jpconrad

For the last few months I've had a shifting issue with my 2006 Synapse. No matter what, the bike couldn't get the rear dérailleur to shift correctly, it frequently had a problem shifting between the middle rings. Over the last few months, just about everything has been swapped out, warrantied, upgraded, to no avail. Included in this was a new RD, RD hanger, cables, shifters (which I upgraded to Dura Ace and paid the difference), cassette, chains, you name it, it was tried. Finally, the last thing to try was a frame swap. Cannondale, which has been very good to me, decided to replace the frame with a new 2007 Synapse SL frame. However, they wouldn't be able to get me a new frame for about a month.

Incycle, though, had a Synapse SL frame in my size already, so we opted to use it. Today they tore down the old bike and rebuilt it with the new frame.

Here's a picture of the new frame:



Yup, now I have two bikes with almost the same paint job.

The new frame, though, is lighter and stiffer than the old one, and with my little bit of testing shifts like a dream - just like my systemSix.

Now I'm just waiting on the replacement compact crank which should be in soon.

Go_Fast

they replaced it for free? that's awesome customer service.

jpconrad

Yup, Cannondale and Incycle have been really good to me.

Go_Fast

that's good karma.

jpconrad

They've been great. I met the Cannondale CEO a couple weeks back and spoke to him briefly, he's a really cool guy.

Of course, it's good for them, too, I've got my eye on another bike that I'd like to get towards the end of summer and it's also a Cannondale.

And I can't say enough good things about Incycle, they've been great and extremely helpful to me, too.

rubic

I also have a 2006 Synapse with the compact crank. It is set up with Ultegra with a Dura Ace rd. Shifting has been consistent, no problems. I wonder what the story is with yours. Frame alignment?

It's awesome what Incycle and Cannondale have done for you. Maybe I'll visit Incycle for service on my bike even though it is a bit of a drive.

Anyway, good luck with you new bike. Now if you will excuse me, I'm ready to hop on my bike for some hill work.

jschen

Cool.

What's with all the new bikes? I need to stay away from this forum... you all make it too tempting to buy another bike.

Surferbruce

i'd love to hear an official diagnosis for your original frame. i wonder if they were manfactured with a bunk chainline or something.

awiner

Cannondale has great customer service. They have replaced frames for paint defects, etc. as well.

I love the Synapse SL JP. I may have even bought one over my System Six if they were out last year. I am interested ti hear what you think between the two once you get some seat time on the SL.

roadfix

Yes, I'm curious about that myself.

Luwin1026

Sccchhhhhaaaaawwweeet bike, jp!!

jpconrad

Mine was originally equipped like yours except it had the standard double, but I slowly upgraded/swapped components as we were trying to figure out the problem. Except for the shifting issue, the bike was great!

jpconrad

I doubt we will find out. The frame was slightly out of alignment, but within tolerances. They had said that just tearing it down and building it back up might solve whatever the issue was, but since Cannondale decided to replace the frame we just went ahead with it.

I'm hoping to get some time today to ride it, if it's still having the issue I'm going to turn it into a fixie.

jpconrad

The frame is great, I took it out tonight and really enjoyed it. I don't know if I would've bought the System Six if I had had this one first. I prefer the System Six, but the SL is pretty close and I'm sure it will be nice on those really long rides.

bernmart

Good folks, InCycle. I've bought both my bikes from them, and they're unfailingly helpful, and tolerant of my dumbass questions.

merider1

Great news, John. I was wondering if you were getting the service you needed.