Australian Cycling Forums - Bicycles Network Australia

Hi everyone,
I am going to buy an endurance road bike and my budget is around $1500.

I am not sure which of the following options is better?
1. Cannondale Synapse Alloy Disc 105 with Shimano 105, SAVE plus frame, BB30
https://www.bikebug.com/cannondale-syna ... 77466.html

Or
2. GIANT CONTEND SL 1 DISC with Shimano 105, Giant Conduct brake semi-hydraulic disc.
https://www.tbe.com.au/products/giant-c ... 18/306882/

I had a quick look to be familiar with SAVE plus frame and semi-hydraulic disc. But I can't make decision. It seems Cannondale Synapse Al Disc 105 is more comfortable because of SAVE plus tech and GIANT is a more famous brand and perhaps maintenance is easier than Cannondale. Any comment is appreciated.

Test ride both.
Buy the one you find most comfortable.

edit: If the bike shop won't let you test ride, find another shop.

Zippy7 wrote:Test ride both.
Buy the one you find most comfortable.

edit: If the bike shop won't let you test ride, find another shop.

Thanks mate.
I added new option to my list. Cannondale Synapse Carbon 105 2017
It's far from my budget but I want to go with carbon material and try to have a test ride hopefully tomorrow.

I have the Dale 105 alloy and find it a great ride, still breaking in the saddle, but can knock out good distance comfortably.

What Zippy7 said...

Cable disc...that's a big consideration.

The Giant hybrid system is actually quite good, just feels a little grittier than pure hydro but the calipers perform as proper hydraulics.
The good thing is lever cost, far cheaper to replace if you crash one and proper standard shape unlike RS505 levers. It just uses standard cable levers.
You can repair or even use DuraAce levers cheaper than RS505 cost.

I've had no problems with my 2017 Giant Contend SL1 Disc but you do lose a bit of handlebar space for lights/computers etc due to the hydraulic unit. But it's not a big deal for me as the hydraulic unit includes a fitting to hold a Garmin and/or GoPro mount.

That said, I did not compare it to the Cannondale at the time so I've got nothing to compare it to

Lifetime frame warranty for the original owner is a big plus for Giant ownership, assuming you don't plan to sell it any time soon.