Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - I Need Advice On My First Road Bike

I’m new to the forums and need some advice on choosing a road bike. I weight about 300 lbs right now with the goal of getting down to 250lbs by next spring or summer. Sometime next spring I want to buy my first road bike but have been having a tough time trying to figure out which bike to buy. Right now I’m trying to decide between a…
Trek 1.2
Jamis Ventura Comp
Cannondale CAAD9-7
Specialized Allez
I need some advice on choosing a good first road bike. I like the trek brand but I’ve heard great things about jamis, cannondale, and specialized. I need a frame that will hold up well if I weighed around 250lbs. I don’t want to get a road till I’m at least 250-275lbs. right now I’ve been riding a Mongoose MTB and it’s served me well over the past year but its way to heavy and to be honest I want something light weight and fast since I do most of my riding on local streets. If you can give me some advice I would greatly appreciate it.

im 6' 330# and just bought a 08 Specialized Sequoia Elite and love it. i really like the Allez and went to the LBS to buy one until i seen the Sequoia it has a second set of brake levers on top. good luck on your decision go ride em and see which one you cant live with out.

Personally I would stay away from the Trek. The 1.2 doesn't even have full Sora components and seems way overpriced to me. I traded mine in for a CAAD9 6 after 2 weeks. I'm ~270lbs and really like the C'dale so far. I've had it for about 3-4 weeks and have put probably close to 300 miles one it.

EDIT: I should also mention that the Bottom Bracket on the Trek developed an annoying sqeak after about a week and the whole thing just looked and felt cheap in comparison to the C'dale.

+1 on the Specialized Sequoia. I also just got mine and I love it. The extra brake handles on the hoods of the handlebar are really nice to have.
Go take a look at this bike and ride it.
I am 5'11" and 300lbs now (on my way down).

The Jamis is pretty good bang for the buck, if you can ride it give it a try. I personally also went with a CAAD 9 7, because the bike felt good and I fell in love with the style. Also read that it is the best aluminum frame on the market.

I own the Jamis brand and have a great LBS that carries the Jamis. Good luck on your purchase.

You Sequoia owners actually like the "suicide brakes on the handlebars near the stem? Anyway, the Sequoia is a great bike, but so is the Allez and the C'Dale. Jamis is so underrated it's sad. It is an incredible bike but I rarely see them in bike shops. Not to hate on the Trek, but they are overrated- unless it's the only one that fits you comfortably.

You Sequoia owners actually like the "suicide brakes on the handlebars near the stem? Anyway, the Sequoia is a great bike, but so is the Allez and the C'Dale. Jamis is so underrated it's sad. It is an incredible bike but I rarely see them in bike shops. Not to hate on the Trek, but they are overrated- unless it's the only one that fits you comfortably.

The secondary brake levers shouldn't be likened to the "suicide" levers of old. The new style "Interrupter" levers are amazingly functional and provide great stopping power. They are quite popular in competitive cyclocross.

I'm one of the CAD 9 supporters and believe that the frame is just about the best thing going for aluminum frames these days. they are well built, economical (relative term here) and sturdy. All this and a favorite for budget racers as well.

Specialized Allies is a great choice. I have no experience with the Sequoia, but have heard nothing but positive reviews from actual owners.

+1 on the under rated Jamis line. I do not understand why this builder does not get more attention. It's near impossible to find an LBS in my area that sells them and they are an excellent value.

