Specialized Amira - Like or dislike?

[winddance]

I ended up riding an Amira last week and my early reaction is "LOVE." It's fast, super responsive, stable, FUN, and I felt immediately comfortable in the drops, which is not something I've ever had from my current bike. However, I can't seem to find many reviews, and those that I can find are a bit mixed. I have the opportunity to purchase a bike shop demo bike for a pretty killer deal, but I'd like to know other opinions of the Amira outside of what I could get in a short test ride.

Aside from trying Orbea and Giant women's bikes, I did ride a Ruby and a Cannondale Synapse. The Orbea sizing was challenging for me. The Ruby was a nice bike but felt washy to me and I liked the Cannondale's responsiveness, but felt too stretched out. Since that's what I'm trying to fix in looking for a new bike, I really want to avoid starting there. I've had a unisex frame for years but it's no longer working for me.

I'll mainly be training for triathlons, but as I am fickle I'll probably throw in some longer rides, although nothing over a century like some of my fellow California ladies so casually and amazingly do.

What are your thoughts and experiences with the Amira? What did you end up getting instead and why? Thanks!

[roo4]

Didn't get to ride the Amira, but it sounds like you are in love.

"It's fast, super responsive, stable, FUN, and I felt immediately comfortable in the drops, which is not something I've ever had from my current bike."

Bring that baby home! She's yours.

[jusdooit]

I got to ride one last year & found it to be a dream ride. It I hadn't already invested in a new bike less than a year earlier I would have had to find a way to get one. I say go for it if it's within your budget.