After 6 years on my Giant OCR2, I'm ready to move on. With a 2K price objective, and a somewhat relaxed geometry as goals, I'll be test riding several new machines; trek 4.5, Spec Roubaix, Scott RC1, maybe a Giant and the Synapse, which looks very good on paper.

So I'm looking for some feedback on the Cannondale. I'll buy what fits best, of course, but just need some general thoughts from those who considered it and purchased or not.

Love mine. Cush ride and plenty stiff too.With pedlas, Brooks Swallow, Kysirum SL Premiums and SRAM Force; the bike weighs in at a respectable 17lbs 9oz. Lp

I have been riding an '09 Synapse Carbon for the last couple years. The carbon frame and SAVE feature provides a great ride. It is very effective at reducing road vibrations. This is a definite plus on long rides but is still appreciated on shorter rides as well. Let me tell you that vibrations can and will wear you down. I am a fan of the SAVE feature as I have compared aluminum rear ends with and without this feature. In addition to reducing vibrations it also maintains positive road contact in rough and bumpy conditions. My backup bike is an '06 CAAD8 (with full Dura Ace). I am sorry to say she gets very little attention. The Synapse can be setup in a relaxed configuration as well as in a moderately aggressive configuration. I have removed all of the spacers and now have a 5 cm drop. I have been told by my LBS that I can get even more drop by removing a large spacer underneath the headset cone. I have found that the Synapse Carbon was a very good fit to my needs and has been able to adapt as my cycling needs have changed.

All this said I would still look and test ride all the bikes on your short list and maybe a few others. How about a new BMC? a used Litespeed? or a used Merlin? I think my next bike will be TI.

Like you said buy the one that fits you (and your needs) best.

I gotta try a ride on a carbon synapse soon, I'm hearing some really good things about that bike.

Just picked up a 2010 Synapse Carbon 3. great combination of smooth ride and acceleration along with great looks. Worth checking out

Looked over the Trek today but didn't get the chance to take her out. I don't know...the lines didn't do much for me, honestly.
Does BMC even make a frame that isn't full on racing?
I don't know diddly about ti ride characteristics. But do have to watch my price point as well.

Even though it's not what you think you're looking for, do yourself a favor and test ride the Six Carbon 5 as well. I know many people who went out set on buying a Synapse and ended up going with the Six after a test ride.

I got my carbon 5 last year and absolutely love it. I have done multiple centuries on it and it is a great ride. My only regret is that I didn't pony up the extra $$ for the carbon 3.

I'll check it out also. Looks like it is probably a bit more race ready. One thing not available on that model is a triple.....I know, I know.. compact..blah blah..Well, I live and ride in the Santa Monica's...you know..stage 8 TOC...and FWIW, I like having the bail out ring. Suits my 56 year old knees nicely. Anyhow, looking forward to getting a test ride on both models. Thanks for the lead!

Are you satisified with the speed and performance up hill as well? Doesn't feel like a slug?

If you decide on C'dale, get the 3. It's worth the extra money. I have the '09 S3 and it's definitely plush. GL

Love to....wish I had the extra 1K.

Well, if you're going to be practical about it. Enjoy!

I picked up the Synapse Carbon 5 in January after doing a few months of comparing and shopping around and I've been tremendously pleased with it. I hadn't ridden a rode bike at all for the previous 15 years or so, but with this bike it's been easy to build up the miles and now I'm doing 4-hour rides and itching to go farther and longer.

Honestly, if I had gotten one of these instead of my CAAD8, I might not have gone shopping for a different bike.

Had my 2010 Synapse 3 in today for minor adjustments. While there I asked if they could weigh the bike, came in at 16.51lbs without pedals. Buy the 3.

What size is it?

I've had my Carbon 3 for a month now and love it. Test rode a 5 as that's what they had in stock and it's fine as well. The 3 just gets you a bling'd out spec, really nice wheels, Ultegra and a FSA carbon crank. It's absolutely worth the money if you can afford it, but I'd think the 5 would be nearly as nice for many people.

All that being said, I'm sure I'd be raving about any of the bikes you mentioned. They're all good.

Mine is a 54cm

As mentioned, the 3 comes with some upgraded items. If I get the 5, I'll swap out the wheels for my Williams 30's, really like 'em. If I could get the LBS to sell me the 3 without wheels at a reduced price, that would be nice...however I asked about this at one shop and they turned me down.

I have an '08 Carbon 5 that I bought new in March '09 as a last year's model. I am very pleased with it. It climbs well, descends well, and goes for long rides well. Mine came with 105 everything, FD, RD, crank, brakes.

I've got a Six Carbon 5 and love it.

Just curious, I'm on a 58...not sure how much heavier the frame is.

While it's a pain you could always throw them on ebay and get 400+ bucks or so...

I'd sell off the Shimano's that come with the bike. I ain't giving up my Williams!

Very satisfied. We ride a lot of hills and I am the current KOM of our group!

I'll be trying out all the exact same bikes on Saturday. Unfortunately, Helen's doesn't have very many selections in terms of brand names, so I'll have to go to Performance Bicycle and REI as well just so I have something to compare against.