As Good Or Even Better Than Carbon One - 2019 Cannondale Synapse 105 Disc Alloy. Endurance Road Bike

[@leadpaint1969]

At 5:05 in the video, I noticed a sasquatch walking in the distance.

[@blufish11]

I have a 2018 carbon disc 105. The stock wheels were poor and rear wheel bearings and free hub required rebuild after 5000 miles. Had problems with internal shift cables from beginning. Hydraulic brakes are great. Bike is pretty fast and I just upgraded to zipp 302 wheels which really increase performance all around climbing and fast. You should note the 50/34 and 11/34 gearing for the record. I changed mine from the 11/32 on the 2018 I have to 11/28 and is good for me but the 11/32 is better if not used to climbing. Not sure if I’d buy again. Also a knocking in bottom bracket - so plenty of component issues but ride is good when everything works!

[@marianlysak5296]

Also rear not throu-axle is a fail, one friend riding the cannondale with this reports problem with the disc breaks clinking after putting it back the wheel ... there is said on one hand that it flexes, but on other hand you have to have it really stiff for rear without the through axle and that doesnot comes together

[@arangibney8667]

Great video thanks, I've just bought the 2021 alloy 105 model and love it!

[@waterdog_1995]

Thanks! Your review helped me decide on the 2019 Synapse AL SE. Had for 6 months and 600 miles, couldn’t be happier. Certainly more bike than my abilities! Had the chance to try the carbon version of the same vintage and didn’t find much difference. It’s easy to get tempted by technology and I appreciate your straightforward and honest opinion. Saved me some $$$.

[@tomrj3738]

I'm thinking of picking up the Synapse 2019 Al SE - have heard some rumours RE: rattly cables and dodgy bottom bracket. Have you had any problems with it?

[@ericksonrw]

I've ridden Cannondale road bikes since 1985 - love your videos and passion. Thanks, I always learn a lot. Keep up the great work!

[@victor68588]

I would love to own one like this. I love it... please advice. Victor (Nairobi, Kenya)

[@jackreacher9351]

Wow fantastic man! The knowledge you shared about bike geometry is amazing. Thank you very much

[@cornelbacauanu1544]

Great professional review . Thank you . The 2019 Cannondale synapse has the new 105 technology also . Prefer the alloy vs carbon .

[@marianocelentano2864]

WOW!!! Lots of advantages on the frame that I never knew about. Thanks for infos!!! Lovely bike, pity they don't do different colors.

[@jo3529]

I have the 2019 Synapse aluminium with tiagra and it is the worst bike i have ever bought. I have bought bikes for 30 years - usually Trek. The internal cable rattle was so bad i had to pay to get it reduced. Then so many of the components are poor quality that they rust for no reason. Within only 350 miles of riding the rear hub sounded like a bag of bolts - i have had cheap and expensive bikes, and would put this as middle range pricing of the bikes i have purchased , and no rear hub as gone in such a time - in fact i have not had any go in her 2000 miles. I then spoke to the shop i bought if from online - they said Cannondale want to see the entire bike and not just the wheel - which would put most people sending the bike back as might as well spend the money getting the bearings sorted. I only post this as want buyers to be aware. I definitely would never ever buy another Cannondale - i would buy Trek any day over this rubbish. The only good things i can say are that the seat is comfortable as is there riding position.

[@jackreacher9351]

What's your opinion on Triban 520 endurance bike? It comes with Shimano 105 and costs less than a grand.

[@llk3763]

Very helpful review. I purchased 48mm size, rim brakes - had to have it shipped from another state (yes, I really wanted this one - very light - disc brakes add about 2#). First ride will be today if I can put together. So happy - this review confirmed all my research. Hopefully no longer lost from group on hills.

[@RobBastien]

Your reviews are the best...Thanks for taking the time. I just got a 2015 Cannondale CAAD 10 Black inc Sram Red....What do you think?

[@samanthnair2692]

Thanks a lot for the detailed review. I was stuck between Triban and Synapse both rock a 105. After watching your review, I went for Cannondale

[@pvsarath]

what about weight .10 kg is too heavy?

[@pvsarath]

am struck because of weight.

[@manzahalem8845]

Exceptional overview of the bike, thank you.

[@jefffehrman9660]

ran my old steel cannondale tube shifter into the ground a few years ago. got back into riding and after a lot of research and test rides, landed on the aluminum synapse. Better than carbon b/c i dont have to worry about breaking it (and i have my share of wrecks), and is the dream bike for all terrain. highly recommend... defintely for the money

[@keithisaacs6092]

Cannondale make beautiful frames I've got the quick 1 disc hybrid it's so smooth and comfortable and quite quick.