Thank you guys for answering my post. After reading some of the responses on the Specialized Sequoia I did some research on it to familiarize myself with the model. The Allez was the only Specialized bike I was looking at but now it looks like Sequoia might be a better buy if I were to go with the Specialized brand. I don’t think I’m going with the Trek after some of the comments but to be honest I haven’t even going to my LBS for a fitting yet. I still want to wait till I’m closer to 250-275lbs. Plus my wife won’t let me get a new bike until I reach that weight loss goal. I do have some questions though about the Sequoia since you guy got me thinking about it…
1) I like the more upright handle bar brakes closer to the stem for city riding which I do often; but as someone pointed out earlier, how is the stopping power if I get into trouble?
2) How often do you guys use the brakes on top?
3) How aerodynamic is this bike compared to the Allez in your opinions? I still want to go fast if I get into a strong head wind. I live In Oklahoma and the wind sucks here so I’m concerned that I won’t be able to handle the wind as well with the Sequoia over the Allez
4) I know Cannondale is a great brand but is it that much better over the Specialized brand in terms of components and frame? I'm concerned with the frame most of all becuase of my weight. I need something that will hold up too my weight
5) Which components are better? Cannondale or Specialized?
I really appreciate all your opinions and taking time to answer my questions. I’m so glad I found this forum.

Don't worry about aerodynamics too much. The higher bars on the Sequoia will make it more comfortable to actually use the drops. You can always tuck in lower if you want to (think chin to the stem). The components are all the same - Shimano, just different price points. Wheel strength is going to involve a little bit of luck with machine built wheels- some people have problems and some don't. The interuptor brake levers have as much stopping power as the regular levers. I used them as the only levers on one bike for over a year. The frame will be fine don't worry.

The bike isn't going to make you fast. You're a 275 pound brick sitting on top of whichever bike you pick....the lightweight might provide a slight..and I mean SLIGHT advantage to those who are always pointed uphill but your average rider is never going to feel the difference between a 15lb bike and a 19lb bike.

I personally don't care for the top levers myself but to each their own. I would test ride both models you are interested in and the right bike will become clear to you. Too many people shop for the right bike online or in magazines.....go ride it. You will know if it's the one. Easy as that.

Don't sweat the weight, the specs etc. Get a decent bike that is equipped with say 105 or better and you will be in good shape.

PS>....the only real concern you have is to make sure you get a roadbike that has a sturdy set of wheels. The rest is not that different from one bike to the next.

Solid wheels and a seat that fits your ass and you are good to go.

My 2 cents.

Solid wheels and a seat that fits your ass and you are good to go.


Many good bikes out there; good fit and sturdy wheels are important. Ask if the dealer agrees to a wheel upgrade deal (replacing the stock wheels with Deep Vees for example).

I am one of the happy Sequoia owners. I use the top brake levers a lot. Since I am riding most of the time with my hands on the hoods of the handle bar the top levers are very handy.

As for the wind it is much easier for me to travel into the wind on my Sequoia compared to my Trek 7200 (hybrid).

tell your wife you could reach that weight goal a little easier if ya had a new Specialized between your leggs:) as for the interupter brakes they have just as much power to me as the lever brakes. i have rode mountain bikes most of my life so i felt more comfortable having the upper brakes but if you are used to riding in the drops then it makes no difference. good luck.

Don't sweat the weight, the specs etc. Get a decent bike that is equipped with say 105 or better and you will be in good shape.


At entry level you'll be fine with Tiagra components. Put a few thousand miles on your bike, reach your weight goals and if you choose to upgrade you'll exactly how and why.

Good luck!

Also, since you are buying a new bike, the bigger issue is buying from a dealer that will support/help you. You are paying for this relationship, but some dealers do not realize it. Otherwise, you might as well by used and save some coin.

All of your choices are good solid bike brands.

+1 Tiagra components are a nice step up from Sora.

Upper brakes are nice if you are used to riding a mountain bike. Otherwise, not too important..

