I'm close to getting my first real road bike (as soon as I'm back from vacation in a week). Only one more test ride at the LBS. I have decided on the Roubaix over the Synapse, as Specialized/C'dale are the two lines our excellent shop carries. Just waiting to get them in there in the proper size to try, they only had a HUGE base Roubaix and one size down in the Elite. Any thoughts on the Roubaix base model with aluminum frame versus the step up Elite? I will get the three chain ring model, this is for fitness mostly. Any thoughts on the components and the outfitting? I know, I know, ride them both and feel them and choose the better one. But honest to God I rode 5-6 bikes so far and can't tell a real difference, maybe because I'm inexperienced,but also because I have a parking lot to try them in. Not the same as spending serious seat time with a bike.