Cannondale Synapse, CAADX . . . or something else?

[The_Moseley_Cruiser]

Hi all
Long time reader, first time poster. Need a new bike after my old steel audax got nicked mainly for commuting duties but cycling is my main form of transport so it has to be capable of racking up some serious miles. I don't race and I'm not some lycra clad speed freak but I don't like going too slowly either. It will be mainly riding on the road and won't be tackling any serious terrain but I do like to use the many canal paths we have here in Birmingham and some of the roads on my way to work are REALLY bad, so I've been thinking that a cyclocross type bike could be a good idea? Or at the very least a 'comfortable' road bike. Was briefly tempted by the Genesis Day One alfine 8 but have decided it will probably be too heavy for my liking, so at the mo I've got my eye on a Cannondale, either the Synapse alloy or the CAADX (with Tiagra either way). Have never ridden a cyclocross bike before, do you guys reckon it would be good for my needs or overkill? The Synapse is suppose to be a plush ride but unsure how it will stand up to badly cracked roads or cobbled canal paths? Open to any other suggestions you may have too, my budget is around £1000, though I may be able to squeeze a little more for something really good. Thanks
TMC

 

[Mark Walker]

Hi all
Long time reader, first time poster. Need a new bike after my old steel audax got nicked mainly for commuting duties but cycling is my main form of transport so it has to be capable of racking up some serious miles. I don't race and I'm not some lycra clad speed freak but I don't like going too slowly either. It will be mainly riding on the road and won't be tackling any serious terrain but I do like to use the many canal paths we have here in Birmingham and some of the roads on my way to work are REALLY bad, so I've been thinking that a cyclocross type bike could be a good idea? Or at the very least a 'comfortable' road bike. Was briefly tempted by the Genesis Day One alfine 8 but have decided it will probably be too heavy for my liking, so at the mo I've got my eye on a Cannondale, either the Synapse alloy or the CAADX (with Tiagra either way). Have never ridden a cyclocross bike before, do you guys reckon it would be good for my needs or overkill? The Synapse is suppose to be a plush ride but unsure how it will stand up to badly cracked roads or cobbled canal paths? Open to any other suggestions you may have too, my budget is around £1000, though I may be able to squeeze a little more for something really good. Thanks
TMC

Outdoor fitness had a pro rider testing 6 cx bikes this month for approx £1000
Cannondalle CAADX 9/10
Genesis croix de fer 7.5/10
Lappierre cyclo x 8//10
Revolution cross pro 7/10
Scott cx comp 9/10
Sensa fermo 8.5/10
Best in test was the Scott
"the scott performed flawlessly on ever terrain "
I bought the Giant tcx 2 2012 model for £640 at a LBS relay good bike especially at this price.
regards
Mark

 

[Rob3rt]

I swear I have seen that exact post in at least 3 threads now!

 

[The_Moseley_Cruiser]

Thanks Mark. From what I've seen of the Scott I think it might be a bit aggressive for my tastes, prefer the slightly slacker angles on the CAADX or Synapse. Cheers for the input though. The Charge Filter looks kinda nice too though . . .

 

[MattHB]

I have a CAADX5, awesomely lovely.

 

[Mark Walker]

Outdoor fitness had a pro rider testing 6 cx bikes this month for approx £1000
Cannondalle CAADX 9/10
Genesis croix de fer 7.5/10
Lappierre cyclo x 8//10
Revolution cross pro 7/10
Scott cx comp 9/10
Sensa fermo 8.5/10
Best in test was the Scott
"the scott performed flawlessly on ever terrain "
I bought the Giant tcx 2 2012 model for £640 at a LBS relay good bike especially at this price.
regards
Mark

Copy and paste you cant beat it !!

 

[billy1561]

I wouldn't have dreamed putting my Synapse over a canal path type but saying that it was more than capable. Mine took a few good bumps from pot holes without any adverse effect on the wheels.