This is my first post. I just rode my first 150+ mile ride in 2 days and felt my trusty used Caad 3 is ready to become my commuter bike. I'm looking forward to getting something that fits my body and my riding just right. I came today looking for some honest female input on just these bikes, and this post has confirmed what I suspected that I think I'm a candidate for a Synapse. I generally ride 40-65 miles once or twice a week with shorter rides and commutes in between. The longer rides are a mix of road and paved trail but mostly trail (Schuykill Trail in Philly to be precise). I do like to pass the boys and hope to do more of that, but by no means am I going semi-pro, so the idea of a constantly more aggressive stance might not suit (yet)?. Kirsten, I gather you'd agree from your feedback here, but if you have any more input I'd much appreciate it. How were you riding when you first felt you were into the more aggressive position?

My husband is pushing the carbon, but I hear you and others say the new Cannondale aluminum frames are as good, so what's the real determining factor, other than the sticker shock on carbon? Is it handling, or shock absorption differences?