Differences between Cannondale Super6, Synapse and CAAD10
08-07-12 | 06:41 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 158
Likes: 40
From: Southern coastal Delaware
Bikes: 2015 CAAD 10 w 11 speed Ultegra; 2012 CAAD 8 w 10 speed Tiagra
Differences between Cannondale Super6, Synapse and CAAD10
What are the notable differences between the 3 lines? I am very familiar w/the CAAD (own a CAAD8-6) and Super6 series but where does the alum and carbon fiber Synapse line fit into the Cannondale picture?
It seems like the Synapse line is priced better than the other two lines?
Would I have been better off w/something in the Synapse line vs a CAAD8?
Id like to upgrade to a Super 6 bike but should I consider a Synapse? Pros/cons?
Thanks.
It seems like the Synapse line is priced better than the other two lines?
Would I have been better off w/something in the Synapse line vs a CAAD8?
Id like to upgrade to a Super 6 bike but should I consider a Synapse? Pros/cons?
Thanks.
08-07-12 | 11:32 PM
#4
blah blah blah
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,520
Likes: 0
The head tube will usually be taller, so this will affect how low you can position the handlebars and how low you can get for aggressive aerodynamic positioning.
The top tubes tend to be shorter and the head tube angle slacker, so these two factors tend to put the rider into a more upright position which many people find more comfortable than the prototypical long and low position of many aggressive race bikes. That also means your center of gravity will be higher, so it may be harder to aggressively carve corners and turns. The slack head tube angle also increases the trail which makes the bike more stable but with the same trade off of giving up quicker steering response.
Some of the "endurance" relaxed geo bikes also have additional features which are aimed to increase vertical compliance for greater comfort.
Which bike is faster for you may depend. Ride comfort is believed to be important in producing and maintaining power on the bike and may trump other factors such as better aerodynamics and quick handling. I have a CAAD9 which I have ridden comfortably for rides up to 100 miles, but I am very flexible and most of the roads near me are relatively smooth in good shape.
You should try to enjoy some extended test rides! Have fun!
08-08-12 | 01:03 AM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,248
Likes: 3
From: Frederick, MD
Bikes: Cannondale, Trek
...The more relaxed geometry will usually have a longer wheelbase which tends to make the bike more stable but less twitchy and react slower to steering inputs.
The head tube will usually be taller, so this will affect how low you can position the handlebars and how low you can get for aggressive aerodynamic positioning.
The top tubes tend to be shorter and the head tube angle slacker, so these two factors tend to put the rider into a more upright position which many people find more comfortable than the prototypical long and low position of many aggressive race bikes. That also means your center of gravity will be higher, so it may be harder to aggressively carve corners and turns. The slack head tube angle also increases the trail which makes the bike more stable but with the same trade off of giving up quicker steering response.
Some of the "endurance" relaxed geo bikes also have additional features which are aimed to increase vertical compliance for greater comfort.
The head tube will usually be taller, so this will affect how low you can position the handlebars and how low you can get for aggressive aerodynamic positioning.
The top tubes tend to be shorter and the head tube angle slacker, so these two factors tend to put the rider into a more upright position which many people find more comfortable than the prototypical long and low position of many aggressive race bikes. That also means your center of gravity will be higher, so it may be harder to aggressively carve corners and turns. The slack head tube angle also increases the trail which makes the bike more stable but with the same trade off of giving up quicker steering response.
Some of the "endurance" relaxed geo bikes also have additional features which are aimed to increase vertical compliance for greater comfort.
08-08-12 | 05:06 AM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 10,664
Likes: 7
From: Someplace trying to figure it out
Bikes: Cannondale EVO, CAAD9, Giant cross bike.
Smarter people than me will probably answer this better... The more relaxed geometry will usually have a longer wheelbase which tends to make the bike more stable but less twitchy and react slower to steering inputs.
The head tube will usually be taller, so this will affect how low you can position the handlebars and how low you can get for aggressive aerodynamic positioning.
The top tubes tend to be shorter and the head tube angle slacker, so these two factors tend to put the rider into a more upright position which many people find more comfortable than the prototypical long and low position of many aggressive race bikes. That also means your center of gravity will be higher, so it may be harder to aggressively carve corners and turns. The slack head tube angle also increases the trail which makes the bike more stable but with the same trade off of giving up quicker steering response.
