") road geometry. A "plush" bike, if you will. What do you want to do? The carbon layup may be a little different, and the Amira is probably going to feel more stiff. Helps on climbs and in going fast, but may not be as comfortable over long rides.

The components are about the same. I don't know about wheels.

[telebum]

owlie, thanks for the quick reply.
I am looking to do friendly rides with this bike. perhaps riding to work.
They do have the same components and those like wheels can easily be upgraded.
I am basically trying to get the best frame I can get, thus I want to know the difference between how the two carbon technologies differ.

[telebum]

in addition, I'd also like to know about how cs for these two companies. which one has better/nicer cs.
thanks again ladies.....

[Owlie]

I don't know about the customer service aspect (someone else might), as you're mostly going to be dealing with the LBS. One thing I would check is the manufacturer's warranty on the frame. Ask the bike shop (if they're the same), since they should be able to give you a concise version or call Specialized or Cannondale directly. (The fine print is making my eyes glaze over.)
DBF, as much as he is a Cannondale fanboy (he'd marry his R2000 if it could cook), he'd probably tell you to go with Specialized; Cannondale's "thing", according to him, has historically been aluminum. However, that's his opinion, and the Synapse is probably a fine bike. I don't have direct experience with either bike--I'm researching for later. (Though, thanks for making me take a second look at the geometry chart for the Synapse. I may actually be able to make one work for me...)

I'm not sure you're going to get a straight answer on the carbon thing. What you're likely to get is a lot of marketing mumbo-jumbo dressed up with engineering terms.

Have/can you take them out on longer rides? They will probably feel very different, even though the fit may work for you.

[telebum]

owlie, I havent taken any of them on long rides. I am gonna ride thme both again tomorrow.
meanwhile, if anyone has anything to say about these two bikes, please chime in.
thanks

[Ritamarie]

Telebum,

There's a big Synapse following here. You'll find multiple threads about it, but here's the latest: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=43719

I ride fairly aggressively, but love the stability and comfort of the Synapse.

[azfiddle]

Not on your list, but the Specialized Ruby is probably more similar to the Synapse than the Amira. Mine is very comfortable.

Do take the bikes out for a test ride- I test rode several bikes on the same 10 mile route before buying, which included a steep hill and a few curvy sections, some smooth road and some bumpy pavement, which allowed me to compare the handling and ride in a variety of situations.

[WindingRoad]

Don't be fooled in thinking because a bike is comfortable that its slow. The Synapse is a very comfy bike but it can carve out corners too. I don't own one but I have test ridden them several times and I definitely approve.

[nscrbug]

I ride a Synapse (Carbon Fem 3 w/Ultegra)...it's a wonderful bike. I've done many long distance rides on it and it has served me well. My only gripe is that I need to have my fit 'tweaked' a bit (I'm a difficult rider to fit, due to a myriad of pain issues that I have) to enhance my comfort.

Linda

[Owlie]

The Synapse or Ruby. The Amira won't be too comfortable for endurance as it has more racing geometry.

My Synapse has a fairly steep seat-tube. Wish I'd considered the Ruby (which is a little better for longer legs, I'm thinking, since it has a more slack seat-tube). How are you proportionatly? Long legs relative to height? Shorter? About equal?

Makes a difference too. The main thing though, is to try many different bikes before buying, and also find good local shops that let you test, and advise you on fit rather than try to push you into buying whatever stock they have on the floor. (I question the shop that appears to think an Amira is a good idea? :confused: Unless the fit is so perfect that it is actually more comfortable for you. That's getting into something a fitter on here should speculate about, rather than me).

Also perhaps look into Jamis. I like the Quest. That is steel (much better, IMO, especially for the uses you mentioned. Want comfortable, smooth, fast?), but they also have fine carbon bikes available. Looks like the Xenith Endura Femme might be the equivalent of the ones already mentioned.

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/index.html

+1 on both the Ruby and the Quest. Both top contenders for my next "fun" bike.
I, too, have to wonder about the shop that suggested the Amira, now that I think about it. I don't think many shops would do that, unless you went in and told them specifically that you wanted an aggressive carbon frame, or that you wanted to race. The fact they even have one around is amazing...
We're not saying that it's not a good fit, but I'm pretty surprised that you say they felt the same.

And if you're planning on commuting, I hope you have a nice secure place to keep your bike!:eek:

[telebum]

owlie, if i ride to work, my bike will be in my cubie, next to me :)

I guess when I said they feel the same, I meant they feel equally comfortable. I tried on orbea and bianchi and they are too "aggresive" for me. I dont know what the fitter do, but he made amira feels comfy.
I tried the cannondale again today. One thing I noticed was that it is less responsive than amira. maybe I will go try them again tomorrow.

i looked at jamis, i cannot find any dealaer nearby.

