Cannondale Synapse 6 Tiagra Compact 2012 Vs Cannondale CAAD8 6 TIA 2012 Compact Road Bike

[max1234]

Hi All,

I'm about to purchase my first road bike. My budget is under £1000 and I am stretching myself so would appreciate some help to calm the spending jitters.

The bike will be for long distance rides (30-60 miles and beyond) and use in triathlons including an ironman 70.3. I will be participating in the triathlons for fun so maximum speed and response is not essential although my final time is still important and I would hope to get quite a bit more speed and response than my current Boardman Hybrid bike. Comfort is important (I'm 6' 2") as well as the quality of the ride. I currently take my Boardman Hybrid Comp out for 45 mile rides and it is not the quickest or most comfortable of rides! I would hope to experience a big improvement from the road bike.

I have been into my lbs and they recommended the Cannondale Synapse 6 Tiagra.

I have also seen the Cannondale CAAD8 for the same price. The only feedback I have been able to get from people is that the CAAD8 is built more for speed and the Synapse more for comfort. But how big a difference is there? I don't want to buy a Synapse and have people whizzing by me on quicker CAAD8 bikes!

Has anybody here chosen between the CAAD8 and Synapse in the past and what did they think? Even better, has anybody owned both bikes and how much do they really differ?

Thank you

 

[Cyclist33]

I'm no expert but I think if they "whizz" by you it would be because they were much fitter! For the average joe I wouldn't imagine you'd see much difference in timings over 40/50 miles. But I guess the Synapse would leave you feeling fresher at the end.

Who am I to judge though? I had a "sportive" road bike and got rid of it coz I couldn't like the position. I'm happy doing my 30/60 milers on the flatbar.

Stu

 

[max1234]

Thanks Stu, yet obviously I'd expect a fair few people to whizz by me based on fitness not on the bike! But I want to make sure I am not compromising too much on speed for comfort. Ultimately it probably comes down to personal preference but I'm hoping to get some advice based upon peoples previous experience.

 

[RedMG]

Hi,
I bought the CAAD 8 105 after also testing the Synapse. I think the CAAD 8 is absolutely great, but certainly isn't an all out racer. I find it pretty comfortable and its easy to use the drops with the compact bars. I thought the Synapse was a little too upright for my liking although it was a well put together bike. I bought the CAAD 8 and thought that if i found it too "racey" i could always flip the stem, however, i haven't even had to consider doing that as its such a great ride. You can get them for under £1,000 with the 105 version at the moment i suspect.

 

[smokeysmoo]

I'd go for the CAAD8 if it suits you after a test ride. The CAAD range have always had more race oriented geometry, and they are still regarded now as the absolute best alu frames money can buy. The one rule I've always bought bikes by is to buy the very best frame you can afford. Everything else is upgradeable far easier than the frame.

As RedMG says you can flip the stem if you find it too 'sporty' to give a slightly more upright position. Perhaps ask the shop to set it up this way from the get go, then you can always flip it the other way as your fitness/confidence/desire dictates.

You may find any bike uncomfortable over longer distances. Position set up and saddle choice are both major factors and should never be underestimated, BUT, regarding saddles, what works for one could very well not suit you, so recommendations should always be taken with a pinch of salt.

 

[max1234]

Hi,

Thanks for your replies.

I actually went out and got a Synapse in the end as I would be using it for long distances and hadn't ridden a race bike before. I'm certainly happy with my purchase because it flies along at a good pace and is definitely comfortable over the fifty or so miles I have been using it for. I was a little worried that the CAAD8 could give me some back pain because I'm 6' 2" and not used to the road bike riding position. To be honest having now written my Synapse for a while I don't think it will have caused me any problems.

I'm never going to ride at a standard where the extra inch drop on the CAAD8 would give me any real advantage so overall I'm happy with the Synapse.

Cheers for the advice.