Some of the "endurance" relaxed geo bikes also have additional features which are aimed to increase vertical compliance for greater comfort.
Which bike is faster for you may depend. Ride comfort is believed to be important in producing and maintaining power on the bike and may trump other factors such as better aerodynamics and quick handling. I have a CAAD9 which I have ridden comfortably for rides up to 100 miles, but I am very flexible and most of the roads near me are relatively smooth in good shape.
You should try to enjoy some extended test rides! Have fun!
The head tube will usually be taller, so this will affect how low you can position the handlebars and how low you can get for aggressive aerodynamic positioning.
The top tubes tend to be shorter and the head tube angle slacker, so these two factors tend to put the rider into a more upright position which many people find more comfortable than the prototypical long and low position of many aggressive race bikes. That also means your center of gravity will be higher, so it may be harder to aggressively carve corners and turns. The slack head tube angle also increases the trail which makes the bike more stable but with the same trade off of giving up quicker steering response.
Some of the "endurance" relaxed geo bikes also have additional features which are aimed to increase vertical compliance for greater comfort.
Which bike is faster for you may depend. Ride comfort is believed to be important in producing and maintaining power on the bike and may trump other factors such as better aerodynamics and quick handling. I have a CAAD9 which I have ridden comfortably for rides up to 100 miles, but I am very flexible and most of the roads near me are relatively smooth in good shape.
You should try to enjoy some extended test rides! Have fun!
I have a CAAD9 as well. One of the last frames they made in Bedford. I'll never give that bike up.
To the OP...imo the Synapse the the plushest of the relaxed bikes. The only ones that come close are the Domaines....and they will be doing less expensive frame versions of that bike in 2013.
08-08-12 | 06:13 PM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 114
Likes: 9
From: Arlington, VA
Bikes: '11 All City Big Block, '92 Specialized StumpJumper, '06 Kona Smoke
Smarter people than me will probably answer this better... The more relaxed geometry will usually have a longer wheelbase which tends to make the bike more stable but less twitchy and react slower to steering inputs.
The head tube will usually be taller, so this will affect how low you can position the handlebars and how low you can get for aggressive aerodynamic positioning.
The top tubes tend to be shorter and the head tube angle slacker, so these two factors tend to put the rider into a more upright position which many people find more comfortable than the prototypical long and low position of many aggressive race bikes. That also means your center of gravity will be higher, so it may be harder to aggressively carve corners and turns. The slack head tube angle also increases the trail which makes the bike more stable but with the same trade off of giving up quicker steering response.
Some of the "endurance" relaxed geo bikes also have additional features which are aimed to increase vertical compliance for greater comfort.
Which bike is faster for you may depend. Ride comfort is believed to be important in producing and maintaining power on the bike and may trump other factors such as better aerodynamics and quick handling. I have a CAAD9 which I have ridden comfortably for rides up to 100 miles, but I am very flexible and most of the roads near me are relatively smooth in good shape.
You should try to enjoy some extended test rides! Have fun!
The head tube will usually be taller, so this will affect how low you can position the handlebars and how low you can get for aggressive aerodynamic positioning.
The top tubes tend to be shorter and the head tube angle slacker, so these two factors tend to put the rider into a more upright position which many people find more comfortable than the prototypical long and low position of many aggressive race bikes. That also means your center of gravity will be higher, so it may be harder to aggressively carve corners and turns. The slack head tube angle also increases the trail which makes the bike more stable but with the same trade off of giving up quicker steering response.
Some of the "endurance" relaxed geo bikes also have additional features which are aimed to increase vertical compliance for greater comfort.
Which bike is faster for you may depend. Ride comfort is believed to be important in producing and maintaining power on the bike and may trump other factors such as better aerodynamics and quick handling. I have a CAAD9 which I have ridden comfortably for rides up to 100 miles, but I am very flexible and most of the roads near me are relatively smooth in good shape.
You should try to enjoy some extended test rides! Have fun!
I can officially say I know more after clicking on this thread than I did before.
