Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 or CAAD13 105
 

Hi everyone,

I searched for countless hours on the forum but can’t seem to a comparison between choosing a Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 or the CAAD13 105. I am a casual rider and does some climbing. I have always wanted a full carbon bike, however later down the road if I do get serious I don’t want the relaxed geometry of the Synapse to hold me back. This is my bike investment so I want to have it for a very long time.

I got a great deal on both bikes so the price is negligible.

Synapse Carbon 4:
Pros:
-Full Carbon Frame + Fork
Cons:
-Tiagra
-Relaxed Geometry

CAAD13 105:
Pros:
Shimano 105
Aggressive Geometry
Cons:
-Aluminum frame

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...cb3a57aaac.png

I am curious to understand how one geometry will hold you back vs the other. The geometry on these bikes is different, but it's extremely nuanced.
1mm of BB drop,.4deg STA difference, 4mm reach difference, 5mm stack difference, 2mm chainstay, 1mm head tube.
They have the same fork rake and trail measurement. Same HTA. Same wheelbase.

The geometry differences listed above just aren't extreme and I can't see how thry would hold someone back. Those geometry differences are commonly negated just by someone setting up a new bike to fit them - a slight saddle adjustment and a spacer moved. Maybe a stem changed for one that's 10mm shorter or longer. Those are common for any new bike and those are the differences we are talking about here.

Buy whichever bike you think is cooler- be it look, color, or components. I would rather have 105 and aluminum every day vs Tiagra and carbon since I just don't think a caad13 frame is some inherent downgrade in quality

Will this be your first road bike? If you are really a "casual rider", the only things "hold[ing] [you] back" are an ill-fitting bike and a lack of fitness. Which bike do you feel more comfortable riding?

Hi this is my first road bike, I am wondering which bike is better value

I'd go with the carbon one of these two, without a second thought. It will be more comfy.

It depends on what you mean by "value"; is it:

(1) Resale value? Then probably the newer CF Synapse.
(2) Value to you? Then whichever bike fits you better.

We also have no idea what size you are even looking at!?

A single bike shouldn't be the investment of your lifetime. Spend what you can afford to spend with the expectation that as you get more into cycling your desires for riding might change. And that might mean a entirely different bike.

Bikes have a lot of personal preference that each of us will probably perceive differently. So just get a bike so you can get some experience to argue those differences with the rest of us here on BF. And that experience will also tell you better what your next bike should be after this bike is worn out or you find it holds you back from your goals in some way.

I prefer the CAAD13 over the synapse

Perhaps say more to this...

I keep seeing this response pop up, but is there a particular reason?

I was just curious, later down I can upgrade the groupset which is cheaper than upgrading the full bike. What use is a normal BB do?

Even though the welds on the caad 13 are not as nice as what was found in the caad 8 optimo from back then and the geometry totally different that what was found on the traditionnal Cannondale road bike frame, I think that in terms of durability the CAAD frame feels more solid than the synapse in my opinion .You could always later upgrade to a more a high end group. I prefer made in the USA Cannondales,today Cannondales are a completely different product.

I would test drive both and see which one feels better because the differences are too great. Even better yet try an aluminum and carbon version of the same model and see if the difference in frame materials is noticeable and whether you have a preference. Finally, doing an upgrade can get expensive and most folks are better off buying the right bike in the first place rather than upgrading, unless you have the skills and are going to do the work yourself.

I’m seeing responses like yours where people are advocating for the CAAD13 over a synapse. I’m looking to just buy one bike and get it over with. The pretty thing about the Synapse is the carbon

The fact that the synapse is being carbon doesn't make it necessarily a better ride.But carbon isn't as comfy as many claim it unless you are used to ride carbon bikes since a long time regularly on a long distance. Aluminium is stiff and might not be the best in comfort but its lightness make it a more nervous bike ideal for going fast on short and medium distances(of course there are several qualities and grades of aluminium, in the past Cannondale CAAD3 to CAAD8 optimo frames had the Alcoa Alcalyte Aluminium frame sticker (a sign of the highest quality in terms of aluminium tubing) nowadays no mention of the tubing quality on Cannondale today frames and no sticker made in USA as compared to Cannondales of made back then) , on long distances steel and titanium are much more comfortable. The 105 group is above Tiagra group.

