June, I went through this exact dilemma a year ago. I ended up with the Synapse, which was a GOOD, WISE choice, given that it was my very first road bike and I had no real idea whether I would enjoy riding. I planned to try a duathlon for fun, but that was as far as my goals went.

Had I known then what I know now I would have gone with a Cdale Six/Supersix and carbon. Not because carbon is the current vogue frame material, but because the vast majority of our roads are rough chip-seal and that aluminum buzzes like an angry bee. I finish my rides with horribly vibrating hands and feet and my girly bits don't much care for it, either.

But I also have found that the Synapse is just too upright for me. It doesn't help that I am long-torso'd and likely would have done better on a men's frame. We have flipped my stem and moved 2 spacers up, but in the end I always feel like my bike is just too happy cruising along at an easy pace. The more I pedal fast, the more I want to pedal fast and the more I want to do more duathlons and maybe some time trials, too, which are things that are more conducive to lighter, stiffer frames.

It's really hard to say without experience what is the better choice for anyone. I could have just as easily found that the Synapse was the ideal bike for me. It's still a really good ride and if I didn't mind being in such an upright position I probably would have found that a carbon version of my frame would have been perfect for me. I ride with several women who have the carbon Synapse and LOVE it on our roads, because the material helps dampen the road buzz and they like being more upright.

When I first started riding a more aggressive bike could have very well turned me off to the sport altogether. At first my Synapse felt horribly twitchy, because I had gone from a heavy, oversized, numb mountain bike. It was twitchy, by comparison. I don't think I could have started on a more aggressive frame, in those early months. I think my bike handling (or lack thereof) required a more forgiving frame.

In hindsight I think I did make the right choice. In the end what is important is that I had a comfortable start to cycling and started on a frame that allowed me to become confident riding on the road. It seems perhaps better to start with a "starter" bike, then move on if/when you feel the need later on.