HeadPres

I have been monitoring Synapse for a few years... i started to look into them since summer of 2012, i test rode it and it felt great... I have always dreamed of a 2011 Synapse in that Team color and how perfect it is, so i searched and searched, but because I am a 48cm i never had luck...

Than i heard that a redesign was coming shortly, so i waited, and waited and waited.... finally 2014's hit the stores over year end.... but i am in NY so cycling during this winter was brutal so i recited to wait until spring.

So I am ready to get the 2014 synapse carbon 6 (105) for $1900 from LBS when someone i barely know reaches out and offers to sell me his 2011 Synapse carbon 105 for $850.... in my size and the exact colors i love....

the bike has 1500 miles on it, in decent shape, i have my own wheels to swap out, so don't care for the RS10s that come with it...

what do it do? save 1K and buy used carbon bike with 1500 miles or go for new?
I don't have inferiority complex, and dont think i would drool for a new one, i am just cautious if used carbon bikes are safe to buy and ride for years? I will obv look at the bike before i buy, but i wanted to get a general consensus if you guys would go for older frame and geometry for a grand less? or should i just get a new one with fit and all for $1900?

what are the benefits of this new geometry and power triangle? and is internal routing really such a big deal?
Personally i like the look of the old synapse alot more, with the thicker seat-post and like the rear drops more on the older one.

Team Sarcasm

850 is a killer deal.

Personally....I would get that, ride it till around August/October, sell it then, hop on a year end sale for the 2014 you want in November/December.

I doubt you will loose money on it, you may even make a little.

But this is assuming the 2011 is in good condition.

dtrain

I'd go used. Just check the frameset over very carefully. Should be fine if the mileage is correct....but you're rolling the dice a bit.

HeadPres

I am not looking at investments, i love the color scheme on this 2011.... and want to know from people what is the true diff on the frames???? is it worth the extra cash for the gimmicks they put into the new bike?
people used to rave about the older synapse and i fell in love when i test drove it, is the 2014 WAYYYYYYYY better?

link0

2011 for $850. No brainer. There has been barely any changes to the synapse since 2011.

dtrain

I've ridden neither version. But put it this way, I'd pay about $600 more for the new one. Easy decision for $1k off.

RollCNY

You use NY loosely, but I know someone in Baldwinsville (Syracuse suburb) who rides that bike in that color scheme and he would be on a 48 or 50(?). If that is the bike you are buying, I can say it is in excellent condition, and he took excellent care of it. If it is not that case (because NY is the 3rd or 4th most populous state and there are probably more than 1 for sale), then I have no input.

TrojanHorse

Go for it, carbon isn't as frail as people like to make it out to be. My last two carbon bikes were bought sight unseen from ebay (used) as bare frames and I'm still alive and kicking. Do inspect the frame carefully when you get it and enjoy your new bike!

Slackerprince

That used one has been dropped in your lap!
Right size and color you like? No brainer.
Also, only 1500 miles. I do that in a week. lol

S

ARPRINCE

Synapse was redesigned for 2014. Also, the OP will not have warranty protection since he is not the original owner. So tough decision for the OP for reasons he already mentioned but I would lean more on getting a new one if I'll be owning the bike for several years to come.

hueyhoolihan

you should definitely pass on the bike you always wanted and that is less expensive than the alternative.

and i would never, never, buy a used carbon frame. they need to be thrown out once they've been ridden by anyone other than the original purchaser.

BTW, you wouldn't have the telephone number of the seller would you? it's not for me, of course, but i have a friend that specializes in poor judgement that might be interested.

coupster

Another point to consider. Through 2012, Cannondale used proprietary carbon seatposts on the Synapse line. Nothing else will fit. Also a replacement mast is about $100. The saddle clamp is an other $60. If you can find them.

I ride a 2012 Carbon 5 and love it. Stiffest most comfortable bike I've ever ridden. I'd buy the used one.

Dunbar

IMO the main disadvantage of used carbon fiber frames is the warranty only cover the original owner. At $850 for essentially the same bike as the 2014 I may be able to overlook that concern.

gc3

The color is the only thing that matters...

HeadPres

Hey RollCNY... no this guy isnt from SYR... but you have someone you are saying who is selling a 2011 in 105 (Green) in 48cm??? Please let me know... i am from NYC

RollCNY

No, he isn't selling that I know of. I speculated it might be his bike from your description. Sorry for the false lead, and good luck.