First Road Bike Purchase

[TigerMom]

Wow! You must really have LONG legs. I am 5ft 1in with short legs and long torso/long arms and I barely fit on a 48cm Specialized Amira in the standover height department; I have to tilt my bike a lot when I stand with 1 foot down. In fact, I was recommended a 44cm but my long arms and long torso made my back feel arched...plus the 44cm bike could only hold 1 bottle. Although I am built more like a man in terms of short legs and long torso, I was too short for any men's bikes and had to stick to women's bikes...which actually helped my decision making since there were a lot fewer choices.

As for choosing Trek vs. Specialized vs. Cannondale, as everyone says, the only way to know is to try as many bikes as possible, especially up hills.

Please also make sure that the 51cm is the right size for you in the Cannondale Women's Synapse. See if your LBS can throw in a free detailed, certified bike fit with your purchase.

My Specialized bike store has free lifetime tuneups (not including cleaning).
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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle
2010 Santa Cruz Juliana with R kit and Crampon pedals
2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle (sold)