An introduction and looking for a new road bike

First, an introduction of sorts. I've been cycling all my life (bought my first real "ten-speed" just after I got my driver's license at 16), and now, many years but not so many bikes later, it's time for a new one.

That first bike and the one that replaced it, were mixte frames. They were the only ones around if you were only 5'0" tall and didn't want a kid's bike. Next came my 1987 Miyata 615GT tourer with a 50 cm standard frame. Yes, it's too big to stand over but the riding position is fine. The advantage of this bike, which I still have and love, is that I can carry multple water bottles, easily fit front and rear racks, and both wheels are the same size. The first "Terry" bikes with a smaller front wheel came out in the late 1980s but I didn't want to carry two spares all the time.

Next came my 1991 Cramerotti road bike with 46 cm frame, the one I'm thinking of replacing, now that the kids are grown and I have time to ride for fitness again. When I bought it, I didn't put a lot of thought into it because it was the only bike my size I could find in Vancouver (which isn't exactly a small town).

Trouble is, my tiny steel Cramerotti weighs 50% more than my husband's new carbon bike. His has nice low gears and those cool brake lever shifters while I still have down tube shifters. So I want something new.

I am anxiously waiting the arrival of Trek Domanes in my area. Two dealers I spoke to said they plan to get in at least a couple of 44 cm models. I also want to try a Specialized Ruby when the 2013 models come in or when I can find a shop that has a small one on the floor.

Now for my question--are there any other bike similar to Domane and Ruby (for riding bumpy roads) that I should be considering? I'm looking for carbon and a very small frame.

Jacquie

Welcome to TE, Jacquie! I just recently purchased a Cannondale carbon Synapse and I love it very much. :) Based on your height, I think you will fit in the WSD category - the smallest WSD Synapse size is 44 so that may be worth considering if you have a dealer in your area. The Ruby, Domane and Synapse are similarly intended for the more relaxed position vs. a racing bike. I road over some very bumpy roads on the Synapse recently and while I don't exactly have a good comparison (first road bike), I felt fine after a 20 mile ride.

The Ruby is also a very nice bike and there seem to be more Ruby owners than Synapse owners on TE so they might be able to offer advice on similar bikes that they tested. If not for the nicer LBS and a deal on my bike, the Ruby would have been the other top contender for its comfortable ride and sleek lines. The Synapse is touted for its comfortable ride over rough roads if the geometry is something that you like. While the Synapse is known as a relaxed geometry bike, I find that it can still go plenty fast. If you're looking for a more agressive geometry, it would be the Cannondale Supersix, Specialized Amira/Tarmac and I believe the Trek Madones.

Good luck in your search and keep us posted!

When I was shopping for a bike, the last two contenders where a Synapse (which I bought) and a Cervelo RS (which I could not try in my size due to a bad sales rep). I did try a Cervelo on size bigger than what my size was and I loved it. Try the Cervelo R3, the current equivalent to the RS.

Thanks for the info! I will definitely add Felt ZW, Cervelo, and Cannondale Synapse to my list. Happily, I'm in no hurry.
Jacquie

The Jamis Endura is carbon and has the advantage of taking wider tires if you plan are riding rougher roads. Plus, you mentioned having racks on your older bike. The Endura has rack and fender eyelits. It comes as small as a 44cm.

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...urasportf.html

Actually, I have more than one bike. The new one will be strictly for fitness riding, with some Gran Fondos and similar rides. No racks, no fenders, no extra stuff. It's just that the roads around here are sometimes quite bumpy. THis can be due to lack of maintenance, tree roots, and although riding on the sidewalk is illegal here in BC, there are a few places where cyclists are required to ride on them (over major bridges, for example) and my hands are just screaming. I'm not a racer, but I do like to challenge myself without hurting myself. I like to ride 50 to 100 km distances at a time.
If I'm going to do errands or go somewhere where I will need to lock up, I take my Miyata touring bike.
Jacquie

Another vote for the Synapse. Bought a carbon Synapse frame after owning my entry level Felt aluminum frame (carbon fork). While I liked the Felt very much, I love the Synapse. Being an older rider, a relaxed frame was just right for me. My sis has a Felt aluminum with carbon fork and seat stay, and likes it very much. She's 4'11".

Definitely try as many as you can within your frame size. Good luck and be sure to share photos when you make your final pick!

I have a Scott Contessa CR1 Team and it's really great to ride. I liked it better that the Felts I tried. I'm not sure if mine is considered aggressive or not but I find it comfortable and responsive. I have the 49 cm (I'm 5'3") and there's still one smaller 47 cm.

I'd say getting a professional fit is worth the money. I did that when I was for bikes (after trying maybe 5-6 bikes) and walked out with the recommendation of the Synapse and the Cervelo RS as the best fits, off the shelf, for me. I will guess that your Cramerotti has a traditional geometry and, if it is comfortable, your bike size with a compact geometry might be bigger than you anticipate.