Saldawop

Hi guys and gals, first post here.Looking to buy a new bike.Currently ride a 2011 Specialized Allez but find it pretty uncomfortable.Looking for a more laid back geometry .
Originally was planning on getting the Cannondale Synapse 105 Disc alu .Then I saw the Orbea Avant M20 that comes with Ultegra groupset and hydraulic disc brakes (and it looks fantastic imo) , but it is £600 more than the Cannondale.
Have ridden both and both comfortable. Head says get the Synapse,heart says get the Avant and is making up all sorts of reasons as to why I should.Which would you listen to?
OR would you throw a spanner in the works and maybe suggest something else?

Are Orbeas decent bikes? I know the Synapse is supposed to be a great bit of kit

Maelochs

Go with the heart for intellectual reasons.

The more hardware you buy, the more you have.

Upgrading is expensive, so if you don't buy it up front you are likely to simply have to do without it until you get your next next bike.

So ... every time you hit the brakes you will wonder if Hydro discs would be a big difference. You will wonder if a CF frame would be even more comfortable, or if you would feel the weight difference.

On the other hand, if you buy the Orbea you will be spending £100 per year for the next six years ... what is that 50 p per day? Once the check clears the bank ro the credit card statement comes in, you won't miss the cash ... but you will have the bike for six years or maybe the rest of your life.

I have never ridden a bike and thought, "I wonder how this bike would ride if it had worse parts." I have frequently thought, "I got good parts, and I really enjoy them."


If it were me it would be two issues: finances and actual comparison of spec.

An Al Synapse with 105 ... great bike. I have a comparable model from Fuji. Others may demur, but I have never wished for Ultegra (comparing it to the Ultegra drive train on another bike I own.) I am glad it is Aluminum because it saved me a Lot of money and it is tough ... but just a little heavy.

However .... I already have a full CF bike with Ultegra. I didn't need another one. If I had not already had my CF Workswell with Ultegra, I probably would have spent more and got CF and hydro discs.

The other issue would be money. If that extra £600 won't break the bank ... spend it. However, when I went shopping, I needed to save as much cash as possible ... you seem to have the extra cash available.

Shinkers

If money isn't really going to hold you back, I'd be getting the Orbea. They seem to offer pretty good builds at a good price point and are definitely solid bikes.

Sojodave

I had a 2011 Specialized Allez, it has the same geometry as the Specialized Tarmac which is a race geometry. Unless you are very flexible and are going to race, this may not be the frame to start out with. The Synapse is an endurance frame which will be much more comfortable.

redfooj

Get the one you want which is orbea

cyclebycle13

If that synapse has mechanical disc brakes I'd pass. I just don't see the advantage of anything with them, especially after riding a bike w/ a hydraulic system.

Saldawop

Thanks for the replies. Im going to go with the Orbea. Hopefully will pick it up tomorrow.
Although the money isn't really an issue, it's a lot extra when you set yourself a particular budget, but it makes sense to go with the better components.

Maelochs

LOL .... you love the bike and will invent any sort of rationalization ... even the same one I use.

Good choice, IMO.

a1penguin

I think you are getting good value for the additional 600 rather than something like a color you like. It is true when they say "if you have a bike you love riding, you love to ride more".

Share a pic of your bike when you get it :-)

Saldawop

Yes, I'm very good at that.

Saldawop

Avant ordered. Picking it up tomorrow

bfaIllini

So how is the new bike?
I'm considering same, vs Spec Diverge Expert vs Jamis Renegade Elite
Thanks for the reply!
Barry

Gconan

Congratulations on the new sweet ride!