Cannondale - CAAD VS SYNAPSE; ALU VS CARBON

shing1919
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Cannondale - CAAD VS SYNAPSE; ALU VS CARBON

Postby shing1919 » Fri Aug 01, 2014 3:17 pm

hi everyone,
i m looking for my first road bike,

My fd introduced the Cannondale to me

when i saw the synapse and caad on the internet, i searched the information about those type of bike.

many ppl said that synapse is more comfortable

Caad is gd for racing.

i found out that there are cannondale bicycles clearance sale in two local bike shop.

it is very very cheap.

http://citybikedepot.com.au/29-road-bikes

http://www.kingstreetcyclery.com.au/bik ... bikes.html

my wish list:
Cannondale CAAD(8 or X), Cannondale Synapse Carbon (5 or 6) 105 2014, Cannondale Synapse 6 Tiagra 2014

i prefer synapse than caad

tiagra or 105? which one should i choose?(it is my first road bike, is 105 too high level for me?)

should i choose the alum frame or carbon frame?

but the carbon is quite expensive...(is it easy to break ?)

synapse carbon 6 is my dream bike, i like the colour and model of this bike

but the price of 6 is same as 5

should i choose 5? or the synapse 6 alum only? but $.$ :roll:

my budget is about 1xxx

can anyone give me any suggestion

should i just choose the better one for my first rb :roll:

i will hv a look and try those bikes on tmr
2015 Cervélo R3

2014 synapse carbon 6

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rodneycc
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Re: Cannondale - CAAD VS SYNAPSE; ALU VS CARBON

Postby rodneycc » Fri Aug 01, 2014 5:26 pm

Hi Mate, My 2c worth. If the Synapse Carbon 6 (2014) is your dream bike then go with that one. Not a great deal difference between 6 and the 5 and if the colour does it for you then go for it. The Carbon isn't easily broken (I've tried falling off with the bike still being fine!). The biggest thing is just make sure it fits you properly and you get a good fitting and support from the LBS. The 2014 Synapse was a major jump from the 2013 model in quality (so don't get some dodgy bloke try to sell you a 2013 for a couple of hundred cheaper - stick to the 2014 model for the Synapse). Good luck
2013 BMC TM SLR01;2013/14 Bianchi Inf CV
2013 Lynskey Helix;2013 XACD Ti Di2
2013 Giant TCR Adv SL1;2014 Giant Defy Adv SL

macca33
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Re: Cannondale - CAAD VS SYNAPSE; ALU VS CARBON

Postby macca33 » Fri Aug 01, 2014 5:34 pm

Agreed. Buy what you want and don't compromise or you'll simply want to change it afterwards.
CAAD10 Berzerker & Focus Mares & Ridley Noah SL

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rodneycc
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Re: Cannondale - CAAD VS SYNAPSE; ALU VS CARBON

Postby rodneycc » Fri Aug 01, 2014 5:36 pm

Here is an interesting discussion on the two if you are interested... pretty spot on.

http://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/ ... 105-a.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
2013 BMC TM SLR01;2013/14 Bianchi Inf CV
2013 Lynskey Helix;2013 XACD Ti Di2
2013 Giant TCR Adv SL1;2014 Giant Defy Adv SL

usernameforme
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Re: Cannondale - CAAD VS SYNAPSE; ALU VS CARBON

Postby usernameforme » Fri Aug 01, 2014 8:19 pm

shing1919 wrote:i prefer synapse than caad
I think that anwsers your question. If you ever see yourself racing later on you could end up like me and having a bike that doens't fit your needs. If you've got half a thought of racing the CAAD is hard to beat. Synapse would suit your needs if you're a social rider.
shing1919 wrote:tiagra or 105? which one should i choose?(it is my first road bike, is 105 too high level for me?)
105 is better, but tiagra is very solid and no it won't be too high level. The performance of both groups is very good, 105 has lighter weight and has a more aero cable routing (under the bar tape).
shing1919 wrote:should i choose the alum frame or carbon frame?
I'd pick the alum CAAD, but then again my needs are different to you. Think about what you want from riding. Beach cruises I'd lean towards the carbon synapse, If you're gonna ride as a "sport" (eg racing/keeping fit/ beating PBs up hills) the CAAD is a great frame to grow into.
shing1919 wrote:but the carbon is quite expensive...(is it easy to break ?)
Only if you abuse it. Don't go raming it into garage doors and make sure you research any solvent you want to use on it.
shing1919 wrote:synapse carbon 6 is my dream bike, i like the colour and model of this bike
Think you've anwsered that one
shing1919 wrote:but the price of 6 is same as 5
That certainly complicates things. See if you can get a discount on the 6 if you mention the 5 being the same price. Doubt you'd get very far, but it's worth a short.

shing1919
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Re: Cannondale - CAAD VS SYNAPSE; ALU VS CARBON

Postby shing1919 » Sat Aug 02, 2014 10:37 pm

thanks for everyone suggestions

i went to the LBS to try the synapse today.

