Solidjake

Hey guys. I purchased my '14 Synapse Carbon 105 just over five years ago (with a 60% off retail discount) and it has served me well, but lately I've been thinking about getting a '19 Synapse Carbon Ultegra with Di2. The retail on that is $4,400 but I would also get that discount so around $1900 after taxes. On my '14 I upgraded the wheels (but the front was damaged in an accident) and also the seatpost to the carbon SAVE one. I'm really intrigued by the Di2 and now it's affordable and a few revisions down the road so it's a lot better than the first gen from what I read online.

I would sell an older Scott Speedster for pretty much what I paid for it ($200) and replace the Scott with the older Synapse.

Has anyone upgraded their Synapse for a newer one? Worth it? Di2 over the 105 worth it? Thanks

tagaproject6

A new bike better than the old one is always nice.

bruce19

Don't ignore a CAAD 12.

shelbyfv

$1900 for a legit brand current Di2, hard to go wrong.

Solidjake

The CAAD is nice but I don't see the Di2



Thanks guys. I'll probably pull the trigger. Just need to see if my contact has the discount left for the year. Can't wait.

bruce19

[QUOTE=Solidjake;20960807]The CAAD is nice but I don't see the Di2 /QUOTE]

The CAAD 12 is "Di2 ready" so you could put one together. But, you would have to want to do that and find it cost effective.

Just in case...

cycledogg

Gee, Wally, I don't see the problem.

OUGrad05

I would skip Di2 but that's just me.

If you can get that kinda discount I would pull the trigger on an ultegra bike w/power and skip Di2.

voyager1

CAAD12 is a race bike the Synapse is a endurance bike. I would think the fit, geometry and ride would be pretty different.

Solidjake

How come you don't recommend the Di2?

OUGrad05

I know two people who had batteries die in rides, yes technically their fault, just a battery deal, but a major headache. My 105kit is pretty nice and regular Ultegra also quite nice and it just works. Di2 is good, but a bit of added risk/maintenance there.

If I forget to charge my pedals I can still ride no problem, if I can't change gear? That sucks.

trailangel

Where are you buying the bike at 60% off?

shelbyfv

Just to clarify, when the battery goes, the front defaults to the small ring and you can still shift the rear for awhile. Someone's battery dies on our group rides every couple of months, they just laugh at their negligence and spin on in. For the money, I would rather have mechanical DA than Di2 Ultegra, but that's just me. Everyone I know who has gone to Di2 is very happy with it.

waters60

Bought my Ultegra Di2 Synapse last summer to replace my beloved ‘92 Merckx Century. I have ridden Campy bikes since ‘75 and had been a loyal Campy customer, but finding a built Campg bike is difficult abd expensive. When looking at bikes the cost of components on a built bike made them far more attractive. I settled on the Synapse after trying a Bianchi Infinito and. Trek Domane. The cost of Di2 still made the bike a great deal compared to building up a bike. I have no regrets at all about Di2. I love it. It works flawlessly. If you have a Wahoo head unit you will know far in advance if your battery is dying. It is almost literally impossible to have it die on you given the amount of battery life left after the warning. Failure to heed warning is a user problem. The other thing I love about using it with the Bolt is the visual gear indicator. As with many bikes the wheelsets that come with them are usually not great, but are one of the easier items to upgrade.
I would have no hesitation at all buying the Di2 Synapse.

Solidjake

Got it and it's a pricey item to have as a spare and lug around. One thing I am on top of are my battery levels on everything electronic.

Friend works at a retailer and is able to get 60% off once a year.

Greatly greatly appreciate the response! I would buy the Shimano wireless unit to pair with my Edge 520. Saw a video of it in action on youtube and it's awesome, love the integration. Thanks again and glad to hear that you enjoy it.

Ogsarg

At 60% off, why not? At that price, you can recoup your investment if you decide you don't like it or want something else. Some people would be getting a new bike every year if they had that deal. Maybe a couple.

TrojanHorse

Nothing wrong with a '14 synapse but for that kind of discount, why are you standing around here asking us?

I see a lot of commentary about DI2... the people that don't have it, me included, don't get the fuss and the people who do have it wouldn't trade it in despite the occasional battery issues (and they all eventually have a battery issue). Meh, shifting is easy if you have normal finger function, doesn't bother me in the least.

ridingfool

i have both bmc has ultegra di2 and specialized tarmac has mechanical and no real difference to me in the rear shifting but in the front so much better if u cross chain while I know u shouldn't it will trim itself and never have to deal with chainrub I wear as for battery .have put about 15000 miles on mine never had the battery die mine last for about 3000 miles between charges .just one thing to note for the wieght wienies it is heavier than mechanical think about 3/4 of a pound if not mistaken but for a synapse wouldn't think wieght would be much of a issue

VK_Rides84

I just purchased a 18’ carbon disc 105 and love it.

With your component package and price hard to argue with an upgrade!

maartendc

Im gonna say... no.

Realistically, how much improvement has this frame seen over 5 years? Maybe 1 iteration?

Yeahyeahyeah, I know all the manufacturers say their new model bike is SOOOOOO much lighter, stiffer, aero, blablabla. But realistically, we are talking what? 5% here, 5% there? The manufacturing, design, engineering, etc. of carbon fiber frames has not seen dramatic improvements in the last 5 years. The rest is all marketing.

I would say: if you want DI2, just buy the groupset at your 60% discount.

Be honest with yourself: do you just want a new bike, just because? Then go for it. But dont fool yourself that it is a major "upgrade" over your current frame.