I have a cannondale r200 cad2 and it has served me well. There is nothing wrong with it, but I find myself salivated over bikes that were actually bought in the last 15 years. My bike seems so heavy, but I can't really figure out why I care. So, here is my question. I'm a 200lb 45 y/o rider who commutes to work three times a week (10 miles each way) and I do a 40 to 50 mile ride every other weekend. I do the occassional charity ride. Every year I do the ALC ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles and I do a few other events that have back to back centuries over some pretty crappy streets. When I begin to look at new bikes I find that the price keeps creeping up (mainly because it seems hard to find a modern day road bike that is made for a 200 lb rider). I'm looking at the Cannondale Synapse, but the LBS worker suggested that I should go carbon because it is soooo much more comfortable and since I do a lot of miles that would pay off in the long run. I'm now looking at bikes that cost $2,000 to $3,000 (I really like the Cannondale Synapse Carbon) Am I crazy for upgrading when my present bike works? Or, am I crazy for riding an antiquated work horse? I've seen lots of good advice on these forums, so I'd just enjoy reading what others think before I make the plunge or not. Thanks.

Plus it doubles his commission . Modern aluminum frames are very comfortable, especially if you're on the heavier side. IMO, the main benefit is that carbon is a bit lighter than an aluminum frame, worth a couple seconds in a race.

IMO, it's never a bad idea to get a new bike.

If I rode as much as you (I ride about the same as you, excluding the century events) and hadn't bought a new bike in 15 years, I would buy one.

if your budget is 2-3k, no reason NOT to get a carbon synapse... go for it!! nice bikes

Why not keep your current "antiquated work horse" as your commuter and get something for the longer rides? And if you can comfortably afford the more expensive carbon dream bike then go for it.

But there's nothing wrong with aluminum frames. I think most would agree that the components are more important then the frame material. I just got a Felt Z85 (alum. frame, carbon seat post, fork) with full 105 components. I've put about 1,200 miles on it since April and love it. I decided against carbon because I couldn't justify the additional cost (several hundred $$$) just to save a pound or two in weight.

Yes it is time. The law of n+1.

Yes.

If you are married (I am) I prefer to go by the law of n-1.

Just tell her that the law is n-(-1). Diamonds also might work.

The answer is almost always yes. Go get a nice carbon bike and keep the "old" one. You will enjoy the ride of the carbon frame.

Seems like you certainly deserve a new bike...hell, we all deserve a new bike!

Seriously, the right carbon frame is pretty comfy over the long haul, and I have two guys on my team who are right at or over 200 lbs, and they ride the crap outta' carbon frames with no issues.

Do you remember being young and wanting that shiny new bike but couldn't get it because (insert any reason here)?

You work for a living, you want a new bike. Get a new bike, and since you have your eye on the Synapse, get the Synapse! What is stopping you? Sometimes you just have to learn how to treat yourself.

DO IT!

I agree that you can justify using the old bike for commuting and use a new bike for everything else.

However, a few caveats that I hold which you may find useful.

• Purchasing a new bike only briefly suppresses Bike Envy.
• Don't buy a bike unless you can afford to replace it.
• Frame material matters far less than the intent of the designer.
• Make sure you get a good fit.