Crunch time

[billy1561]

Have been looking at new bikes for ages and today test rode a few and would love some opinions on them.
My choice has been narrowed down to these:
Trek 2.1c (105)
Cannondale synapse 105
Cannondale Caad 8 105

Should mention that i am a fairly novice rider (12 month) Would really prefer a more relaxed geometry in general and the synapse 'appeared' to be that type. It was the best trial ride.

Guy in the LBS waxed lyrical about the Trek and to add confusion i preferred the Caad 105 on looks.
Would appreciate some advice on these bikes please

 

[smokeysmoo]

Cannodales CAAD range are simply peerless.

I have a CAAD10 Dura-Ace, and if you can still get hold of the CAAD8, and your budget won't stretch to a CAAD10 105, (£1300, see here, CAAD10 105), then buy one while you still can, reviewed here, CAAD8 105.

I had a Trek Madone 5.5 a few years ago, great bike, (albeit not very comparable to a 1.2c), but I'm not a fan of Bontrager components TBH.

I can understand why the Synapse felt most comfortable, the head tube is very long which gives a relaxed riding position, but you can kind of achieve this on most bikes by playing around with the stem height and spacers.

Let us know what you decide, and review the buying process for everyones benefit, and don't forget some piccies when it comes

 

[dan_bo]

CAAD 8 if it was my money.

 

[billy1561]

Can't explain why exactly but i am drifting towards the Cannondales.. I think i need convincing to go for the Trek. Possibly cos the LBS seemed more bothered that it was in the team colours and looks lovely etc etc of which looks are of consideration but won't sway my decision on it's own.
I also tried out a Scott which was £2600 and it felt the same as a £700 Synapse Guy in the shop nearly fell over in disgust. Was definately lighter but in my ignorance i couldn't really see much for the extra cash. (Way out of my cash league anyway)

 

[smokeysmoo]

Can't explain why exactly but i am drifting towards the Cannondales.

Keep drifting Billy, keep drifting. The CAAD8 is the pick of the bunch fella

 

[billy1561]

Quite like the Synapse. Dunno why?
What's the difference between shimano 105's and shimano 105 5700's?

 

[smokeysmoo]

Quite like the Synapse. Dunno why?
What's the difference between shimano 105's and shimano 105 5700's?

Shimano always denote the series of the groupset by a 4 digit number, eg: 5700.

5700 is simply the latest version of 105 for 2011, the last version was.....................you got it, 5600

They do it on all their groupsets I think, at least they do on 105 upwards.

105 is a great workhouse and very reliable.

According to Mark Greshon of UK distributors Madison, the new 5700 series 105 is "designed for riders looking for all the technological features of Dura-Ace and Ultegra at an unrivalled price".

Check it out here, 105 Review

 

[billy1561]

Mate, you're a mine of useful information. Cheers.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Mate, you're a mine of useful information. Cheers.

That makes a refreshing change, I've been called a mine of useless information many times Cheers Buddy

 

[billy1561]

Decided to go for the Cannondale Synapse alloy 105. The test ride was much comfier than i imagined, Never got to try the CAAD8 but the Synapse's more relaxed position was the deciding factor.
Just have to wait for the bike2work certificate now. Will report back when i get it

 

[smokeysmoo]

Decided to go for the Cannondale Synapse alloy 105. The test ride was much comfier than i imagined, Never got to try the CAAD8 but the Synapse's more relaxed position was the deciding factor.
Just have to wait for the bike2work certificate now. Will report back when i get it

Spot on Billy

 

[billy1561]

Had a change of plan now. When I went in to LBS to confirm my order it turns out the cannondales won't be in stock until mid July and possibly later than that. Couldn't believe it as they didn't say there was a stock issue when they took my order.
Anyhoo, after evaluating my options I am fairly sure that I am going to go for a Scott cr1 comp. Quite a bit more expensive but a decent bike I hope.

 

[billy1561]

I used to be indecisive but now i'm not so sure...anyway, received my brand new Cannondale alloy synapse 105 today and it's great
Don't know how to put a pic up but most of you guys know what they look like i
guess

 

[cyberknight]

Nice , i seriously considered a synpase when i was shopping for a new bike on C2W.

 

[PaulSecteur]

Nice! The synapse was a strong contender for me, but having 2 Spech concept stores within 10 miles (Brum and stafford) swung it for me.