Bike advice PLEASE!!!

I heard that the Specialized Roubaix Expert is a very comfortable bike. It has Zertz elastomers in the fork, seat tube and rear stays to absorb the harshness of street bumps and chip and seal roads. If you buy last year's model it will have longer seat seat stays makes for a really comfortable ride compared to other road bikes. But longer stays means the handling won't be as sharp as a typical road bike...but you wanted comfort so you will have some trade offs. But this year's model has shorter stays so the ride will be a tad harsher but quicker response, but still due to the elastomers absorbing shock it will still be the most comfortable road bike on the market.

Don't forget though, that a good fitted frame will be essential for a comfortable ride.

I ride a Synapse Carbon 3 and LOVE IT. I spent some time on the specialized roubaix with the zertz inserts too. The synapse has the "SAVE" system build into it, which is something they do in the carbon frame geometry. Both bikes were silky smooth over the rough country roads out here in Texas. Between the two, I chose the Cannondale because the price was better and I liked the SRAM groupo better than the Shimano 105. The disadvantage to the Cannondale is the seat post, its proprietary.

From those two bikes, just buy the one that fits best first off and always buy the best components you can afford.

FYI, the ride improvement will be 30 fold over your aluminum bike.

~Robert

Personally, I don't buy anything, and I mean anything that has a proprietary component to it...unless of course it's a buy and throw away cheap thing; but for example in the case of the Cannondale seatpost I wouldn't want the hassle some years later trying to replace that post when it's no longer in production.

trek23 said:

I have been riding a Trek 2.3 since September of 2008. Nice bike. Aluminum front triangle with carbon seat and chain stays and fork. 105 group. I'm looking at getting a bike that's a bit more "comfy" but still speedy. Considering the Specialized Roubaix Expert, the Scott CR1 Pro, and the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3. Anybody got any input on these bikes? I'd appreciate it!

If you are looking for "a bit more 'comfy'" ride, then try reducing the air pressure in your tires to about 95 PSI before ponying up for a new bike ...

If possible, you may want to fit 700x28 tires on your wheels & inflate them to about 85-to-90 PSI.

Froze said:

Personally, I don't buy anything, and I mean anything that has a proprietary component to it...unless of course it's a buy and throw away cheap thing; but for example in the case of the Cannondale seatpost I wouldn't want the hassle some years later trying to replace that post when it's no longer in production.

FWIW. I agree ...

And, Cannondale's tendency toward the inclusion of proprietary components and/or specs, is the reason I have recommended AGAINST Cannondale in the past.