Thank you guys for answering my post. After reading some of the responses on the Specialized Sequoia I did some research on it to familiarize myself with the model. The Allez was the only Specialized bike I was looking at but now it looks like Sequoia might be a better buy if I were to go with the Specialized brand. I don’t think I’m going with the Trek after some of the comments but to be honest I haven’t even going to my LBS for a fitting yet. I still want to wait till I’m closer to 250-275lbs. Plus my wife won’t let me get a new bike until I reach that weight loss goal. I do have some questions though about the Sequoia since you guy got me thinking about it…
1) I like the more upright handle bar brakes closer to the stem for city riding which I do often; but as someone pointed out earlier, how is the stopping power if I get into trouble?
2) How often do you guys use the brakes on top?
3) How aerodynamic is this bike compared to the Allez in your opinions? I still want to go fast if I get into a strong head wind. I live In Oklahoma and the wind sucks here so I’m concerned that I won’t be able to handle the wind as well with the Sequoia over the Allez
4) I know Cannondale is a great brand but is it that much better over the Specialized brand in terms of components and frame? I'm concerned with the frame most of all becuase of my weight. I need something that will hold up too my weight
5) Which components are better? Cannondale or Specialized?
I really appreciate all your opinions and taking time to answer my questions. I’m so glad I found this forum.

Another very satisfied Sequoia rider here! There is good wisdom in the previous posts but, riskng redundancy, I will offer up an opinoin or two. I would not think there would be a big difference between road bikes in wind resistance, given your size/weight... but there's a significant difference between road bikes and hybrids. Being slightly more upright the Sequoia may be a little slower than the Allez, but that is caused by the very thing that makes it comfortable, and you can adjust your stem downward as you become a better rider. It is amazing what a big difference a small breeze can make, even with a road bike. A headwind will slow you down no matter what you ride... you just gear down and push along. But when I turn for home (always ride into the wind going out) it is an absolute blast to ride my Sequoia downwind in even the slightest of breezes!:) I do not use the upper brakes too much anymore but it is nice to have them there and they work just fine. As to components, all the manufacturers use pretty much the same stuff, and Tiagra or better will do just fine for a long time.

IMO, do not wait to lose weight first. Buy a bike and start riding! The benefits are amazing!

IMO, do not wait to lose weight first. Buy a bike and start riding! The benefits are amazing!

I second this advise. Loving the bike you ride is a huge motivator to just get out there and ride, at least it is with me. (But I would also never tell my hubby no to something that meant so much to him - not that he would listen to me anyway. :p)

Plus I am not so sure that the bike you decide on now before you lose the weight will be the bike you want once you actually do lose the weight. Learning my preferred style of riding and the specifics of bicycle components made me change my idea of the perfect bike, and I ended up selling the Giant OCR that I had bought initially, and getting a Bianchi that I ride now.

Just MHO

Thanks again for all the great advice. The more I research the Sequoia the more interested I become with it. I would love to get the bike right now and I think that I might be able to swing it with my wife if I found a good deal or begged my wife. The Mongoose MTB I have now isn’t all that bad; it’s just a really heavy bike. Plus the tires are huge and provide too much rolling resistance on the streets.
My biggest worry with getting bike at my weight now is that it won’t hold up over time. Most bike manuals and manufacture websites have posted that the maximum weight for a road bike or Condition 1 bike is 275lbs with a luggage weight of 10 extra pounds. I’m afraid that I’ll hit a pot hole or crash the thing and crack the frame. I know that if I hit something at the least I’ll pop a tire or damage the rim; but if I crack the frame well there goes $800 dollars. To be honest I’ve never paid more than $250 for a bike before so this is a huge investment for in my mind and especially in the mind of my better half. I figure that I might be able to persuade her closer to Christmas time especially if I’m closer to at least 275lbs and found a good deal at my LBS. I know that even at 250lbs that fear is always going to be there that if I’m not careful with this thing I can crack the frame or damage this thing beyond repair.
When I was teenager I was riding my friend’s new road bike and ran into a fence damaging the frame. That also brings to mind the time five years ago when I ran my Huffy MTB into a chain link fence while riding at night. That time the bike came out just fine but I ended up with 12 external and 5 internal stitches on my face. Not a good experience at all but never stopped me from riding again. It’s not that I would just go out there tear this thing up and not be careful with it; it’s just that I have bad luck with bikes :) Oh well accidents happen.
I figure that a steel frame might be better for the long haul but I would rather trade longevity for a lighter and faster frame. I guess my next question is this, have any of you guys cracked an aluminum frame before?

