tdister

Title should read Synapse Sport 5

Thinking about adding one, or something similar, to my stable.

Things I especially like about it

Triple crank
Cross brake levers
Relaxed geometry
Rear rack provisions with half decent heel clearance
Sedate color and graphics
Decent tire clearance

One thing is that nobody has one in stock and a test ride would be preferred.

It doesn't seem like a very popular bike, any other models that come close? I see the Trek Portland. I like the looks of the Portland's wheels, and would welcome discs, but am worried about them drawing too much unwanted attn at the bike racks.

I had also considered CycloX style, but thought this one might be a little more road oriented.

d2create

That it is.
My wife has a synapse and it's ok. Hers came with an adjustable stem. Definitely a road bike. I do like the interrupter levers.
Other than that, it's a road bike. Might want to check with the roadie forum for more info if that's what you're interested in.

tdister

Is your wife's bike one of the Sport models? They differ quite a bit from the Other Synapse models.

The Sport is closer to a light touring/commuter design than the bikes typically discussed in the roadie forum.

d2create

From what I remember, yes it is a sport model. But I will double check. The adjustable stem and interrupter levers (that would get you laughed out of the roadie forum )made it a little more relaxed than a true racing road bike. That's why she got it. She would ride it with me on weekends when i used my Felt F65. For all intent and purposes it's still a road bike, it was just a slightly less scary road bike for her. But she doesn't like to ride it with me when i ride my Rivendell. I'm all relaxed and cushy and she still looks/feels like a roadie. lol But it's faster of course.

tdister

If the levers didn't get me laughed out, I have a feeling adding the rack, reflective bits and my riding outfits would.

It seems like it will fit in very close to the bike I was thinking to build: About 1/3 of the way to a touring bike from a typical road bike, both in terms of geometry/aggressiveness and practicality.

I already have a heavy hauler or 2 and would like something capable of more speed. A full road/race bike is near useless for me though, it needs to be able to haul more than butt.

Classy bike BTW.

d2create

haha

That should do it then. Sounds like just what you're looking for. Maybe someone else will post similar alternatives.
I love those extra levers and put them on my Atlantis after i saw hers. If I go back to drops on my Hilsen i'll definitely put those back on.

dynaryder

And a Cannondale won't?

The whole thing about discs making a bike more attractive to thieves is BS. If anything,a 700cc bike with discs would be a deterent. Not nearly as many out there as there are disc MTB's,making them more unique. If you're going to be riding in all weather,discs blow rim brakes(esp calipers) out of the water.

tdister

Well, the C'dale is a bit more camouflaged, if only in my mind. I know of a Raleigh Sojourn (similar to Portland) that was recently stolen...

I wouldn't mind riding a Portland but, it being a few hundred $ more, it would have to knock my socks off. I don't doubt the discs working better, but it wouldn't make me choose one bike over the other. I ride in the wet sometimes, but usually at a reduced pace for more reasons than just brake design. Our weather doesn't really demand them either

Just realized it would also be yet another bike with unique wheels for me. I'd like to be able to swap around if possible.

The Human Car

I got a Synapse Sport 3, one thing about the bike is the rake on the front fork is not your average, you are ether going to love it or hate it so a test ride is a must. Also you cannot get a 700x32 tire on the rear wheel.

I'm the type of rider who wants to do everything on one bike, which is why I like this bike snappy, yet I use to haul more then just my butt around.