jerrduford

The HD's are pretty cheap and while they may slow me down some (I don't even think my current wheels are much lighter), it's ultimately reliability I'm after. An extra pound or two, when it's going into the part that matters most to my ride going smooth, doesn't both me too much. We'll see what the bike shop I took it to says - I may be able to get some more mileage out of the wheels on it

jerrduford

For anyone who cares or may still be following this issue-
I took the bike to another shop as was recommended and the issue was fixed overnight.
Got back into it and did a quick 20 miles today to test things out - rides like it's brand new!

Hopefully things don't go out of whack, but I have high hopes. I'm very doubtful that the issue was ever with the bike, now.

+1 Ada Bike Shop Grand Rapids MI

Jiggle

105 10 speed gruppo: $550
Ultegra 6700/6800 wheelset: $350.

$900, not $5000.

jerrduford

I did end up just getting a new bike, and it fits much better. We'll see how it holds up, but I LOVE it so far. 30 easy, heavenly miles last night with over 2000' climbed.

https://www.cannondale.com/2013/bikes...mpact-crankset

TromboneAl

I'm confused. You took it in to Ada bike shop on 8/11, and they fixed it. You were glad your bike was not the problem. Then you bought a new bike on 8/21?

jerrduford

hah I guess I skipped a page. I loved the Fuji with all of my heart after the fix and still do. However, I hadn't taken the bike on a long ride in some time. After a 65 mile ride, My hands were numb the entire next day, and my knees hurt. I just assumed I had gotten a bit out of biking shape, but I examined my fit. I took it elsewhere to have my fit checked.. and they were utterly surprised they ever put someone 5'10" on a 52 cm frame. I actually loved that they said the bike was a terrible fit (this was not from the bike shop I have talked up), since it gave me a chance to upgrade

rpenmanparker 

Crazy sh%t. But folks buying a first bike need to ask themselves a question. When you go into a bike shop, and the guy tries to sell you almost the smallest size he has in the store, and you are above average in height, shouldn't some kind of alarm go off in your head? When one sees bigger bikes hanging on the rack, shouldn't the buyer think, "I wonder who those are for." Or conversely, if the buyer see another customer in the store, say a 5'3" woman, wouldn't you think he would ask himself, "Gee, I wonder what size bike they are going to fit her with" Just sayin'.

jerrduford

In hindsight, what you say makes perfect sense. However, I was ignorant on my first bike purchase (in terms of fit, or even performance knowledge) - It seemed like he cared about the fit, since he adjusted the bars and saddle height until I was "comfortable". I didn't know that 52cm was big nor small because I had nothing to relate to. I also don't think that 5'10" is above average height for a male by any measure.

I don't regret it, though. I still put 1500 miles in, didn't damage myself, and it makes me greatly appreciate the new bike and shop!

rpenmanparker 

I'm surprised, but you are right. I looked it up. 5'10" is right on average for all US males between 20 and 29 years of age. For white US males average is 5'10 1/2". My mistake.

jerrduford

Oh I didn't mean to imply a YOU'RE WRONG attitude. I just have always found myself average or just below, actually. I think shorter would be better, less bike and less body to carry!

Tpcorr

When you decided on the Synapse did you also consider a CAAD8 or a CAAD10? I've been thinking about a new bike too, and have a history with Cannondales. I've ridden both the Synapse and the CAAD10 and both were very comfortable rides, but I didn't ride them back to back. Just wondering if you chose between the comfort geometry and the race geometry and if there was a big difference.


Tom

jerrduford

Tom, I had test ridden several in the past and the Synapse always had this special place in my mind. I loved that thing, just never "needed" it. The CAAD10 is a GREAT bike, and I believe known as about the best aluminum you can get for racing. But, if I can stay 50% more comfortable, at a 5% decrease in performance, I will take comfort every day (and I'm guessing the performance loss is far less than 5%, if not negligible - there are folk who race carbon synapses). However - I am not very educated in the bike world and especially not in racing.

To put it short - Test ride a CAAD10 and a synapse 2013 or newer, and figure out which one you prefer. I was USED to a racier bike, and still preferred the Synapse. I did set a PR last night on it - Which can likely be more attributed to the fact that it fits.. but it should be noted that it still seems to be a solid performer at this pricepoint.

One last point about the synapse vs the CAAD - Aside from absorbing road vibration exceptionally well, it is also slightly more upright. On my race bike, I used the drops only ever on long descents, otherwise it was not comfortable (it was also thumb upshift soras). On the new bike, the drops are about as comfortable as the hoods of my old bike, and I'm still quite aero.

But again, it's just preference. Search around for "CAAD vs Synapse", most people lean heavily on one than the other, but nearly everyone will state that they are both great bikes.

Tpcorr

Thanks jerrduford. I'm 56 and figure any loss in performance by the bike is greatly outweighed by the loss in performance from my age and condition I'll opt for comfort! And congrats on your new ride, enjoy it!

Tom

jerrduford

No problem, Tom! I think that you are more the Synapse demographic than I am, however, there are plenty of youngins who like it too. I will check back after I have a chance to log a good 6+ hour saddle time during one sitting on it, for comfort/performance, but I see it as a wonderful combination thus far.