cannondale synapse 5 vs. specialized amira comp

[telebum]

Hello all, I am new to raod biking. I was wondering if anyone can help me choosing a bike for myself.
After trying countless bikes around town (bianchi, orbea, felt,trek), I am left with these two to choose from. They are both equally comfortable. I think the decision will come down to which one is physically better. anyone knows which one of these two has better frame?
thanks

[Owlie]

The Amira is meant as an aggressive race-oriented bike. The Synapse is a more upright, "endurance" (read "relaxed") road geometry. A "plush" bike, if you will. What do you want to do? The carbon layup may be a little different, and the Amira is probably going to feel more stiff. Helps on climbs and in going fast, but may not be as comfortable over long rides.

The components are about the same. I don't know about wheels.

[telebum]

owlie, thanks for the quick reply.
I am looking to do friendly rides with this bike. perhaps riding to work.
They do have the same components and those like wheels can easily be upgraded.
I am basically trying to get the best frame I can get, thus I want to know the difference between how the two carbon technologies differ.

[telebum]

in addition, I'd also like to know about how cs for these two companies. which one has better/nicer cs.
thanks again ladies.....

[Owlie]

I don't know about the customer service aspect (someone else might), as you're mostly going to be dealing with the LBS. One thing I would check is the manufacturer's warranty on the frame. Ask the bike shop (if they're the same), since they should be able to give you a concise version or call Specialized or Cannondale directly. (The fine print is making my eyes glaze over.)
DBF, as much as he is a Cannondale fanboy (he'd marry his R2000 if it could cook), he'd probably tell you to go with Specialized; Cannondale's "thing", according to him, has historically been aluminum. However, that's his opinion, and the Synapse is probably a fine bike. I don't have direct experience with either bike--I'm researching for later. (Though, thanks for making me take a second look at the geometry chart for the Synapse. I may actually be able to make one work for me...)

I'm not sure you're going to get a straight answer on the carbon thing. What you're likely to get is a lot of marketing mumbo-jumbo dressed up with engineering terms.

Have/can you take them out on longer rides? They will probably feel very different, even though the fit may work for you.

[telebum]

owlie, I havent taken any of them on long rides. I am gonna ride thme both again tomorrow.
meanwhile, if anyone has anything to say about these two bikes, please chime in.
thanks