Hey, I'm going to buy a bike for my bf for Christmas. I'm deciding between the CAAD 8 Sora and Synapse
He currently rides a single speed (his last road bike was stolen a couple of years ago)
He really would just use it for commuting (short distance) and then maybe for some longer rides at the weekend
He's 6ft 2

I've heard about the synapse being a comfier position, I was wondering please if anyone has any thoughts either way?
Also my research suggests he'll need a 58cm - anyone else out there this height have any thoughts?

I know its best for the user to try the bike etc etc, however I'd really like it to be a surprise, and am ordering it from a company that can exchange easily if it doesn't suit

Thanks or your help!

Hi and welcome to the forum.

It would help to know if the Synapse is also Sora, and what road bike your boyfriend was riding before (to understand better his tastes). Also the price difference and your budget.

I think 58 is the right size for him, I'm 6'3'' (192 cm) and ride 58 (the biggest frame size available in Japan where I live) although by textbook standards it's probably a tad small.

I can definitely recommend the CAAD 8 - for the price it's a great bike. Although I've upgraded to Supersix EVO 105 last year (with zero regrets), I still ride the CAAD every now and then and feel great on it. It's also the one that got me hooked on cycling.

I know of people that are enthusiastic about Synapse (unfortunately I have never tried it myself) but I wouldn't worry too much about the "comfier" aspect unless he's really going to get into endurance and do, say, 100km+ rides.

My first real road bike was a CAAD8, to really get the right size you need to know his measured inseam, not his pants inseam. Indeed the CAAD8 is a little more aggressive, based on the CAAD10, so if it's a commuter I'd say go for the Synapse. Try to get better components than Sora if you can afford it. BTW, my 61cm CAAD8 is for sale