Originally Posted by
zerocool33
OK, so maybe that was a somewhat juvenile/immature comment about worrying what other people will think. Unfortunately their are tons and tons of elitists in this sport, and this forum for that matter, and I think a lot of people think the same things I did. Thank you all for your opinions and comments. Hopefully I will be able to try a Synapse, Six, and CAAD9 so I can make an educated decision. My biggest thing is that I just want a frame that will last so I can grow with it, and just upgrade wheels/components in years to come. Sounds like any of those bikes will do the trick. I understand the concern of some people with me going carbon at my weight, but it's not like I will be hucking off of stuff, and I will pretty much be on straight up blacktop roads. I also am still trying to lose weight, so I don't plan on riding this bike at 300lbs for long. As a matter of fact I am down to 297 this week. I'm hoping to be about 275 by the time I actually purchase the bike. I will say the carbon dropouts worry me a bit on the Six, but the Six also seems to be in between the Synapse and the CAAD9 in price/components/geometry/etc. Will definitely have to try out all three. I will probably try a Fuji Roubaix Pro and Team also.
You make a very good point, one that most of us (myself included) have fallen prey to - for the most part it's human nature to be concerned about other's opinions (or what we think their opinions are), whether it's with bikes, cars, golf clubs, bowling balls, whatever..... My first bike had to be carbon, I picked an 06 Giant TCR 1, and I rode it a lot before doing my first group ride.... When I showed up on that ride there were guys riding 1990's steel and aluminum, there was no way they were going to be able to keep up with me, or so I thought - As I was riding I wondered what their opinion of me was when they were kicking my a## on every hill and sprint along the way. A definate wake up call.
I've never worried about what people think when I show up on my Specialized Roubaix. As long as I'm able to hang with the strongest riders I'm happy.
A good bike shop will sell you the bike you want.
A great bike shop will sell you the best bike that fits your needs, and that you will want to ride lots.
Don't worry about other's opinions.
Good luck!