So I've been browsing around LBS's the past few weekends as I am seriously contemplating a new bike. As like many of you, I'm currently on a 51cm Cannondale Synapse (Carbon Fem 3 Ultegra). I'm thinking about switching over to SRAM (tested one and immediately liked the feel of it)...but the switch also involves getting a bike that fits me better, due to ongoing fit issues that I've had since day 1 with the Synapse. And yes, I've had 3 pro fittings, including 1 Retul fit and I still can't get dialed in correctly with regards to my hands (pain, numbness, tingly).

While at a TREK dealer, the guy there told me that Cannondales are known for having very long top tubes, which is probably why I'm having issues. I went online to get the measurement of my top tube - it's 52.5cm. I then went to the Trek site to get the measurement of a 52cm Madone - it's 52.9cm! Why in the world would this guy tell me that my Cannondale has a long top tube, when in fact, the Madone has an even longer one?!? Was this guy just trying to push a Madone on me? Did he actually think I wouldn't go and check the measurements myself?

Also stopped at a Specialized dealer the same day. My DH bought his bike from this dealer, so the owner sort of knows us. Personally, I think he is a tool (to put it nicely) and we tend to not do much business there. But I wanted to take an up-close look at a Ruby. He too, told me that my Synapse has a longer top tube, which is going to stretch me out more. Naturally, I checked the TT measurement on the 51cm Ruby, and it's 51.5...so he actually was right about the Ruby being shorter.

I'm also a bit confused as to why some the C'dale race geometry bikes (Supersix & CAAD) both have a SHORTER TT (52cm) than the more relaxed Synapse in the same frame size? Is the longer TT common with all plush geometry bikes? Or am I missing some other key element here?

Linda