leftturn

So I asked yesterday about rival vs 105 and after riding a bike it helped me narrow down to cannondale and now there is a problem. I was checking out the CAAD9-4 today at the LBS I had not been to before and they had 2009 Synapse Carbon 3 for almost the same price as the 2010 CAAD9-4. This throws the shimano vs sram question I asked yesterday out the window. The synapse has all Ultegra components except for the rear derailleur which is Dura Ace and of course its a full carbon bike. I am going to ride it tomorrow but my question is to value. Is the 2009 model of the synapse 3 carbon more bike than a 2010 CAAD9-4? I feel it is, I don't mind buying a previous year model if I am getting a good deal and I like the bike, is it worth it? is it a good deal? Again, this is my first road bike.

oh, the synapse also has MAVIC KSYRIUM EQUIPE WHEELSET which I dont know anything about but I was told by the LBS they are better wheels then whats on the 9-4

Thanks

kleinboogie

I have a 2009 SC3 and I don't consider the CAAD9-4 a direct comparison. The geometry of the CAAD is more comparable to the Six/SuperSix lines. The Synapses have a taller head tube, curved seat stays, "flattened" chain stays and sloping top-tube all to give more comfort. It works but the Synapse feels totally different than my other more aggressive bikes.

As for the Equipes, they're box shaped and will give a little more than deep rims like the RR1.2 or Deep-V. I'm 200lbs and the SC3 is great for centuries. I would imagine the CAAD, like the SuperSix, is better for shorter rides where speed and cornering are more important. GL

leftturn

Can anyone tell me if they think this is a good deal?

mzd

so that would be a 2009 synapse carbon 3 for $1799? if it fits and you like the ride, then yes, it is a very good deal. the list was $2899. so that is over 1,000 off. with Ultegra SL & Dura Ace. you will be a happy rider.

hodie21

I don't think the Carbon 3 is a Hi-mod bike.

motorthings

FYI - the six, caad, and supersix all share the same "standard" geometry, while the synapse has a "semi-compact" or "comfort geometry" (as described above)

Spinz

Go for the synaspe ---- great riding performance bike at a really good price. Flash cash and you might do better. Lp

leftturn

If I like it tomorrow I am gonna buy it. I am excited

Spinz

I ride a 2010 Synaspe with a Force group and love it. Its a go fast bike with an exceptional ride. You will be pleased. Lp

hammond9705

These are completely different bikes. The Synapse is going to be more comfortable , the CAAD is a racing bike. Think about how you want to use the bike rather then which is a better value.

leftturn

I bought the synapse. I took it for a ride and liked it. Got shoes and pedals with it

AngryScientist 

i love peddles

anyway, congrats, thats a nice bike and sounds like you got a gread deal, get some pics up!

leftturn

OOPS, Pedals. I don't know what I was doing there. I should have kept going to school after 3rd grade but the moonshine business was calling.

Ill post pictures when I get the bike.

Spinz

Photos ------- ? Lp

leftturn

I am getting fitted and picking it up on Thursday I'll post pics Fri or Sat

leftturn

So I was doing some more research tonight, which I guess being a novice I should have been more diligent with. This bike is a 2008 not 2009, I kinda feel like I have been lied to. I am trying to relax and Ill worry about it tomorrow.

Curious about your thoughts.

GoSharks

Did you actually see a Dura Ace RD on the bike, or were you going by specs? The 2008 doesn't have DA on it at all.

hammond9705

I wouldn't worry about whether it is an 08 or 09. Either way it is a new bike, go out and ride it. It doesn't make a lot of difference.

If you aren't certain which year it is, you can read the serial number under the bottom bracket.

intence

Sounds like a very nice deal for full carbon. The Synpase is a very nice bike, and the components sound better than what comes on the CAAD9-4. Congrats on your find, and get some pics up!

Seagull01

I think you did great. I had a similar experience when I was looking for a first road bike since junior high. I started off looking at the new aluminum with carbon fork bikes, and migrated up. I then found one place that had an 08 full carbon Giant in my size that I really liked, so I bought it. Price was only a little over my expected range ($200 over the $1100 I was looking at for a 2009 aluminum with carbon forks and rear stay bike with lower grade components), but I got A LOT more than I expected to get.

Enjoy that deal. The fact it is an 08 VS and 09 VS 10 is really not important. You still have a new bike with the new owner warranty and stuff so who cares if it is not the newest model. Besides, if you look at the specs for a 2010 VS the same (or similar) bike from 2008 you can see that for a lot of stuff other than the really expensive high end stuff they are actually downgrading components - in order to drive down the price. People are just not spending like they were even in 2008 (and a lot of the 2008 stuff was planned for production and specked out in 2007 before the economic crap hit the air circulation device).

leftturn

Thanks guys. I am calm now, lol. I did enjoy the bike and I am still excited to pick it up.

Thanks for all your help. I am pretty green in the bike world.