I am a newbie looking to get into cycling. I went to a local store and they had a 2012 Cannondale Synapse Sora. Brand new bike that just hasn't been sold yet. The guy offered $750. I thought that this was still a bit high for a year-old bike with components that have been upgraded since then, but wanted to get input from others as to what a fair price was. Also wanted to see if this was an appropriate bike for a newbie. It seems to be a bike that is a bit more comfortable (less aggressive) and would be appropriate for someone starting out. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I have a 2013 Synapse 5 105, and love it.
Very comfortable bike.
I had an Allez Elite for a long time, but glad
I got the Synapse.
Don't know what to tell you on pricing, but pay
what you're comfortable with.
I think the geometry on this frame is a winner.

S

Sounds like the deal. Another vote for the Rocketdale Synapse.

That's about 25% off msrp (not sure the exact price of a 2012) so not a bad deal. I don't think there were any real changes between 2012 and 2013. They did redesign the 2014 models but so far it only seems to be the high-mod version. Not sure if that will trickle down or not. In any case, you will only pay more if you wait so if it fits and you like it grab it.

there where not any chainges to the frame, but Sora went through a whole redesign in 2013. went from the old thumb shifters in 2012 to paddle shifters in 2013.

If I where you I would not buy the bike, I would find a 2013 for that price. With the 2014 comming out, the 2012 model is actually 2 years old.

good luck

That's what I noticed about the shifters too. I was wondering if they were the old shifters, were there other parts that are out-dated as well. The only thing in my area is that nothing is on sale from the 2013 models. I know the 2014 models are about to break out, so it would just be a matter of patience.

correct answer here with regards to a sora equipped bike. for the record, a local shop here in Chicago area has the 2013 Synapse Sora brand new for $800, just for reference.

The shifters are a big deal, IMHO.

The newer Soras have the dual-cog feature as well, which I like a lot; if you're coming from the small to the large chainring you can double-shift the rear cog at the same time (down two on the cog, up on the chainring) and with most gearing setups this puts you in a logical place (slightly higher gearing than you had before.)

With the upshift button on the top in the older design you can't shift up reasonably while on the drops whether on the bottom or on the curve. That kinda sucks as the only place you really have bidirectional shifting is when on the hoods.

That change is enough of a reason for me to want the newer design (which is very close to the 105 group in terms of functionality) and for older builds would drive me to the 105 group.

I believe the 2013 Synapse moved to the round seat post as opposed to the aero seat post that some have had heartache with. That might just apply to Carbon Synapse, not sure about how the Alloys were offered. I have the 2012 Ultegra and love it.
Dan