Cannondale Synapse

To sum up all my thoughts and observations of riding the new bike for the last two weeks into one concise, succinct verdict for you to take away today...

The end result is that the synapse really hits that sweet spot where it's kind of like a comfortable race bike or even a racy endurance bike. I don't ...

It's handling meets what i love about great road bikes that compelling mix of sure footage stability and fast handling.

Now you don't have to be an enthusiast to get the most out of it.

If the latter, it depends on how much you want to ride. If it will just be a hobby, I’d look for a lower-end road bike from a reputable brand. Something like a Giant Contend AR3, or Cannondale Synapse Sora, or Trek Domane AL2. If you think it’s something you want to do a lot, I’d recommend going up a few trim levels, likely a carbon frame with Shimano 105 (ex.

I was lucky to find this since most bike shops have very low inventory. Best shifting bike I have ever ridden, very comfortable and smooth. Very stable feel on downhills. It could use upgrades on tires and probably wheels. The rear hub has a bit too my much slack before engagement. Also a good value...

Turned out I rather enjoyed it. In my area, about once a week I see Trek Domane and another road bike, can't recall the name; a few Cannondale Synapse and CAAD models; and occasionally a Specialized Roubaix go for sale on Craigslist.

For most routes, I'd say my spread is 40% road, 50% shoulder of road, and 10% dirt paths. For endurance bikes it seems like my main options are: Trek Domane SL5, Cannondale Synapse 105C, and Cervelo Caledonia 105. And their gravel lineup is: Trek Checkpoint SL5, Niner RLT 4* 2x build, and Cannondale Topstone 1.

You will not feel you are missing out on braking performance because of rim brakes, but you will likely want better group sets down the road if go with something < 105. I bought a Cannondale Synapse 105 came with mechanical disk brakes., My other option was a Cannondale Optima 1 or Canyon AL 6 both of which have rim brakes and 105s.

I thought that I would max out at 30 miles for which the flat bar bike would be fine, I got bitten by the bug and wanted to go longer, the 105 equipped Cannondale Synapse that I bought made a big difference for me. I was initially intimidated by drop bars. Don’t be. You really don’t have to be bend over all the time you mostly ride on the brake hoods and you can get a stem to get you up higher for regular riding if you want.