CAAD10 5 105 vs. Synapse 5 105 alloy

[basakadakara]

I am having trouble choosing between the CAAD10 and the Synapse 5. Both are aluminum and come with several of the same components. I am looking for a relatively comfortable daily rider that will also perform well on long rides and race well. I want to be able to go. I know that the CAAD10's geometry is considerably racier I just wonder if that causes discomfort on longer rides.

I'm currently riding a Bianchi Eros that was given to me. The bike a little too big. I'm 5'2- 5'3 and weigh about 100 pounds. I plan on test riding the Synapse Carbon 5 because it's the only one in the area. Sadly I haven't been able to find any CAAD10's.

Any suggestions or ideas that will help me with my decision?

thanks

[Reesha]

I asked the same question at BikeForums and one of the kids on my team has a Caad 10. I think if the Caad 10 fits you well, it will be a great ride. Kid rode 50 mile team rides no problem whatsoever. I was consider getting one myself until I was gifted a racing frame.

That said I did test ride a Caad 10 1 and wowzers! That baby can accelerate! It was made to race. I still kind of want one :o

[rivergal]

As a Synapse owner, I"m a little biased. However, I am also around 5'2" and found this frame to the the most comfortable I've ridden. Since I'm a more mature rider, having a more upright geometry makes a huge difference to me. Haven't done any really long rides yet, but the ones I've ridden have been great - no tight shoulders/neck at the end of the ride.

[bluebug32]

Are you looking at a WSD? I know the Synapse comes in this sizing, but the CAAD does not. The Synapse has a bit more relaxed geometry. But, as a Synapse owner, I've lowered my stem and made mine into a more racey geometry.

[basakadakara]

Are you looking at a WSD? I know the Synapse comes in this sizing, but the CAAD does not. The Synapse has a bit more relaxed geometry. But, as a Synapse owner, I've lowered my stem and made mine into a more racey geometry.

I am kind of looking for a WSD because I'm a smaller woman but I've been riding the mens Bianchi for so long that a smaller unisex/mens design might be alright.

[basakadakara]

Do you have the chance to test-ride both?

Sadly I only have the option of test riding the Synapse Carbon 5 or the Aluminum Synapse 7. I'm leaning more towards an aluminum frame because of price constraints.

I'm dying to the the CAAD10 but I couldn't find any shop in West Michigan with it in my size.

[Reesha]

I wonder if the synapse wsd frame is actually any different from a standard one...

While I don't have a synapse, I do have the Trek equivalent... a pilot 5.0 and the bike is super comfortable for long long long rides, but it doesn't have the snap I wish it had during races. It's just not the most responsive. Maybe a synapse owner can comment on that?

[zoom-zoom]

I wonder if the synapse wsd frame is actually any different from a standard one...

While I don't have a synapse, I do have the Trek equivalent... a pilot 5.0 and the bike is super comfortable for long long long rides, but it doesn't have the snap I wish it had during races. It's just not the most responsive. Maybe a synapse owner can comment on that?

I think this year the men's and WSD are a bit different, but in the past Cdale men's and women's bikes differed only in componentry--smaller brake levers on Shimano models. My 2011 SuperSix and a WSD SuperSix were identical--but SRAM was not offered on any women's models, which is the #1 reason I am on a unisex frame (and it was orange...huzzah!).

My previous bike was an alloy Synapse (2010 Feminine 5). Current bike is a carbon Synapse (same geo. as the SuperSix). The handling difference is like night and day--SuperSix wants to GO...Synapse took more work to get up to speed. I personally prefer the SuperSix and am very comfortable at all distances...YMMV. It helps that my frame is carbon, since most of our roads are chip-sealed and rough. The vibration with my Synapse was killing me.

[Owlie]

Are you looking at a WSD? I know the Synapse comes in this sizing, but the CAAD does not. The Synapse has a bit more relaxed geometry. But, as a Synapse owner, I've lowered my stem and made mine into a more racey geometry.

