The biggest impulse purchase I've made

[rivergal]

Well, it was an auction, so I had to wait 5 days to make the impulse purchase, but I just picked up my first carbon frame - a 2010 Cannondale Synapse 5 Fem.

That said, it came with frame, fork, seat and head post, and crank (minus rings). Thankfully I have a few friends who have built bikes from the frame up, so I'm thinking I can pull this off. Of course, that may be the caffeine talking ;)

Cinders (yes, she already has a name) has some - should I say - cosmetic issues? But I'm hopeful I can make her the princess she's destined to be.

Of course, now comes the hard part - deciding on components! Do I stay with the BB30 triple, or go with a compact double? Shifters? Wheels? The possibilities aren't endless, but they'll definitely keep me busy for several months. I would love some advice if you have any to share.

Anyway, I know I'm a lowly lurker, but needed to delurk to make my confession :)

[Owlie]

Congratulations on your new bike. Florida's relatively flat, right? You could probably get away with a compact double. If it were me, I'd go with 105 components (or equivalent) and get the nicest wheels I could afford.

Don't forget handlebars!

[OakLeaf]

Yes you definitely don't need three up front in Florida. You'd be fine with a standard double if that's the way you want to go, even in the Clermont area if that's where you are.

Welcome to TE.

[rivergal]

Not in the Clermont area, but western Seminole county, so close to the hilly areas. However, I spend most of my time in the flatlands. Maybe someday the "Horrible Hundred" - right now my goal is to get a half century under my belt.

Owlie, the only time Florida isn't flat is on poorly shot TV shows set in "Florida" that have the California mountains in the background. ;-)

Thanks for the welcome, Muirenn. For whatever reason I never was huge fan of Cannondale, but I did fall in love with the Synapse when I rode it at my LBS. Wanted to fall in love with an Orbea, but just didn't happen.

Thanks also for the advice on the doubles vs. triples. I was leaning in that direction, plus that gives me more flexibility in choice of shifters, too.

Yes, handlebars! Was thinking flat top compact.

[ehirsch83]

River- I am in Winter Park, PM me if you ever want to ride or want help with anything!

[ehirsch83]

Oh and being that I ride in the same areas as you-I ride a double- no need for a compact here, it will make group rides harder b/c you will be in different gearing. I ride a 11-23 and can just drop into my small chain ring when needed or swap out my rear cassette to a 26

[rivergal]

Emily, thanks, for the advice. Sounds like a standard double is the way to go. I'm having a fun time checking out all the options, and learning so much about my bike. I confess on my current bike I just grab and go. Can't do that now - there's nothing to grab until I buy it ;-)

So I may have seen you around the International Drive/Heathrow area?

[ehirsch83]

If I'm not training solo I am usually at the B3 morning rides or TnT night rides. Weekends usually lakemont and Errol. I need to go do a Sunday windy ride. I train solo a few days a week - usually around eagle circle or tuskawilla- or a trail!

[rivergal]

Thought I'd post a little update, as I received "Cinders" last week, and have been working on her cosmetic issues since then. She was stolen from the original owner and returned 3 days later, stripped and spray painted, but still in good shape (no cracks or dents).

This is how she looked when she arrived at my house:
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6121/6025443427_51e0f1fb47_b.jpg

Before committing to a repaint, I thought I'd try getting the spray paint off and see how she looked. I've been using copious amounts of elbow grease and several Tuffy scrubbers, but I'm about 2/3 through and she's looking good!
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6074/6025998672_ba8b5c8f61_b.jpg

For anyone interested, I used a product called "Winning Colours" for most of the removal, and for stubborn drips used a product called "Once Removed," which unfortunately is off the market because folks were using it to get high.

I've always liked the original paint on this model, so will likely keep her original, and save the paint $$ for the build.

[Owlie]

So sad what originally happened to her. Jerks. :(

Very nice job on the clean-up, though!

[rivergal]

So sad what originally happened to her. Jerks. :(

Very nice job on the clean-up, though!

Thanks - finished it up tonight. I agree - I can't imagine doing that to a bike. Glad I can give her another go - and planning to give her an upgrade on components, so it's all good :)