2009 vs 2011 Cannondale Synapse 5

Hey all,

I'm trying to decide between buying a used 2009 Cannondale Synapse 5 vs 2011. Any thoughts on if the 2011 has a better quality aluminum or anything? I've posted some details below. I'm also buying long distance, and trying to figure out if the downtube or toptube is thicker (ie-the new triangular shape) or if the 2009 is thinner and more old-school.

According to bikepedia, there are some differences. The fork on the 2011 is Carbon, aero crown, aero crown; the fork on the 2009 is Carbon/aluminum steerer, aero crown. Brakes on 2011 are Tektro R580 Dual Pivot brakes, Shimano 105 levers and on 2009 are Tektro R538 brakes, Shimano 105 STI levers, There are some other differences posted here:

2011:
Components
Component Group Shimano 105
Brakeset Tektro R580 Dual Pivot brakes, Shimano 105 levers
Shift Levers Shimano 105
Front Derailleur Shimano 105
Rear Derailleur Shimano 105
Crankset FSA Gossamer BB30, 34/50 teeth
Pedals Not included
Bottom Bracket FSA BB30
BB Shell Width Unspecified
Rear Cogs 10-speed, 11 - 28 teeth
Chain Shimano 105
Seatpost Cannondale C3
Saddle Cannondale Stage w/CroMo rails
Handlebar Cannondale C3 Compact
Handlebar Extensions Not included
Handlebar Stem Cannondale C3
Headset Synapse Si

Wheels
Hubs Shimano RS10
Rims Shimano RS10
Tires 700 x 25c Schwalbe Lugano
Spoke Brand Shimano RS10
Spoke Nipples Unspecified



2009:
Components
Component Group Shimano 105
Brakeset Tektro R538 brakes, Shimano 105 STI levers
Shift Levers Shimano 105 STI
Front Derailleur Shimano 105
Rear Derailleur Shimano 105
Crankset FSA Omega Compact, 34/50 teeth
Pedals Not applicable
Bottom Bracket FSA Mega EXO
BB Shell Width Unspecified
Rear Cogs 10-speed, 12 - 27 teeth
Chain Shimano 10 Speed
Seatpost Cannondale C2 Carbon-wrapped
Saddle San Marco Ponza Power
Handlebar Cannondale C3
Handlebar Extensions Not included
Handlebar Stem Cannondale C4
Headset Integrated

Wheels
Hubs Shimano RS10
Rims Shimano RS10
Tires 700 x 23c Maxxis Fuse
Spoke Brand Unspecified
Spoke Nipples Unspecified

Thanks for all the help!

I am still a newbie relatively speaking.

But based on the components which seem quite similar, I would go with the 2011 for the resale value AND, in general, Cannondale/bike makers tend to improve on the frames every few years so that the frames are stronger and lighter but at a lower or same weight as before.

Another thing that you can do for your research is that you can call Cannondale and talk to their techs about the 2 bikes. Ask them which bike they would choose and why. I did that when I had a choice between a Specialized Amira 2012 and a Specialized Amira 2011 at the same price point offered to me (both bikes with Shimano 105 components).

There might be some difference in the shifters between 2009 and 2011 too, considering the trickle-down from improvements in the top-end groups.