DT34

Hey Everyone!,
This is my first post on the site, and I've really enjoyed looking through the other posts! I am fairly new to cycling, and purchased my first road bike last fall. I bought a 2006 Giant OCR3. The only real upgrade I've done to it is buy clipless pedals. I know it was definately an entry level bike, and do feel the bike had alot of bang for the buck, but now after riding for a little while, I feel I would like to step up to a little better bike. I had the opportunity to ride a full carbon bike, and noticed a big difference from my aluminum one right away! Plus, I really liked the upgraded components compared to the stock Sora one's that came on my Giant. BUT... with all these bells and whistles comes a price almost 3X what I paid for my Giant, so I'd definately like to make the right decision on this one.

The first bike I looked at was a 2006 Cannondale Synapse Carbon. It was the BBQ paint that really drew my eye to this one... definately not flashy The bike has mostly Shimano 105 components, with Shimano wheels. It is brand new, but a leftover. Originally the dealer wanted around the low to mid $2K's for it, but currently has it set at $1800.00. I rode it, definately liked it alot better than my current bike, but other than that, I really don't have alot to go on?

Today, I rode a 2007 Trek 5000. A really sharp Silver paint, with 105 components again. The quality seemed great, but to me it seemed alot heaver than the Cannondale? In talking with the dealer, they said they liked Trek's guarantee better than any other company. And that their quality is second to none in their pricerange. It was a very smooth bike to ride, but did seem quite heavy for a full carbon bike?

I didn't know if anyone had any more information about these two bikes? Quality controls, weight differentials, etc.? The year of the bike really doesn't bother me, as I know by the time I'm done with the bike, resale on bikes is terrible anyway. Although one is a year older, it was originally higher in price. Is there a reason as to why the Cannondale was more $$, yet seems to have similar features? ANY help would be greatly appreciated! And if there might be another bike you think I should look at, I'd like to look at those as well? Thanks in advance! -Dave

zencadance

Buy the one that has the colour you like best,there all the same.

ridethecliche

I think cannondale's are hella sexy. I have a few friends who own them, and they all love em. I'm hoping to buy a leftover caad8 at the end of next season. Hopefully there will be some left...

kt8509

I rode both (and more) before choosing the 2006 C'dale Synapse Carbon (white/blue). I also felt a difference in weight (C'dale noticeably lighter). The deciding factor for me was the "feel" of the C'dale vs. the Trek 5000. Even though the Synapse is C'dale's less aggressive road bike, it felt much more responsive than the Trek 5000. I wanted to test ride the Trek Madone 5.2 but they didn't have it in stock in my size and it was a bit out of my price range. I ended up with the 2006 C'dale a few months ago for $1800 (list $2400).

Great bike, love the full carbon feel (rode the Synapse ALU frame/carbon fork Synapse version and it was definitely more responsive but almost too twitchy and buzzy for me). Just getting back into riding after 15 yrs and loving it - put around 500 miles / month so far, did a metric last month, planning a century in Sept.

Bike hasn't failed me yet (even after getting dumped a couple of times already). Wheels needed to be trued after the crash though (Shimano 550). FD and RD are Shimano 105 and have been somewhat finicky since day 1 - needed a few adjustments back at LBS, they ended up replacing the cable tension adjusters and front shift cables. Works a lot better but still not 100%. I'll take it back again when I get time - but having too much fun just riding.

Good luck with your decision!

Sage23

+1

C'Dale is the way to go

jigger

I tested both bikes aswell and chose the Trek. It all comes down to test riding and buying the bike that suits you best. Good luck in your choice. Just make sure you buy one and ride.

shoerhino

I didn't ride the synapse but I consider buying one when I purchased my Trek.

Here are a couple of factors (other than the obvious fit and looks):

How do the warranties compare?
If they are from different LBS's, is there a difference in the service between the two?
Is one significantly closer to you (in case there is a warranty repair)?