[KatzPajamas]

I also am new to road cycling as of May. I chose a Synapse after testing Giant Avail, Specialized Dolce, and Trek 3.2 and Cannondale Caad 10. The Caad was really nice but I could tell right away that it was way too aggressive for my inexperience. I came back to the Synapse for numerous reasons. It is the most natural fit, before any adjustments, it is very comfortable but fast. Sleek looking! It has a triple chain ring, 105 components. The 105 shifting is easy as can be while, the others had sram which are illogical to operate. It has bottom bracked called the BB30, the crank is located inside the frame for more power transfering directly to the road. As I thought about it, I came back to this point-my husband had a Synapse that he has put 8000 miles on. It still looks and rides like new! Even the LBS guys are impressed with it. He has gone on numerous long rides. Does a ride called GOBA in June that is a week long ride of about 350+ miles and several other rides each summer that range from 50 to 75 miles. He usually cruises at about 20mph. Since May 10th, I have logged 302 miles on my Synapse. I am an old lady and am still amazed that I have been able to do this quite comfortably, and often cruising @ 14mph! I am sure I could easily go faster, but I am too timid on these skinny tires still. Good luck with your decision...hope you are as happy with yours as I am with mine.:cool:

[telebum]

Anyway. You are looking at spending a lot of money. Is there no way for you to look up Specialized dealers in other towns, call and see if they have something to test, and go do that? If you wanted, you could have your LBS order the one you wanted. Sorry. Just sounds a little extreme to me.

i dont understand what you are trying to say. I have gone to multiple specilized dealers and tried ruby and amira multiple times. is there anything else you suggested me to try?

I want something I can grow into, hence not considering the ruby. Both synapse and amira are comfy but I can also grown into any one of them as I bike more.
I dont want to end up having multiple bikes because I grow out of the older bike. Between my husband and I, we have enough skis that we both grow out of over they years. I dont want to go through the same thing with bikes.

thenks for the comments ladies. keep them coming. I can use every little advice and suggestion.

[Owlie]

Threadjack:
Muirenn, yes, it's a 74 deg seat tube angle. Your problem, I think, is slightly more extreme than mine, but the Synapse probably won't work for me. It's a geometry that's very similar to my Giant. Oddly enough, the SuperSix/CAAD10 (they seem to have similar geometries) seems like it would work better for me. It's a slightly less steep seat tube (73.5, which I realize is not a huge difference) angle on the same 53.5cm top tube. I'd need a shorter stem, but it might well work. The Ruby/Dolce fit me pretty well, and the TT is 53.2 with a 74 seat tube angle in my size. :confused:
/Threadjack

Telebum, out of curiousity, why do you say you don't think you can "grow into" a Ruby? I'm not saying it HAS to work for you, just wondering.

[zoom-zoom]

The 105 shifting is easy as can be while, the others had sram which are illogical to operate.

This gives me the giggles, as I had 105 and HATED it...I never could get the hang of it. But SRAM was intuitive from the get-go.

Speaking of Synapse vs. CAAD, my first bike was an aluminum Synapse, new bike is a carbon SuperSix, which has identical geometry to the CAAD, just in carbon. The SuperSix is a better bike for me, but only because the Synapse was a bit too relaxed, too short through the top-tube (I'm all torso), and less responsive...when I started riding I didn't know that I would end up liking to ride fast-ish. I also didn't know how godawful aluminum would be on our chip-sealed roads.

I agree with others that you owe it to yourself to try a Ruby. There's a reason that bike is so popular. My hubby has a men's Roubaix and adores that bike...it's comfortable, but also very happy to go hard and fast. I've seen so many people on TE talk about the Roubaix/Ruby as a really perfect compromise between pure comfort and pure performance. I would have tried one, myself, except our favorite shop doesn't carry Specialized (and we're not real fond of the ones around here that do) and when I saw that orange and white SuperSix with the exact components I wanted there was no averting my eyes long enough to look at anything else. :o

[telebum]

I wanted to like the ruby, because I like the color. Yes... I am shallow like that. I did try the ruby apex. the shifter is not intuitive for me. I know it can be replaced, but I'd rather not replacing anything for a while. I want something with as few adjustment as possible out of the box. Also I feel like I did not turn as sharp? maybe it is just me. that store does not have the other rubies.
maybe i should go back and try the ruby again. It's been raining here everyday in the pm, it's been hard for me to test stuff out for a long time because I can only go after work. usually only have a couple of mins before it starts raining.

so what do you guys think? the synapse is out? I did not turn as well in that.

[telebum]

okay. off to try to ruby comp now and will report back.

would anyone tell me why amira is an unusual bike? I sense that you ladies do not think it is best for me. I really like the way it handles turns tho.

