bernmart

Thanks to all for your advice. I test-rode both bikes. Both were 2006 on sale for good prices. As Grasschopper and buzzwire said, the Synapse is just a tad racier, the Roubaix a bit more stable. Both fine bikes. But the Roubaix just fit me better. I felt too stretched out on the Synapse, and the saddle was too far above the bar.

Too be sure, playing with stems, etc. could have fixed it. But the Roubaix was fine just as is, and the lbs gave me a great deal on it. So it's mine, and I love it.

Thanks again to all.

Bernie