Price Paid:  $1600.00 at Ebay

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Montauk, Woodstock

Bike Setup:
stock except saddle, tires, bar tape.

Summary:
I bought the Synapse Carbon 1 new on ebay after trying it while on vacation in Mammoth. I loved it immediately. It felt light and tight and plush, which is great for the NYC/NJ roads I ride on now. I changed the tires to Gatorskins after getting 3 or 4 flats with the ones that came with it in the first few weeks and it's been fine since then, and also changed the tape and sold the saddle, but other than that it's been great. I've ridden about 4000 miles (including a number of century rides) and have no complaints, and have done very little maintenance on it. I would def. recommend !

Strengths:
light, good components, smooth, climbs well, good price for an all carbon bike

Weaknesses:
the tires suck

Similar Products Used:
Trek 2300
Carbon Mongoose

Price Paid:  $2250.00 at Big Shark

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Smokehouse to St Albans

Bike Setup:
stock

Summary:
I recently upgraded from an aluminum frame to carbon. There is a noticeable difference in ride quality.

Similar Products Used:
Raleigh C700

Price Paid:  $4500.00 at Bike Junkie / NY

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
any good blacktop

Bike Setup:
full dura ace / compact gear / ksyrium wheels

Summary:
super light & extremely comfortable on long rides, handles well, very quick
My bike came with Maxxium tires and they are way to soft for me,too many flats. I junked them for the pro 3s.

Strengths:
Incredible climbing bike.Very stiff. I have the compact gearing and it takes a little use to but works well.

Weaknesses:
I don't generally bomb downhill but I did notice a little flex when doing so.The bike is so light that you need to be carefull in cross winds when going fast.

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $1700.00 at LBS

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Any

Bike Setup:
2008 (not an option in rating) Synapse Carbon 3 black/Red, w/ full Ultegra and Mavic Aksium Race (black) wheel set, Speedplay Light Action Pedals.

Summary:
I have recently gotten back into riding road bicycles. I had always wanted a carbon frame light bike and now I can afford one and I am extremely pleased with the package that Cannondale and my Local bike shop put together for me. I have not had the bike for too long, but have put it through a couple of decent length rides and it has performed perfectly with just the right gearing for the low hills of southeast Texas.

Strengths:
Components are some of the best, Performs flawelessly, Smooths bumps, and not to mention is one of the classiest looking bikes available.

Weaknesses:
Slight chain vibration when in low gear and small sproket or vice versa.

Similar Products Used:
Raleagh and Bianci

Price Paid:  $1600.00 at Ellicottville Bike S

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Snake Road

Bike Setup:
Cannondale Synapse Carbon C2 w/105 and Ultegra combo, stock except for new Conti tires.

Summary:
I returned to road riding after 15 years of Mountain Bike riding and haven't been on the trail since. This bike has got me (almost) back in shape and getting up early to ride. I am thrilled with the performance, look, durability and value. Highly recommended!

Strengths:
Stiff, light, excellent value. Great climber with good gearing. Very comfortable position and comfy ride.

Weaknesses:
Maxis fuse tires. Minor composite creaking.

Similar Products Used:
Test rode CAAD 9, Specialized Allez chose Synapse on price and ride. Came off 20 year old Bianchi steel so anything would've been fantstic but the Synapse has maintained it s appeal after a few hundred km.