There is actually a difference between the CAAD10 models (beyond just components) this year. I hope it stays that way until I can afford one/graduate, because I rode a CAAD10 and really liked it, compared to the carbon Synapse I rode. Comfortable, smooth ride, and fast if I wanted it to be. And it's a lot cheaper!

[Jiffer]

I don't know how much help I'll be, but my first bike was a CAAD9. I didn't really know anything else, except our Burley tandem, so I had nothing to compare it to. I just knew my husband told me CAAD frames had been used in the Tour de France and we got an insane deal. I knew I had a very nice "first bike".

When the SuperSix came out, I was drooling and REALLY wanted it. I was just biding my time, knowing there were no funds to get it anytime soon. And then my husband goes and crashes his bike and the next thing I know the owner of our LBS is dropping off a SuperSix with all my husband's old components on it.

:eek:DOE!!!:eek:

This did not please me. That is an understatement.

I avoided riding it, cause I just didn't want to know what I was missing. However, I went through a period where I was trying out some different saddles. After coming back from a ride on a new saddle, I wanted to compare it to a saddle I had tried and my husband had on his bike. So I hopped on and rode it around the neighborhood without giving it much thought.

Well, I did end up going with that saddle, but sadly I "accidentally" noticed a big difference in the feel of the bike. It was so smooooth.

Okay, so long story short, my husband surprised me several months later by taking my bike apart and putting it back together with a SuperSix and changing out my old DuraAce components for SRAM. The DuraAce was great, of course, but they were getting warn, as they had already been on his previous bike, and then mine, and plus I think he was having a lot of guilt and wanted to make my bike extra special and updated. ;)

So while you wanted to know about the different between CAAD10 and Synapse 5, I can only tell you my experiences with CAAD9 and SuperSix. However, in looking up specs on both bikes, I did note that the CAAD10 has a full carbon fork (as did my CAAD9). It says the Synapse has "carbon blades". I'm not sure what that means, but the full carbon will likely provide more cushion, plus be a bit lighter..

My husband happened to walk in while I was typing this out. He looked at the specs with me of both bikes, including the type and thickness of the aluminum and type of seat stays, etc. In general, if there's not a huge price difference and you can afford it, he thinks the CAAD10 would be slightly more comfortable, though he doesn't see there being a big difference between the two based on the specs. He does think the CAAD10 would have a better resell value, with it being a racing bike.

I didn't look up the weight of each frame, but you might want to do that and see if there's any significant difference. I know my CAAD9 was pretty darn light.

[basakadakara]

I don't know how much help I'll be, but my first bike was a CAAD9. I didn't really know anything else, except our Burley tandem, so I had nothing to compare it to. I just knew my husband told me CAAD frames had been used in the Tour de France and we got an insane deal. I knew I had a very nice "first bike".

When the SuperSix came out, I was drooling and REALLY wanted it. I was just biding my time, knowing there were no funds to get it anytime soon. And then my husband goes and crashes his bike and the next thing I know the owner of our LBS is dropping off a SuperSix with all my husband's old components on it.

:eek:DOE!!!:eek:

This did not please me. That is an understatement.

I avoided riding it, cause I just didn't want to know what I was missing. However, I went through a period where I was trying out some different saddles. After coming back from a ride on a new saddle, I wanted to compare it to a saddle I had tried and my husband had on his bike. So I hopped on and rode it around the neighborhood without giving it much thought.

Well, I did end up going with that saddle, but sadly I "accidentally" noticed a big difference in the feel of the bike. It was so smooooth.

Okay, so long story short, my husband surprised me several months later by taking my bike apart and putting it back together with a SuperSix and changing out my old DuraAce components for SRAM. The DuraAce was great, of course, but they were getting warn, as they had already been on his previous bike, and then mine, and plus I think he was having a lot of guilt and wanted to make my bike extra special and updated. ;)

So while you wanted to know about the different between CAAD10 and Synapse 5, I can only tell you my experiences with CAAD9 and SuperSix. However, in looking up specs on both bikes, I did note that the CAAD10 has a full carbon fork (as did my CAAD9). It says the Synapse has "carbon blades". I'm not sure what that means, but the full carbon will likely provide more cushion, plus be a bit lighter..

