I went to the store and checked out the bike, it turned out to be a no deal as the 58 cm frame on the Synapse is too large for me, I am too stretched out. Otherwise I loved the bike, how it feels on the road, the ride quality and comfort, and the responsiveness when I drop down on the bars.

REI has only 3 bikes in 56 cm frame left in the whole country, and closest is in Atlanta which is very far from me, they said for a $180 fee they could box it and ship it out here. It didn't sound practical. Besides there are light scratches on the crank arm on the 2012 I tested and the white tapes look a bit soiled. Must have gone out for many test rides. Chances are the bike from Atlanta could have similar issues.

The Felt is good value for money, I could get it and 10% off MSRP on 2013 makes it even more sweeter deal. But, having been on the Synapse carbon put me in a twist all over again. I really like the Synapse. It is very smooth, almost glides over the road, and at the same time generates enough power when needed. SRAM shifting is not all that great, but I guess it is a matter of getting used to it.

Anyhow, I could get 2013 Synapse 5 with 105 for $2099 online at REI. They will ship it to store where they will build it. For the full price I could get a brand new bike out of the box.

I am again back to my original problem of whether to spend $2K or stay in the $1k range. I guess what is $1K additional after all, in the long run, many rides on the Synapse will more than pay for it I guess.