Synapse 7 or Fuji 3.0?
07-21-09, 12:49 AM
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Synapse 7 or Fuji 3.0?
Been riding a 2003 Trek 7300 for the daily commute now and want to step up to something better/lighter and much more road oriented, but considering my lack of physical shape I plan on pretty much just riding around town to lose a few lbs, and maybe do a few century rides a few months down the road, but I think I'm pretty far from actually doing any competing of any sort anytime soon. I set my limit at $900, considering my situation and general lack of funding, and found the Cannondale Synapse 7 and Fuji Newest 3.0 at the LBS, the 7 for $900 exactly, and the 3.0 for $625. Rode both, love the 7 because it's exactly what I went in looking for, but the whole 2.5lb diff between the two doesn't really justify the price hike IMO at this point, I think I could use the money more. The 7 is fantastic as far as I'm concerned, but I'm just at a loss. The 7 has better components and is lighter, and I LOVE it, whereas the 3.0 is slightly heavier, a lot cheaper to a poor college kid, and it's a little more comfortable but I like it less. Any thoughts on either? Thanks.
07-21-09, 06:43 AM
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My first (since the late 70's) modern day road bike was a Fuji Newest 3.0, triple, with Sora drivetrain. 8,300 miles on it with no problems. I've ridden 6 centuries on it. It is indeed a comfortable bike. Mine came with provision to attach things like racks and fenders. I haven't attached any of that stuff, but it's there if you need it. I am pleased with the Fuji and think it was good value for the money I paid.
Recently, I got a new bike, a Synapse Carbon 5. I know that's not exactly what you described. I like it as well. I got it because it was lighter and still had the relaxed geometry I wanted. I'm a little older than you. My C'dale does not have the attachment points for racks etc. I kept my Fuji and still ride it.
Either bike would serve you well. Given that you are a college student (been there, done that) and are not going to be competing on the bike, I'd say you'd do fine with the Fuji. You can use the money you save for accessories.
Recently, I got a new bike, a Synapse Carbon 5. I know that's not exactly what you described. I like it as well. I got it because it was lighter and still had the relaxed geometry I wanted. I'm a little older than you. My C'dale does not have the attachment points for racks etc. I kept my Fuji and still ride it.
Either bike would serve you well. Given that you are a college student (been there, done that) and are not going to be competing on the bike, I'd say you'd do fine with the Fuji. You can use the money you save for accessories.
07-21-09, 11:27 AM
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Wow I was figuring everybody would just immediately say get the best bike I could afford and go with the cannondale. Ok, cool, any other opinions?
07-21-09, 11:36 AM
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I have a Newest 3.0 and totally love it. I have a few hundred miles so far and it is Awesome.
I am sure I will be riding for a long time!
I am sure I will be riding for a long time!
07-21-09, 11:43 AM
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I have the Newest as well, and I really have no major complaints. Sure, it'd be nice to have higher end components, but the bike is doing exactly what I need it to do (after a few adjustments). I also got an AMAZING deal on it, so for the price I paid... couldn't ask for a better bike 
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07-21-09, 11:51 AM
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hmmm ok so consensus is get the newest 3.0 because I can more easily afford it. And I did think it was more comfortable anyway. I guess I can always upgrade the components down the line too. I know a lot of weight can be lost with wheels and whatnot, but realistically does anybody have a clue of what it would take to get the newest 3.0 down about 2.5lbs to the synapse 7? Pretty much, is the majority of the weight difference in the frame? or everything else?
07-21-09, 12:37 PM
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Swapping the saddle out would definitely help a bit... it's a comfortable seat (for me) though, so I'm not too worried. Honestly, for the riding you're doing, maybe the extra 2.5lbs are actually going to help you in the long run?
The Newest might not be super duper fancy, but overall it's still a very nice bike and a good value.
The Newest might not be super duper fancy, but overall it's still a very nice bike and a good value.
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07-21-09, 03:27 PM
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I've got almost 3000 miles on my Fuji 4.0 / darn dependable even if cheap!
07-21-09, 04:06 PM
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son of a b****. just rode a felt z80...... I kinda feel like I NEED that, omg it was almost 2lbs lighter than the cannondale, same price, and felt oooooo so smooth and so much more comfortable than the synapse 7. Now all I gotta do is find the right street corner to sell myself on to start making money to buy it! But seriously, I'm trying to find reasons to get the newest 3.0, but the felt just takes the cake, even if it's more expensive. The LBS also got a shipment of some sub $600 raleighs but since they got them an hour before I showed up I gotta wait a day to ride one. Honestly, I think I'll end up with the Fuji, but the Felt was just PERFECT.
