Cloudkicker

Hi,

I’m new to the forums and to cycling. Thanks for having me here!

Just wanted to share a photo of my first road bike, a Cannondale 2015 Synapse Ultegra. I bought it used from the shop. I took it for a spin, and it felt comfortable enough and wasn’t as aggressive as the others. Might have overpaid or not too, lol. I know for sure, though, I’m gonna have to upgrade those awful pedals at some point, lol.

Anyway, thank you again for allowing me to join and I’m looking forward to learning from you guys!

If you guys have any thoughts on the bike or have suggestions, please comment! Appreciate it.

Wileyrat

Welcome!

And do something about that stem sticking straight up in the air.

Cloudkicker

Ha! Thanks. The shop put it at 45 degrees to help alleviate neck tension. I realize I’m not as aerodynamic this way, but for whatever reason my body just aches otherwise.

DOS

That frame looks very small.What size is it and how big are you. A 45 degree stem to adjust for a big saddle to bar drop on a too small frame is not really a good choice.

Cloudkicker

Yeah, it's a small at 51. I'm like 5'5''. Maybe I should adjust the stem back...

DOS

Ok, thats not bad as a rule of thumb. My wife is 5’5” and rides a 51. As long as you are comfortable and enjoy riding the bike, don’t worry about it. You may find as your fitness improves, particularly core strength, neck issues will dissipate. Also, you may not need so much rise, but shorter stem than what was on the bike so you aren’t so stretched out. But again, if the current set up works for you, just ride.

Jon T

I'm an old school guy (64 yo) and I think carbon bikes and fat rims are ugly--but that's just my opinion.
That being said, ride it, have fun, and welcome aboard.
Jon

Cloudkicker

Thanks, Jon.

rossiny

Any bike is gonna take getting used to and a few parts you want fitted to your taste. The fit is most important. Pedals are also a very personal choice , as well as saddle. The main thing is if everything is adjusted and good grease and spinning smoothly. I am older and never made the jump to carbon. A few of the other guys will chime in. Heard a lot of good things on carbon fiber, ride quality, efficiency etc..Welcome.

Maelochs

I know quite a few people who own Synapses .... all of them are pleased with their purchases.

Most people adjust the fit frequently as they ride longer, build strength in different muscles, and figure how they want to ride. Sitting bolt upright is as good as laying out flat, if you think it is. Smiles per mile is the only metric I care about.

caloso

Welcome. Nice bike. The material of the frame is much less important than the fit, so make sure everything gets dialed in.

PepeM

*New member comes in*

-Hi!

-Slam it!
-Your bike is ugly lol.

RShantz

Ride it and enjoy it. Don't worry about criticisms you may hear. The best bike is the one you enjoying riding. You'll ride more if you're comfy. Only you know what's comfy to you.

Maelochs

Hey we might be rude, tasteless, and inhospitable, but we are consistent.