[Eden]

The Amira isn't unusual, though the model is relatively new - its just a racing bike. Many people equate racing bikes with super aggressive positioning that is uncomfortable.

That is not necessarily true..... if you are flexible enough and have a strong core you may be just fine and comfy on a bike that is less upright.... Some of my races are 100+ miles, so my bike has to be fast and comfortable.... I have the original Ruby (which is less relaxed that the models now, but slightly less aggressive than the Amira) and will likely be getting an Amira frame sometime soon.

[telebum]

tried on ruby comp.
for me it is as comfy as the amira. handles the same as amira.

I am a devout yogi, so I am pretty flexible. Maybe thats why I did not feel discomfort when I was on the amira.

[zoom-zoom]

Handling could have a lot to do with stem length, too...a shorter stem will = more sensitive, "twitchy" steering, longer stem will make steering less sensitive.

My current bike originally had an 80mm stem...and the steering was a little scary on an already stiff, aggressive frame. I felt a little scrunched in the cockpit, too, so my LBS swapped out for a 100mm stem and the difference in steering feel was pretty marked. If these bikes you're testing all have different length stems that could account for a lot of the difference you're feeling in terms of handling.

[Owlie]

The Amira isn't unusual, though the model is relatively new - its just a racing bike. Many people equate racing bikes with super aggressive positioning that is uncomfortable.

That is not necessarily true..... if you are flexible enough and have a strong core you may be just fine and comfy on a bike that is less upright.... Some of my races are 100+ miles, so my bike has to be fast and comfortable.... I have the original Ruby (which is less relaxed that the models now, but slightly less aggressive than the Amira) and will likely be getting an Amira frame sometime soon.

I don't know if the bike is unusual, or the fact that a shop happens to have one that's unusual. But then, I live in crapland where women apparently don't ride bikes. :rolleyes:

Telebum, I know you may already have found this out, but the Ruby is available with Shimano shifters, and they can order one for you if you like the ride but don't like the SRAM shifters. I've never tried SRAM, but I'm pretty sure you can get a 105- or Ultegra-equipped Ruby. If you're flexible and have a strong core, then the Amira may well work for you.

[KatzPajamas]

okay. off to try to ruby comp now and will report back.

would anyone tell me why amira is an unusual bike? I sense that you ladies do not think it is best for me. I really like the way it handles turns tho.

tried on ruby comp.
for me it is as comfy as the amira. handles the same as amira.

I am a devout yogi, so I am pretty flexible. Maybe thats why I did not feel discomfort when I was on the amira.

After reading these two posts, sounds like you've narrowed it down immensely. Plus, i think that you also made a comment on the beauty of the Ruby....hmmm. What are you waiting for? :cool:

[macski]

I have the Amira and Synapse (both Ultegra). I bought the Amira first and consider it a mistake (an expensive one). I too found the position quite comfortable (I'm also reasonably flexible although not through yoga). But what I found was that the bike was very stiff and therefore quite a jarring ride. I felt every single bump and riding on a rougher bitumen surface was torture. In comparison the Synapse is very smooth - if I didn't know better I would swear it had springs. I can ride a lot longer with much less fatigue on the Synapse than on the Amira. I find both bikes very responsive although the Amira is marginally more responsive downhill. Ironically, I am noticeably faster on the Synapse.

You mentioned that you tried the Ruby which is the Specalized equivalent of the Synapse. I didn't try the Ruby because although the Amira fits quite well, I preferred the more relaxed seat post angle of the Synapse 74.5 versus 75.5 in the Ruby in my size. The Synapse certainly fits a lot better than the Amira and for me better than the Ruby.

This is a long winded way of saying that for the kind of riding you say you want to do, I think you'd be better off with either the Synapse or the Ruby and you should cross the Amira off your list.

[Jo-n-NY]

The Amira isn't unusual, though the model is relatively new - its just a racing bike. Many people equate racing bikes with super aggressive positioning that is uncomfortable.

That is not necessarily true..... if you are flexible enough and have a strong core you may be just fine and comfy on a bike that is less upright.... Some of my races are 100+ miles, so my bike has to be fast and comfortable.... I have the original Ruby (which is less relaxed that the models now, but slightly less aggressive than the Amira) and will likely be getting an Amira frame sometime soon.

I could not agree with Eden more. I have been riding Specialized bikes for years as that is the bike that seems to fit me the best. My 2007 Ruby is more aggressive than the way they are making Rubys the last couple of yrs. I was in CA at a Specialized event last week and got to try the Amira. I also thought it was more of a racing bike and not for me since I do not race. Well the girl that works for Specialized Womens rides the Amira & is not a racer. She told me to give it a try. It was the Amira S-Works and what a super sweet ride it is. I rode all along the coast of Monterey and was very impressed the comfort and the way the bike handled.

Only you will know which bike is right for you. They are all awesome.

~JoAnn