08-08-12 | 06:22 PM
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 5,095
Likes: 5
From: Boone, North Carolina
Bikes: 2009 Cannondale CAAD9-6 2014 Trek Domaine 5.9
08-08-12 | 10:28 PM
#10
Beer >> Sanity
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,449
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Bikes: 2014 Evo DA2, 2010 Caad9-4, 2011 Synapse-4, 2013 CaadX-disc
I own both a caad and carbon synapse and have ridden the supersix (not evo). They are similar but different. How's that for useful 
Kind of depends what you are looking for. I haven't analyzed the prices but I don't think the Synapse is the budget bike in the line by any means although they don't make an "evo" model... yet. They do have alloy and carbon models so I guess the alloy model is the better price option.
I think to summarize the differences, if you want a snappy, more agressive ride the caad/supersix line is it. If you want a somewhat relaxed position and a bit more stability then a synapse is a good choice. That said, the synapse is no slouch and you can ride it hard and fast and the caad/supersix is certainly not harsh nor overly twitchy. Best to just ride them and see which feels more like what you want.
Kind of depends what you are looking for. I haven't analyzed the prices but I don't think the Synapse is the budget bike in the line by any means although they don't make an "evo" model... yet. They do have alloy and carbon models so I guess the alloy model is the better price option.
I think to summarize the differences, if you want a snappy, more agressive ride the caad/supersix line is it. If you want a somewhat relaxed position and a bit more stability then a synapse is a good choice. That said, the synapse is no slouch and you can ride it hard and fast and the caad/supersix is certainly not harsh nor overly twitchy. Best to just ride them and see which feels more like what you want.
Last edited by bikerjp; 08-08-12 at 10:33 PM.
08-09-12 | 01:35 AM
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: PNW
i've wondered this myself.
i have a synapse alloy and, when comparing the geometry charts of the synapse alloy vs. caad 10 on the cannondale website, they really don't seem to be that different (we're talking fractions of centimeters and degrees). from the numbers, it seems like the synapse should be just as raceable as the caad10. most of the "plushness" comes from the shape of the stays, i think.
i have a synapse alloy and, when comparing the geometry charts of the synapse alloy vs. caad 10 on the cannondale website, they really don't seem to be that different (we're talking fractions of centimeters and degrees). from the numbers, it seems like the synapse should be just as raceable as the caad10. most of the "plushness" comes from the shape of the stays, i think.
08-09-12 | 07:18 AM
#15
Beer >> Sanity
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,449
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Bikes: 2014 Evo DA2, 2010 Caad9-4, 2011 Synapse-4, 2013 CaadX-disc
i've wondered this myself.
i have a synapse alloy and, when comparing the geometry charts of the synapse alloy vs. caad 10 on the cannondale website, they really don't seem to be that different (we're talking fractions of centimeters and degrees). from the numbers, it seems like the synapse should be just as raceable as the caad10. most of the "plushness" comes from the shape of the stays, i think.
i have a synapse alloy and, when comparing the geometry charts of the synapse alloy vs. caad 10 on the cannondale website, they really don't seem to be that different (we're talking fractions of centimeters and degrees). from the numbers, it seems like the synapse should be just as raceable as the caad10. most of the "plushness" comes from the shape of the stays, i think.
Like I mentioned, I own both caad and synapse and the differences are subtle. On anything less than around 40 miles it's hard to tell much of a difference and I've set PRs on both bikes on various segments - but that's mostly a function of improvements to the engine rather than the particular bike I was on.
Each bike has marketing points that appeal to different types of people. In the end, go with the bike that fits best and is fun to ride. I bought the caad over an alloy synapse because I just liked the ride better even though going by the marketing theory I should have bought a synapse. Later I got the synapse too (N+1 and all) mainly because I wanted something a bit better suited, to me at least, for longer rides.
08-09-12 | 11:06 AM
#16
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,940
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All three bikes are good buys, racing, sport training or just plain riding for pleasure. I have the CAAD 10 and ride it for my exercise and training. Synapse and Super Six are excellent bikes, just consider how much you want to spend, to me. What type of riding do you mainly do? If you can afford the Super Six at which ever build level you choose, go for it. For rough roads and day long rides like a century or other Sportive rides the Synapse is hard to beat.
