New Cannondale Synapse vs. Another Endurance Bike?
I have been looking for a new CF endurance road bike for a while, but have not found one that meets my requirements, until earlier tonight, when I found a new Cannondale Synapse 2 RLE (Ultegra Di2 12-speed) on sale for $3,500 + $300 shipping, so I ordered it. It won't ship for another few days, so I can cancel the order early next week, if my fellow BF enthusiasts can find me a better (or at least different) bike for a similar price that meets my requirements. I am all ears!
Requirements
1. Light weight carbon fiber frame and fork, i.e., < 1.5 kg or 3.3 lbs.
2. Endurance geometry, i.e., > 1.5 stack:reach ratio; preferably: 580 mm [stack], 380 mm [reach], 545 mm [effective top tube].
3. Short wheelbase. I don't need wide tire clearance or all-road capabilities; I have a gravel bike (Santa Cruz Stigmata 3) for that.
4. Round, non-proprietary seat post.
5. Disc brakes; not trying to restart the debate, but I already have two road bikes with 105 rim brakes.
6. Non-integrated cockpit; semi-integrated cockpit routing hoses and wires through handlebar and headset is OK, but routing through stem makes adding or subtracting headset spacers an all-day chore.
7. No moving suspension, which eliminates Trek Domane and Specialized Roubaix.
I had considered but ultimately decided against these other bikes.
A. Bianchi Infinito CV. Who does not want a Bianchi!? But it has a proprietary seat post with a fragile saddle rail clamp. I was prepared to overlook that (only because it is a Bianchi) but I could not even order a spare seat post. $$$
B. Basso Astra. Perfect geometry for me. But again, a proprietary seat post, and I cannot order the clamps for CF saddle rails. Also has a fully-integrated cockpit. $$$$
C. Giant Defy Advanced 0. I was prepared to overlook the proprietary seat post since Giant has the best supply chain in the business, but I miss the sale on the prior model, and new model reduced stack by 10 mm. $$$
D. Canyon Endurace CF SLX. I don't trust the adjustable width integrated handlebar where each end is only held by two small bolts. Even if I get over my fear of the ends snapping off, Endurace in size M is rarely in stock. $$
E. Pearson Forge. Why do so many bikes require a proprietary seat post!? And a fully-integrated cockpit!? $$$$
F. Look 765 Optimum. Finally, a relatively light endurance bike with a round seat post. But head tube angle < 71*; potential issue when slow climbing. $$$
Thank you for reading this post and for your suggestions.