Felt Fc3 or Cannodale Synapse Carbon

[boogie]

Hi there. I have been riding a Specialized Elite Alum bike w/ 105s .Time to upgrade and want carbon (i think) and a compact crank. Spending about $3k i think.

Do you guys like the Fc3 - Duraace components, carbon, 50/36... I think the wheels are the Mavic Aksyrium.... The next level up is Fc2 has better wheels and 53/39. Is that worth the extra $999?

Seems cheap? Is it good frame? Cannondale better? Same level comes with Ultegras but better wheens...Should I still look around at more - QR or Merlin? Or, go with the FELT?

[Sprocket Man]

It looks like the primary difference between the F3C and the F2C are the wheels (as you said) and the crank. Personally, I don't think the differences between the models justifies a $999 premium, especially if you had your heart set on the compact crank.

I don't know if anyone can say the Synapse is any better or any worse than the Felt. Only different. Sorry if I sound vague, but I don't know any other way to say it. It's like asking the question, "What's better, a Honda Accord or a Toyota Camry". Both sides can argue all they want, but at the end of the day, all you have is personal preference.

If you want to check out other brands, how about Cervelo? They seem to be really popular - they were the #1 most popular brand at the HIM in 2005. The brand seems to inspire a lot of loyalty. It sounds like you are looking for a bike with traditional road geometry, but if you've never ridden a bike with a steeper geometry, you may find that you like it. In that case, check out the Cervelo Soloist, which gives you the option of traditional or steep.

The downsloping top tube is called a compact frame. Some shorter riders prefer compact frames because they offer more top tube clearance. Others like it for the looks. Some hate the way they look. Generally speaking, compact frames are offered with less size options than traditional frames. Once again, it's just a matter of personal preference.

Did you already qualify for HIM? If so, best of luck to you this October!

[chrisesposito]

You might be interested in a recent article on Slowtwitch on 2006 tri bikes, including Cervelo, Felt, Quintana Roo, and Specialized.
http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/product2006/tribikes/tribike2006.html

[cjbruin]

Spend $2,500 and get a Cervelo P2 SL. A perfect ride for Kona and a great value.

I'll be racing in Kona this year (although at the Honu 70.3 in June) and doing the ride to Hawi. I'm looking forward to the bike more than the rest of the race.

[Sprocket Man]

What do you ride?
Would you buy a FELT? I own a Felt (S25 tri-bike)! I also own a Cannondale. And a Trek. And a Miyata (that I converted into a fixed gear). :D My wife also owns 3 bikes (Trek, Cannondale and a Vitus). And my daughter owns two bikes and will soon get a 3rd, and she's only 6 years old! My next bike will probably be a Cervelo or Litespeed. But first I need to move into a bigger house because the bikes are taking up too much room. :o

[jennings780]

Obviously, the synapse is a road bike. Cannondale makes fantastic frames. They spend a lot on R&D. When in doubt I'd go cannondale.

[Jaybird]

I own a Felt (S25 tri-bike)! I also own a Cannondale. And a Trek. And a Miyata (that I converted into a fixed gear). My wife also owns 3 bikes (Trek, Cannondale and a Vitus). And my daughter owns two bikes and will soon get a 3rd, and she's only 6 years old! My next bike will probably be a Cervelo or Litespeed. But first I need to move into a bigger house because the bikes are taking up too much room.

Sprocket Man, if you don't get help at Charter, please, get help somewhere!!! Just kidding....the color of envy is GREEN and you might as well call me Kermit.

[BIGPAKO]

I own a Felt (S25 tri-bike)! I also own a Cannondale. And a Trek. And a Miyata (that I converted into a fixed gear). :D My wife also owns 3 bikes (Trek, Cannondale and a Vitus). And my daughter owns two bikes and will soon get a 3rd, and she's only 6 years old! My next bike will probably be a Cervelo or Litespeed. But first I need to move into a bigger house because the bikes are taking up too much room. :o

Do you ride the Tri or TT bike for fun or to compete? I'm thinking of buying my first TT bike (Quintana Roo pronounced: Quintana Roo) :} & wondering if there's any pleasure in it as on a road bike?