[@Godspeed961]

same here , have the 19 model and iam happy :D

[@ukestjohn]

I've got a 2016 Synapse Alloy , rim brake version. I've done the following to it, almost all by buying used or on sale. Carbon EC90 bars, SiSl2 Hollogram cranks, Hunt Aerorace wheels, Swalbe tubeless tires, FSA SL-K carbon seatpost, Specialized Romin Pro saddle, Louis Garneau lightweight alloy cages. All in it weighs 7.7 kg.

[@adib4846]

Just bought a 2016 synapse alloy myself but looking forward to changing the wheelset.

[@adib4846]

What brakes are you using?

[@ukestjohn]

@@adib4846 shimano long reach 650's. They're supposed to be Ultegra level.

[@ukestjohn]

@@adib4846 I really recommend the Hunt Aerorace alloy wheelset. They saved almost 500g over the original Alex rims.

[@adib4846]

@@ukestjohn I'll like to buy used ones, but i'm based in Romania and can't find any used here. Saw a lot in facebook uk market but nowdays buying from UK is complicated.

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Well done.

[@damionmandy7978]

I have an alloy 105 Synapse and it's great.

[@Magnus_E]

I will tell you about my synpase 2017. I regret every day of my life getting this bike: 1. A problem with the pedal threads was never solved by Cannondale. 2. BB30 has its Hambini problems, had to get extra adapter for my Ultegra Crankset 3. Chainstay clearance is so small that when rear wheel goes out of true it rubs the frame 4. In the beginning lots of spoke got broken, Cannondale local dealer said there was a problem with some bikes, but I had to pay myself to replace the spokes. 5. Wheels are lame, too much flex anyway. 6. The discbrakes Promax Render R are seriously bad and hardly brake; can't even lock rear wheel. I 'll get some better ones if I don't throw in the garbage the bicycle within 2021.

[@robertbradley2420]

Wouldn't agree that much of bike comfort comes from wider tires, as I just upgraded my aluminum road bike to a 2019 Synapse Ultegra disc carbon. Both bikes have similar 28mm tires. The ride quality is so much better on the Synapse it's almost a different form of exercise. I'd love to ride an aluminum Synapse and see how much the ride quality differed. I got the Synapse for half off - would have seriously considered aluminum if I was paying full price. One thing's for sure - the carbon version is like a magic carpet - unreal ride quality.

[@epikurius5780]

@ SickBiker - very helpful review. I am strongly considering the Synapse Alloy 105. Only thing holdig med back are the mechanical disc brakes. They are a kind of niche, and some say worst of both worlds. Do you think they are good enough, even if going a bit odd road. Will 90 % go on road and in the city though. Would love to hear your comment. All the best!

[@ahpr0]

Hi Danny. They say you could fit only upto 32 mm tires in the bike in question. I have a Synapse Alloy 105 SE (same clearance) and some say one could comfortably manage 34 /35 mm tires. Can you show us what is the maximum width tire that can be put in this bike. Cheers !

[@Nanajo3ana]

I have a question! Which bike will you choose not for racing! 2023 synapse al 1( 105 12 speed mechanical hyd disc with threaded bb)! Or caad 13 2023( 105 11 speed mechanical hyd disc press fit) both same price on sale 1800$ and the synapse is thru axle front and rear ! Same as caad13 ! And is there a difference in the quality of the frame ?

[@bruin4937]

Excellent review, thank you! Really great and useful information!

[@RolandRides]

Greetings from 2023. I see a legit offer of a 2019 Synapse 105 Disc Carbon(!) in mint condition for around 1400€. I'm unsure because I'm a very heavy rider and the weight limit is around 120kg (-10kg for the bike, 110kg - I have no experience with carbon and neither the shock damper design of the Synapse)

[@shemmac4700]

Such a good video and explanation.

[@robtk3]

Bought mine two days ago (alloy). Looking forward to many miles of comfortable zen. I was leaning toward the CAAD 12 105, rim brakes but for the same money my LBS guy made some strong arguments for disc vs rim. Retiring (no pun intended) my 22 year old Trek carbon 105 (bought new in 1997 for $1,000). She is a sweet old girl but, as can be expected, her bottom bracket has been a little grouchy lately.

