Quote Originally Posted by Aggie_Ama View Post
I haven't test rode the bike yet. The shop does offer an "extended" test ride but you have to put $200 non-refunable deposit that can only be used towards a new bike. I hope to go this weekend and briefly test ride the Madone, Synapse and the Dama. If it comes down to the Synapse or Dama I will pay the $200 and get the all day test ride. Then I can check the Dama out on the hills around the shop.

I *really* love Orbeas, but I have to ride it first. One thing I am nervous about is the double. I have a triple and I worry I will miss mine. That being said, I rarely use the smallest chain ring. The Synapse and Madone have a triple. The Madone isn't at the shop I would prefer to deal with.

Surly- I super jealous of your bike!! I remember our LBS had one purple in a large frame and I would just drool. Purple is my favorite color and that bike is stunning, you lucky girl!
I saw that purple one and was like "Ooooo... I wonder if she'd be getting that one?? Cool." Purple is also my favorite color!

If you really decide on the Orbea, would the shop no (or low) cost swap out the double with a comparable compact crankset? That might help you not lose the low end. There has been lots of discussion on this forum re: compact vs. triple. I went from a triple to compact on my bike and love it. No regrets or troubles on the hills. Minor issues with shifting to the big ring...but it's all been "user error."