Notgrownup

I am contemplating selling my CAAD 8 and getting a slightly bigger (by2cm) Synapse Tiagra or Secteur Tiagra. Was curious if anybody had test rode both, they are both the same price so that's not an issue....Opinions

freedomrider1

I have a al. synaspe, really like it. I also have a Caad 10 and i like the ride more on the Caad. So there might not be that much difference in the ride other than the size difference you mentioned. What type of riding will you be doing with the new bike?



































































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Notgrownup

Exercise mainly, I like my CAAD but it's a 56 cm, needs to be a bit bigger , I am 6'1" , I had to put a stem extender and a angled stem to make it fit....It was my entry in road cycling and I feel like the bike may have been dumped on me a bit.?. Not sure... Other bigger LBS have fitted me to a 58 - 60 cm depending on bike. I was told the endurance geometry wold work better for what I do. 8-10 miles rides before work and occasional 25 mile rides on weekend.

cderalow

I've ridden the following in my quest for a future road bike:

Synapse 105 Disc
CAAD 10 105
CAAD 8 105
Secteur Elite Disc
Allez Race C2


I've also ridden several of the carbon equivalents (Roubaix, Tarmac, Evo, Synapse Carbon)

I can say strangely that the CAAD10 while being a racier geometry was probably the most comfortable of the aluminum bike I've ridden of the ones I've gone around on so far.

I haven't hit up the local trek dealer yet to test out the madone or domane, so can't comment there, but of the cannondale/specialized offerings I found there wasn't much difference in feel between the synapse and caad10 when it came to the cheeks.

the caad was obviously much racier and more sprightly feeling. granted, these were limited 5-10mi test rides. I'm not sure how I'd feel on the CAAD10 after a 50-100 mile ride.

There's a huge jump in price to carbon, but the carbon synapse was absolutely plush. I can understand why several publications gave it 'boty' status

Notgrownup

If I can financially swing a carbon frame I will but the only ones in my range seem to be generic...or Fuji which is nice...maybe, who knows.

freedomrider1

I ride my Caad 10-3 for miles and miles with no problem. Also like the fact i have a sense of quickness when needed. Climbs great.Wish i was lighter to take real advantage of the bike.

dave s

I can't answer you question direstly but...
I have a al Synapse and a CAAD 9. I built up the CAAD 9 a year ago and sold the CAAD 8 frame I had built up the year before. I really didn't expect much difference from the CAAD 8 to the CAAD 9, but the difference is day and night. The difference between the al Synapse and the CAAD 9 is much closer. The CAAD9 is my #1 bike, the Synapse is the back up, but I'd be happy with either. I ride at least 1 60+ mi ride a week along with several 20-30 mile rides and several centuries a year. I'd be happy on either for short or long, the CAAD 9 is more... planted.
I'd ride them both and try to do it with the same tires and wheel sets and see if you can tell what you like better

freedomrider1

+1 on the same wheel sets. I just recently put the same wheels on my synaspe that are on my Caad and it is much closer in performance now.

K100Fran 

The LBS didn't have a Roubaix in my size so I tested a Secteur. I thought I was going to love it and was thinking the Roubaix (Elite 105) was the bike for me. I didn't like the feel at all. For me I felt bunched up in the shoulders. I tried an aluminum Domane and it felt great, had a blast riding it. I also really liked the Jamis Quest Elite, fit nice, was made of one of my favorite frame materials, had a bottom bracket I would probably never have to worry about creaking...

I also rode All-City Mr. Pink, Pinarello FP Due, Cervelo R3, Look 566, several iterations of Cannondale Synapse, the list is too long...But it boiled down to getting the best bike for me at the best price. I ended up with a Synapse Carbon 3 after it went on sale for 20% off. It's been a blast, but I'm sure I would have loved the Domane or the R3 just as much.

spdracr39

I had a Aluminum Synapse and I loved the ride but it was not a "sporty" as a race geometry. It was very comfortable on long rides though.

Campag4life

You didn't like the Roubaix/Secteur because you were 'bunched up in the shoulders'. And hence the objective road bike comparison on the 41.
Gotta love it.

OP, you won't learn a thing by your query...sorry. All the bikes you are considering are excellent.
Directing you properly relates more to geometry. Choose an endurance fit if prefer a bit taller head tube like a Roubaix, Secteur, Synapse, Domane...or a racier style of bike like the CAAD 10 if you have the flexibility. 58 is a good size for you...can even ride a 60 if you have longish arms like I do...I am your height.
Have fun...no losers...preference but a clear geometry difference.

Notgrownup

Thank you all for the input....I am 49 with severe arthritis and diabetes, the flexibility is comprised a lot hence the upright geometry. ...I will go to Raleigh when I have time and test ride several models.