The "Should I..." Thread
#3976
You could get the 2014 alloy synapse 6 for $1250, sure the carbon version is a bit more at $2060, but I think I'd check out a Cannondale dealer to see what they have left over from last year. You could probably get a pretty decent price on the 2013 stuff.
#3977
:)
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,420
Likes: 3
From: San Jose, CA
Bikes: Cannondale CAAD12, Specialized Rockhopper, Norco Fluid FS1
So I had thought about selling the Leader because I never ride it anymore, but I realized I probably won't get as much as I would want, so I think I'm going to keep it.
That being said, what could I do to change up the ride a bit/lot, so that it's not as similar to my CAAD? Both the CAAD and the Leader have like identical setups now, and I really don't get as excited to ride the Leader anymore.
That being said, what could I do to change up the ride a bit/lot, so that it's not as similar to my CAAD? Both the CAAD and the Leader have like identical setups now, and I really don't get as excited to ride the Leader anymore.
#3978
Bike Nerd

Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 238
Likes: 2
From: Brooklyn
Bikes: '04 Cannondale Track, Custom Steel Disc Road Di2, Rock Lobster CX
So I had thought about selling the Leader because I never ride it anymore, but I realized I probably won't get as much as I would want, so I think I'm going to keep it.
That being said, what could I do to change up the ride a bit/lot, so that it's not as similar to my CAAD? Both the CAAD and the Leader have like identical setups now, and I really don't get as excited to ride the Leader anymore.
That being said, what could I do to change up the ride a bit/lot, so that it's not as similar to my CAAD? Both the CAAD and the Leader have like identical setups now, and I really don't get as excited to ride the Leader anymore.
#3979
:)
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,420
Likes: 3
From: San Jose, CA
Bikes: Cannondale CAAD12, Specialized Rockhopper, Norco Fluid FS1
Change your bars up! When I was in your situation with only a road and fixed I would rotate between risers, bullhorns and drops every few months. New bars are cheap and will dramatically change the character of your bike. If you go the flat bars/risers route, don't go too narrow. Start at ~20" and see how that feels.
And about stems, I have a 120mm stem on right now, should I try to shorten that up, or I could leave it?
#3980
Bike Nerd

Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 238
Likes: 2
From: Brooklyn
Bikes: '04 Cannondale Track, Custom Steel Disc Road Di2, Rock Lobster CX
Good question. I've never ridden mustache bars on my own bike, so I can't say. Since they're already gonna shorten your reach quite a bit I'd say stick with the stem you've got and see how that feels first. If you want it, I've got an extra 100mm 31.8mm threadless stem you can have.
#3981
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 997
Likes: 0
From: Roanoke, Va
Bikes: 2013 leader 721. 2015 leader 725. 2012 fuji feather
Change your bars up! When I was in your situation with only a road and fixed I would rotate between risers, bullhorns and drops every few months. New bars are cheap and will dramatically change the character of your bike. If you go the flat bars/risers route, don't go too narrow. Start at ~20" and see how that feels.
Right now I have horns on one bike and drops on the other.
Probably throwing risers on my beater in the next month or so, for short rides around town and learned some tricks.
#3982
You go short and tall with mustache bars. So far I don't know anybody that thinks they're comfortable. I used mine for a long time and switched it between a fixed gear, road bike, and commuter road bike but it didn't work out in the long run. I would go with Rivendell's redesign of the mustache bar if you choose to go that way https://www.rivbike.com/product-p/hb3a.htm
#3983
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Davis, CA
Bikes: Caad12 || BMC SL01 || Kilo TT
I use the same stem with my mustache bars as I do with my drops, and it's really comfortable. Also, there is about 4-5cm of drop from my saddle to the mustache handlebars. I like it
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#3984
canis lupus familiaris
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,254
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
Bikes: En plus one
#3985
Now I feel dumb for saying short and tall. I should be more descriptive.
#3986
Need a frame, should I?
https://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item...d=380176164113
https://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item...d=380176164113
#3989
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,631
Likes: 328
I am in the midst of a dilemma...
I have a classic Italian steel track bike as my daily rider. When I got the frame I built it up with whatever parts I had on hand to get it on the road quickly. Since then I've been swapping over piece by piece to Campy bits with my plan being to end up with a full-throated Italian build. I am about there with the exception of the seatpost & wheels.
Here's my problem - I've found Campagnolo rims & hubs that would build into the perfect wheelset to compliment the style of my bike. But, it will be a damned expensive project & will turn out a somewhat heavier than I'd like.
Or - I just ran across a generic Chinese carbon track wheelset with box section rims that is reasonably priced and very light. If I went with this, I will have to stick with these wheels til they die, and give up my original plan for who knows how long.
So what should I be? Italophile (to steal a phrase from Tejano Trackie)...or weight-weenie tightwad?
I have a classic Italian steel track bike as my daily rider. When I got the frame I built it up with whatever parts I had on hand to get it on the road quickly. Since then I've been swapping over piece by piece to Campy bits with my plan being to end up with a full-throated Italian build. I am about there with the exception of the seatpost & wheels.
Here's my problem - I've found Campagnolo rims & hubs that would build into the perfect wheelset to compliment the style of my bike. But, it will be a damned expensive project & will turn out a somewhat heavier than I'd like.
Or - I just ran across a generic Chinese carbon track wheelset with box section rims that is reasonably priced and very light. If I went with this, I will have to stick with these wheels til they die, and give up my original plan for who knows how long.
So what should I be? Italophile (to steal a phrase from Tejano Trackie)...or weight-weenie tightwad?
#3991
Bike Nerd

Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 238
Likes: 2
From: Brooklyn
Bikes: '04 Cannondale Track, Custom Steel Disc Road Di2, Rock Lobster CX
#3999
Good deal. One of the drawbacks of living in Japan is the total and utter lack of old used mountain bikes. I really want to build a single speed fat tire beater but can't find a good deal on a frame or bike to start from.







