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Might have bought too small of Synapse???

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Might have bought too small of Synapse???

Old 03-27-12, 05:23 PM
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Might have bought too small of Synapse???

Hello, I might have screwed up. I put in a ridiculous low bid on a brand new Cannondale Synapse Carbon 105 on Ebay a day or so ago. To my surprise I ended up winning it. So, here is my question. I have a 31" bicycle inseam, 30 inch pant inseam, and am 5'7" tall with a stocky build. The bike is a size 51, which means the stand over height is 29.5 high. I am concerned that this bike is going to be too small for my stature. If any of you have experience with sizing or have some words of wisdom to share with me I'm all ears to hear some opinions.
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Old 03-27-12, 05:28 PM
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I have long legs and am 5'7" tall too. My supersix is a size 52 and it's perfect. I'm pretty sure that you can ride the synapse with a good fit. a smaller frame is easier to fit than larger, You'll probably need a little longer stem and that's it.
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Old 03-27-12, 05:28 PM
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Hmm...

You should be on a 54 or MAYBE 52.

Originally Posted by generalkdi
I have long legs and am 5'7" tall too. My supersix is a size 52 and it's perfect. I'm pretty sure that you can ride the synapse with a good fit. a smaller frame is easier to fit than larger, You'll probably need a little longer stem and that's it.
Longer stem and quite a bit of seatpost.
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Old 03-27-12, 05:30 PM
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its gonna look awesome!!!!!!!!!
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Old 03-27-12, 05:36 PM
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Originally Posted by echotraveler
its gonna look awesome!!!!!!!!!
no joke, you're gunna look PRO'
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Old 03-27-12, 05:37 PM
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Originally Posted by agray2
Hello, I might have screwed up. I put in a ridiculous low bid on a brand new Cannondale Synapse Carbon 105 on Ebay a day or so ago. To my surprise I ended up winning it. So, here is my question. I have a 31" bicycle inseam, 30 inch pant inseam, and am 5'7" tall with a stocky build. The bike is a size 51, which means the stand over height is 29.5 high. I am concerned that this bike is going to be too small for my stature. If any of you have experience with sizing or have some words of wisdom to share with me I'm all ears to hear some opinions.
No, I don't think it's too small.

I'm a 5'9'' and ride a 51cm Cervelo RS, which is a tiny bit bigger (except for the stack, which is 16 mm larger).

https://www.cannondale.com/2012/bikes...on-5-105-21078

https://www.cervelo.com/en_us/bikes/2012/RS/geometry/

Last edited by njkayaker; 03-27-12 at 05:46 PM.
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Old 03-27-12, 06:14 PM
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If it does not fit.... sell it on eBay!
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Old 03-27-12, 06:17 PM
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Know your size b/4 you bid on eBay items. An ill-fitting bike/shoes/clothes that does not fit is not a good deal.
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Old 03-27-12, 08:39 PM
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I'm very close to those stats and have a 51 Synapse. No problems! I'll bet it's going to be fine!
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Old 03-27-12, 08:42 PM
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Originally Posted by EKCooper
I'm very close to those stats and have a 51 Synapse. No problems! I'll bet it's going to be fine!
Agreed. I don't think you'll have an issue either. If you're worried, just get a fit once you get the bike and know for sure.
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Old 03-27-12, 09:22 PM
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I kind of assumed I could make it work if I needed to. But, I guess Ebay is always an option.
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Old 03-27-12, 09:24 PM
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SELL IT TO ME! I'm 5'7" and 31" pant seam. I test rode a 51cm Synapse and it was perfect. Sell yours to me!

Last edited by a1penguin; 03-27-12 at 10:50 PM.
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Old 03-27-12, 10:00 PM
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Most likely, at your height the 51 and 54 can both be made to work with the right stem and seatpost.

It shouldn't be an issue unless you need really high bars, level with the saddle or above. If that's the case the 54 would be better.
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Old 03-27-12, 10:55 PM
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I just bought a super six and was sold a 50 and I am 5'7 with a 30 inseam.
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Old 03-27-12, 11:01 PM
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The Synapse has longer top tube compared to its seat tube. It'll fit just fine.
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Old 03-27-12, 11:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Jed19
Know your size b/4 you bid on eBay items. An ill-fitting bike/shoes/clothes that does not fit is not a good deal.
Sage advice, though not the least bit helpful for the OP...
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Old 03-28-12, 08:17 AM
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Originally Posted by Jed19
Know your size b/4 you bid on eBay items. An ill-fitting bike/shoes/clothes that does not fit is not a good deal.
Yea, thanks for the advise. It changed my life.
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Old 03-28-12, 08:26 AM
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Originally Posted by DVC45
The Synapse has longer top tube compared to its seat tube. It'll fit just fine.
This is all you need to know. A 51 probably is near perfect for you in terms of the seat position. The only reservation is the top tube and while a long stem helps, the handling might now be so great. A long tt should make for a really good fit for you.
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Old 03-28-12, 08:29 AM
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Old 03-28-12, 08:42 AM
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Originally Posted by DVC45
The Synapse has longer top tube compared to its seat tube. It'll fit just fine.
True if you are comparing it with a standard 51cm frame with a horizontal top tube, but the Synapse's rising top tube and more upright position makes the comparisons more complex.

Yes the bike would normally fit more like a 53cm, except that the Synapse's geometry is actually slightly different from Cannondale’s standard road bike set-up. It has a bit of extra height in the head-tube and a shorter top-tube which results in a more upright position.

A longer stem and/or setback seat post can stretch out the cockpit though, so as long as you are comfortable with the more upright position you should be very happy.

Last edited by Stealthammer; 03-28-12 at 08:52 AM.
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Old 03-28-12, 08:46 AM
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Don't rush to judgement. Wait until you have the bike in possession and re-evaluate. I have a few friends who are the same and inseam and they sit perfectly well on a 51.
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Old 03-28-12, 08:51 AM
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You need a 53.764cm bike. I know this because I posted on the 41 and I am an internet bike fitting pro.
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Old 03-28-12, 08:53 AM
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I'll wait and post again when the bike arrives. Thanks for all the replies. I have an assortment of adjustable stems to try out, looks like they will come in handy.
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Old 03-28-12, 10:31 AM
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Odds are it will fit fine. The only negative I can forsee is the HT length and how short the fork was cut. Again odds are pretty good given the generous HT length for the 51.
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Old 03-31-12, 01:44 PM
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Well the bike fits and looks great, but it's just not my style of riding. If anyone is interested it's for sale $2000 to your door. Call 217 663 7767
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