However, synapse only have 48 51 54 56 frame size

when i tried on the bike fitting machine, i tried the 51 54 and 56.

it wasn't quite suit to me

51 small 54 is ok 56 too big (my height: ~175cm)
because my upper body is not long enough, so the 54 is not very comfortable for me
i wanna try the caad too
but the staff said the same size of caad will be longer than synapse
so i didn't try
then i ride on the real bike

its great

but i thought it's not very nice than i thought before

if the synapse have the 52, it'll be better

i consider that

should i choose it? or other brand? or is it my body's problem? :?:

finally, i wanna thanks for the staff today, he's a nice guy!
2015 Cervélo R3

2014 synapse carbon 6

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kb
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Re: Cannondale - CAAD VS SYNAPSE; ALU VS CARBON

Postby kb » Sun Aug 03, 2014 8:07 am

Interesting. I'm only 1.68 but am reasonably comfortable on a 54cm CAAD10. I guess it's the gorilla arms :-)
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rodneycc
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Re: Cannondale - CAAD VS SYNAPSE; ALU VS CARBON

Postby rodneycc » Sun Aug 03, 2014 11:03 am

Hi mate, The LBS prob just needs to shorten the stem for you. Even a 10mm shorter one can make all the difference. So I'd get The LBS to shorten it and go for another test ride.
2013 BMC TM SLR01;2013/14 Bianchi Inf CV
2013 Lynskey Helix;2013 XACD Ti Di2
2013 Giant TCR Adv SL1;2014 Giant Defy Adv SL

zr953
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Location: Sydney south

Re: Cannondale - CAAD VS SYNAPSE; ALU VS CARBON

Postby zr953 » Fri Aug 08, 2014 10:50 am

Hi,

I am about 175cm and find size 54 quite comfortable for both 2012 CAAD 8 Alu (Tiagra) and 2014 Synapse Carbon 5 (105), both are great bikes imo.

CAAD is more entertaining to ride, agile handling but still a comfortable bike after 100km. Synapse on the other hand feels a bit slower taking off and turning, but has a slightly more stable and cushy ride. I ride both bikes with identical saddle and light weight wheelsets with 25mm tyre, to me there is no day and night difference between the two in terms of comfort, but overall I am quicker and have more fun on the CAAD. So why do I bother riding the Synapse? Simple, the look (colour) is irrisistable.

Both are great bikes, either will be fine (with saddle and wheel upgrade of course).

Good luck.

AP81
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Re: Cannondale - CAAD VS SYNAPSE; ALU VS CARBON

Postby AP81 » Fri Aug 08, 2014 5:08 pm

shing1919 wrote:thanks for everyone suggestions

i went to the LBS to try the synapse today.

However, synapse only have 48 51 54 56 frame size

when i tried on the bike fitting machine, i tried the 51 54 and 56.

it wasn't quite suit to me

51 small 54 is ok 56 too big (my height: ~175cm)
because my upper body is not long enough, so the 54 is not very comfortable for me
i wanna try the caad too
but the staff said the same size of caad will be longer than synapse
so i didn't try
then i ride on the real bike

its great

but i thought it's not very nice than i thought before

if the synapse have the 52, it'll be better

i consider that

should i choose it? or other brand? or is it my body's problem? :?:

finally, i wanna thanks for the staff today, he's a nice guy!
Have you tried the 51 with a longer stem or the 54 with a shorter stem?

I don't really have much more to contribute, however I will say this...The CAAD10 is actually quite delicate- moreso than heavier (cheaper) Al frames. They are actually quite easy to dent due to their thin-walled tubing. I'd almost say the synapse carbon will take more of a beating. Can't really comment on the CAAD8 though.

Anyway, you can't go wrong with either...but buy the one you want, not the one which is more affordable. Otherwise you will have buyer's remorse.
Steel - is - real

shing1919
Posts: 37
Joined: Fri Feb 28, 2014 4:08 am

Re: Cannondale - CAAD VS SYNAPSE; ALU VS CARBON

Postby shing1919 » Sat Aug 09, 2014 10:10 pm

yes, i have tried the 51 with a longer stem or the 54 with a shorter stem

however, it's the same problem again

now, i m considering the super six 52 or still synapse 54?(54 is little be long to me, 51 feels quite uncomfortable, when i tried on 51, icant breath very well)

is super six a better choice? or focus 105?
2015 Cervélo R3

2014 synapse carbon 6

AP81
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Re: Cannondale - CAAD VS SYNAPSE; ALU VS CARBON

Postby AP81 » Sun Aug 10, 2014 4:41 pm

Did you try removing some spacers with the 51? That will create more drop and increase the reach.
Sounds like the person fitting you didn't know what they're doing. I'd be trying a different store
Steel - is - real

shing1919
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Joined: Fri Feb 28, 2014 4:08 am

Re: Cannondale - CAAD VS SYNAPSE; ALU VS CARBON

Postby shing1919 » Mon Aug 11, 2014 8:26 pm

thanks every one
Super six evo and synapse carbon
finally i choose the synapse carbon 6
i tried the syna and super six today
when i compared the super six with synapse
the 51 synapse is more suit to me
then i choose the synapse!
2015 Cervélo R3

2014 synapse carbon 6

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