Not a Sequoia owner, but I installed interrupter levers on my Cannondale. Properly installed, they do NOT effect braking power. Very nice to have as you have brakes from any hand position. They do cause problems if you want aero bars. They are functionally ages ahead of those gawd awful suicide levers of the '70s.

I bought my 5900SL when I was 290.

It's a carbon SUPERLIGHT frame....no issues and I rode the piss out of it.

I told you already.....strong wheels and a good seat. Ride each bike...the answer will be clear.

Thanks again for all the great advice. The more I research the Sequoia the more interested I become with it. I would love to get the bike right now and I think that I might be able to swing it with my wife if I found a good deal or begged my wife. The Mongoose MTB I have now isn’t all that bad; it’s just a really heavy bike. Plus the tires are huge and provide too much rolling resistance on the streets.
My biggest worry with getting bike at my weight now is that it won’t hold up over time. Most bike manuals and manufacture websites have posted that the maximum weight for a road bike or Condition 1 bike is 275lbs with a luggage weight of 10 extra pounds. I’m afraid that I’ll hit a pot hole or crash the thing and crack the frame. I know that if I hit something at the least I’ll pop a tire or damage the rim; but if I crack the frame well there goes $800 dollars. To be honest I’ve never paid more than $250 for a bike before so this is a huge investment for in my mind and especially in the mind of my better half. I figure that I might be able to persuade her closer to Christmas time especially if I’m closer to at least 275lbs and found a good deal at my LBS. I know that even at 250lbs that fear is always going to be there that if I’m not careful with this thing I can crack the frame or damage this thing beyond repair.
When I was teenager I was riding my friend’s new road bike and ran into a fence damaging the frame. That also brings to mind the time five years ago when I ran my Huffy MTB into a chain link fence while riding at night. That time the bike came out just fine but I ended up with 12 external and 5 internal stitches on my face. Not a good experience at all but never stopped me from riding again. It’s not that I would just go out there tear this thing up and not be careful with it; it’s just that I have bad luck with bikes :) Oh well accidents happen.
I figure that a steel frame might be better for the long haul but I would rather trade longevity for a lighter and faster frame. I guess my next question is this, have any of you guys cracked an aluminum frame before?

On one of my early rides I went down to a small pothole on my Sequoia and it did not phase it at all... but did phase ME quite a bit, enough to teach me to pay attention and use my eyes. Road bikes simply do not like potholes. BUT they are not real delicate or fragile things either. I think frames have warranties too. (FYI in another post someone said that there are a lot of 08 Sequoias in the Specialized warehouses and they are on sale.)

Hammer's advice is good above: "...strong wheels and a good seat. Ride each bike...the answer will be clear."

I'm thinking you're confused in your wants. You say you want lite and fast, but looking at the Sequoia with extra levers? Waste of weight and when you start to ride long distance, you'll realize the cute little levers are only taking up space and an extra hand postiton that wil interfere with comfort. Plus, hybrids are not as fast as road race style bikes. You will be faster ona Cannondale than you will a Sequoia hybrid.

Another thing, like the guy above mentioned, you are 275 lbs. The thing that wil make you fast (equal bikes) is getting into shape and losing weight along with some training. A $1500 19 lb Cannondale does not mean you will be slower than riding a 15 lb $10,000 superlite carbon fiber bike. I have a Cannondale that is just as efficient as some of the NEW bikes out eventhough it is a bit heavier. Efficiency is the key. At your weight, a stiff strong bike will be more efficient.

Yes, I have snapped an aluminum frame. The tubes were not that large and I felt it flex when I put the pedal down. My Cannondale has much larger tubing and doesn't flex like the wet noodle small tubes. MY suggestion would be going for the Canondale since they are known for the large tube diameer at the bottom bracket area (around the pedals, area cracked inthe pictures).

If you want speed, quit messing around with the hybrid, get into shape and ride! If you want comfort then yes, go for the hybrid but don't expect to keep up with the roadies of equal fitness levels.

