Buying a new bike

[tdiorio]

I have been doing research for 3 months now and considering I got on a road bike for the first time ever yesterday, I should be getting close to making a decision if the weather holds out. I narrowed it down to two brands: Cannondale (Caad9 or Synapse) and Trek (2.1 WSD, the 2.3 isn't available in a woman's model for 2010). I also figured an aluminium frame would be fine since I am a beginner. I also opted for 105 gears instead of Tiagra. I remebered one of the first stores I visited and them saying I would be better off with a carbon frame and Tiagra than an Aluminium frame with 105 components. Also, is having a woman's model crtiical? I am about 5'2'' and about 115 lbs and size at a 48. Comments?

[tim_sleepless]

A tricky one... the "obvious" answer is to say try and and buy the one that fits best... although in reality doing a true comparison can be hard as 90% of the difference you feel, particularly in shop or on a short ride, will be the saddle and the default/easy fit set-up ather than the underlying bike.

You've broadly got two different types of bike selected.... the "racing" CAAD and Trek 2.1, or the "cruising" Synapse, with a more relaxed geometry. So one choice you'll want to make is do you want something that feels "faster" and "more responsive" but perhaps harsher and more "twitchy", or something that is more comfortable.

Second, depending on your body type, the Trek might fit you better. It's a true women's frame, with a shorter top tube, rather than a man's frame with women's components (perhaps handlebars, saddle, brake levers, and maybe cranks), which I think is what the two Cannodale models are.

Third, Carbon vs Aluminium. The cliche is carbon often feels less harsh on the road, Alumimium is cheaper. I'm not sure it's really a question of being a beginner. See what you think, if it was me I'd probably go with carbon though. Make the decision here first, as you can always change the components (either at time of purchase or later).

Tiagra vs 105.... This is one you can definitely try out to make a judgement on... You might find that 105 shifts easier... Tiagra has one less speed I think.

Hope that helps.