Originally Posted by TheOtherBob

My understanding is that there are differences, but that they aren't substantial. I ride a CAAD 10, and I don't find it uncomfortable in the least -- even over really long distances. I've also tested a Synapse, and found it fast. They're both excellent bikes, and I don't think you'll go wrong either way. The CAAD 10 might be faster than the Synapse in a race situation (particularly if you need twitchy turning -- the CAAD is crazy responsive), and the Synapse might be slightly more comfortable (particularly if the road is bumpy). But you're not talking a major difference.

In car terms, this isn't the difference between, say, a Corvette and a minivan. Rather, it's the difference between a Corvette set up to minimize road bumps (e.g., with slightly softer shocks) and a Corvette set up to maximize speed (e.g., with slightly stiffer shocks). Yeah, one might be a little faster, and one might be a little more comfortable, but...they're both still Corvettes.

To me, it sounds like comfort is your priority, so I'd go with the Synapse -- you're not giving up much (if anything) for the type of riding you do, and you're adding a little bit more comfort. But either way, you won't go wrong.