As is the Cannondale Synapse SL2. These are not special or elite bikes. They are not at the top end of the price scale either for these types of bikes.

"Bling" for a high end touring bike is probably going to be north of $2000. "Bling" for a performance road bike is going to be north of $4000. My bikes aren't "Bling." And they aren't Walmart, K-Mart, or low-end BikesDirect either. When I have a camera handy, I can provide pictures... but you will find much nicer bikes and much nicer pictures throughout the forums.

I know that many of you just want the opportunity to say, "You paid $$$ for that! I could have bought it for $$ (but you didn't) without much of an idea of what you might be looking at." If that's what you are here for... go ahead. I've never been accused of being "coupon mom."

Here are the specs for the bikes from bikepedia:

Cannondale Synapse:

http://bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeS...pact&Type=bike

Rocky Mountain Sherpa 30:

http://bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeS...a+30&Type=bike