CAAD10 5 105 vs. Synapse 5 105 alloy

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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.)

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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.

[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!