I must say I was steering away from the synapse initially. I guess I was more worried about what other people would say about me riding a sissy bike with lax geometry. But I don't plan on racing, and I would like to try a century or two this summer, so I want something that will be comfortable. If I can I want to put about 80 miles or more a week. This is something I am entering in whole hearted, and I am giving up some other hobbys so I can focus on this one. I guess I really don't want to make the wrong decision with this first road bike. I would like to get something with a decent frame that I can upgrade components on and be happy with the frame for a long time. I'd rather keep a frame for 5 years and have dura-ace/sram red/campy record, than buy a new bike every two or three years with 105. Maybe how much I plan on riding isn't worthy of those components in some hardcore riders eyes, but I like nice things, lol. I like the CAAD9 pricewise and in the looks department, I'm just worried it will be a jarring uncomfortable unforgiving ride for 20+ mile rides, or the one or two century rides.