[@robtk3]

@Brainjock Hmmm... I doubt it. I have the stock Vittoria Zaffiro 28c tires (eventually I'll put some nice Continentals on) and there isn't much clearance between the chainstays... maybe a few millimeters on each side. Having said that, I love the bike. The only thing I've switched out so far was the stock saddle for a Fizik Arione R1 Versus Evo. It rides smooth (even with max 90psi) and shifts smooth (Shimano 105 r7000). I recommend this bike but if you have your heart set on 34c it might not be for you.

[@robtk3]

@Brainjock I hear what you're saying. I think your best bet would be to talk to your local Cannondale bike shop. Good luck and never stop pedaling.

SOOOO wanted to buy CAAD12 with Disk brakes. But NO!! Quick release on the rear wheel is just an INSULT in 2019. NEVER the same position, depending of your strength and "feel" at the moment. WTF!?? With thru axle you ALWAYS get rotors straight. ALWAYS. And I will NOT wait next (or next) year for an update...

[@glennoc8585]

Not always i have thru axles and if you over tighten you can have the pads rub. Eventually zero lock lockout thru axles will eliminate over tensioning.

[@jordangraff2254]

Yeah thru axles can really suck sometimes.... I've never had problems with QR

[@marianlysak5296]

very true about the lack of tru-axle - its definitely saving money on wrong place

[@samehsidhom477]

How does this bike compare to canyon endurace AL disc 105 I think they are both almost same price And which is the better option?

[@pufferz6788]

Get the canyon

[@chrislindstrom4399]

You left the dork disk on!

[@jordangraff2254]

Aluminum offers a peace of mind that carbon doesn't... I can crash aluminum and ride...

[@NallePu83]

False security.

[@Gearupp916]

Carbon forks

[@NasirCrazyguy]

Hey there, do you mind making a comparison video between CAAD 13 and Synapse 105 Dics alloy. I really would like to know the difference

[@LeoInterHyenaem]

The fucks at Cannondale! They were so close to designing an excellent aluminium road endurance / allroad / adventure bike with this one! ... but sought to destroy it with the ugly bulging, non-smoothed welds, somewhat insufficient clearance for 40mm mudguards and a regrettable omission of fork crown headlight and interval hub dynamo wire guides.

[@666jdixon]

I recently bought a shimano 105 crankset 50/34, do you know what type of bottom bracket i will need to fit this bike.

[@supermusclemaniac1]

What the carbon Synapse has that the alloy Synapse doesn't...Carbon frame, carbon wheels, hydrolic braking system, smooth adjustable seat post and way sexier color selection. Especially the teal carbon Synapse which is the most unique amazing looking color ever seen on a bike imo. Look it up. To change the alloy for a carbon fork and to get the bike as light weight for $600 +1600 for the bike is $2200. The bike will still have an alloy frame. The bike still won't have hydrolic brakes and it still won't have the unique color. So to spend $800 more for better brakes and color for a bike you will have for many years is a no-brainer. The carbon Synapse all day everyday.

[@milanvidanovic5873]

Excellent review. I bought the carbon 2019 edition one for 1260euro in Nov2019 in Evans cycles and ride 3centuries and one 200k brevet and its absolutely perfect! The biggest advantage of the carbon compared to alloy one are the perfect hydraulic brakes:)

[@kamuelalee]

Great video, thank you. How does this bike do on steep climbs and steep descents? I live on a hilly street.

[@blytonfernandes9272]

Hi all , wanted to know is the 51 size synapses , will be good for 5.8 rider with 31 inseam . Thanks .

[@osint6372]

How about a bike that can also be used in Triathlons that has not so aggressive geometry? I know Merida Aero is not bad but it cannot be found in the U.S as easy and you have to try the bike before you buy. Ordering online is a risk.

[@MD0886]

@SickBiker how does it compare to giant's defy or canyon's endurace or grail alloy??

[@misterKonK]

Synapse or canyon endurace?

[@rohans5443]

misterK I am having that same question

[@mantiq7768]

I'm going for Synapse because it appears to have more flex and thus more comfortable. Perhaps see which you can get the better deal on.

[@g3_angold]

Hi. Thanks for the video! Do you know the frame's weight?

[@pvsarath]

Hi Bro which size do you ride?

[@MSR797]

Unbelievable, it's truly heavy and a little bit overpriced. An amazing bike like GT Grade price is closer to the alloy one than the carbon one, and it's a carbon bike with better components (but I must admit that the ztr grail rims on it are not so good). Try to understand me, I've had the pleasure to ride all the synapse since 2013 and they are great bikes, but you'll pay also for the marketing they made, because those are not so innovative features, great for sure, but so innovative.

