BMC GF02 v Cannondale Synapse

rflook
rflook Posts: 72
edited September 2016 in Road buying advice
After I lost patience with a certain online retailer's poor customer service, I have decided to take my business elsewhere. I have found two bikes for a similar price (£2250) which I like the look of

The first is a 2016 BMC Granfondo 02 with Di2 - it is however ex display and has some slight nicks in the paint work - no dents, just a few light scratches really.

The second is a Cannondale Synapse with Di2 and disc brakes.

Both seem like decent bikes and have good reviews. I am struggling to make a decision between the two of these bikes so would welcome anyone's thoughts. And if you really want to throw a spanner in the works then you could always give me alternatives (the only proviso is that it needs to have either disc brakes or Di2 - I am a sucker for gadgets and new tech).

Comments

  • bmxboy10
    bmxboy10 Posts: 1,958
    If im spending £2k the bike would have to be perfect :shock:
  • rflook
    rflook Posts: 72
    Point taken
  • luv2ride
    luv2ride Posts: 2,367
    I think the Synapse would take bigger tyres, so would go with that. I'm sure I'd read somewhere that the BMC had more limited frame clearance meaning 25mm were the biggest it'd take. I've become a convert for bigger tyres, so that'd clinch it for me I think. I have a bike at the moment where 25's are the max and know it'd ride even better with a bit of extra cushioning. Roads are getting worse, not better....
    Titus Silk Road Ti rigid 29er - Scott Solace 10 disc - Kinesis Crosslight Pro6 disc - Scott CR1 SL - Pinnacle Arkose X 650b - Pinnacle Arkose singlespeed - Specialized Singlecross...& an Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray 4 string...
  • Roberto di Velo
    Roberto di Velo Posts: 127
    Luv2ride wrote:
    I think the Synapse would take bigger tyres, so would go with that. I'm sure I'd read somewhere that the BMC had more limited frame clearance meaning 25mm were the biggest it'd take. I've become a convert for bigger tyres, so that'd clinch it for me I think. I have a bike at the moment where 25's are the max and know it'd ride even better with a bit of extra cushioning. Roads are getting worse, not better....
    I'm not sure what the max tire clearance on the granfondo is, but I'm pretty sure it's more than 25mm. I say this as a teammachine owner who can (just) squeeze 28's on.

    Otherwise, they're both nice bikes, but I'd be inclined to want to take one for a spin before parting with that kind of money. If you're anywhere near an Evans' you could potentially try them both.
  • mcxfisher
    mcxfisher Posts: 39
    I tried both on a 12 mile circuit around York during my hunt for a new bike (actually a GF01 105). They're both very good and quick. In the event I went for the Synapse for the reasons explained below.

    1. I'm over 60 with a difficult back, but regularly ride 40-60 miles. I found the riding position much easier on the Synapse, which fitted me straight off the shelf (5' 9" on a 54 cm frame). If I'd gone with the BMC I would have needed narrower bars and a shorter stem to match my pro-fit dimensions.
    2. The Synapse's ride quality is (arguably) unbeatable, especially its suppression of tarmac chatter on third rate North Yorkshire roads. But despite this t's no slouch: over the 12 mile test route it was less than 30 seconds slower than the BMC (and the rides were back to back).

    Both are very nice bikes, so the final decision will rest on what you wish to do. If you want is long distance and comfort on third rate roads, then the Synapse may have the edge; or if you want speed on better roads, then the BMC might have the edge. However, after 1,200 miles I know I made the right call (Trek Domane 5.2, Specialised Roubaix, Scott Solace, Orbea and Look were all in the test group).

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