Synapse 2013

[Aleksic]

Hi all,

Having ridden a few of the more upright bikes I found the alloy Synapse the best fit, well it felt right if you know what I mean.

Does anyone know if there is any difference in the frame between the Synapse 7 (Sora), 8 (2300) and 6 (Tiagra)?

I'm erring on the side of getting the 2300 and upgrading the components in the future if we get on together. Sort of saving some money now and spending it later once I'm happy that the bike is for me. I was wondering if you think this is a good idea, and whether there are any mechanical/technical reasons that would stop me from doing this?

 

[Cyclist33]

PART from the components which get much better from sora upwards. The 2300 model's frame is much more basic. I would get at least the sora one.

 

[Amack]

The frame and forks are identical through the models you mention, it's just some of the parts that are different, I would at least try and buy the Sora equipped model though having said that the only difference is the cassette and gear mechs. So if you're happy with the 2300 system then just go for it. All models have the same wheels and frame and at least you find it the most comfortable - which is the main thing because as you say all the rest can be easily changed.

edit: actually the Sora model from last year has a better frame than the 2300 model, so Cyclist33 recommendation is the one to follow!

 

[Steaming Pile]

hold your horses, the seat stays on the 2300 are different from the ones in the sora upwards. take a look and see, you will see the stays on the 2300 are straight whereas the bikes from sora to top of range have the curved stays. don't buy the 2300 unless you want to see those who know cannondales staring at the stays as you ride by.

 

[Aleksic]

Ah Thanks. I hadn't noticed the seat stays were different. I shall have to have a closer look.

 

[Steaming Pile]

my pleasure, there are plenty out there who know their cannondales and id hate to be riding a 2300 knowing those nudges and winks and looks over were from those who were poking fun at the bottom of the rung bike in the range. unashamed snobbery I know but we all know it goes on in riding circles and clubs.

 

[Cyclist33]

More pertinently, there is either a ride quality reason for the curved stays, or not. If not then why is so much r&d and marketing invested in frame designs? If there is a reason then the 2300 model will have a worse ride quality. Probably harsher at the back.

Saying that I tested both the 2300 and sora models and found both uninspiring.

 

[outlash]

my pleasure, there are plenty out there who know their cannondales and id hate to be riding a 2300 knowing those nudges and winks and looks over were from those who were poking fun at the bottom of the rung bike in the range. unashamed snobbery I know but we all know it goes on in riding circles and clubs.

Not in my club it doesn't and if there were, if they want to be shallow gear whores, I'll leave 'em to it.

Anyway, FWIW, the 2300 groupset is 'alright', it works and does what you want it to but Tiagra is much smoother. Also, buying Tiagra means that you're already on the 10-speed groupsets (105 etc) which would make upgrading parts much easier. TBH, if you're already running Tiagra you'd only need to upgrade parts once they've worn out.

BTW, decent goalie Milija Aleksic. Spurs legend .


Tony.

 

[Aleksic]

Thanks,
It's more to do with the frames. I know that 2300 will not be as good as tiagra (or sora) and will have the thumb shifters, but I'm willing to take a chance on that as long as the frames are the same. It sounds as if there are differences in the 2300 and sora frames and if the curved stays help with the ride comfort then it would be worth the extra money.

BTW Yes, Milija was a bit of an early hero to me. I must have been the only fan upset when we bought Ray Clemence!

 

[outlash]

Yeah, I'm not entirely convinced that they'd make a different frame for different groupsets but I'm not an authority on that. Have you thought about getting last year's model? Essentially the same bike but cheaper: http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b65s6p4331/CANNONDALE-SYNAPSE-ALLOY-TIAGRA-(2012) , or if you want a triple: http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b65s6p5261/CANNONDALE-SYNAPSE-ALLOY-TIAGRA-TRIPLE-2013


Tony.

 

[Amack]

For some reason last years 2300 Synspse did have a different frame to the other models in the range. I don't think that's the case with this years model which uses Claris for its mech instead of the thumb shifting 2300. Only way would be to ride them and see if you notice a difference(if that's possible for you) if you can't test them I would save the extra and get the Sora model at least. Just my thoughts.

 

[Aleksic]

Thanks.
I managed to try a CAAD8 today and I'm now not sure between the two. I thought the Caad might be too harsh and racy but it seemed to feel very similar to the Synapse. I'll have to look into whether there are any differences in this frame through the range now.