Help deciding CAAD9 vs 2018 Alum Synapse 105
08-27-21, 09:22 AM
#1
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Help deciding CAAD9 vs 2018 Alum Synapse 105
I am looking at these 2 bikes. The Synapse is newer with disc brakes and 5800 105 while the CAAD9 is 10spd Dura Ace. As far as looks got the CAAD wins hands down. Both are local and 58 which is what I ride now. I would expect to make some adjustments to fit on either.
CAAD 9 $600
Synapse $1000
CAAD 9 $600
Synapse $1000
08-27-21, 09:38 AM
#2
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10 speed DuraAce is pretty old stuff. Will that be an issue as it wears out and you have to put lesser tier component names on your bike? NOS 10 speed DuraAce stuff might be hard to find.
Though the 105 5800 isn't the latest stuff either. However I will say that on my bike that had 105 5800, I think it shifted the best of anything I ever had. Though I was finicky with keeping the shifting perfect. Though it was only once occasionally twice a year I had to mess with it.
But if the older bike looks better and has appeal to you, then there is that reasoning that aesthetics might make you ride it more.
Though the 105 5800 isn't the latest stuff either. However I will say that on my bike that had 105 5800, I think it shifted the best of anything I ever had. Though I was finicky with keeping the shifting perfect. Though it was only once occasionally twice a year I had to mess with it.
But if the older bike looks better and has appeal to you, then there is that reasoning that aesthetics might make you ride it more.
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08-27-21, 10:01 AM
#3
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I do like the CAAD color better. My current Ridley is all 6800 Ultegra so I am familiar with the 5800/6800 performance and function. It would not bother me to upgrade to a newer group on the CAAD however.
08-27-21, 10:27 AM
#4
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That is a 2016 Cannondale Synapse 105 disc. The front disc cable runs fully external on the fork.
Just something to keep in mind- its 2 years older than you thought, has an FSA Gossamer crank, and external routed brake cable.
Personally I find both to be pretty high on the price.
- The CAAD9 is neat in that its a unique paint job due to being a team bike. But its an 11ish year old bike with quality drivetrain components that while usually seen as a plus, its multiple generations old now and not really supported. No idea how that wheelset is holding up too.
- The Synapse is older than claimed, has external brake routing, and is listed pretty high.
But maybe I am just cheap.
If I had to pick between these, I would look over the CAAD9 and if it seemed to be in good working order, buy it and hope that everything works as it should for years to come. I would rather have that as a base to work off of for updating when the time comes.
Just something to keep in mind- its 2 years older than you thought, has an FSA Gossamer crank, and external routed brake cable.
Personally I find both to be pretty high on the price.
- The CAAD9 is neat in that its a unique paint job due to being a team bike. But its an 11ish year old bike with quality drivetrain components that while usually seen as a plus, its multiple generations old now and not really supported. No idea how that wheelset is holding up too.
- The Synapse is older than claimed, has external brake routing, and is listed pretty high.
But maybe I am just cheap.
If I had to pick between these, I would look over the CAAD9 and if it seemed to be in good working order, buy it and hope that everything works as it should for years to come. I would rather have that as a base to work off of for updating when the time comes.
08-27-21, 11:14 AM
#5
Senior Member
Looks like the Synapse is a 2017 Model MSRP 1570. Yup, somewhat over priced but looks relatively unused (on the picture)
https://www.rei.com/product/892482/c...-105-bike-2017
I also like the CAAD9, made in the USA. Looking for one my size (all BLUE). I had a chance to buy one before but I changed my mind and still regret it until this day. If I get one, I'd only probably rebuild it using only the frame and fork.
https://www.rei.com/product/892482/c...-105-bike-2017
I also like the CAAD9, made in the USA. Looking for one my size (all BLUE). I had a chance to buy one before but I changed my mind and still regret it until this day. If I get one, I'd only probably rebuild it using only the frame and fork.
08-27-21, 12:45 PM
#6
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Thread Starter
Not a fan of the way the front brake cable is routed so the Synapse is out. I just found out the CAAD just sold. It was 100 miles away and I could not get up there until Saturday morning so I missed it. I can afford to get whatever I want, but I am cheap and sometimes enjoy the rebuilding process
08-27-21, 12:53 PM
#7
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I use to think all sellers on places like Ebay, craigslist and everywhere else were unrealistic in their over estimation of their bicycles worth. Maybe location plays a lot in this.
However while I was mid sentence saying this a few weeks ago to my D-I-L in the Denver CO area, she found a Scott cf road bike in excellent condition for 300 bucks on Facebook marketplace. Got pedals, shoes and helmet all wrapped up in the same price.
