Originally Posted by
james89
Possibly going to look at a new (to me) bike. It’s a 2018 Cannondale Synapse aluminum 105 SE. The only thing that doesn’t make it “perfect” to me is the mechanical discs, but mechanical vs hydraulic is a whole different topic. My question is sizing. I know I can’t tell if it fits until I ride it, I’m just looking for personal experience with this frame (I’ve read they run big). It’s hard to make this trip with a new born and mine and my wife’s work schedule, so I’m just looking for advice before I even commit to go looking at it. I’m not looking to get told to sit on it first.
I’m 5’11” with a 33”-34” inseam. I thought I’d be a 56, but after reading some other posts I wonder if I should be looking at a 54 because of how these frames are sized? If it seems a little big, would I be ok shortening the stem a little or will that throw off the geometry too much? I’m by no means a great rider, I just want to make sure I get the right bike for me. Funds don’t allow for a new bike, especially with how they’re priced these days, so im working with what I got, which will be used. Any help regarding this frame size is appreciated!
I would recommend ignoring the size 'label'. Rather determine what it is that you wish to have - and since you've been on BF for a while, I would assume having a bike for that time.
Determine what the objectives are with the additional/'new'/replacement bike and what changes you wish to have with the new bike. Position wise or ride expectations wise.
Then compare your current/old bike with bikes you are considering - to determine if the considered bike may provide for those desires.
you'll likely find your current bike and the new one on
geometrygeeks.com Then compare the important geometry numbers. It's not a final decision point, but a strong influence on how the bike.
might ride.
Geometrygeeks does have the geometry info for a 2019 SYnapse SE 105, so prolly similar to the one you are considering...
relative 'sizing' labels for it seem very in-line to what other companies, like Specialized, are using for 'sizing'...
Things like cosmetic and 'appearance' might be strong influencers, but those are independent of how the bike will actually perform.
The Synapse has a quite tall headtube, so if I was looking for a deeper drop and more aero position, and 'endurance' frame/geometry would not be what I'd consider.
At 5' 11" and 33-34 cycling inseam (not pants inseam...) would likely put you in the listed 'L' , which they call a 56...
It happens to be the general sizing/geometry specs which suit me as well. so I have some 'feel' for those sized bikes... A 54 would have me all scrounged up, leading to discomfort on longer rides.
Larger than that would have the bike feeling like a truck/lorry...
The tendency these days is to go 'smaller frame', but that doesn't always work out...
Since you don;t give any info on your current bike, all of the posted comments are really just speculation, based on our own preferences...
Ride On
Yuri