First Road Bike Purchase

[zoom-zoom]

Aside from the actual fitting of the bike, which I realize is the most important thing....even more important than color : ) Does anyone know anything about the Cannondale Synapse 6 that I am considering?

I am about a quarter inch taller than you, but with shorter legs. I think the 51 is a size larger than what you'll likely fit best. My previous road bike was a 2010 Synapse 48cm and was a good fit. I would not have wanted to go bigger. For you to fit the 51 you'll likely need a really short stem, which could make your bike handling less than ideal.

[mcook]

I'm going back tomorrow to do some test riding. They have a 48 as well to try, although not in the cannondale I was considering. I trust this shop and the store owner is assisting me herself. They have been in business for years and are well thought of by the local bike community. She mentioned what you said about the stem as well, and thought we should see how the 48 fits just to compare. I don't know why, but I feel scrunched up on the 48. Maybe I am just not used to how a road bike should feel? Or perhaps the geometry is slightly different?

[IBrakeforPastry]

Hi - it sounds like you're going through just what I did in October. I wanted a new road bike, test rode the same ones you did, and got a good price on a 2012 Synapse (with 105 components, though). I will suggest when you test ride, wear your biking clothes! I know it sounds obvious, but I wasn't really planning on bike shopping that particular day. Long story short, I have a new Synapse. I'm shorter than you, with a much shorter inseam. The bike is a 48cm and just this morning, while speeding along on my trainer, I pretty much decided the bike may be too big for me. Ever since I brought it home from the shop I've questioned my choice. Don't get me wrong - it's a good bike. I'm just concerned about the fit. So, if you happen to be in central NY and want to check out a Synapse w/105 in 48cm, drop me a pm I think the 48 will be too small for you. Good luck, take your time, and try have fun while shopping (takes off some of the stress). Welcome to TE!

ETA: I just noticed that you posted under "New Riders". Are you just new to road riding, or biking in general? And what kind of riding do you hope to do?

[mcook]

Hi - it sounds like you're going through just what I did in October. I wanted a new road bike, test rode the same ones you did, and got a good price on a 2012 Synapse (with 105 components, though). I will suggest when you test ride, wear your biking clothes! I know it sounds obvious, but I wasn't really planning on bike shopping that particular day. Long story short, I have a new Synapse. I'm shorter than you, with a much shorter inseam. The bike is a 48cm and just this morning, while speeding along on my trainer, I pretty much decided the bike may be too big for me. Ever since I brought it home from the shop I've questioned my choice. Don't get me wrong - it's a good bike. I'm just concerned about the fit. So, if you happen to be in central NY and want to check out a Synapse w/105 in 48cm, drop me a pm I think the 48 will be too small for you. Good luck, take your time, and try have fun while shopping (takes off some of the stress). Welcome to TE!

ETA: I just noticed that you posted under "New Riders". Are you just new to road riding, or biking in general? And what kind of riding do you hope to do?

Hey, I brake for Pastry... Thanks for your advice. Have you gone back in for a more detailed fitting? There are so many adjustments they can make that may help with your fit. I would go talk to a reputable Bike Shop that specializes in Road Bikes and knowledge of proper fit. I have ridden bikes before, I'm just new to Road Biking. It sounds like you have a great bike. I did purchase the Synapse as well only with Tiagra components.

[murielalex]

Congrats on the new bike! One of my riding partners got the same bike and loves it. Post some pics!

[TigerMom]

Congrats! I also needed a larger bike than expected for my size. I'm glad I got the 48 cm instead of the 44cm that was initially recommended based on my height and leg length. I'm glad that you checked with a few LBS to make sure the 51cm was right for you.
______________________________________________________
2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle
2010 Santa Cruz Juliana with R kit and Crampon pedals
2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle (sold)

[gocard]

Congratulations on your new bike! How has it been so far? I am 5'5" and tried both a 48 and a 51 - the 48 felt too cramped and the 51 was much more comfortable although I had less clearance over the top. I tried the SuperSix, albeit in a 51, and it was way too stretched out for me and I couldn't see it being comfortable for me in the long run. There were no 48s in the store for me to try but I ended up picking the 51 Synapse both for the overall comfort and yes, the color.

