Thinking of a new bike

[tzvia]

That cassette only works with SRAM Apex. I just traded out my SRAM Force RD for the Apex so I could put that 11 -32 cassette on my Cervelo.

Veronica

I should have mentioned that you will need a medium cage RD (me bad, I forgot), you are correct but it's not just Apex, but any medium cage RD (that works with your shifters). My commuter has a medium cage Shimano (originally had a triple up front) so will work with the wide cassette (SRAM and Shimano are the same spacing). The Rival RD is also available in medium cage, and the 1070 'Rival' cassette can be had in an 11~32 as well. Heck, I even ran a 9 speed LX MTB long cage rear derailleur for a time on my commuter with Shimano road shifters 10 speed and the new SRAM cassettes will work with that RD too.

[pll]

Fit updates:

Inseam -- measured it at 31.5"

My fingers don't reach the clamp of my handlebar when i place my elbow at the front of the saddle. They remain about 1 cm from the nearest point of the actual clamp to the saddle.

[pll]

Another update -- bikes tested:

• Specialized Ruby Expert: Not for me. Found it unresponsive, uninspiring.
• Specialized Secteur Comp (or was it a Roubaix?): Nicer than the Ruby, but not as exciting as the Cervelo RS
• Jamis Quest Femme: Very Intriguing. I rode a 51 cm one, but the area where the store was has dense car traffic and narrow roads.... I could not accelerate much, try shifting up and down, etc. And there was not even overpass to simulate the slightest incline. Would like to ride that bike and the 54cm version somewhere I can really get a sense of the bike.

[pll]

I wanted to update this thread to thank everyone that helped in my search: everyone in this thread (Bike Chick, malaholic, Muirenn, Veronica, tzvia, and Knotted Yet) and DarcyinOregon in another, for the Look Keo Max recommendation. To all of you, many, many thanks!

After many test rides and a thorough fitting, last November I bought a Cannondale Synapse 3, with a Selle Italia Diva saddle. I am extremely happy with it. I am faster and a lot more comfortable. I dream of upgrading the wheels, for no particular reason except that it would be easier to lift the bike, but I may do that if I lose some more weight. So, here she is:

[zoom-zoom]

Gorgeous...I'm sorta partial to Cannondales, though. I was actually reading through the thread and about to recommend you try a Synapse and/or SuperSix...

[Bike Writer]

Very nice looking bike, I bet it goes fast and rides like a dream.