Cannondale Synapse Update
12-16-11, 05:27 PM
#26
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..do you use it for commuting as well?,...because, I see platform pedals in the first picture...
12-16-11, 08:34 PM
#28
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Interesting timing of this post. I have my Synapse and thought I wanted something else so I now have a Trek Madone 4.5. I need to get rid of one of them (for those of you who saw this on the 50+ board, you can ignore).
So, I've been waffling back and forth on which to keep. AAARRRRGGGHHHH!!!!!!!
When I got the Synapse, it was because I liked the smoothness and it wasn't twitchy like the Treks. But I started feeling like the Synapse was not as responsive as I wanted. Hence the Trek. I could upgrade the Synapse but the cost would take me up to what I paid for the Trek.
Damn, you'd think I was a teenage girl the way I'm waffling on this.....
So, I've been waffling back and forth on which to keep. AAARRRRGGGHHHH!!!!!!!
When I got the Synapse, it was because I liked the smoothness and it wasn't twitchy like the Treks. But I started feeling like the Synapse was not as responsive as I wanted. Hence the Trek. I could upgrade the Synapse but the cost would take me up to what I paid for the Trek.
Damn, you'd think I was a teenage girl the way I'm waffling on this.....
12-16-11, 08:45 PM
#29
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I've been putting some miles on my new Synapse, and love it. I did swap out the saddle for my Fujita Belt saddle that feels just right, and made a few minor adjustments. Now keep in mind I come from C&V and this is a very new thing to me.
I find the bike to be very smooth (not what I've heard about aluminum frames)... The bike handles very very well and seems to accelerate better than any of my C&V bikes. The one thing I think I like most is the shifting. It is so easy to shift and it is quiet as a mouse, and no reaching to the down tube. I still love my C&V bikes, but I think this one will be getting the most use this coming year.
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I find the bike to be very smooth (not what I've heard about aluminum frames)... The bike handles very very well and seems to accelerate better than any of my C&V bikes. The one thing I think I like most is the shifting. It is so easy to shift and it is quiet as a mouse, and no reaching to the down tube. I still love my C&V bikes, but I think this one will be getting the most use this coming year.
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Your image totally helped me install my new Louis Garneau seat bag, thanks! It came with no directions or picture.
12-17-11, 06:47 AM
#30
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The leather saddle feels that much better than the stock one does? Just wondering because I never owned a leather saddle before.
Last edited by Vaportrail56; 12-17-11 at 06:53 AM.
12-17-11, 08:30 AM
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Well, I've been riding on these saddles since the 70's and nothing else comes close to a good leather saddle. I like Brooks or Belt (Fujita) saddles. They take a bit to break in, but once you do so there is nothing like a fine leather saddle. Once you break it in it'slike sitting in a hammock. A leather saddle also breathes unlike the pleather stock saddles so your butt does not sweat as much.
12-17-11, 10:36 AM
#32
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I like this thread. I love my Synapse (2011 Synapse 5 alloy). I have had mine since March and love it. It was the most comfortable of all of the aluminum bikes I test rode, as well as have ever owned (and I loved the ride of my last bike). I have never found the need to purchase a carbon bike...and yes, for the naysayers...I have ridden them. I will upgrade the wheels when the time arises but, other than that, for me the bike is as good as I ever will need (want, however, is another issue
).
Here is mine (any excuse to post a pic).
).Here is mine (any excuse to post a pic).
She deserves it.
12-17-11, 01:18 PM
#33
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I like this thread. I love my Synapse (2011 Synapse 5 alloy). I have had mine since March and love it. It was the most comfortable of all of the aluminum bikes I test rode, as well as have ever owned (and I loved the ride of my last bike). I have never found the need to purchase a carbon bike...and yes, for the naysayers...I have ridden them. I will upgrade the wheels when the time arises but, other than that, for me the bike is as good as I ever will need (want, however, is another issue).