My husband happened to walk in while I was typing this out. He looked at the specs with me of both bikes, including the type and thickness of the aluminum and type of seat stays, etc. In general, if there's not a huge price difference and you can afford it, he thinks the CAAD10 would be slightly more comfortable, though he doesn't see there being a big difference between the two based on the specs. He does think the CAAD10 would have a better resell value, with it being a racing bike.

I didn't look up the weight of each frame, but you might want to do that and see if there's any significant difference. I know my CAAD9 was pretty darn light.

It sounds like the CAAD10 might be the way to go especially since someone mentioned that the Synapse picks up a lot of road buzz which I really don't want.

I am lusting after the Super Six but I just can't afford it.

[basakadakara]

I think this year the men's and WSD are a bit different, but in the past Cdale men's and women's bikes differed only in componentry--smaller brake levers on Shimano models. My 2011 SuperSix and a WSD SuperSix were identical--but SRAM was not offered on any women's models, which is the #1 reason I am on a unisex frame (and it was orange...huzzah!).

My previous bike was an alloy Synapse (2010 Feminine 5). Current bike is a carbon Synapse (same geo. as the SuperSix). The handling difference is like night and day--SuperSix wants to GO...Synapse took more work to get up to speed. I personally prefer the SuperSix and am very comfortable at all distances...YMMV. It helps that my frame is carbon, since most of our roads are chip-sealed and rough. The vibration with my Synapse was killing me.

I really do want a bike that jumps into action and wants to go. I wish I could afford the SuperSix. Let alone find one in my size in the area to test ride for fun.

[zoom-zoom]

It sounds like the CAAD10 might be the way to go especially since someone mentioned that the Synapse picks up a lot of road buzz which I really don't want.

Well, the CAAD probably would pick up the same amount, if we're talking an aluminum Synapse vs. aluminum CAAD. Aluminum just tends to be sorta buzzy on roads that aren't buttery smooth. You can ride on wider tires (25mm or wider, vs 23) and keep the PSI in the 100-110 range (vs. 120), which will help with vibration.

[Owlie]

Well, the CAAD probably would pick up the same amount, if we're talking an aluminum Synapse vs. aluminum CAAD. Aluminum just tends to be sorta buzzy on roads that aren't buttery smooth. You can ride on wider tires (25mm or wider, vs 23) and keep the PSI in the 100-110 range (vs. 120), which will help with vibration.

It really doesn't. It's a lot smoother than the relaxed-geometry aluminum bikes. DBF has the forerunner to the CAAD series, and has no problems with it on chipseal. There's something about the relaxed-geometry aluminum frames, I think. (Fun fact: I rode a carbon Synapse. It sucked.)

[zoom-zoom]

Interesting...so maybe it's more about geometry than material. I wish I could have compared a CAAD to my SuperSix or even my Synapse--would have saved me some money. Though they weren't as pretty. ;)

[nuliajuk]

If you have the chance to try a Look 566, do so. I just bought one and LOVE it! The roads are garbage here in Saskatoon, but this bike just floats - and it goes when I need it to, and corners on a dime. It wasn't WSD, but I only needed a shorter stem to make the 53cm fit perfectly. I'm 5'-8", mostly legs, small hands.
Another thing that drew me to this bike - it's all 105. No cheaper substitute parts to bring the price down.

[Jiffer]

I am lusting after the Super Six but I just can't afford it.

One way to get eventually get a SuperSix, or any bike of your dreams, is to build it slowly. After you get your CAAD10 (or whatever you choose), you can start watching for deals on the components you would love to have and the frame you would love to have and buy things as you find good deals and/or can afford them. Then take the components to your LBS and have them replace the old with the new. You can have them replaced as you get them or all at once if you want to wait.