Snapped aluminum tubing. Now have alum with carbon fiber tubing, still wimpy but free replacement frame so I ride it. My Cannondale is a 98 and no flex problems at all. Pay atention to the size of the BB area when making a selection.

I snapped this frame while riding at 220-235 lbs.
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/broke.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/broke2.jpg

BTW, don't worry too much about components. They all work well when properly adjusted. Plus They will be replaced somewhere down the road. Rear wheel will more than likely be the first. At your weight, won't take long on any model.

That's when you invest in a strong rear wheel. Figure that into your cycling costs. It's unavoidable.

Another bike to consider would be a Surly Crosscheck.. It is a cyclocross bike but has a lot of universal appeal between road, cross and touring riders.. It is built on a steel frame which is big + for a 300 pound rider.. The bike also can use 130mm or 135mm width wheelsets which gives you a lot of options being a bigger rider.. They can found built for around 900-1200..

http://surlybikes.com/crosscheck_comp.html

reviews: http://www.roadbikereview.com/mfr/surly/cyclocross-bike/PRD_368787_5670crx.aspx

Ride them....the choice will be clear.

For me that Caad 9 looks like a sweet bike that you could grow into as your fitness level increases.

Also, a CAAD 9 is a very upgradeable frame and American made for the jingo in you.

I’m new to the forums and need some advice on choosing a road bike. I weight about 300 lbs right now with the goal of getting down to 250lbs by next spring or summer. Sometime next spring I want to buy my first road bike but have been having a tough time trying to figure out which bike to buy. Right now I’m trying to decide between a…
Trek 1.2
Jamis Ventura Comp
Cannondale CAAD9-7
Specialized Allez
I need some advice on choosing a good first road bike. I like the trek brand but I’ve heard great things about jamis, cannondale, and specialized. I need a frame that will hold up well if I weighed around 250lbs. I don’t want to get a road till I’m at least 250-275lbs. right now I’ve been riding a Mongoose MTB and it’s served me well over the past year but its way to heavy and to be honest I want something light weight and fast since I do most of my riding on local streets. If you can give me some advice I would greatly appreciate it.

Bicycles can't be bought on specifications, the best place to start is this:

Step 1, select a riding style you want to ride, for example on road, off road, a little on and a little off. If off road, do you want highly technical, or not. If on road, do you want to be able to go 20 miles in 45 minutes or do you want to be able to take a week long sans credit card ride. If you want to eventually do overnight sans credit card rides, called self supported touring, you need to be able to attach racks and fenders to your bike.

Step 2, determine your budget. If you can only afford a certain amount, realise that you want a helmet, pump, patch kit, spare tube, and small under seat bag to hold the patch kit and spare tube, pumps can usually be bike mounted. Count on at least $100 here.

Step 3, visit a few bike shops, they should start by asking you what kind of riding you want to do and your budget. If they instead take you to a cheap hybrid or mountain bike, then go to the next shop on your list. Test ride every bike suggested, somewhere along your testing, one bike will whisper to you, "you and I, will go many wonderful miles together", that's the one you want.

By limiting yourself to a few models based on the paper specifications, you remove the ability for a dealer to suggest something else. Something you might really want.

I know that I don’t want a touring bike or a hybrid but I want a road bike that is geared a little bit more to comfort such as the Sequoia. As for my budget it’s about $1300 right now with a little wiggle room. I went to two of the bike stores here in Oklahoma after work today to do a little more poking around with the Cannondale CAAD9 and the Specialized Sequoia. While I was at the Cannondale dealer the sales man showed me the CaAD9 but also showed me the Cannondale Synapse. The gentleman was explaining that they’re comparable to the Sequoia in there more upright design and comfort features. I don’t know if any of you guys have a Cannondale Synapse or know anybody who has one but I was wondering what you guys think about the Synapse vs. the Specialized Sequoia in terms of frame and sturdiness?

I have to ask.........Did you ride either one?

