Well, I had planned to go test-riding today but it rained and rained and rained. So, hopefully tomorrow. I'm driving quite a ways (about 25 miles) to test ride a Cannondale Synapse Feminine Carbon 2 and a Specialized Ruby Expert. Both come with the option of a double or triple (I don't believe either come with a compact double option). Cannondale's is a 30/39/53 triple or a 39/53 double and a 12-25 cassette; Specialized's is a 30/39/50 triple or a 39/50 double and a 12-27 cassette. I use the "granny ring" on my mountain bike when hill climbing and I don't know what I'd do without it, although maybe I could get away with a compact double after losing all the mtb weight . . . not sure I want to swap out for a compact double though. Anyone have insight as to why I'd want a compact double rather than a triple? I surely don't care about a couple of grams as I just want to keep up with the group and I'm not out to win any races.

The differences betweem these to bikes that I see are these:

Grupo:
Cannondale - Full Ultegra group
vs.
Specialized - FSA SL-K MegaExo 2 piece carbon crankset and FSA Mega Exo, integrated exterior cartridge bearings alloy bottom bracket; everything else is Ultegra.

Rims/Hubs/Spokes:
Cannondale - Mavic Ksyrium Elite/na/na
vs.
Specialized - Shimano R6600/R6600/Stainless 14g aero

Tires:
Cannondale - Michelin Lithion w/Puncture Protector, foldable, 700x23c
v.
Specialized - Specialied Roubaix Pro, 700x23/25c, aramid bead, 120TPI

Saddle:
Cannondale - Fi'zi:k Vitessse HP Ti
v.
Specialized - Body Geometry Jett Women's

Beyond that, everything is pretty much the same as far as technical specs go.

Do the differences between the two justify a $500 difference in price? The Specialized goes for $2499 at an in-town bike shop and will be reduced by 12% on Diva Night (ladies' only) at the beginning of May. That saves tax right there! The Cannondale is only carried by this out-of-town (25 miles away) bike shop and goes for $3000. Bicycling Magazine says that because the Ruby Expert does not have a full Ultegra drivetrain it "results in a very slightly less refined ride." Any of you have experience with this?

I'm thinking the lower price and the convenience of a closer bike shop tip the favor toward the Ruby.

Of course, everything is really going to come down to fit. That is my main concern. I've learned my lesson on my ill-fitting mtb. My insurance only covers three more p/t appts. for the year, so I better get something that fits me soon!

Sorry this is so long. One more thing - I am about 5'2" but measured my inseam at 30" (this was using the book method). I'm reading that some 6 foot tall guys have 32 or 33" inseams. How can that be? Cannondale comes in 47, 50, 53, or 56 cm frames, and Specialized comes in 44, 48, 51, 54, or 56 cm frames.

Thanks for any insight you can provide. I feel more and more confused the more I read. This is A LOT of money and it's scary to even think of spending that much.