If you really like the Cannondale but the price is too high, you may want to take a step down and look at the Quick 4. These sell in the $700 range and are decent bikes. The fit and feel would be similar to the Quick 3 but has a lower level of componentry. My wife has one and loves it. Don't limit yourself to only looking at the womens versions. You may find that the mens version fits you better, which is what happened to my wife.