Cannondale Synapse Alloy Road Bike

Average Rating: 4.58/5
MSRP: $
# of Reviews: 26

An overachievement in aluminum frame design. Sloping top tube, longer head tube, hydroformed S.A.V.E. chain stays, and biaxial hourglass sloping seat stays combine for all-day performance riding comfort.

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Reviews 1 - 5 (26 Reviews Total)

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User Reviews

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by ewgrainger a Triathlete from

Date Reviewed: November 19, 2010

Strengths:    Ligthweight
Body position
Smooth, ergonomic shifting

Weaknesses:    None

Bottom Line:

Purchased the Cannondale Synapse 5 after having to send my 1987 Shogun Samurai to the bike bone pile. I'm a recreational rider who competes in triathlons. This bike fits me like a glove and the ride is smooth as silk.

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Favorite Ride:   Winchester Triathlon course

Price Paid:    $1450.00

Purchased At:   Element Sports, Winc

Similar Products Used:   1987 Shogun Samurai

Bike Setup:   Shimano 105

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Submitted by bodiddley a Road Racer from

Date Reviewed: November 2, 2010

Strengths:    price, incredibly smooth ride, responsiveness, durability.

Weaknesses:    stock rims and spokes a little weak.

Bottom Line:

Biker's Edge had sold me on a Felt Z70 but when I went to pick it up they had sold it, they cut me a screaming deal on this bike, upgraded the components to Ultegra all around, and I couldn't have been more pleased. Have nearly 3,000 miles on it and still loving it. I ride 70-80 miles a week, have never had a problem with the bike. Love the stock saddle, I am a big guy and it fits my backside fine. Carbon forks and seatpost help as well. For the price paid, even if it's full price, I don't think you can go wrong with this model.

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Favorite Ride:   the one that just ended

Price Paid:    $800.00

Purchased At:   Biker's Edge

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Submitted by tdefine a Recreational Rider from

Date Reviewed: August 4, 2010

Strengths:    Lightweight
Comfortable
Cool looking
Quality components

Weaknesses:    Could use a full carbon seat post instead of carbon wrapped

Bottom Line:

After looking at a number of similar bikes, I narrowed my choice to just 2, the Cannondale and the Trek 2.1. I chose the 2010 Synapse 5 mainly because of the frame and the color. I am 65 years old, weigh 230lbs and do recreational rides. I moved up from a Jamis coda sport because I wanted to do longer rides than 15-20 miles. I have been able to do rides of 35 miles with no issues. I am very pleased with the bike overall. The shimano 105 components work flawlessly, the bike is light and even the seat is comfortable. I did have an issue with the reach for the brakes which my dealer solved by putting in shims on the shifters. They come in different sizes, so if this is an issue for you, ask your LBS for help. I also installed a Planet Bike Protege 8 bike computer which is great. It displays 4 lines of info all the time, and is easy to install and set up. I've put over 150 miles on the bike in the first week and am very satisfied. I also found that with the various hand positons on the bike, I really don't need to used gel bike gloves anymore - another bonus!

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Favorite Ride:   Grasonville, MD

Price Paid:    $1300.00

Purchased At:   Bike Doctor Annapoli

Bike Setup:   Planet bike Protege 8 Bike computer
Planet bike Superflash tail light

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Submitted by billwcc a Recreational Rider from

Date Reviewed: August 1, 2010

Strengths:    Smooth, quiet ride. Good climber. Very comfortable sprint position.

Weaknesses:    Stock seat (Prologo Kappa Pas) was a bit hard for me.

Bottom Line:

2010 Synapse Alloy. As an entry level bike, I don't think you could ask for better. The SAVE frame really does smooth out the ride. Handles and climbs great. I have read many negative reviews about the 105 shifters, but mine have never missed a shift once they were broken in. I am a middle aged, married guy; I can't afford 3K for a bike. The Synapse Alloy is a great value for riders like myself.

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Favorite Ride:   Smooth, no cars

Price Paid:    $1100.00

Purchased At:   REI

Similar Products Used:   1988 Peugeot Bordeaux.

Bike Setup:   Stock except for Koobi Century saddle. Planning on swapping out the 105s for SRAM Rival soon.

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Submitted by minnesotacyclist09 a Recreational Rider from

Date Reviewed: June 8, 2010

Strengths:    good geometry

Weaknesses:    Not very responsive and quick. Replace the stock seat and tires to 25c.

Bottom Line:

A good bike for the money.