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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    Georgia
    Posts
    82

    2009 vs 2011 Cannondale Synapse 5

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    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!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Rowland Hts, CA
    Posts
    461
    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).
    2014 Liv Lust
    2013 Specialized Fate Expert with carbon wheelset (sold)
    2012 Specialized Amira Elite
    2010 Santa Cruz Juliana with R kit and Crampon pedals (sold)

    2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle (sold)

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Tucson, AZ
    Posts
    4,632
    There might be some difference in the shifters between 2009 and 2011 too, considering the trickle-down from improvements in the top-end groups.
    At least I don't leave slime trails.
    http://wholecog.wordpress.com/

    2009 Giant Avail 3 |Specialized Jett 143

    2013 Charge Filter Apex| Specialized Jett 143
    1996(?) Giant Iguana 630|Specialized Riva


    Saving for the next one...

 

 

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