Cannondale Synapse disc 105 WSD

[joanna]

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/synapse-alloy-disc-105-womens-2015-road-bike-ec071056

Trying this bike out tomorrow - can't wait! No reviews as yet, but the non-WSD has great reviews. a few differences between the WSD and the non, but hopefully nothing significant. Hoping it will see me through my daily commute - as well as my upcoming trip across France in a month. Bit nervous, I've not been on a drop bar bike before, but hoping i'll get used to it!

Anyone tried this out? Or indeed the non-WSD one (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/synapse-alloy-105-disc-2015-road-bike-ec071021)

 

[vickster]

Check it can take a proper rack and mudguards if using for commuting. A friend has the non disc 2014 Sora version which she likes (now cross levers added) but it'll only take raceblade mudguards and the front one moves and rubs, so much she's thinking of removing it. There's not enough clearance for decent guards which are IMO needed for commuting and touring

Personally 105 hoods don't work with my hand shape/size so it wouldn't be one for me, check you can get enough power through the brakes when on the hoods as well as the drops.

Hope it works out for you, a grand is a decent price for the spec

But why did they forget to paint it?

 

[Mo1959]

If you read in the Q & A section there have been questions re racks and Evans say not suitable, also only Crud mudguards which aren't the sturdiest.

It is a lovely, well specced bike, but maybe not for touring??

 

[vickster]

If you read in the Q & A section there have been questions re racks and Evans say not suitable, also only Crud mudguards which aren't the sturdiest.

It is a lovely, well specced bike, but maybe not for touring??

Or commuting

 

[joanna]

thank you for your replies. The tour I'm doing is supported, so don't need it to support full loads. good to know about the mudguards though. I've been looking at the reviews on Evans on the non-WSD bike, and it's got full marks, but i'll see how it feels tomorrow when i ride it. I ordered it well over a month ago, but unfortunately there were delays in the factory. Hoping the wait was worth it!

 

[vickster]

You might be able to mount a rack with P clips, ask them

 

[jowwy]

Funny that as the non wsd version has rack and guard eyelets and clearence for 28mm tyres......wonder how i know

If its got the promax disc calipers, bin them and spend a little extra on trp spyres as they are a far superior cable disc caliper

 

[joanna]

Well, I tried it out on Saturday - and was undecided. Look-wise - it isn't that great. I do like understated colours, but the black with the glitter flash didn't do it for me. I got on with the drops great on the flat, but going downhill, I felt very vulnerable. Like Vickster, I didn't feel like I got enough power from the brakes on the hoods, and could hardly reach the brakes on the drops.

Back to square one. I am beginning to think I should just stick with the hybrid! I love the idea of drops, but i have a very bad psychological fear of descents (even after over 10 years of cycling), and so I think going to drops might not be the best idea.

 

[vickster]

Well, I tried it out on Saturday - and was undecided. Look-wise - it isn't that great. I do like understated colours, but the black with the glitter flash didn't do it for me. I got on with the drops great on the flat, but going downhill, I felt very vulnerable. Like Vickster, I didn't feel like I got enough power from the brakes on the hoods, and could hardly reach the brakes on the drops.

Back to square one. I am beginning to think I should just stick with the hybrid! I love the idea of drops, but i have a very bad psychological fear of descents (even after over 10 years of cycling), and so I think going to drops might not be the best idea.

I find cross levers are useful. These are easily added to roadbikes. They also make you sit up more in a 'hybrid' position so you may feel better going down hills I never use the drops on hills, only the hoods or tops. Don't use the drops much at all really, perhaps on a clear straight road, but those don't really exist around here!

Also take a look at a SRAM equipped bike, something like this, especially with 15% off + another 10% British Cycling (not sure how small the small is or indeed how tall you are). I did 50 miles on SRAM levers with no cross brakes yesterday and no braking issues (yes I wanted to gnaw my shoulder and arm off by the end but that's another story)

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/boardman-road-team-carbon-limited-edition#tab1

May not be an ideal commuter but should be fun to ride

Otherwise, you can spec Dolan bikes with SRAM and Planet X use it as well

Or just go for a fast hybrid with disc brakes, something like a Specialized Vita

If you are around 5'10 and ever want a ride on a roadbike with SRAM, give me a shout