Here's hoping for many happy miles for you and your bike!

[zoom-zoom]

I'm going back tomorrow to do some test riding. They have a 48 as well to try, although not in the cannondale I was considering. I trust this shop and the store owner is assisting me herself. They have been in business for years and are well thought of by the local bike community. She mentioned what you said about the stem as well, and thought we should see how the 48 fits just to compare. I don't know why, but I feel scrunched up on the 48. Maybe I am just not used to how a road bike should feel? Or perhaps the geometry is slightly different?

Have you tested a CAAD model, by chance? A 48 in that will have a longer top tube in the appropriate size. It has less relaxed geometry. I went for the carbon version of that bike (aka the SuperSix) when I upgraded. The women's Synapse felt scrunched to me, too, though I would not have wanted to go larger. I simply like being less upright on the bike. I could have gone with a longer stem, but I had moved on to wanting more bike and doing more competitive riding.

Also, a men's/unisex frame will often have a somewhat longer top tube, so maybe a 48 in a men's model will fit you better--my bike is a men's.

ALSO, Cannondales tend to run big. If you tried a 48 in another brand and it felt scrunched, I would put money on the same size Cdale feeling just right.

[mcook]

I went back and did some test riding with the owner. We decided the 51 was the best choice for me. Tried the 48, but it was just too small. Went to another LBS again just to see what their opinion was and they felt the 48 would be too small as well. Tried Men's bikes but I have a very short torso so that did not work well for me either. I ended up buying the Cannondale Synapse 6. First ride tomorrow morning! Thanks for the great advice! I'm guessing I will have many more questions!

[indysteel]

I am about a quarter inch taller than you, but with shorter legs. I think the 51 is a size larger than what you'll likely fit best. My previous road bike was a 2010 Synapse 48cm and was a good fit. I would not have wanted to go bigger. For you to fit the 51 you'll likely need a really short stem, which could make your bike handling less than ideal.

When you're in between sizes as the OP might very well be, one's overall inseam tells only part of the story. The more important question often is whether her femurs are relatively (relative to her inseam that is; not relative to women in general) long, relatively short or average. It's femur length that dicates how far back or foward her saddle needs to be to get her knees in the appropriate position relative to her pedals. If she has relatively long femurs, chances are she's going to have to put her saddle farther back which will, in turn, effectively lengthen the top tube of the bike. If she has relatively short femurs, then her saddle may have to be set forward a bit, which will effectively shorten her reach to the handlbars.

So, if I were in the OP's position and was trying to decide between two sizes, I'd try to get the LBS to do a preliminary fitting on the bike prior to a test ride. Set the saddle height and fore/aft position and then see how the bike's cockpit feels.

[emily_in_nc]

When you're in between sizes as the OP might very well be, one's overall inseam tells only part of the story. The more important question often is whether her femurs are relatively (relative to her inseam that is; not relative to women in general) long, relatively short or average. It's femur length that dicates how far back or foward her saddle needs to be to get her knees in the appropriate position relative to her pedals. If she has relatively long femurs, chances are she's going to have to put her saddle farther back which will, in turn, effectively lengthen the top tube of the bike. If she has relatively short femurs, then her saddle may have to be set forward a bit, which will effectively shorten her reach to the handlbars.

Very good point, indy! I have long femurs for my height and always have to have my saddles set way back on the seatpost (along with a setback seatpost!) So I end up needing a bike with a shorter top tube than might be predicted for my height and inseam. There is a lot more to fit than just standover height.

Sounds like the OP got the right size for her, though, and I would have predicted a 50-51cm based on her inseam and height, but depending on manufacturer and geometry, she could have taken a 48 or 49cm. Glad she got a bike that fit as that is #1!

[IBrakeforPastry]

Congrats on the purchase, and enjoy your ride tomorrow.

Interesting information on sizing and fitting. So many variables! I actually have proportionately short femurs (so says the LBS guy) which explains why I can almost never get the proper knee/toe alignment. But even with the seat forward, I still feel like the reach is too far. Maybe my arms are too short, too.