The Cult of CAAD...
03-09-24, 11:42 PM
Senior Member
Out of curiosity, because I don't know, what's the difference between CAAD and an aluminum Synapse? My first serious bike (that is, a bike that wasn't originally purchased from K-Mart or the like) was a decade old, used CAAD 4. I liked it but it was too big for me. Sold it a few years ago but stumbled on a 2014 Synapse in 51cm a couple months ago for a stupid price I couldn't pass up. I don't really have a lot of miles on the Synapse yet but I'm really liking that bike as well.
03-10-24, 05:29 PM
Sunshine
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Out of curiosity, because I don't know, what's the difference between CAAD and an aluminum Synapse? My first serious bike (that is, a bike that wasn't originally purchased from K-Mart or the like) was a decade old, used CAAD 4. I liked it but it was too big for me. Sold it a few years ago but stumbled on a 2014 Synapse in 51cm a couple months ago for a stupid price I couldn't pass up. I don't really have a lot of miles on the Synapse yet but I'm really liking that bike as well.
Smaller differences are possibly component level.
But if you are trying to compare a CAAD from 2000 with a Synapse from '14, the tube shaping will also be different. Whether that results in anything noticeable to you though, is unknown.
03-10-24, 08:06 PM
Senior Member
I watched a funny video on youtube, where the presenter explained why he didn't buy the CAAD.
The 105 wasn't good enough for him.
The 105 wasn't good enough for him.
03-10-24, 11:09 PM
Senior Member
Biggest difference is geometry.
Smaller differences are possibly component level.
But if you are trying to compare a CAAD from 2000 with a Synapse from '14, the tube shaping will also be different. Whether that results in anything noticeable to you though, is unknown.
Smaller differences are possibly component level.
But if you are trying to compare a CAAD from 2000 with a Synapse from '14, the tube shaping will also be different. Whether that results in anything noticeable to you though, is unknown.
I bought the Synapse just a few weeks back and have only ridden it a few times but I really like it so far.
03-29-24, 03:06 PM
bill nyecycles
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Out of curiosity, because I don't know, what's the difference between CAAD and an aluminum Synapse? My first serious bike (that is, a bike that wasn't originally purchased from K-Mart or the like) was a decade old, used CAAD 4. I liked it but it was too big for me. Sold it a few years ago but stumbled on a 2014 Synapse in 51cm a couple months ago for a stupid price I couldn't pass up. I don't really have a lot of miles on the Synapse yet but I'm really liking that bike as well.
there really ain't nothing like a 1999-2005(ish) CAAD. best looking bikes.
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03-29-24, 10:40 PM
Senior Member
OK, but is this a case, like others, of "trickle down technology"? Maybe a 2014 Synapse incorporates some of the geometry and design elements of the earlier CAAD designs? Or are they intentionally two completely separate design philosophies?
03-30-24, 01:50 AM
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Maybe there is overlap in the alloy materials used in the two frames but the CAAD is a race frame and the Synapse is an endurance frame - different design philosophies.
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