I am looking for a new frame. Anyone have any opinions on this bike. I test rode one and I was impressed with how smooth it was. Not sure though if it is just a ‘cheapened down’ Caad8 or even what the frameset weighs.
The British magazine Cycling Plus has published this month a review of this bike. They compared it with other “comfort†race bikes and rated it very highly. Whilst they thought it was not as comfortable as the new carbon fibre Giant SCR, they found the new Cannonade very suitable for long rides, cyclo-sportif, Etap De Tour type events, and centuries. The frame is a copy of the much more expensive carbon fibre version in terms of the geometry. It has the same longer head tube and wheelbase dimensions, so it is not simply a CAAD8 race bike, as the R series.
The reviewer mentioned that the frame is finished to the typical Cannondale high standards, although the equipment was relatively basic. Still it is a good value in its price point (about half the price of a Roubaix, Giant SCR etc., with the same equipment).
I cannot remember the weight of the frame – but I remember it as being light. The article had a very detailed specification. Perhaps if someone has a copy of this article they could give you more information.
Personally, I think that this new breed of race bikes with less aggressive geometries is a welcomed change and perhaps one that triathlete who already have an aggressive TT bike should prefer for their training bike when putting those long winter rides during the base period.
I found the article:
Frame Tested : 58
Weight : 1432gr / 3.2lb
Bike weight (as tested): 9.07kg / 20.0lb
Fork weight: 434gr / 1.0lb
They say - “The Synapse is impressively good value. £799 buys you a very well finished frame that’s light enough to warrant upgrades over time. However, the stretched out position won’t suit everyone, and the stiff frame is more of a benefit for bigger riders. A few tweaks notably a carbon seat post and shorter stem, would boost all-day comfort”
Frame – 8
Handling – 8
Equipment – 8
Wheels – 7 (plain gauge spokes all round, flimsy inner tubes and tyres that prove prone to deep gashes and punctured twice).
Summary – Light stiff worth upgrading over time.
That is what I was looking for. This frame would be for my 2nd bike so something high-performance but a little less edgy would be perfect.