So shop around, be patient.
However while I was mid sentence saying this a few weeks ago to my D-I-L in the Denver CO area, she found a Scott cf road bike in excellent condition for 300 bucks on Facebook marketplace. Got pedals, shoes and helmet all wrapped up in the same price.
So shop around, be patient.
08-27-21, 02:09 PM
#8
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Thread Starter
I use to think all sellers on places like Ebay, craigslist and everywhere else were unrealistic in their over estimation of their bicycles worth. Maybe location plays a lot in this.
However while I was mid sentence saying this a few weeks ago to my D-I-L in the Denver CO area, she found a Scott cf road bike in excellent condition for 300 bucks on Facebook marketplace. Got pedals, shoes and helmet all wrapped up in the same price.
So shop around, be patient.
However while I was mid sentence saying this a few weeks ago to my D-I-L in the Denver CO area, she found a Scott cf road bike in excellent condition for 300 bucks on Facebook marketplace. Got pedals, shoes and helmet all wrapped up in the same price.
So shop around, be patient.
I'VE watched this bike drop from $3200 to this now but I still think it is somewhat overpriced. It looks good with the Campy Record but the Gruppo is still dated.
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/b...369025270.html
Last edited by Digger6255; 08-27-21 at 02:16 PM.
08-27-21, 03:33 PM
#9
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I would have gone for the CAAD9.
08-27-21, 04:39 PM
#10
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08-27-21, 05:14 PM
#11
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08-27-21, 05:44 PM
#12
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I am not really looking to get rid of the Ridley and it doesn't need upgraded. My dilemma is I am planning on using my bike on a Wahoo Kickr Snap all winter. I keep hearing horror stories about breaking CF bikes on a trainer. After looking the last few day now I have the new bike bug.....
08-28-21, 04:52 AM
#13
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Thread Starter
Score!!!!
Huge unexpected score last night. I opened offer up on my phone, searched Cannondale and a 2020 CAAD13 disc 105 popped up for $2000 with unmounted new set of 105 clipless pedals and a $450 Thule bike carrier. The bike had only been rode 20 miles or less and was basically new but he needed money fast, like today. I am over 100 miles away from him so I took a shot and messaged him that I would drive up there then and give him $1200 for the bike and pedals and he could keep the carrier. He countered at $1500 and I said no thanks if I am going to driver 100 miles through Seattle on a Friday night, it would have to be a smoking deal so he said come get it.
The bike is the green color and he had all the warranty, build sheet and 105 pedals in a REI bag. He had mounted a set of flat pedals and I highly doubt he even rode it 20 miles, probably 2 at the most. There isn't even a rub mark on the handlebar tape or hoods. I snapped a quick pic of it in my garage last nigh when I got home at 11pm. The pic sucks and I'll get some better ones later today.
The bike is the green color and he had all the warranty, build sheet and 105 pedals in a REI bag. He had mounted a set of flat pedals and I highly doubt he even rode it 20 miles, probably 2 at the most. There isn't even a rub mark on the handlebar tape or hoods. I snapped a quick pic of it in my garage last nigh when I got home at 11pm. The pic sucks and I'll get some better ones later today.
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08-28-21, 07:37 AM
#14
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Huge unexpected score last night. I opened offer up on my phone, searched Cannondale and a 2020 CAAD13 disc 105 popped up for $2000 with unmounted new set of 105 clipless pedals and a $450 Thule bike carrier. The bike had only been rode 20 miles or less and was basically new but he needed money fast, like today. I am over 100 miles away from him so I took a shot and messaged him that I would drive up there then and give him $1200 for the bike and pedals and he could keep the carrier. He countered at $1500 and I said no thanks if I am going to driver 100 miles through Seattle on a Friday night, it would have to be a smoking deal so he said come get it.
The bike is the green color and he had all the warranty, build sheet and 105 pedals in a REI bag. He had mounted a set of flat pedals and I highly doubt he even rode it 20 miles, probably 2 at the most. There isn't even a rub mark on the handlebar tape or hoods. I snapped a quick pic of it in my garage last nigh when I got home at 11pm. The pic sucks and I'll get some better ones later today.
The bike is the green color and he had all the warranty, build sheet and 105 pedals in a REI bag. He had mounted a set of flat pedals and I highly doubt he even rode it 20 miles, probably 2 at the most. There isn't even a rub mark on the handlebar tape or hoods. I snapped a quick pic of it in my garage last nigh when I got home at 11pm. The pic sucks and I'll get some better ones later today.
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