Cannondale Synapse Carbon

Price Paid:  $2950.00 at Contes-W. Broad St.

Favorite Ride:
Riverside Dr. Richmond, Va.

Bike Setup:
Upgraded wheels to Kyserium Premium SL-what a difference! Conti GP 4000 tires roll smooth! Durace rear deraulier, Ultegra Sl the rest of the way.

Summary:
Love this 2009 Synapse Carbon 3 in red, white, and black. Rides like a dream, so smooth, yet stiff enough with excellent power transfer. Hills which were once daunting are now a breeze! And I stepped up 2 MPH. Awesome machine. Now I know what the terms stiff, yet compliant mean!

Strengths:
Smooth ride, light, power transfer, fast, comfortable, and good looking.

Weaknesses:
None so far....maybe white tape on handlebars get dirty too fast....

Similar Products Used:
2007 Specialized Roubaix aluminum frame.

Price Paid:  $2600.00 at Bicycle Pro Shop

Favorite Ride:
Civil War Century

Bike Setup:
Stock; may change fizik saddle but so far it feels just fine.

Summary:
The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 is simply the best bike I have ever owned. The power transfer is stunning. I'm generally riding in a much higher gear than before, but it's easier. The weight of the bike, of course, contributes to that ease. I also feel much more in control of the bike especially on descents.

Strengths:
Power transfer; styling; road dampening properties.

Weaknesses:
None so far

Similar Products Used:
LeMond Buenos Aries and others

Price Paid:  $2600.00 at Bike Lane - Houston

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
2009 Cannondale Synapse 3

Bike Setup:
All stock.

Summary:
Wow! What a nice ride! This is an upgrade from my Giant OCR1. I'm going at least 1mph faster, and my skinny is not in pain! Bike is very plush on the road. The first 100 miles, I kept looking at the tires, thinking I had a flat, the ride was that good.

Strengths:
Light, fast

Weaknesses:
none so far

Price Paid:  $1700.00 at Quality Bikes Savann

Favorite Ride:
Cannondale Synapse 5 (carbon) Feminine 2008

Bike Setup:
Compact, 105, carbon frame, carbon-wrapped seat post.

Summary:
I've just gotten back into riding. This is my first road bike since my steel bike I rode as a kid. (We rode a lot).

It's comfortable, great shock absorption and the angle is good. It can convert to a racer if I remove the raisers under the handle bars and change out the tire rims for something lighter. As it is, the tires are the "aero" type, but heavier and sturdier than regular racing bikes. I see this as a plus at the moment, less chance for damage.

This bike is very flashy, people admire it everywhere I go.

Strengths:
Well made, light, sturdy construction. Will last a long time. 105 components kept the price down. Easy to upgrade.

Weaknesses:
The downside? I think everyone expects me to be a lot more experienced than I am when I show up with this bike!

Price Paid:  $2300.00 at Silverdale Cyclery

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Golden Gardens, Blue Ridge, Carkeek Park

Bike Setup:
SLR saddle, Ultegra/Dura Ace, Ultegra pedals, FSA Carbon bars.

Summary:
I bought this bike last year as my 2nd road bike. My first was a entry level Raleigh Grand Prix. So this was a nice upgrade for me. I hadn't any plan at all to road racing when I bought it. Now into my 2nd race and the bike is great. I will probably get a lighter bike in the future but for my first year of racing this bike is more than done well. I would say its a great bike for anyone rather your a commuter or first time racer.

Strengths:
Comfortable, soaks up the bumps, climbing, All around good.

Weaknesses:
Could be a little stiffer.