cannondale synapse 5 vs. specialized amira comp

[zoom-zoom]

The 105 shifting is easy as can be while, the others had sram which are illogical to operate.

This gives me the giggles, as I had 105 and HATED it...I never could get the hang of it. But SRAM was intuitive from the get-go.

Speaking of Synapse vs. CAAD, my first bike was an aluminum Synapse, new bike is a carbon SuperSix, which has identical geometry to the CAAD, just in carbon. The SuperSix is a better bike for me, but only because the Synapse was a bit too relaxed, too short through the top-tube (I'm all torso), and less responsive...when I started riding I didn't know that I would end up liking to ride fast-ish. I also didn't know how godawful aluminum would be on our chip-sealed roads.

I agree with others that you owe it to yourself to try a Ruby. There's a reason that bike is so popular. My hubby has a men's Roubaix and adores that bike...it's comfortable, but also very happy to go hard and fast. I've seen so many people on TE talk about the Roubaix/Ruby as a really perfect compromise between pure comfort and pure performance. I would have tried one, myself, except our favorite shop doesn't carry Specialized (and we're not real fond of the ones around here that do) and when I saw that orange and white SuperSix with the exact components I wanted there was no averting my eyes long enough to look at anything else.

[telebum]

I wanted to like the ruby, because I like the color. Yes... I am shallow like that. I did try the ruby apex. the shifter is not intuitive for me. I know it can be replaced, but I'd rather not replacing anything for a while. I want something with as few adjustment as possible out of the box. Also I feel like I did not turn as sharp? maybe it is just me. that store does not have the other rubies.
maybe i should go back and try the ruby again. It's been raining here everyday in the pm, it's been hard for me to test stuff out for a long time because I can only go after work. usually only have a couple of mins before it starts raining.

so what do you guys think? the synapse is out? I did not turn as well in that.

[telebum]

okay. off to try to ruby comp now and will report back.

would anyone tell me why amira is an unusual bike? I sense that you ladies do not think it is best for me. I really like the way it handles turns tho.

[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.

[KatzPajamas]

okay. off to try to ruby comp now and will report back.

would anyone tell me why amira is an unusual bike? I sense that you ladies do not think it is best for me. I really like the way it handles turns tho.

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.

After reading these two posts, sounds like you've narrowed it down immensely. Plus, i think that you also made a comment on the beauty of the Ruby....hmmm. What are you waiting for?

[macski]

I have the Amira and Synapse (both Ultegra). I bought the Amira first and consider it a mistake (an expensive one). I too found the position quite comfortable (I'm also reasonably flexible although not through yoga). But what I found was that the bike was very stiff and therefore quite a jarring ride. I felt every single bump and riding on a rougher bitumen surface was torture. In comparison the Synapse is very smooth - if I didn't know better I would swear it had springs. I can ride a lot longer with much less fatigue on the Synapse than on the Amira. I find both bikes very responsive although the Amira is marginally more responsive downhill. Ironically, I am noticeably faster on the Synapse.

You mentioned that you tried the Ruby which is the Specalized equivalent of the Synapse. I didn't try the Ruby because although the Amira fits quite well, I preferred the more relaxed seat post angle of the Synapse 74.5 versus 75.5 in the Ruby in my size. The Synapse certainly fits a lot better than the Amira and for me better than the Ruby.

This is a long winded way of saying that for the kind of riding you say you want to do, I think you'd be better off with either the Synapse or the Ruby and you should cross the Amira off your list.

[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