BMC Roadmachine ONE or Canondale Synapse RLE2
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BMC Roadmachine ONE or Canondale Synapse 2 RLE
I'm looking to upgrade my good weather bike. I've been really happy with the 2012 Synapse, but since age is catching up with my, I thought I would splurge for Ultegra Di2 since this could well be my last bike. I test rode both today and liked them both. My primary requirement is not black/drkr color and Endurance geometry (which ruled out the Soloist which looks amazing). I'm not finding a lot of reviews for the BMC and Synapse reviews generally like the bike, but not the SmartSense.
Pros/cons/observations
Cannondale Synapse 2 RLE specs
BMC Roadmachine ONE specs
Thoughts?
Pros/cons/observations
- The Synapse cockpit is kind of ugly and I'm not sure I like the Smartsense builtin stuff. It will brek and my guess is the lights are weak sauce compared to what I use
- Bottom bracket: BMC has PF86 bottom bracket vs threaded on the Synapse and man, the 2012 Synapse can be creaky
- Weight 20 lbs vs 18.3(?) lbs but weight isn't everything
- BMC has carbon wheels, which would be happy without
- The seat post on the Synapse seemed longer than the Synapse and at 5'6" I'm at the lower end of the fit, but smaller frame would be cramped and even more toe overlap and not an option
- BMC: $5850
- Synapse: $5000
Cannondale Synapse 2 RLE specs
BMC Roadmachine ONE specs
Thoughts?
Last edited by a1penguin; 04-29-23 at 07:35 PM.
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A proper threaded bottom bracket is a big plus for the Synapse.
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I have a Roadmachine and it's probably one of the nicest-riding bikes I've had in a long time (and I've had at least 15 bikes in the past 10 years). IMO, it's much racier than the Synape, but in a good way. Comfortable, accelerates well, and handles fast descents impeccably... BMC would be my vote...

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I went with the BMC, but discovered they had that same bike without the carbon wheels in white (Roadmachine three) and I went with that as it was the same price as the Synapse. I just couldn't get past the SmartSense. I'm old and slow and the carbon wheels aren't going to help that :-)
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I went with the BMC, but discovered they had that same bike without the carbon wheels in white (Roadmachine three) and I went with that as it was the same price as the Synapse. I just couldn't get past the SmartSense. I'm old and slow and the carbon wheels aren't going to help that :-)
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I went with the BMC, but discovered they had that same bike without the carbon wheels in white (Roadmachine three) and I went with that as it was the same price as the Synapse. I just couldn't get past the SmartSense. I'm old and slow and the carbon wheels aren't going to help that :-)
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would love to see a picture of it
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I've got a K-edge and ordered the oft mentioned PRO BIKE TOOL 1/4" torque wrench. I had a hard time finding the screw to adjust the seat height. It seems very light and I like the clean look. I'm terrible at hills and am enjoying the dinner plate sized cassette. So far, I'm very happy.

2023 BMC Roamachine THREE

2023 BMC Roamachine THREE