canondale 2011 synapse alu

[newb]

dont worry people its not another what bike thread....

I would just like a bit of advice regarding my new purchase and my own abilities.


I cant afford the carbon synapse and so I want to buy this next month with a 105 groupset. The only thing is I am a complete newbie as the name suggests so am I biting off more than I can chew? Is this bike suitable for a beginner?
I currently ride a ridgeback mx5 mtb with spd's fitted so I am ok with the pedals.

I originally wanted the caad8 105 but I don't like the colours so I have ditched that idea. I have narrowed it down to the synapse or the Caad 10 however if I bought the 10 I would have to get a different groupset and I really would like the 105.

Any ideas? am I going to find it tough?
Thanks in advance for any replies

 

[aberal]

If you can afford it...buy it. Too many people (myself included) make the mistake of buying cheaply and a. get disillusioned because their bike turns out to be a dog to ride, or b. having to upgrade at great extra expense within a year. I've had a Cannondale R600 (with 105 groupset) for 10 years now and by all accounts the Synapse is a beautiful bike. If you like it, it will last you years. If you find ultimately that it's not for you, at least you can still sell it again and get some of the money back. Don't get hung up on groupsets though - the most important thing on a bike is the frame followed by the wheels. The gears/brakes/shifters etc you can change.

 

[accountantpete]

I'm sure if you can shop around you can get the CAAD 10 with a 105.

The CAAD 10 will be a bit stiffer and more responsive with the Synapse a bit more on the comfy side.

I'd try and get a ride of a road bike before buying as it is quite a bit different from your existing ride.

 

[newb]

I'm sure if you can shop around you can get the CAAD 10 with a 105.

The CAAD 10 will be a bit stiffer and more responsive with the Synapse a bit more on the comfy side.

I'd try and get a ride of a road bike before buying as it is quite a bit different from your existing ride.

Thanks for both replies, really appreciated. In regards to the CAAD10, you can get it fitted with 105 however it then goes out of my price range at £1200 approx. From the advice offered I think I prefer the synapse anyway with it being a little more comfortable.

Only this morning I went out for a blast on a friends road bike, I loved it!! prior to purchase I am going to try and get a ride so I dont get something that I dont like.

Thanks again chaps for the replies.

 

[PaulSecteur]

Have you considered looking at a specialized secteur? Its their version of the synapse, drop bars but with a more comfortable body position. £800 should get you a 105 equipped 2010 model.
From the limited time I have spent on mine it seems very good, and lots of long term reviews seem to agree.

 

[newb]

Have you considered looking at a specialized secteur? Its their version of the synapse, drop bars but with a more comfortable body position. £800 should get you a 105 equipped 2010 model.
From the limited time I have spent on mine it seems very good, and lots of long term reviews seem to agree.

Thanks for that mate, they are very very nice. The only thing is that for years I have wanted a cannondale mtb and really have my heart set on one of there roadbikes now. I am going to buy next week hopefully and if the cannondale doesnt fit, or doesnt feel right then the spesh is on my shortlist.

cheers

 

[Lerxt]

I'd not ridden a road bike for over 25 years and after trying quite a few bikes I went for the Synapse 105. I don't regret it and I'm a little sad to have to consign it to the attic for the winter. It's a great bike, comfortable, responsive and perfect for the type of riding that I'm doing. I consider myself a beginner even though I've ridden mountain bikes off and on for years. Though it took a bit of getting used to, the bike has been well worth it. If you can afford it, go for it.

 

[Howard]

You could try getting last years CAAD9 105 in the sales. Shop around.

Nothing wrong with a CAAD10 Tiagra - you can always upgrade it in the future if you feel the need.

 

[newb]

thanks again for the posts. Its good to hear that a synapse owner is happy as I think this is the likely choice. I will however consider the CAAD 9 if I can find one as they are pretty good too arent they.

Thanks guys

 

[Howard]

thanks again for the posts. Its good to hear that a synapse owner is happy as I think this is the likely choice. I will however consider the CAAD 9 if I can find one as they are pretty good too arent they.

Thanks guys

One of the best all alu road frames money can buy - unless the CAAD10 is better

 

[newb]

One of the best all alu road frames money can buy - unless the CAAD10 is better

Just been to the lbs Harry Middleton cycles in ormskirk if anyone knows it. Fantastic shop, cant speak highly enough of them.

It looks like Im getting a 2010 synapse carbon with 105 and ultegra bits on it. I am so happy and can not believe how lightweight it is

Fingers crossed it will be mine next week

 

[TheBoyBilly]

I'd be very interested to hear how you get on with the Synapse newb, mate. It's on my shortlist too (as is the alu version). Good luck.

Bill

 

[Rob3rt]

Depends what you want, my understanding is that the CAAD series is racier than the Synapse series which has more relaxed angles and a more upright riding possition.

You should think about what you want from a bike. Also you should ride both if you already havent done so.


The CAAD series are very popular alu frames amongst racers apparently. Couldnt say from my experience if this is true or not. I have a CAAD9 (with Tiagra grouset) and can see why they would be popular amongst racing snakes, unfortunatelly, my fixie is much favoured over this bike.

 

[newb]

Depends what you want, my understanding is that the CAAD series is racier than the Synapse series which has more relaxed angles and a more upright riding possition.

You should think about what you want from a bike. Also you should ride both if you already havent done so.


The CAAD series are very popular alu frames amongst racers apparently. Couldnt say from my experience if this is true or not. I have a CAAD9 (with Tiagra grouset) and can see why they would be popular amongst racing snakes, unfortunatelly, my fixie is much favoured over this bike.

I cant test the alu version yet because its not available in the shops yet. The way I have looked at it is that I wanted the caad8 but didnt like any of the colour designs ( sad but you know what you want right?). So the caad8 went out the window. I looked at the synapse and it seemed to fit the bill quite well. Slightly more upright seating position favoured for longer periods in the saddle. Im never going to race so I would sacrifice the possibility of a little bit of speed over comfort.
Then I go into the shop and see the 2010 carbon synapse with ultegra and 105...... I was sold, loved the ride, quite comfortable and it just felt like quality in my hands if you now what I mean.

Ill check the forum for a write up on the synapse carbon. If it hasnt been done yet then ill post loads of pics etc when I get it

 

[accountantpete]

Nice one Newb - I think you would have been pleased with either of the two alloy bikes but this will save all the "what if " thoughts that you sometimes get.