Tire pressure and/or wider rims/tires can make a huge difference. I have a CAAD10 - and yes it's just a little less forgiving compared to the steel and carbon bikes I've also owned. But the difference is quite small. Decent carbon should be as stiff but slightly more comfortable. (IME) Steel is slightly more comfortable as well but gives up some stiffness/responsiveness. Those are huge generalizations...but mostly hold when other things are equal.
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"The older you do get, the more rules they're gonna try to get you to follow. You just gotta keep livin', man, L-I-V-I-N." - Wooderson
'14 carbon Synapse - '12 CAAD 10 5 - '99 Gary Fisher Big Sur
Last edited by dtrain; 09-01-15 at 11:00 AM.