That's how my husband got his first really nice bike, which became my 1st bike, only with a new CAAD9 frame to replace the CAAD8 he had. And then slowly my components have been swapped out since then to either make it more custom to me and my goals . . . or simply because I "had to have it"! ;)

A friend of my husband's built his own high end mountain bike by watching ebay and only bidding on the super low priced stuff. He was patient and eventually he got all the components he wanted and built the bike for a steal.

My 2009 SuperSix frame was bought in 2010 with some sort of blemish on it, which I can't even find and told my husband not to show me! But because of the blemish it was a great deal and it was a brand new, never used frame.

I am lucky to have a husband who is knowledgable about this stuff, and he has also learned (from that friend I mentioned) how to do all the bike maintenance himself, as well as taking one apart and rebuilding it (replacing components, etc.). He used to pay to have the LBS to do that stuff, but can do it himself now.

If you don't have a guy like mine, maybe you know someone in your cycling community who can help you choose the right components for you. Even if you have to pay to have them put on the bike. Sometimes choices are made based on what your goals. I suck at climbing and wanted the best possible advantage, so my husband changed my cassette to give me the best advantage climbing. He gave me certain wheels for the same purpose, while his are more designed to help him go faster on the flat.

When you stop thinking of the bike as a whole (already built and comes the way it comes) and start thinking of how you can customize the various components, you eventually come up with a bike that is best suited for you. And you can do it a little at a time and look for deals to save money.

Good luck with whatever you do!

[Owlie]

Interesting...so maybe it's more about geometry than material. I wish I could have compared a CAAD to my SuperSix or even my Synapse--would have saved me some money. Though they weren't as pretty. ;)

I've only ridden 2 carbon bikes--the Roubaix and the Synapse. The Synapse was a pretty harsh ride for carbon--just about as buzzy as my bike--and the Roubaix felt dead. I think it was a size too big, but still. The CAAD felt much better in comparison--smooth, responsive, and I could still "feel" my way around corners. It would be interesting to compare the CAAD and the SuperSix, though!

[basakadakara]

One way to get eventually get a SuperSix, or any bike of your dreams, is to build it slowly. After you get your CAAD10 (or whatever you choose), you can start watching for deals on the components you would love to have and the frame you would love to have and buy things as you find good deals and/or can afford them. Then take the components to your LBS and have them replace the old with the new. You can have them replaced as you get them or all at once if you want to wait.

That's how my husband got his first really nice bike, which became my 1st bike, only with a new CAAD9 frame to replace the CAAD8 he had. And then slowly my components have been swapped out since then to either make it more custom to me and my goals . . . or simply because I "had to have it"! ;)

A friend of my husband's built his own high end mountain bike by watching ebay and only bidding on the super low priced stuff. He was patient and eventually he got all the components he wanted and built the bike for a steal.

My 2009 SuperSix frame was bought in 2010 with some sort of blemish on it, which I can't even find and told my husband not to show me! But because of the blemish it was a great deal and it was a brand new, never used frame.

I am lucky to have a husband who is knowledgable about this stuff, and he has also learned (from that friend I mentioned) how to do all the bike maintenance himself, as well as taking one apart and rebuilding it (replacing components, etc.). He used to pay to have the LBS to do that stuff, but can do it himself now.

If you don't have a guy like mine, maybe you know someone in your cycling community who can help you choose the right components for you. Even if you have to pay to have them put on the bike. Sometimes choices are made based on what your goals. I suck at climbing and wanted the best possible advantage, so my husband changed my cassette to give me the best advantage climbing. He gave me certain wheels for the same purpose, while his are more designed to help him go faster on the flat.

When you stop thinking of the bike as a whole (already built and comes the way it comes) and start thinking of how you can customize the various components, you eventually come up with a bike that is best suited for you. And you can do it a little at a time and look for deals to save money.

Good luck with whatever you do!

That's incredibly helpful advice. Thank you! I talked to a mechanic at my LBS and he told me to buy the best bike I could afford and customize to my liking. I know it is a bit pricy to buy components on their own but it seems like the best option for me at the moment.