cannondale synapse 5 vs. specialized amira comp

[Eden]

The Amira isn't unusual, though the model is relatively new - its just a racing bike. Many people equate racing bikes with super aggressive positioning that is uncomfortable.

That is not necessarily true..... if you are flexible enough and have a strong core you may be just fine and comfy on a bike that is less upright.... Some of my races are 100+ miles, so my bike has to be fast and comfortable.... I have the original Ruby (which is less relaxed that the models now, but slightly less aggressive than the Amira) and will likely be getting an Amira frame sometime soon.

[telebum]

tried on ruby comp.
for me it is as comfy as the amira. handles the same as amira.

I am a devout yogi, so I am pretty flexible. Maybe thats why I did not feel discomfort when I was on the amira.

[zoom-zoom]

Handling could have a lot to do with stem length, too...a shorter stem will = more sensitive, "twitchy" steering, longer stem will make steering less sensitive.

My current bike originally had an 80mm stem...and the steering was a little scary on an already stiff, aggressive frame. I felt a little scrunched in the cockpit, too, so my LBS swapped out for a 100mm stem and the difference in steering feel was pretty marked. If these bikes you're testing all have different length stems that could account for a lot of the difference you're feeling in terms of handling.

[Owlie]

The Amira isn't unusual, though the model is relatively new - its just a racing bike. Many people equate racing bikes with super aggressive positioning that is uncomfortable.

That is not necessarily true..... if you are flexible enough and have a strong core you may be just fine and comfy on a bike that is less upright.... Some of my races are 100+ miles, so my bike has to be fast and comfortable.... I have the original Ruby (which is less relaxed that the models now, but slightly less aggressive than the Amira) and will likely be getting an Amira frame sometime soon.

I don't know if the bike is unusual, or the fact that a shop happens to have one that's unusual. But then, I live in crapland where women apparently don't ride bikes.

Telebum, I know you may already have found this out, but the Ruby is available with Shimano shifters, and they can order one for you if you like the ride but don't like the SRAM shifters. I've never tried SRAM, but I'm pretty sure you can get a 105- or Ultegra-equipped Ruby. If you're flexible and have a strong core, then the Amira may well work for you.

[Jo-n-NY]

The Amira isn't unusual, though the model is relatively new - its just a racing bike. Many people equate racing bikes with super aggressive positioning that is uncomfortable.

That is not necessarily true..... if you are flexible enough and have a strong core you may be just fine and comfy on a bike that is less upright.... Some of my races are 100+ miles, so my bike has to be fast and comfortable.... I have the original Ruby (which is less relaxed that the models now, but slightly less aggressive than the Amira) and will likely be getting an Amira frame sometime soon.

I could not agree with Eden more. I have been riding Specialized bikes for years as that is the bike that seems to fit me the best. My 2007 Ruby is more aggressive than the way they are making Rubys the last couple of yrs. I was in CA at a Specialized event last week and got to try the Amira. I also thought it was more of a racing bike and not for me since I do not race. Well the girl that works for Specialized Womens rides the Amira & is not a racer. She told me to give it a try. It was the Amira S-Works and what a super sweet ride it is. I rode all along the coast of Monterey and was very impressed the comfort and the way the bike handled.

Only you will know which bike is right for you. They are all awesome.

~JoAnn