09 Cannondale Synapse 6 vs Al. 5
05-21-09, 07:24 AM
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09 Cannondale Synapse 6 vs Al. 5
I am new to roadbiking, have been borrowing a bike and finally decided to get my own 
I have pretty much decided on the Cannondale Synapse and was going to go with the Aluminum 5 with 105. I just found a bike shop though that is selling the 09 Synapse Carbon 6 for the same price as the Al. 5. When I checked out the specs though the components are Tiagra. I've read a lot of good things about the 5 dampening the road with its carbon forks. My question is would it be better to get the carbon frame even though it has lesser components than the 5, components can be replaced down the road. I did read a few reviews that said there was quite a noticable difference between the 105 and Tiagra componnents, even for a newbie. I plan on using the bike for fun, fitness and an occasional charity century, perhaps the 5 would be just fine? Also, the Al. 5 is a 10 speed and Carbon 6 is a 9 speed....not too sure about the differences. Any thoughts would be much appreciated! Thanks!
I have pretty much decided on the Cannondale Synapse and was going to go with the Aluminum 5 with 105. I just found a bike shop though that is selling the 09 Synapse Carbon 6 for the same price as the Al. 5. When I checked out the specs though the components are Tiagra. I've read a lot of good things about the 5 dampening the road with its carbon forks. My question is would it be better to get the carbon frame even though it has lesser components than the 5, components can be replaced down the road. I did read a few reviews that said there was quite a noticable difference between the 105 and Tiagra componnents, even for a newbie. I plan on using the bike for fun, fitness and an occasional charity century, perhaps the 5 would be just fine? Also, the Al. 5 is a 10 speed and Carbon 6 is a 9 speed....not too sure about the differences. Any thoughts would be much appreciated! Thanks!
Last edited by AHosford; 05-21-09 at 07:31 AM.
05-21-09, 10:40 AM
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Have you posted before? I think this came up recently, if you haven't asked this before, then it looks like Cannondale is giving some type of incentive on the Carbon 6.
It really comes down the following, do you want an all-carbon frame, and then upgrade some of the components down the line, or do you want the nicer components with a carbon/alu frame? I'd say ride them both.
If it were me, i'd probably get the better frame on the Carbon 6, and then upgrade the wheels. Well, if I were in your position, i'd price out the CAAD9 5 and 6 and save several hundred
It really comes down the following, do you want an all-carbon frame, and then upgrade some of the components down the line, or do you want the nicer components with a carbon/alu frame? I'd say ride them both.
If it were me, i'd probably get the better frame on the Carbon 6, and then upgrade the wheels. Well, if I were in your position, i'd price out the CAAD9 5 and 6 and save several hundred
05-21-09, 10:41 AM
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On 9-speed vs. 10, 9 is older and has one fewer gear in the rear cassette. I doubt you'll actually notice a performance difference though.
Shimano tends to use a "trickle-down" model where their top end groups get the best stuff and it trickles down to the other groups over time. A couple years ago 105 was 9-speed, so you get the idea. The current Tiagra stuff isn't bad, it's quite nice actually with metal shifters (previous version was plastic)
Shimano tends to use a "trickle-down" model where their top end groups get the best stuff and it trickles down to the other groups over time. A couple years ago 105 was 9-speed, so you get the idea. The current Tiagra stuff isn't bad, it's quite nice actually with metal shifters (previous version was plastic)
05-21-09, 01:11 PM
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I have a Syn 5, alum. It rides great, but it is a heavy frame. Almost two pounds more than it's racy brother, the Caad.
I tend to upgrade componets a lot, and I wish I started with the carbon frame. I always feels like I should take my Caad if there's any climbing involved (It's four pounds lighter overall), so I give up the comfort of the Synapse on longer rides.
I do think that the Syn frame (alum) will last forever though. Clearly they allowed for people using panniers and such. If you are not the competitve or weight weinie type, it'll serve you well.
I tend to upgrade componets a lot, and I wish I started with the carbon frame. I always feels like I should take my Caad if there's any climbing involved (It's four pounds lighter overall), so I give up the comfort of the Synapse on longer rides.
I do think that the Syn frame (alum) will last forever though. Clearly they allowed for people using panniers and such. If you are not the competitve or weight weinie type, it'll serve you well.