Two important things you didn't include here - the model year of the bikes and your size.

If you like the aggressive geometry better than endurance geometry, then go with the CAAD13. The only real disadvantage here is that there is probably less tire clearance if you ever want to put on wider tires.

That being said, you should test ride both and see which one you like better.

Press fit BB's have had some issues with creaking. And replacement requires a press. A normal threaded BSA BB is much more serviceable and only requires an inexpensive attachment to a socket wrench.

Don't get hung up on frame material. Getting the frame geometry you want is more important that frame material.

Its hearing these opinions, that give me perspectives that I don’t have as a new rider. There is a difference besides the material and group set, it’s something I can’t put my finger on. But for some reason CAAD13 is preferred by many others. It’s just hearing more reason why.

Seems like the CAAD13 model is just above the Synapse. I understand that it may be more different purposes but I just want a good riding experience

The CAAD13 isn't above nor below the Synapse. It's just a different bike with a different purpose. My point is each has a different geometry for a different type of rider. I'm a different type of rider than you. I have spinal issues and am probably quite a bit older, so the more upright geometry of the Synapse would give me a better (less painful) riding experience. You, on the other hand, sound like you're more interested in riding fast and probably don't have many issues limiting your ability to ride in an aero position, therefore it sounds like the CAAD13 would give you the better riding experience.

I still say ride them both before you decide.

Look at the geometry of both bikes and ignore the marketing claims. The bikes are crazy similar in geometry. Like so similar that if one were calained to eb a different brand's bike in he same category, nobody would think twice.

A modern aluminum bike will be perfectly fine from performance and comfort perspectives.
A rim brake caad13 can fit 28mm tires and a disc brake caad13 can fit 32mm tires. Either will provide plenty of comfort for a paved road bike and the Synapse really doesn't provide any inherent comfort beyond that since very few will run anything wider than a 32mm on a disc Synapse.

The geometry differences are so small that simple fit adjustments that happen for anyone buying a new bike see the differences between the two bikes.
One is not inherently slower or more sluggish just because it's advertised as an endurance bike. The other isn't inherently faster or livelier just because it's advertised as a more aggressive road bike.
The geometry is neglifably different and actually is the same for many key areas.

Decide if you want Tiagra or 105. Decide which you like the look of more. Buy based on those things.

Also worth noting- the brand of aluminum that was used nearly 30 years ago in a caad3 is not important now. It doesn't matter in any way. This isnt something to use to consider which is 'better'.
There is a lot of noise in this thread, for what it's worth.

Caad13

I am (very slowly) working on a CAAD4 project bike but it would be unrealistic to expect it to be as comfortable as my other contemporary bikes. The 1990s are not coming back, and unfortunately, neither is American bicycle manufacturing.

Yes, sadly the 1990's are not coming back.

I wouldn't say crazy similar. The stack on a size 56 Synapse is 590 while the stack on a size 56 CAAD13 is 575. 15mm is significant in the world of bike fit. Sure, you can get around that somewhat, but you're better off getting the bike where you don't have to do things like slamming your stem or vice versa.

A common problem with 'which bike should I get' threads is there often isn't enough detail. Here is yet another example since the OP doesn't say what frame size they need.
I provided a screen shot of the largest size for each bike and cited the geometry differences as well as similarities. My comments are accurate based on the info provided and info I know of. The bikes, in the size I specifically references, really are not drastically different. They are subtly different in a few ways and are identical in more ways than different, actually.

Yes 15mm of stack height is significant enough to notice when it comes to bike fit. That is still easily accounted for between models with spacers, stem angle, and stem length.
Also, 15mm of stack height on a Synapse will not hold anyone back as a beginner. It really won't hold anyone back as an experienced enthusiast either since# as stated, a simple stem flip/spacer swap will get bars in the same effective spot.



If more info is given, better advice can be given.
...well some better advice will be given. I'm sure there wills till be some who just talk about cannondale from 30 years ago and lament offShoring production# as oft hat has anything to do with right here and right now.

I have a CAAD 12 and I love it. I also have a steel Guru and a CF Guru. I would not consider an AL frame to be a "con." Different but not as much as you might think. And, FWIW, not any less comfortable IMO. Then again, I'm just a recreational rider and 77 years old so might not be the most sensitive rider. Also, I'd be swayed by 105 over Tiagra.