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Synapse 2021 Carbon 105

knightlore21knightlore21 Posts: 44
in Road buying advice
Hi
I can get a Synapse 2021 Carbon 105 for £1500 (new in a clearance sale).
I currently have a 2016 CAAD12 and fancy the extra versatility (and comfort as I am now 48 years old) of the Synapse...is it worth the outlay or should I just continue to ride the CAAD12 ?
Thanks

Posts

  • MattFalleMattFalle Posts: 11,644
    the CAAD is magnificent.

    the Synapse is, well, a Synapse.

    .
    The camera down the willy isn't anything like as bad as it sounds.
  • knightlore21knightlore21 Posts: 44
    So you would not bother with the synapse then ...?
  • navrig2navrig2 Posts: 1,774
    Horses for courses. If it feels more relaxed and comfortable for you then ignore anything said on here, in fact don't ask here. MF or anyone else for that matter cannot tell you what is best for you.
  • seanoconnseanoconn Posts: 10,471
    edited March 2022
    £1500 seems like a good deal. Try first if possible
    Pinno, מלך אידיוט וחרא מכונאי
  • singletonsingleton Posts: 2,395
    N+1 says get the Synapse.....
  • drexel1975drexel1975 Posts: 70
    Had a Synapse for a week rental in Majorca. Worst bike I've ever ridden, dull, heavy, slow, unresponsive. I took it back after 3 days for a BMC Roadmachine. Difference was night and day.
  • knightlore21knightlore21 Posts: 44
    Thanks everyone....gonna stick with the CAAD12 for a bit longer then - maybe upgrade the wheel set from the Cero AR24s 👍
  • singletonsingleton Posts: 2,395
    drexel1975 said:

    Had a Synapse for a week rental in Majorca. Worst bike I've ever ridden, dull, heavy, slow, unresponsive. I took it back after 3 days for a BMC Roadmachine. Difference was night and day.

    There are both Aluminium and carbon Synapse's...
  • MattFalleMattFalle Posts: 11,644
    knightlore21 said:

    So you would not bother with the synapse then ...?

    confirmed.
    .
    The camera down the willy isn't anything like as bad as it sounds.
  • daniel_bdaniel_b Posts: 11,000
    edited March 2022
    I have a 2015 Synapse in aluminium with carbon forks, which is my current commuter, and I did have a 2016 Di2 Carbon (not hi mod) synapse that I sold last year.

    I'm not sure how much the design changed between 2016 and 2021 (I realise the 2022 has changed a lot), but for £1500, assuming it is mint and has the 105 Hydraulic groupset, and is critically your size, in the current market that sounds like an absolute bargain.

    For the record, I did find both of my Synapses enjoyable and comfortable to ride, and not remotely dead, or lacking in fizz.
    Admittedly my alloy one I kitted out with full carbon bars and stem (It already had a carbon seatpost) but I'm not sure that would have made that much of a difference.

    As my back issue has eased I found I wasn't riding the 2016 as much, and having become a Scott fanboi invested in one of the latest Addicts instead, hence selling the 2016.

    They are good solid bikes, comfy for long rides, and I suspect a 2021 can take a wider tyre, my alloy one with factory fitted guards can only take 25mm at the absolute widest.
    IIRC the 2016 would have gone up to 30mm.

    My commute is over pretty rough roads, and I find the 25s a struggle for comfort, and have already suffered a buckled wheel - so I have on order a gravel bike that will take 40mm tyres with guards, I am yet to decide where to keep the Synapse or not.
    The new bike will take on commuting duties, weekend family rides, and a spot of light touring - I'm going to pop a tailfin rack on the rear for both touring and commuting.

    Can you not have both?
    Felt F70 05 (Turbo)
    Marin Palisades Trail 91 and 06
    Scott CR1 SL 12
    Cannondale Synapse Adventure 15 & 16 Di2
    Scott Foil 18
  • MattFalleMattFalle Posts: 11,644
    Or stay with the ridiculously cool magnificent CAAD

    If you want sensible, buy an anorak.
    .
    The camera down the willy isn't anything like as bad as it sounds.
  • singletonsingleton Posts: 2,395
    I had a 2016 CAAD12, wish I'd kept it....
  • ibr17xviiibr17xvii Posts: 1,054
    singleton said:

    I had a 2016 CAAD12, wish I'd kept it....


    ^^^This^^^

    Me too. The 105 Bike Radar BOTY? I loved that bike & shouldn't have sold it.

    CAAD frames are quite simply the best alu frame you can buy IMHO.

  • MattFalleMattFalle Posts: 11,644
    as above, you'd have to mad to get rid of one for Synapse.
    .
    The camera down the willy isn't anything like as bad as it sounds.
  • mpiempie Posts: 81
    A couple of years ago I had test rides of a CAAD and a Synapse for an hour. The CAAD was joyous even over the cobbles. The Synapse? I can't remember. Make of that what you will.

    I since picked up a CAAD12 (purple, Dura-Ace) for not much more than you're quoting above, courtesy of someone trying cycling during lockdown and finding it harder than they thought. Don't think I'll ever sell it (although needless to say, it's not my only bike).
  • MattFalleMattFalle Posts: 11,644
    Completely different, but a CAAD nonetheless - 16 years ago I sold my lime green CAD (3?4)

    Regretted every day.

    A while ago I bought another - CAAD4

    Utter sheer joy. Flexy compared to everything else I have but something about it just brings a massive huge mega smile. Never gonna sell.

    A Synapse. Seriously?

    Do we need a Show us your CAADs thread?
    .
    The camera down the willy isn't anything like as bad as it sounds.
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