[@osint6372]

CAAD12 Disc or Specialized Allez Sport Disc.....???? For Triathlons???

[@robtk3]

I think those bikes are very similar. One difference I noticed during my research was Cannondale uses pressed BBs and Specialized still uses threaded.

[@jakubbrodziak]

I like it !

[@NeuralSpike13]

it looks like my cannondale caadx 105 2018. :D

[@bensinger6521]

good points! Thank you.

[@glennoc8585]

Gish Danny you live near such a beautiful cycling woodland. Any idea of the weight of this bike ?

[@nikolay-avokadunskiy]

O kurde, dopiero teraz się dzowiedziałem że po Angielsku nagrywasz ;D

[@ibramguirguis]

cool 2020, thanks mate

[@cb750boldor]

thank you very much , that was a very useful video!

[@Godspeed961]

i find on clearance 1200 euros. and i see the 2019 model is green. what model is this? and where do you find it 600 euros?

[@malikshata268]

Godspeed961 same

[@pvsarath]

just ordered 56 inch .will be getting in two hours.

[@vineethmenon7351]

Hi Sarath, howz ur experience with the bike..My height is 5 11..56 size okay?..What's ur views

[@Awtsgege23]

im using mtb,can I use 32h hub to my 36h rim is it ok

[@dezoksiribon]

Hi Danny, could you do a review to new Vitus Zenium CR bike? it's a full carbon frame and fork (not the seatpost), with new 105 r7000, hydraulic brakes and costs under 2000$

[@robtk3]

Yes, I've seen that one as well during my research. At that price point, I was wondering if it's horribly cheap Chinese carbon i.e. mostly resin. I ended up getting the exact bike in this video.

[@realist915able]

I scored a 2017 synapse al frame on eBay. My favorite bike now. I lucked out with standard BB not bb30. Build is new claris, C2 finishing kit and mavic open pro wheels. Very happy with the bike.

[@richardggeorge]

BB30 creaks so you are better off with a standard BB (I'm a CAAD10 owner)

[@dwaynejava]

I have the 2018 alloy with sora. I like it but it seems heavy to me. I ride it offroad alot. Trek emonda alr, or Giant offer intersting alternatives.

[@dwaynejava]

@Brainjock ive on had 28mm

[@SportsCyclist]

once again great video

[@greengrass9572]

Too heavy man, old rim brakes versions much lighter.

[@randalierersen6941]

Is it the SE Version? Whats the tire clearance? How much weight is the frame + fork of the alloy version?

[@amineelouar9012]

Is there a difference between the frames of the synapse 105, tiagra, and sora?

[@jojojipojikung]

It the same frame. But I would recommend the 105 SE models one. The crank set and wheel are totally crap, mine is 2018 tiagra and my chain are rub the front derailleur when push the force to it. To replace the BB30 thing you will need at least 90$ to get the decent one. Not to mention the Wheel RD3.0 thing.

[@mathieub3953]

Aluminium wont flex less than carbon. As an engineer I can tell you that it is simply a case of product design with taking the material properties into account. A carbon bike is not always better than aluminium. The material itself offers more tuning, yes, but if you dont build your product around the material properties, it might become shitty even with the most sofisticated materials. PS: concerning the througth axle at the front. Mechanicaly when you brake at the front, the new point of rotation will create a force that wants to push out the wheel, so out of the fork, not good, at the back it will push the wheel up and therefore against the frame,so not an issue at all. It is therefore much more critical to have disc and quick release at the front then at the back.

[@phillycheesetake]

As another engineer I'd have to agree with the essential point you made, that it's all down to design. You have to take into consideration that aluminium is particularly weak in terms of stress endurance, and so structures made of aluminium have to be made stiff so that they don't flex and lose their strength. So in practical terms, bikes made of carbon flex more than bikes made of aluminium.

[@Digi20]

@@phillycheesetake my aluminium trekking bike (diamant elan) has an alu fork that flexes like crazy and is extremely comfortable. never even ridden a steel fork that comes close. so it seems possible to do very flexy aluminium components.

[@mathieub3953]

@@phillycheesetake it depends of the alloy you are using. Most of the alloys, you are right, dont have a permanent stress resistance as steel has, but some alloys have, but they are mostly more expensive than standard alloys like 6060 6061 etc..