Hi everyone, I've just joined the forum and hope some of the ladies here can help. I'm looking for a new road bike and am considering a couple – the Jamis Ventura Race (women's) and the Cannondale Synapse 5 105 Compact (alloy,women's). I'm after an aluminium/carbon mix which I think gives a good combination of weight to comfort. I also ride all year round and am anxious about the possibility of crashing a carbon bike especially in the winter months.

I want to use the bike for my daily commute of about 15 miles and club rides of 40-50 miles and eventually work towards an audax. It would be an upgrade from my basic Trek road bike.

I have absolutely no experience of either brand and can't test ride as none are available in my size. The Jamis sounds like very good value for money but this is not a common brand here in the UK. It seems that the they are better known for their mountain bikes. Does anybody out there ride a Jamis road bike and would you recommend it?

Cannondale is a well-known but difficult to test ride especially in a small size. The write-up on the Cannondale seems to focus on comfort so I'm keen to know whether it's still a lively ride. Also, how well do their bikes fit small women?

It would be great to hear from anyone who rides these bikes or has experience of the brands.

Thanks for your help.