Cannondale Synapse Carbon

Price Paid:  $2487.00 at Y's Road Osaka

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Hilly places and mountains

Bike Setup:
Cannondale Synapse SL2 full Ultegra + Dura Ace rear shifter, Fulcrum Racing 3 wheels, FSA K-wing carbon handlebar, Ritchey Carbon WCS seat stay, Ultegra pedals

Summary:
This is my second review. After 2000 Km and a few up-grades I felt that it was time for a better review of this bike. Better legs and a pair of Fulcrum Racing 3 (plus FSA K-Wing Carbon handlebar and Ritchey Carbon WCS seat stay) have brought to light the real characteristics of this frame. As I said before, it's a touch less responsive than bikes such as Scott CR1 or my friend's Trek Madone 5.2 that I rode on a few occasions. Nevertheless, the frame is plenty stiff and responsive, and the bike accelerates extremely well (on hard climbs I lifted the front wheel off the ground a few times). IMHO the perfect bike for someone who likes long rides, performance and fun, but who also needs some degree of comfort. Great bike, love riding it.

Strengths:
Stiff and responsive
Accelerates well
Fast and comfortable, but with a pair of good wheels you can still feel the road
Good looking

Weaknesses:
Wheels are cheap and soft, but this is the case with all bikes of this price range and sometimes even more expensive
Not such a plush bike (but maybe is not a weakness)

Similar Products Used:
Tried: Pinarello FP3, Cervelo R3, Scott CR1, Trek Madone 5.2, Specialized Roubaix

Price Paid:  $3200.00 at Wooden Wheels

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Shore Fire Century

Bike Setup:
Dura Ace and Ultegra.Mavic Krysium wheels with carbon spokes

Summary:
The bike is a 2009.I am a has been triathlete who wanted a great road bike with an eye toward century riding.This bike is light,handles well and is nice to look at.Two centuries so far with no complaints regarding performance.

Strengths:
Light and responsive.Comfortable on the long haul.

Weaknesses:
Minor cosmetic issues.The handlebar tape is separating.

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale SR 600.

View Comments (1)

Would you like to Comment?
Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Price Paid:  $1900.00

Favorite Ride:
Hills outside of Bologna, Italy

Bike Setup:
105 all around

Summary:
2009 Synapse 5 Carbon is an incredible bargain for the serious rider.

Strengths:
Smoothness, agile steering, speed, comfort, weight, all around solid and very attractive modern day cycle.

Weaknesses:
After 3 months and 500 miles , I have yet to find a part of this bike that needs improvement.

Price Paid:  $0.00 at LBS

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Hilly with zero cars

Bike Setup:
105 group. Everything is stock. Will change after gaining more time on the bike.

Summary:
2009 Carbon 5 with stock setup. Very responsive and smooth riding. My back issues have not been a problem since purchasing this bike.

Strengths:
Frame is great. Geometry is nearly perfect for someone with my riding interests.

Weaknesses:
Wheelset is heavy.

Similar Products Used:
First true road bike. Tested many bikes.

Price Paid:  $1950.00 at LBS, Littleton, NH

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Warm, Dry, Calm

Bike Setup:
Stock. Did not even change stem or saddle as I fit both off the rack.

Summary:
My bike is a 2009. The pull down menu has no years beyond 2007.

This is my first full carbon bike. The ride, solid bottom bracket, weight, speed are amazing. I bought the Carbon 5 which has 105 parts. Compact gearing. 10 speed. I have about 1200 miles on it and am still amazed at the stiff BB and ride.

Strengths:
Nice Ride. Pretty good parts/wheels stock. I am 195 pounds. The roads in New England/Vermont are slightly better than Paris/Roubiax. The wheels have stayed tight and true.

Weaknesses:
10 speed 105 front shifter. Replaced under warrenty in the first 80 miles.

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Caad 3 w/ Chorus Group (100 years old)

Trek 700, 531 frame. (25 years old)