Which one would you choose? Giant or Cannondale?
 

OK next week I'm (financially) ready to pick up a new bike. The choice comes down to a 2008 Cannondale Synapse Feminine 4 for 799 CAD or a 2010 Giant Avail 2 for 1269 CAD.
Both have same quality, tiagra components. I have tested them, both feel comfortable. Totally nice. What would you choose, is there a difference or something important that i might have overlooked?
I really like to looks of the white bike (Giant) which was the colour I wanted, but for $ 500 difference I would get the same/similar bike as the Cannondale? PLease give me your advice! Highly appreciated!

Both look like nice bikes, are they both new? If not, the $500 for the 2010 might be worth the color you like and the warranty.

Personally...... if I really liked both equally and they were comparable in parts & whatnots, I'd go with the less expensive one and use the balance for upgrades/tires/apparel/etc. You can do a lot of bike crap shopping with $500, right?

But, if in reality you personally favoured the Giant (even if only for the most superficial of reason, lard knows I do) over the Cannondale, then get the Giant!

http://bike.woodvillage.co.uk/bike/i...APSE_Fem_4.jpg

Additional info, this is the bike. Its a brand new one that was left in the store and never been picked up by customer. I asked if it is a 2008 but if I do my research this model (and its exactly like that) is a 2007.

I ride a Synapse, so that answers that. But you should get the bike you love cause price difference means nothing if you lose interest.

The new one may save you some money over the summer.
Tires $50 - $90 each
Chain Dura Ace $45 aprox.
Cassette $75 - Sky is the limit here
Front Sprockets guessing at $50 each.
Bottom Brackets can be expensive also.

Both of my road bikes have Dura Ace components. I know what this equipment costs as for Tiagra cost I am just ball parking.
Wait until you see how fast you can go.
Vancouver is made for bikes.
Olympics thanks for the show. I must have been great to have the worlds best in your town. You put on a great show.

:popcorn

Cannondale

that Cannondale Synapse probably was made by Giant. So yeah, go with the Giant.

that Cannondale Synapse probably was made by Giant. So yeah, go with the Cannondale.

It is fairly well known that those who ride a Cannondale are cooler and such. Consider getting the brand with which you identify more.

I bought the cheaper Giant Defy 3 simply because of the color scheme. Sure the Defy 1 or 2 would have stressed the budget a little at the time, but I flat out didn't like the color options on those two bikes. So I bought the 3, knowing I would spend more later to upgrade. My wife has the Avail 3 and she loves it.

Neither, I buy Specialized.

Buy 'em both. Duh.

Cannondale, I'm biased :):

http://home.comcast.net/%7Ekhatfull/images/CAAD9.jpg

I got my 2009 Cannondale after discovering Specialized raised their prices $500. To me it seemed $500 price difference was the threshold so given your description I'd get the Cannondale and buy lots of stuff. GL

http://allanti.com/page.cfm?PageID=328

This link will take you to an article about just who makes your bike and where it was made.

Maybe it will help you with your choice.
Either way let us know your pick and why.

Life is short.
Enjoy YOUR ride!

or less.

unnecessary.

unnecessary.

unnecessary.

unnecessary.

ok.

Why I bought CANNONDALE(CAAD 9):

1) Made in USA
2) Race geometry
3) Light frame base(bike currently @15lbs)
4) Lifetime frame warranty
5) Sub-300g full carbon fork
6) BB30(upgrade consideration)
7) HUGE line of accessories and high-quality, cool apparel
8) Long history of victories and competition pedigree
9) State-of-the-art design and manufacturing methodologies

There is really no comparison - I think that's enough reasons...

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/k...s/DSCN0720.jpg

They are both made for having fun. LBSs don't generally like to do trade-outs on factory-built bikes, but if you could get an Ultegra switchout on the Cdale for $1300, that would be awesome. Ultegra is lighter and more durable than Tiagra.

In any case, you won't be unhappy with the 2008 Cdale with stock components for $500 less than the 2010 Giant.

buy the c'dale. then buy some quality shoes, and apparel, and some better tires.

if you were already planning to buy quality on accessories, buy a 2nd wheelset.

False.

Debatable... Lighter yes.

kyakdiver,

If you live in a place where the LBS will take your 2008 components and figure out how to resell them, that is like A+. I would do that if I were an LBS owner. You have trader instincts and contacts. A lot of LBS owners don't have this instinct. I would suggest to OP to give it a try, and find out what kind of LBS she is dealing with. She might even want to sell the Cdale Tiagra gruppo on eBay, and buy Ultegra gruppo on eBay.

For eBay switchouts, most gals don't want to get into DIY or find somebody to do the work, expecting something in return. Guys are often schlepps. I think if some girl sells her Tiagra, and buys Ultegra, and needs installation, I'd have to charge her a hundred bucks. If she wants to watch me, and learn how to do it herself next time, that's awesome.

So, which did you get?

Wish I could tell you that.....am so torn between the two bikes! The Giant has those gear indicators which I like because I am used to it on my MTB and its my colour, white. The Cannondale is yep a Cannondale (seems very good/popular in this forum) and not my colour but it's so much cheaper. Both have very similar components. Am I the only one who has such a difficult time to decide?
For sure by Friday I will have one of them!