I’m in the market for a new bike, been riding an old Synapse for a few years and its time to upgrade. I’ve narrowed it down to the Cannondale Slice and am trying to decide if the upgrade to the 3 is worth the 600+ dollars.
As far as I can tell the only difference is 105 vs Ultergra components, or is there something else I am missing (Same frame as far as I can see)
Every forum I have read are undecided if the Ultergra performs that much better then the 105, mostly lighter I believe.
So looking for some advice? Go for the 3? Or save some money for with the 5.
Other than the weight there is no difference in performance between 105 and ultegra in TT form.
About he only thing that gruppos on TT bikes can do to affect performance is have better or worse derailleur pulley bearings, and both 105 and Ultegra have one worse one.
I’m in the market for a new bike, been riding an old Synapse for a few years and its time to upgrade. I’ve narrowed it down to the Cannondale Slice and am trying to decide if the upgrade to the 3 is worth the 600+ dollars.
As far as I can tell the only difference is 105 vs Ultergra components, or is there something else I am missing (Same frame as far as I can see)
Every forum I have read are undecided if the Ultergra performs that much better then the 105, mostly lighter I believe.
So looking for some advice? Go for the 3? Or save some money for with the 5.
Thanks.
I believe there is a difference in the cockpit too. IIRC the 5 has a standard set of bullhorns, while the 3 has a much sleeker tapered look. Also, check the cracks, in the past the 3 has the FSA aero crank, and the 5 has a more open crank… And lastly the wheels on the 3 used to be cosmics, while the 5 was equipped with RS10s or something of the like.
I also had a road bike with Ultegra components on it.
The Slice 5 is very light, nimble and quick. I love the ride, love the bike. Love how easy it is to adjust/swap things.
I went with the year end sale price on the bike from Nytro. Got it at a great price even with shipping. I knew I was going to swap out a lot of the components in the future so the 105 wasn’t a big deal to me. But it was noticeable - mostly on the braking. The brakes suck compared to the Ultegra’s I had on my road bike. And even after a year of heavy riding, they didn’t get any better (or worse). Not sure if it is tri bike geometry or just the lower end brakes.
I swapped out the aero bars right away (kept the bull horns), tried metron shifters (they don’t work on the frame, don’t bother), put in a Elsa Power meter and then Di2 Ultegra. The electronic shifters were the best investment I’ve ever made. Fantastic on a tri bike - especially the bullhorns!
I also had a road bike with Ultegra components on it.
The Slice 5 is very light, nimble and quick. I love the ride, love the bike. Love how easy it is to adjust/swap things.
I went with the year end sale price on the bike from Nytro. Got it at a great price even with shipping. I knew I was going to swap out a lot of the components in the future so the 105 wasn’t a big deal to me. But it was noticeable - mostly on the braking. The brakes suck compared to the Ultegra’s I had on my road bike. And even after a year of heavy riding, they didn’t get any better (or worse). Not sure if it is tri bike geometry or just the lower end brakes.
Still have the same brakes on it.
Hope that helps.
Thanks for the tips. I probably won’t be upgrading anytime soon but nice to know the options. Although given I ride my brakes on descents I might want to switch up the brakes.
This is for 2014 bike? One difference that would sway me is the 11 speed vs 10 speed. In a few years id rather be on the 11 speed wagon.
Yes the 2014, although just found the 2013 5 for even cheaper so might go for that. Would also like to get a decent pair of shoes this year so every little bit saved helps.
