welltraveledroa

Hi all. Just some background: I am 21 years old, 185lbs, 6’2”, and run or lift weights 6 times a week. I was told by a bike shop my size is 58-60cm. I am interested in doing a triathlon at some point.

I am currently deciding between two bikes: a 2013 Supersix 6 Tiagra or a 2013 Synapse (Alloy) 5 105.

I tried posting links to the specs but its not letting me. From what I have read, it seems like the major differences are the endurance fit of the synapse vs the racing fit of the supersix, the higher quality 105 components vs the lower quality tiagra components, and the lighter carbon frame vs heavier aluminum frame.

I just want to make sure I don’t feel like I need another bike after a year or two of experience. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to learning all there is to know about this sport.

10 Wheels

Most of us end up with more than One Bike. I had Five.

imakecircles

Go with the nicer/lighter/racier carbon frame if it fits you well. You can upgrade components later piecemeal if you want.

GrainBrain

I'd go with the Synapse if you're getting into biking. It'll have the nicer drivetrain, and you're right about the race fit vs endurance. I'd choose endurance first to get used to the position. Then you can work towards a more aggressive fit. If you enjoy it and get serious you'll end up buying either an actual TT bike or a more modern race bike.

You can get the Synapse to fit as aggressively as the super six, but not vice versa without it looking goofy or compromising ride quality.

What's the prices?

welltraveledroa

Thanks for the advice. Its good to know that I would be able to make the endurance fit more aggressive but not the other way around. How significant is the difference in drivetrains between the two bikes? If it is very significant, would it make sense to go for the carbon frame now and upgrade the components later on? The supersix is $900 + 10 hours of driving and the synapse is $750 + 7 hours of driving.

okoweq

Totally agree with this. The endurance geometry won't prevent you from going fast as you build your cycling fitness, but it will prevent you from having back and neck pain like you'd get if you start on a race bike. The Synapse is a great option, 105 is solid componentry, you won't need anything else for a long time. If you get really serious about triathlons, you'll know by then what bike you'll want for that.

wolfchild

Go for a test ride and choose whichever bike fits you best and whichever bike you like.

Iride01 

I don't have much to add..... well I really do..... but I'm not going to.

But...
What will you do when you look at a manufacturer that specs their bikes by XS, S, M, ML, L and XL or other?

And do you know if they were referring to seat tube length or effective top tube length? Most think the former and that is one of the worst way to size a bike, IMO.

If you have no other thing to go by, then go with the manufacturers suggested sizing for that model bike. Some will actually be different sizes for different bike models of the same brand.

If you can, then simply riding different sizes of the bike for as long as they'll let you helps determine what's best for you in your current state of cycling fitness.

Ivabig1

Shop on eBay...you will get more bike for your money....it’s a risk but I’ve always made out like a bandit buying my bikes on ebay