Cannondale Synapse 105 Disc

[Custom24]

I'm going to look at one of these on Saturday, hoping my search for a fast commuter comes to and end.

I can't find any reviews (e.g. Bike Radar).

Anyone have one, or have any useful information?

The weakness I can spot from the spec is the brakes, which based on previous MTB experience, I am expecting to have to replace when they fail (the ball bearing ramps wore out on the Tektro brakes I had before. These ones are "Promax", which I have no faith in). I'll give the stock ones a go, but probably budget £120 for two new Avid BB7's at some stage. Fitting I should be able to do myself.

Apart from that, there is some mention of the BB30 bottom bracket being crap, but I'm not sure why. I'm not sure if this is an external bearing bottom bracket (I'd expect so for the price of the bike).

 

[vickster]

@Peteaud has or is getting one

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/£1000-budget.145865/page-3#post-2834143

 

[smokeysmoo]

BB30 is an solution to a problem that never existed.

There was a problem with a batch of bad bearings about 18 months/2 years ago, but from all accounts stocks are now cleansed and problems a lot less common.

That said I wouldn't want BB30 on a commuter bike, but then again as I was badly affected by the BB30 cock ups a couple of years ago I wouldn't want it on any bike TBH.

Don't let that put you off though, 1000's upon 1000's of folk are using it and the Synapse is a great bike.

 

[Custom24]

@Peteaud has or is getting one

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/£1000-budget.145865/page-3#post-2834143

Thanks
Does that mean he sees your mention? I don't understand the @ thing.

 

[vickster]

Yes, he should get a notification when pinged

 

[Custom24]

BB30 is an solution to a problem that never existed.

There was a problem with a batch of bad bearings about 18 months/2 years ago, but from all accounts stocks are now cleansed and problems a lot less common.

That said I wouldn't want BB30 on a commuter bike, but then again as I was badly affected by the BB30 cock ups a couple of years ago I wouldn't want it on any bike TBH.

Don't let that put you off though, 1000's upon 1000's of folk are using it and the Synapse is a great bike.

Can you expand. What problem that never existed?
Is this an external bearing bracket?
Will better brackets fit if I have to upgrade?

 

[vickster]

Synapse carbon won cycling plus bike of the year

 

[Custom24]

Can't afford that one.

 

[vickster]

No but it indicates that the frame is a good one

 

[Peteaud]

@Peteaud has or is getting one

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/£1000-budget.145865/page-3#post-2834143

Thanks
Does that mean he sees your mention? I don't understand the @ thing.

Just got back from a 30 mile ride on it.

Cannondale Synapse 105 Disc..

I bought mine as a winter bike, and i wanted disc brakes.

The brakes are ok, but I will upgrade to BB5 or maybe BB7 when the are shot, having said that ive done around 300 miles on it now and they have bedded in nicely. They are the low point of the bike, along with the wheels, which brings me to, the wheels.

They are ok, but i will be changing them in the summer when funds allow.

They are no worse than any other stock wheel, in fact they are a lot better than the wifes stock Spesh wheels.

Other than that, i love it, really comfy and handles great.

BB30 is not an issue imho, alot of manufacturers use the system.

Be advised, Cdales sizes come up big, i am 6 foot and ride a 56.

Any other questions fire away..

 

[Mo1959]

It's just won Cycling Plus bike of the year so looks like you have purchased well!

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/...ns-cycling-plus-bike-of-the-year-video-40347/

 

[smokeysmoo]

Can you expand. What problem that never existed?
Is this an external bearing bracket?
Will better brackets fit if I have to upgrade?

Yes it's an external set up but was designed for pro use were bikes are stripped, cleaned and rebuilt almost daily. As such it is prone to more creaks and groans than other systems due to its very tight tolerances.

FWIW I converted mine to Hollowtech II and have not had a single issue since.

That said new BB30 bearings may have cured mine but I'd enough of the set up by then and just wanted rid of the BB30.

New bikes seem fine now though

 

[Peteaud]

It's just won Cycling Plus bike of the year so looks like you have purchased well!

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/...ns-cycling-plus-bike-of-the-year-video-40347/

Not the disc version though.
.

 

[Peteaud]

Yes it's an external set up but was designed for pro use were bikes are stripped, cleaned and rebuilt almost daily. As such it is prone to more creaks and groans than other systems due to its very tight tolerances.

FWIW I converted mine to Hollowtech II and have not had a single issue since.

That said new BB30 bearings may have cured mine but I'd enough of the set up by then and just wanted rid of the BB30.

New bikes seem fine now though

My old Giant ate a Hollowtec 2 in 500 miles.

I think (hope) that all BB30 issues are now in the past, however, it is nice that it can be converted to what you want.

 

[Custom24]

Just got back from a 30 mile ride on it.

Cannondale Synapse 105 Disc..

I bought mine as a winter bike, and i wanted disc brakes.

The brakes are ok, but I will upgrade to BB5 or maybe BB7 when the are shot, having said that ive done around 300 miles on it now and they have bedded in nicely. They are the low point of the bike, along with the wheels, which brings me to, the wheels.

They are ok, but i will be changing them in the summer when funds allow.

They are no worse than any other stock wheel, in fact they are a lot better than the wifes stock Spesh wheels.

Other than that, i love it, really comfy and handles great.

BB30 is not an issue imho, alot of manufacturers use the system.

Be advised, Cdales sizes come up big, i am 6 foot and ride a 56.

Any other questions fire away..

Thanks for the review.

Did you put mudguards on it? Which ones, how easily did they go on.

I won't be changing anything on the bike for weight or performance reasons, only it they fail or turn out to be too fiddly to keep right. I predicted both with the Promax brakes, but it's good to read that you're not having issues with them so far.

Why are you planning to change the wheels?