Here is mine (any excuse to post a pic).
).Here is mine (any excuse to post a pic).
12-17-11, 01:33 PM
#34
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Nope....and I am not in love with thise wheels either, but until they start to cause problems I will keep them.
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12-17-11, 01:39 PM
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Well, I've been riding on these saddles since the 70's and nothing else comes close to a good leather saddle. I like Brooks or Belt (Fujita) saddles. They take a bit to break in, but once you do so there is nothing like a fine leather saddle. Once you break it in it'slike sitting in a hammock. A leather saddle also breathes unlike the pleather stock saddles so your butt does not sweat as much.
I rode a Brooks for 15 years. There is nothing like a leather saddle. Look at what all the pros ride and what all the experienced fast and long distance riders in your area ride. What they ride is nothing like a leather saddle.
12-17-11, 01:43 PM
#36
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12-17-11, 02:04 PM
#37
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Keep 'em both. I got my first two road bikes in 2011. Madone 6.5 Project One in May and a CAAD10 1 in November. Both are great bikes.
Eat more waffles!
Eat more waffles!
Interesting timing of this post. I have my Synapse and thought I wanted something else so I now have a Trek Madone 4.5. I need to get rid of one of them (for those of you who saw this on the 50+ board, you can ignore).
So, I've been waffling back and forth on which to keep. AAARRRRGGGHHHH!!!!!!!
When I got the Synapse, it was because I liked the smoothness and it wasn't twitchy like the Treks. But I started feeling like the Synapse was not as responsive as I wanted. Hence the Trek. I could upgrade the Synapse but the cost would take me up to what I paid for the Trek.
Damn, you'd think I was a teenage girl the way I'm waffling on this.....
So, I've been waffling back and forth on which to keep. AAARRRRGGGHHHH!!!!!!!
When I got the Synapse, it was because I liked the smoothness and it wasn't twitchy like the Treks. But I started feeling like the Synapse was not as responsive as I wanted. Hence the Trek. I could upgrade the Synapse but the cost would take me up to what I paid for the Trek.
Damn, you'd think I was a teenage girl the way I'm waffling on this.....
12-17-11, 03:00 PM
#38
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I too have the synapse alloy 5. Love the bike am very comfortable on it. My tektro brakes however are horrible. Does anyone else find the braking bad.
12-17-11, 03:06 PM
#39
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12-17-11, 03:41 PM
#41
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Edit, I did check out the brakes on the Caad and they look like the same kind but they stop alot quicker. I will definently get some of the Kool Stop pads though for the Synapse.
Last edited by Vaportrail56; 12-17-11 at 04:04 PM.
12-17-11, 04:09 PM
#42
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I changed mine to dura ace pads still terrible. I also took it to a friends to try a pair of dura ace calipers. Which don;t fit i need to order long reach ones which are limited. Brakes only thing i don;t like about this bike
12-17-11, 04:58 PM
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Anyone know if these are infact Tektro brake calipers? They look like Tektro's work, but are stamped C4....... I know Cannondale does not make them, but I've always had good luck with other Tektro brakes. Anyone have a closeup of there's?
12-17-11, 06:07 PM
#46
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Here is what mine looks like, they are starting to rust abit from riding on the beach with the gulfs salty breeze.
sorry. I'll get a pic of mine in a few....
12-17-11, 06:28 PM
#48
Full Member
It really upsets me that they are rusting like that. The bike ain`t even a year old yet and they are the only things that are rusting on the bike. I am going to go talk to the guys at the LBS where I bought it and see if they can do something about it, maybe replace them under warranty or at least cut me a deal on some new ones.
12-17-11, 06:33 PM
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It really upsets me that they are rusting like that. The bike ain`t even a year old yet and they are the only things that are rusting on the bike. I am going to go talk to the guys at the LBS where I bought it and see if they can do something about it, maybe replace them under warranty or at least cut me a deal on some new ones.