Milkbaby's reply about geometry should be a stickie IMHO, it is well put and accurate. Read it and take this into consideration, too.
Bill
Milkbaby's reply about geometry should be a stickie IMHO, it is well put and accurate. Read it and take this into consideration, too.
Bill
08-09-12 | 11:13 AM
#17
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 10,664
Likes: 7
From: Someplace trying to figure it out
Bikes: Cannondale EVO, CAAD9, Giant cross bike.
You can race it and the Liquigas team has. I think they use the new EVO now even on the cobbles as it has inherited some of the comfort features of the Synapse. As you note, they do have similar geometries - most road bikes do to an extent. I think the biggest difference a serious racer would notice is the taller head tube - around 20mm iirc. It would be just a bit harder to get the same low profile one could on a caad or supersix. Of course, if you don't need or can't handle that low of a profile then it's probably a moot point. Also, the supersix might be more laterally stiff, the Evo and Caad certainly are, which would be an issue to racers as well.
Like I mentioned, I own both caad and synapse and the differences are subtle. On anything less than around 40 miles it's hard to tell much of a difference and I've set PRs on both bikes on various segments - but that's mostly a function of improvements to the engine rather than the particular bike I was on.
Each bike has marketing points that appeal to different types of people. In the end, go with the bike that fits best and is fun to ride. I bought the caad over an alloy synapse because I just liked the ride better even though going by the marketing theory I should have bought a synapse. Later I got the synapse too (N+1 and all) mainly because I wanted something a bit better suited, to me at least, for longer rides.
Like I mentioned, I own both caad and synapse and the differences are subtle. On anything less than around 40 miles it's hard to tell much of a difference and I've set PRs on both bikes on various segments - but that's mostly a function of improvements to the engine rather than the particular bike I was on.
Each bike has marketing points that appeal to different types of people. In the end, go with the bike that fits best and is fun to ride. I bought the caad over an alloy synapse because I just liked the ride better even though going by the marketing theory I should have bought a synapse. Later I got the synapse too (N+1 and all) mainly because I wanted something a bit better suited, to me at least, for longer rides.
Its why they came up with the synapse hm
08-09-12 | 11:27 AM
#19
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 10,664
Likes: 7
From: Someplace trying to figure it out
Bikes: Cannondale EVO, CAAD9, Giant cross bike.
08-09-12 | 11:34 AM
#20
Still spinnin'.....
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,208
Likes: 2
From: Whitestown, IN
Bikes: Fisher Opie freeride/urban assault MTB, Redline Monocog 29er MTB, Serrota T-Max Commuter, Klein Rascal SS, Salsa Campion Road bike, Pake Rum Runner FG/SS Road bike, Cannondale Synapse Road bike, Santana Arriva Road Tandem, and others....
Milkbaby pretty much nailed it, but from my personal experience my Salsa Campion aluminum with a more aggressive geometry and a 39/53t x 11/26t gearing is a blast to ride and I view it as my "sports car", and I tend to ride it in a more sprited and aggresive manner whether I intend to or not. My Cannondale Synapse CF with a more relaxed geometry and a 34/50t x 11/28t gearing is more of a "sport tourer", and often 30-40 mile ride end up being 60-80 mile rides because I'm just having too good a time. If I had to choose one but I could keep my mountain bikes I would keep the Salsa because it makes me smile more and I love the speed, but if I could only keep one bike I'd keep the Cannondale because it is more versatile.
08-09-12 | 11:57 AM
#21
Beer >> Sanity
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,449
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Bikes: 2014 Evo DA2, 2010 Caad9-4, 2011 Synapse-4, 2013 CaadX-disc
Rode might be more accurate. In 2011, for example, they rode the Synapse. Of couse, hard to say that's what they wanted to ride or what their sponsor wanted them to ride.
https://www.dailypeloton.com/displayarticle.asp?pk=18484
In 2012, it seems the bike of choice was the Evo.
https://www.bikeradar.com/road/galler...x-33657?img=26
https://www.dailypeloton.com/displayarticle.asp?pk=18484
In 2012, it seems the bike of choice was the Evo.
https://www.bikeradar.com/road/galler...x-33657?img=26
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