I’m thinking of buying a Cannondale Synapse. The Synapse model I’m looking at is the Synapse Disc 105 SE, this one:
https://www.cannondale.com/en/USA/Bi...ntid=undefined

I am worried about how the TRP Spyre C Mechanical Disc on the Synapse will compare, both in feel and stopping power, to the brakes on my current bike (a hybrid) which has Shimano Deore hydraulic disc brakes.

I would greatly appreciate any info as to how these two brake systems compare in actual use.

Spyre brakes are nice and a 105 bike is not lower end. No reason to view any of it that way.

The actuation is from both sides which is better than most all other mechanical disc brakes. I have set up 4 bikes for friends that have spyre brakes. Really simple to set up, to adjust, and to use.

it's a road bike- disc brakes are overkill, so quality mechanical brakes will be more than fine.

I've had the Spyre's and I have Shimano hydraulic. The hydraulic's are more powerful because there is no cable stretch when you slam them and the lever pull and modulation is smoother due to no cable friction. I wouldn't say it's a night and day difference but it's very noticeable. But the Spyre's do work fine.

Thanks for that! I was hoping that someone would have experience with both of those braking systems. I’ll adjust my expectations.

I wouldn't say more powerful, both lock up and slow you down just as fast given you have a strong grip, the shimano's have better modulation and require less lever force, requiring only a single finger for most stops.

I, too, had Spyres that I replaced with RS-505 hydraulics. The Spyres were fine and stopping isn't an issue; as mentioned by others, the feel of the hydros is just better.

I equate that to more power. I mean I can lock up wheels with vintage single pivot rim brakes, but they aren't as powerful because it takes more pressure from your hands to do it.

Yea I was just pointing it out since the OP seemed to be worried about stopping power, which ultimately isn't an issue on a road bike regardless of the braking system

How much did that upgrade cost? Did you do the install yourself, or was it parts + labor?

$265 on ebay. You would still need to buy Shimano mineral oil. If you can put a round peg in a round hole you can probably install it yourself.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-SHIMANO...s505.TRS0.TSS0

I do love the brakes on my Roam 1. Kind of surprising (to me, anyway) that an $800 hybrid has better brakes than a $1,600 bike.

I did it myself. Total upgrade cost was about $110, but I was damn thrifty. Competitive had the lever/caliper set on sale for $230 or so and the bleed kit was another 30 bucks or so. They also had a $50 off purchases over $250 promo going at the time, so out of pocket was ~$210. I sold the 105 levers for $100 via Craigslist bringing it down to that $110-ish total.

The install wasn't too hard if you're not mechanically incompetent, but I would recommend splitting it up over a couple days.

I'm fairly handy, so that would make a great down the road upgrade.

A lot of the Shimano kits include the mineral oil but not the bleed kit (which I would recommend because I can't imagine the mess otherwise).

with the cost of the rs685s coming down I'd wait for a deal on those. The bulbous RS505s are awful both aesthetically and ergonomically

Man, I didn't think of that. I've been waiting on the new 105 hydros to come out. The 505's are ugly but work fine. But my problem is that my right shifter rattles on rough sections of road if I don't have my hand on the hood.

But the 685's are only $279

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SHIMANO-ULT...LH_TitleDesc=0

Yep, they are pretty much perfect and I like the taller hoods compared to r7000/8000 at least for gravel/cross.

The 505s are ugly but I think that they're great ergonomically - different hand sizes/shapes and all that. Anyway, I think the bulbous ends feel more secure, particularly over bumps, and they're a nice palm rest when riding aero on the hoods with horizontal forearms.

To WhyFi, Lazyass, and redlude97

It would not be a near future upgrade for me. If I cared that much about hydraulics, I'd bite the bullet and spring for the $2,500 Synapse, which comes with carbon frame and hydraulics. Possibly, I'll just get used to the cable brakes, and it will be a non-issue. But it is good to know that there are bolt on upgrade options at a reasonable cost.

My major issue with them ergonomically is the ability to wrap your fingers around the front like all other shimano levers

Don't mind us - we're just amusing ourselves.

I took the carbon Synapse with hydraulic disc for a 10-mile test ride and then immediately took the aluminum 105 with mechanical disc for a ride. The difference I noticed between the two bikes was the brakes - the hydraulic was either on or off while the mechanical could be feathered. I am still a rookie so I may not have noticed all the finer details but that was my initial opinion. In the end, I was going to get the aluminum/mechanical disc as the carbon wasn't worth the additional $1K. However, I found a gem in a gently used bike right before I pulled the trigger.

This is the opposite of what virtually everyone else has experienced. Odd.

There just didn't seem to be any slack in the hydraulic. It was consistent each time. With the mechanical, firm pressure meant a firmer stop. I could slowly apply them. Both felt comfortable, they were just a bit different.