I bought a CAAD9 aluminum 3 years ago. I am now picking up my Specialized Roubaix SL2 Rival in a few days. Here's my profile: back into biking at 44, now 47, hadn't road biked in 20+ years! but did some mountain biking on and off in the meantime. Three years ago rode the Roubaix and Synapse, loved them both, but when I finally pulled the trigger to buy them couldn't find my size anywhere (it was August three years ago...I waited too long to buy). The only ones in my size were the higher "gruppos" like Ultrega and it was more than I wanted to spend. The LBS said "wait on it, or get an aluminum Synapse 105 in the meantime, the frame is better for you...don't get a bike you will regret." I was impatient and talked myself into thinking the CAAD geometry was "OK for the amount of riding I will do" and my thinking went like this: "I can buy the CAAD9 aluminum for $1,000 now and if I don't like biking like I expect I'll sell it." To their credit they tried to talk me out of it, but hell, they also wanted to make a sale. Mistake. I'm 47 now, it hurts to bend down that much, the frame is STIFF (but damn fast) and I'm always uncomfortable, but I love riding and that damn bike has held me back. I tried stems, saddles, bars, shoes but in the end, I'm bent way too far over with a bulging disc in my neck. Few weeks back I took a Roubaix for a long ride- much better ride for this 47 year old who rides 50-150 miles/week on bumby/very hilly roads as much for exercise as an escape. Three years ago if I had just spent the extra dollars when I had the chance I would have come out ahead. Ride them and pick what's comfortable, don't give too much thought to what others ride. I should have listened to the LBS, and I suggest if you trust them you do the same and listen to their advice.

Oh...the plush bike will not be boring. I think anything that makes you ride more can't be boring.