If not then I for one am done giving you advice because you don't appear to be listening.

DON'T ASK US WHAT WE THINK.....RIDE THEM.....THE CHOICE WILL BE CLEAR!!!

Beanz et. al.:
Just FYI, Sequoia is a road bike... not a hybrid. :deadhorse2:

I didn't have time, both shops close at 6pm and I only had like 15mins at each one before they closed. The only day that I might be able to go and test ride is on Saturday afternoon. The store hours suck for people who work till 5pm, plus I have to drive like 20-30min into the city just to get to the stores that carry those two brands.
I plan on riding them both but I just wanted to know your opinion on the brands and models. I also wanted to know from some of you what a good saddle would be for comfort and a good set of wheels for people of my size. Someone a few posts back mentioned ‘Deep Vees’ but I couldn’t find these set of wheels anywhere.
Again thank you for your advice

I don’t know if any of you guys have a Cannondale Synapse or know anybody who has one but I was wondering what you guys think about the Synapse vs. the Specialized Sequoia in terms of frame and sturdiness?I've heard great things about the Synapse and I wish I had researched it and ridden it before I purchased the CAAD9. I have no regrets about the CAAD9 but I've heard the Synapse is a little more comfortable. It is a carbon frame and will absorb some vibration that the Al CAAD frame will not. Another thing about test riding since I was in your exact situation a month or so ago: Since I had literally never been on a road bike before, every bike I tested felt strange to me. Nothing "called my name" as far as comfort was concerned. I made my decision knowing that it would take awhile to adjust to a different riding style and that I would have to make adjustments to the bike as I figured out what did and did not work for me. I have since changed the saddle twice and the stem twice and feel very comfortable on the bike for about a 2 hour ride now.

Edit: For my first few rides I kept a set of allens with me and pulled over every few miles to adjust saddle and handlebar positions ect. . . It helped a lot. Also, remember about all the extra expenses. I'm glad I had enough $$ left over to get pedals and shoes, padded shorts, a jersey, and a few things like that.

Thanks for the advice on the test ride thing. I figured the same thing about it being weird. I know that it’s going to feel somewhat foreign. The Synapse I was looking at was still the aluminum frame model but after some of the earlier posts and some advice from some other people on another forum I feel a little the Cannondale frames and brand name is better choice over specialized. Not the specialized is a bad or not sturdier but I’ve heard nothing but great things about Cannondale’s and their frames. Though I’ve also heard nothing bad about specialized either. Either way it’s going to take some time testing these two brands out to see which one fits me best and which one I like the most. Right now I’m leaning a little bit more towards the Cannondale Synapse but I’m still very open to the CAAD9, Allez, and sequoia. I just want a good aluminum frame that will last me while I continue to lose weight.
I also carry bike tools with me in my hydration bag. Its saved me a couple of times on long trips when my handle bars or seat would come loose.

Once you learn more about bikes....you will see that their really isn't that much difference between all of them.....it's more marketing than anything.

I went from an OCR2 Giant to my Trek 5900SL.

The OCR is supposed to be a more comfortable upright bike....the 5900 is more of a race bike with traditional geometry. The Trek is FAR more comfortable. The difference being the bike shop I bought it from fit it to me perfectly.

I'll say it again...>Ride them and the choice will be clear. Sure they might all feel awkward but one of them is going to talk to you. It might be the looks, it might be the ride, it could even be the paint job. Get the one that turns you on and have your shop custom fit it to YOU and you're done.

Now go ride and quit reading about bikes. :D

The Synapse is a good choice as well. It follows the frame construction of the CAAD 9 but with a little more relaxed (read upright) geometry.

To try and nail down a significant difference between a Synapse and a Sequoia would be pretty hard to do. I don't have the component specs right in front of me so that limits my info. Pretty much keep in mind that Tiagra trumps Sora in components.

