Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 or CAAD13 105
#51
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The elephant you refer to is a paper elephant. The bottom line is which bike do YOU like better when YOU ride it. That's the one you should buy......that is if the bike feels any better than your Optimo.
Last edited by Lombard; 04-11-23 at 03:19 PM.
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#52
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Cannondale recently released Lab71 bikes. These frames weigh a handful of grams less than the 'regular' frames. By your logic, now that there are two grades of frame, the lower grade frame is a lower tier also.
In reality, that 'lower grade' frame can still be exponentially better than almost anything else on the market.
Its disingenuous to just claim a frame that isnt the highest tier frame is therefore a low grade frame.
In reality, that 'lower grade' frame can still be exponentially better than almost anything else on the market.
Its disingenuous to just claim a frame that isnt the highest tier frame is therefore a low grade frame.
And me stating my opinion that high(er) tier aluminum frames are as good or better than many of the low(er) tier CF frames - that isn't a knock on CF frames.
When you are comparing 105 or less equipped bikes - you are not typically getting the best CF frames of that model line, so you are getting lower tier frames.
And the second statement was my entire point - and in response to a question posed by the OP. It was not a knock on frames or materials.
#53
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mstateglfr A01082919 By a lifestyle bike I mean having certain ready-to-ride features that might have more mass appeal (i.e., pre-wired SmartSense lights and rear radar). Nothing to do with geometry and my label does not preclude overlap with the category generally referred to as endurance bikes. So my label only applies to the current generation CF Synapse released at the end of 2022 / early 2023.
#54
Junior Member
By definition - if it's not the top tier, its lower tier than the top tier. That is not a knock on quality - it's a flat true statement.
And me stating my opinion that high(er) tier aluminum frames are as good or better than many of the low(er) tier CF frames - that isn't a knock on CF frames.
When you are comparing 105 or less equipped bikes - you are not typically getting the best CF frames of that model line, so you are getting lower tier frames.
And the second statement was my entire point - and in response to a question posed by the OP. It was not a knock on frames or materials.
And me stating my opinion that high(er) tier aluminum frames are as good or better than many of the low(er) tier CF frames - that isn't a knock on CF frames.
When you are comparing 105 or less equipped bikes - you are not typically getting the best CF frames of that model line, so you are getting lower tier frames.
And the second statement was my entire point - and in response to a question posed by the OP. It was not a knock on frames or materials.
#55
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... Awhile back, Cannondale had what they called "hi-mod" carbon which supposedly weighed less. Being the cheap a$$ that I am, I decided it wasn't worth the extra $2,000 for the hi-mod version of the bike and went with the "regular mod" version of the 2014 Synapse Carbon, which feels plenty stiff ...
#56
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Interrlestingly, I've heard reports of problems with creaky BB30 BB's. I'm lucky mine is still silent at 16K miles.
#57
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Me too, so touch wood here too.
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#58
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Another thing that was promoted about this frame was the shape of the chain stays which they claimed helped with compliance. I'm not sure there is any real world validity to that either.
#59
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Both the chain stays and seat stays are shaped with flattened portion, and it is well known that the cross section of a tube can potentially affect its flexibility. But of course the same can be accomplished via the CF layup.
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Interesting that the CAAD13 is one of the last Cannondales with a press fit BB.
#61
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#62
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And what if the a manufacturer's highest tier aluminum bike still resides on a lower tier than their non-top tier carbon bikes? You can't just break two completely different things into what you want to deem highest tier and low(er) tier and have a valid comparison. That's like saying a high end flip phone is better than an iPhone 14 because the iPhone isn't a 14 Pro Max.
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He has a good point - can't make a blanket statement about this vs that, and that wasn't my intention.
In terms of Cannondale, Trek, Specialized and some others - they make very good, high end aluminum frames. Very good bikes. They also make some lower grade examples of CF bikes, and IMHO, some of their lower grade CF bikes are overpriced and offer no real advantage over their top end aluminum offerings.
Another good point was made - you are comparing an endurance bike to a race bike...
Race bike to race bike - typically you can get the 105 equipped AL frame for 1-2k less than the 105(or less) equipped CF frame. Weight difference will be 4-6 oz +/-. Out of the box performance and ride quality will be +/- the same.
But - with the AL bike you have an additional 1-2k of money to play with. Decent wheel set, bars, tires, seat post... now you have a faster and lighter bike for +/- the same money.
If you compare the AL to some of the higher spec CF frames - you even have more money to play with for higher end upgrades - and you can have a bike of similar weight/performance for less money.
As non racers, 30 seconds or a few min here or there over the course of an hour ride or climb - CF frames really offer little advantage over any other frame. Really, we buy them because we like them - not because they really make a difference one way or another.
In terms of Cannondale, Trek, Specialized and some others - they make very good, high end aluminum frames. Very good bikes. They also make some lower grade examples of CF bikes, and IMHO, some of their lower grade CF bikes are overpriced and offer no real advantage over their top end aluminum offerings.
Another good point was made - you are comparing an endurance bike to a race bike...
Race bike to race bike - typically you can get the 105 equipped AL frame for 1-2k less than the 105(or less) equipped CF frame. Weight difference will be 4-6 oz +/-. Out of the box performance and ride quality will be +/- the same.
But - with the AL bike you have an additional 1-2k of money to play with. Decent wheel set, bars, tires, seat post... now you have a faster and lighter bike for +/- the same money.
If you compare the AL to some of the higher spec CF frames - you even have more money to play with for higher end upgrades - and you can have a bike of similar weight/performance for less money.
As non racers, 30 seconds or a few min here or there over the course of an hour ride or climb - CF frames really offer little advantage over any other frame. Really, we buy them because we like them - not because they really make a difference one way or another.