[Sprocket Man]

Sprocket Man, if you don't get help at Charter, please, get help somewhere!!! Just kidding....the color of envy is GREEN and you might as well call me Kermit.What I lack in talent, I make up for with equipment! ;)


Do you ride the Tri or TT bike for fun or to compete? I'm thinking of buying my first TT bike (Quintana Roo pronounced: Quintana Roo) :} & wondering if there's any pleasure in it as on a road bike?I ride my Felt tri-bike to compete, on the trainer, and my Sunday morning rides (which is done in a place that's completely flat and very little automobile traffic). You can use a tri-bike as a road bike, but there are a couple of disadvantages. 1. If you ride in a group, some groups may prohibit you from riding in aero position if you're in a pack. This is because your hands are further away from your brake levers while in aero position and some people don't hold their line as well in that position. 2. Generally, it's harder to climb with a tri-bike because the gearing is often made for flat roads (but this can be overcome by getting a bigger cassette). Also, the base bar is lower which makes it a little harder to use as leverage to climb up the really steep ascents. I wouldn't worry too much about this unless you live in a very hilly area.

As a compromise, many people get a regular road bike and snap on some aero bars.

Speaking of Quintana Roo, did you see this article on Slowtwitch.com? http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/product2006/tribikes/tribikeqr.html

QR makes really nice bikes!

[BIGPAKO]

What I lack in talent, I make up for with equipment! ;)


I ride my Felt tri-bike to compete, on the trainer, and my Sunday morning rides (which is done in a place that's completely flat and very little automobile traffic). You can use a tri-bike as a road bike, but there are a couple of disadvantages. 1. If you ride in a group, some groups may prohibit you from riding in aero position if you're in a pack. This is because your hands are further away from your brake levers while in aero position and some people don't hold their line as well in that position. 2. Generally, it's harder to climb with a tri-bike because the gearing is often made for flat roads (but this can be overcome by getting a bigger cassette). Also, the base bar is lower which makes it a little harder to use as leverage to climb up the really steep ascents. I wouldn't worry too much about this unless you live in a very hilly area.

As a compromise, many people get a regular road bike and snap on some aero bars.

Speaking of Quintana Roo, did you see this article on Slowtwitch.com? http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/product2006/tribikes/tribikeqr.html

QR makes really nice bikes!

Thanks a lot for the insight Sprocket Man, that really helps. So if I ride a 56cm road bike would it be ideal to ride the same in a TT? In this case, since QR comes in either a 55cm or 57cm I would be inclined to go with 55cm?

[Sprocket Man]

Thanks a lot for the insight Sprocket Man, that really helps. So if I ride a 56cm road bike would it be ideal to ride the same in a TT? In this case, since QR comes in either a 55cm or 57cm I would be inclined to go with 55cm?It's difficult to make a direct correlation in size between your road bike and a prospective TT bike. The correlation is even more problematic if the brand of your road bike is different from the brand of the TT bike you're looking at. The first problem is that manufacturers aren't always consistent in how they measure. Some measure center(of the bottom bracket)-to-center (of the seatpost lug) and some measure center-to-top. Also, top tube length can vary quite significantly between similarly sized bikes. And top tube length is arguably just as important (if not moreso) than seat tube length.

I know it sounds like a Bike Forum cliche, but the best thing to do is to try out the bike at a local shop. Take your time and test out a couple of models, just to give you the satisfaction that you've made the best choice in the end. And finally, and most importantly, post pics of your ride when you finally buy it! Good luck.

[BIGPAKO]

It's difficult to make a direct correlation in size between your road bike and a prospective TT bike. The correlation is even more problematic if the brand of your road bike is different from the brand of the TT bike you're looking at. The first problem is that manufacturers aren't always consistent in how they measure. Some measure center(of the bottom bracket)-to-center (of the seatpost lug) and some measure center-to-top. Also, top tube length can vary quite significantly between similarly sized bikes. And top tube length is arguably just as important (if not moreso) than seat tube length.

I know it sounds like a Bike Forum cliche, but the best thing to do is to try out the bike at a local shop. Take your time and test out a couple of models, just to give you the satisfaction that you've made the best choice in the end. And finally, and most importantly, post pics of your ride when you finally buy it! Good luck.

Thanks, you've been more helpful than you think. I ride a "Jazzed-up" Fuji Newest 56cm & a kick ass Felt F55 also 56cm. The TT bike I'm 99.5% sure of purchasing between now and Sunday is a 2005 Quintana Roo Kilo 55cm. I'm currently searching for LBSs who carry the QR brand so I can try one out.

I'll post some pics soon.

Cheers!