Really, as has been suggested, the best thing to do is ride each and spend some time looking at each. I know it may sound silly, but the truth is you are more likely to ride the bike if it fits well, and you LIKE it. There is no reason not to go with your emotional side on this as well as your practical side unless you find a smoking deal on one over the other.

Also pay attention to which shop seems to be more interested in gaining a customer more than just making a sale. That can be a huge differentiator.

Beanz et. al.:
Just FYI, Sequoia is a road bike... not a hybrid. :deadhorse2:

Well it should be cause the name sure sounds like one!:p

I have a CAAD9 6 and at 230-235 no problems. I liked the better frame, and can upgrade things when I get more money or in better shape.

Well I went back today. I got my boss to let me off around 3:30 so I had about two hours to go and test ride one of these babies. I went first to the specialized dealer to try out the allez and sequoia. It was the same rep from yesterday and so he knew what I was looking for. He again suggested the sequoia for what I was looking for and I got to say it’s been awhile since I’ve been on a road bike. I wouldn’t say that it fit me; they did do a quick measurement on me and put the stuff in the computer to see what would be best. The bike felt ok. It didn’t jump out at me per say but I wouldn’t say it was uncomfortable. The guy gave me a catalog and some info and I decided to meet up with my wife as we went over to the Cannondale dealer. I have to say on service alone the Cannondale dealer was amazing. I got to talk to the store manager today and he was the one who did the fitting. Again they answered all my questions and did pretty much everything the Specialized dealer did but the fact that the manager stay there an extra hour after closing to let me test ride and to go over stuff said a lot about the bike store. I had in mind that I would try both the Synapse and the CAAD9 but after the measurement, flex test, and him putting the stuff in the computer he suggested the synapse based on geometry and me being new to road biking, so I gave it a shot. The synapse fit a bit better, the seat was worse but he said he would let me trade that in and they would get me on the right seat for me. The frame was great. I didn’t take it outside but like the other dealer they put it up on some stationary device and allowed me to get a feel for it. The geometry on the other hand felt better than the sequoia and they took the short amount of time to set the bike up for me so I could better gauge where it might be if I bought one. I guess what I realized is I like the geometry more on the synapse and feel better about it than the sequoia. I wanted to try out the CAAD 9 so they grab one real quick and allowed me to try it and while it didn’t feel all that different than the synapse, the synapse just felt better. Needless to say I pretty sure I’m going to go with the synapse. It still felt foreign as I’ve been used to a road bike but it felt more comfortable than the sequoia and the manager was more than willing to trade stuff out on the bike like the saddle and the tires which I’m going to go with Easton if I get the Synapse. In the end I think the Synapse is going to be the bike for me. I still didn’t just buy it outright and even if I did they didn’t have model I wanted with the 105, synapse 5; I just tried the synapse 7 which has the same alloy frame just sora and tigra components. So I have to wait till next week till they get any synapse 5 models in to buy. Anyways thanks again for all your help and advice and I’ll let you guy know what happens in the next week or so and probably post some picture or something of that sort.

Before you buy a seat.....read up on measuring your sit bones and ask the dealer how you can do it.

You simply CANNOT buy the right seat the first time without knowing how wide your sit bones are.

A quality shop will know exactly what you are talking about while a POS shop will tell you to try it and you can keep trading it in if it isn't what you want.

I went through 6 or 8 seats until I found a great shop that had a device to measure my sit bones......I had been buying 140mm seats when my sit bones needed a 155 mm wide seat. It made a HUGE difference in the comfort of the bike for me.

The Synapse is a nice looking ride alright. If we had a Cdale dealer around here I might have considered it. I'm surprised neither shop would let you take the bike outside for a ride though. I just don't see how peddling a bike on a stand can replicate riding.

Hammer02, thanks for the advice, I will try and read up on measuring my seat bones and ask the dealer if they can do that.

Go for a road bike now start with a touring bike or cyclocross I am saying this because there is a difference in the feel among road ,mountain,and even hybrid. As you lose that weight you will really enjoy the smooth speed and power transfer of aroad machine. good luck Ive been there hoops