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#65
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The one that fits you the best and you like the look and feel of is the better option. The point many of us are trying to make to you is that making a blanket statement about what is better won't be factual or helpful. Each option has pros and cons but certainly the differences aren't going to dramatically change your riding experience, and neither is likely to make a tremendous difference versus your current bike. The weight differences between all 3 will be marginal in the overall rider+bike+equipment system weight.
It sounds like you're thinking that upgrading the bike is going to make a significant change in your speed and I think you're going to be disappointed when the reality is a marginal change. Invest is some nicer components of your choice (I'd start with tires), a training plan, and maybe nice apparel/accessories and you'll probably see a better return in performance and enjoyment in your riding than you will by making an upgrade to either of those bikes.
It sounds like you're thinking that upgrading the bike is going to make a significant change in your speed and I think you're going to be disappointed when the reality is a marginal change. Invest is some nicer components of your choice (I'd start with tires), a training plan, and maybe nice apparel/accessories and you'll probably see a better return in performance and enjoyment in your riding than you will by making an upgrade to either of those bikes.
#66
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Your question is like asking whether you should have the second most expensive steak or the third most expensive lobster at a fancy restaurant. If you like or want steak more, steak is the better choice. If you like or want lobster more, lobster is the better choice.
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#67
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Hi everyone,
I searched for countless hours on the forum but can’t seem to a comparison between choosing a Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 or the CAAD13 105. I am a casual rider and does some climbing. I have always wanted a full carbon bike, however later down the road if I do get serious I don’t want the relaxed geometry of the Synapse to hold me back. This is my bike investment so I want to have it for a very long time.
I got a great deal on both bikes so the price is negligible.
Synapse Carbon 4:
Pros:
-Full Carbon Frame + Fork
Cons:
-Tiagra
-Relaxed Geometry
CAAD13 105:
Pros:
Shimano 105
Aggressive Geometry
Cons:
-Aluminum frame
I searched for countless hours on the forum but can’t seem to a comparison between choosing a Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 or the CAAD13 105. I am a casual rider and does some climbing. I have always wanted a full carbon bike, however later down the road if I do get serious I don’t want the relaxed geometry of the Synapse to hold me back. This is my bike investment so I want to have it for a very long time.
I got a great deal on both bikes so the price is negligible.
Synapse Carbon 4:
Pros:
-Full Carbon Frame + Fork
Cons:
-Tiagra
-Relaxed Geometry
CAAD13 105:
Pros:
Shimano 105
Aggressive Geometry
Cons:
-Aluminum frame
#68
Full Member
Your question is like asking whether you should have the second most expensive steak or the third most expensive lobster at a fancy restaurant. If you like or want steak more, steak is the better choice. If you like or want lobster more, lobster is the better choice.
#69
Newbie
Thread Starter
Hello everyone,
Thank you all for your opinion in helping me make the decision.
I went into store and I looked at the two bikes. I looked at the paint job, style and everything about it. It’s a no brainer, the Synapse carbon 4 is the clear victor. The CAAD13 105 paint job looked cheap and the welds were’t attractive. When comparing the frames, there’s barely any difference in geometry. Regardless of materials that are better or worst, carbon is still carbon, aluminum is aluminum. I simply wanted a carbon bike more than I did an aluminum the benefits didn’t out weight each other so it came down to preference. Is carbon cooler than aluminum? Yeah its lighter, trending and looks better imo. Regardless if it’s not the best carbon, the there’s enough testing done throughout the decade so I trust that it’s not made out of toilet paper. I also read that carbon can be repaired whereas aluminum cannot (another plus).
The aesthetic when comparing in person is day and night.
I got both bikes at 50% off MSRP, but rather than return one of them, I switched out the CAAD13 Shimano 105’s group set onto my Synapse, and my CAAD13 now has my Tiagra. Then sold my CAAD13 with tiagra at cost, so I got a free groupset upgrade on my synapse. I will fork out $200-300 for the swap, but because the $2000 savings I already did, losing 200-300 is chump change. I am looking at upgrading the seat and a larger cassette for the purpose of turning this thing into my climbing machine!
Thanks again everyone! Appreciate you all!
Thank you all for your opinion in helping me make the decision.
I went into store and I looked at the two bikes. I looked at the paint job, style and everything about it. It’s a no brainer, the Synapse carbon 4 is the clear victor. The CAAD13 105 paint job looked cheap and the welds were’t attractive. When comparing the frames, there’s barely any difference in geometry. Regardless of materials that are better or worst, carbon is still carbon, aluminum is aluminum. I simply wanted a carbon bike more than I did an aluminum the benefits didn’t out weight each other so it came down to preference. Is carbon cooler than aluminum? Yeah its lighter, trending and looks better imo. Regardless if it’s not the best carbon, the there’s enough testing done throughout the decade so I trust that it’s not made out of toilet paper. I also read that carbon can be repaired whereas aluminum cannot (another plus).
The aesthetic when comparing in person is day and night.
I got both bikes at 50% off MSRP, but rather than return one of them, I switched out the CAAD13 Shimano 105’s group set onto my Synapse, and my CAAD13 now has my Tiagra. Then sold my CAAD13 with tiagra at cost, so I got a free groupset upgrade on my synapse. I will fork out $200-300 for the swap, but because the $2000 savings I already did, losing 200-300 is chump change. I am looking at upgrading the seat and a larger cassette for the purpose of turning this thing into my climbing machine!
Thanks again everyone! Appreciate you all!
#70
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Pics please!
#71
Junior Member
Sounds like you made a great choice and got a bike that you're excited about. Nice move buying both and swapping the 105 onto your Synapse. Congrats and enjoy the new bike.
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#72
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I've owned 3 CAAD10s before, so I'm biased towards CAADs
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Never got the pics....
#74
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