"Jean" wrote in message
...
I'm looking to replace my old road bike with a carbon fiber model. My
criteria a women's specific design, comfy for all day riding,
smooth riding, light weight, Shimano 105 components, and preferably a
triple crank.

Via the web, I've checked out the specs and reviews for following
bikes: Cannondale (Synapse Fem 5), Felt (ZW5), Giant (Avail Advanced
2), Trek (Madrone 3.1WSD), or Specialized (Ruby Elite Apex). I was
hoping y'all might have some insights into these bikes so that I could
minimize driving all over the state (there are no local dealers for
most of these brands) to do the final fit check-out and test ride.

So here goes. Assuming equally good fit and tire size/psi - Do any of
these bikes stand out as more smooth riding? Do any of these bikes
stand out as more comfy for all day long cruising? Does anyone have
any idea how the weights compare for the same size bike?

Thanks for any help trying to trim down my list of potential bikes.

Jean

Jean: I can only speak to the Trek Madone, since that's what I sell. The
new Madone 3.1 is a pretty nice machine, and I really like the fact that
it's one of the few that still has real live eyelets on the rear
dropouts, making it easy to attach a rack or fenders. The spacing is
wide enough between the chainstays to easily accomodate a 25c tire (it
comes stock with 23), and has a classic road geometry, nothing so short
that you can't ride it all day comfortably. Trek has been pretty good
about keeping chainstay length reasonable, which helps not just with
stability when descending, but also with shifting as well. I'm not at
the shop right now so I don't have a weigh handy, but it's actually an
ounce or two lighter than the higher-end Madone 4.5.

Keep in mind it's available in a compact-crank version only, no triple.
If you need really low gears, the rear derailleur can be changed to a
long cage version and you can install an 11-32, 11-34 or even an 11-36
in the back.

Ultimately, what really makes the bike the *right* bike may be finding a
dealer who understands your dreams, how you'd like to ride, and can fit
it properly to you. Fit is *really* important.

Hope this helps-

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com