C200

Here is my dilemma. I have an alloy Synapse from Cannondale that is 2 years old. I am just coming off of my second neck surgery and I am slowly getting back into riding. I want the most efficient Synapse that I can afford. So does that mean that I upgrade to the SL carbon frame and use my old components or keep the alloy frame and upgrade to better components? Will I see an increase in speed just by changing frames? I would go from a 60 to a 58. I feel that the 60 is somewhat oversize for me.

Grasschopper

The only real reason to do this is for the size change...you wont see any increase in speed by going to CF unless the euphoria of the new bike is giving you extra muscles...but that wears off and then you are going the same as you ever were.

Cannondale prices their frames in such a manner that you are better off buying the complete bike...I don't know if your shop is doing some sort of trade in but if they aren't your best bet is to buy a complete bike.

daoswald

Getting your fit right is more important than going from aluminum to carbon fiber, in my opinion. Also, what components do you currently have? If you're going from Tiagra to Ultegra, for example, that might be a worthwhile investment. If you're going from 105 to Ultegra, that's of questionable value unless there's a specific need that Ultegra will fill for you for which 105 fails.

The CF Synapse will be a little lighter. If saving weight is the goal, I guess go for it. But personally I would probably look at the componentry first, unless the frame really is too large. As for getting the fit right, have you ever switched to a shorter stem?

When I bought my Synapse it came with a 120mm stem, and I quickly switched it to a 100mm stem. That got me close enough. At first the hoods still felt a little far. But as I've become more limber and more accustomed to the fit, I find myself on the hoods most of the time now, and it's very comfortable.

NeezyDeezy

I'll add one more opinion for fit > frame material. My most comfortable bike to date was a specialized sequoia, damn I miss that bike.

C200

I just had a professional fit done a few weeks ago. The fitter changed the stem and seat post. He also told me that he would not disagree with the fact that my bike may be one size to large. I did not mention that I was thinking about a carbon frame at that time. Cannondale has this program that allows you to upgrade to a better frame for a price. The price is around $1,350 for an SL frame using my alloy frame as a trade in. I would use my current parts to complete the bike. I am not sure what a complete bike would cost with my bike as a trade in, probably much more than that.

I haven't checked the price on a 58 alloy frame.

dark13star

I have the carbon frame. I'll tell you what really smoothed out the ride and made it faster, were Michelin Pro Race 3 tires. A lot cheaper than the new frame, but I do like the carbon. I test rode mine on cobblestone and brick roads before buying.