How much does the bike really matter?

[Ana]

Thanks, Ana. I'm a lot less stressed out now that I've made my decision and worrying less about finding the "best deal."

The lbs (where I tested all the Synapse, Six, and CAAD9) is ordering me a 48cm CAAD9 5 Feminine. I'm planing on swapping the components out so that I can have 105 (from the CAAD9) on my current bike (will be rain bike). I'll then buy the ultegra components from my teammate and put them on the CAAD9, so that I have a nice race bike. I'm really excited.

Next week, I might be able to pick up the bike pictured below!

I am exactly the same way so I empathize: I get caught up in the details (price, timing, etc) and then get myself super stressed out I'm trying to learn how to relax (and thus enjoy things) more too

I'm so glad you found something that will work for you! Pictures and first ride report!!!