Hello all,
After several weeks of looking, testing, asking questions, and learning, I've purchased my new road bike! I'm SO excited!
I think all in all I tested 6 bikes at 3 different LBSs...Scott Contessa, Scott Speedster, Cannondale Feminine Synapse 3, LeMond Etape, Bianchi something or another, and Specialized Roubaix Triple. At first, I was absolutely clueless, having never ridden a road bike before. I was terrified of an aggressive riding position.
Then, as I test rode and asked questions at the more helpful shops (some of these guys were just great about taking the time to talk with me, a complete novice), I learned lots. Probably the biggest eye opener for me was that I didn't have to ride aggressively on the road bike. That it was, in fact, OK for me to want to sit more upright (i.e. my saddle being at the same level as my handlebars). There were things that could be changed (i.e. the stem) to sit me more upright (at least at first) until I was comfortable with a more aggressive position.
I learned quite a lot about frame materials, as well. I learned that it was important to me that the ride felt smooth. At the end, I was able to narrow down my search between 2 different bikes...one was the Cannondale Feminine Synapse 3 and the other was the Specialized Roubaix.
I really, really wanted to love that Cannondale! It came in "Feel It Orange" after all!!!!! :) Plus, I loved the small shop that was selling the bike. But that Roubaix, with its carbon seat stays and Zertz inserts, was just smooth as silk on pavement as compared to the aluminum back end Cannondale. While the Cannondale seemed to have more pick-up than the Roubaix (it was freakin' fast!), I felt like, for me, the comfort on the bike was more important.
As much as I wanted that Cannondale, the Roubaix just felt right. I had the LBS guy switch the stem to one with a higher rise, and I've kept the original stem for when I want a more aggressive position. I have a suspicion that the stock saddle (an Avatar) will not be the one for me, but I'm gonna ride for a while before I make that determination.
As for the professional fitting...I'm pretty darn sure that the bike is a good fit for me. It's quite comfortable, especially with the new stem. I'm going to ride for a while and take the bike back for tweaks, as needed. If it still doesn't feel perfect after 2 or 3 of these tweaks, than I will probably get the bike fit just to get everything just right.
I can't wait to take this thing out for a spin!
stpbound:D
