Cannondale Synapse Alloy 5 105 vs Trek 2.3

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Permalink Reply by pjc jr on March 13, 2011 at 2:58pm

Completed my second Cannondale frame custom build this winter.  Have a Caad 8/R1000 frame 105-ultegra mix that I train and raced on the last several years and love it.  Acquired a Cannondale Slice 2005 Ironman 25th Anni. frame last fall and built it up with mostly Sram Force (which I have never ridden Sram).  Haven't started test driving it yet, just waiting for the surfaces to get a little better.  With American Classic 420 wheels, both these builds were incredibly light and the ride is soft and responsive.  I have been riding a custom built wheel set this winter on the Caad 8 and really only noticed acceleration stiffness difference as the positive, but the ride was not as smooth as 420's (which are good wheels for a lighter rider due to how much they flex).  Guess what I am sharing is that I have little to no experience on Trek frames, but really love the Cannondale frames I have owned! 

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Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on March 13, 2011 at 6:02pm

I suggest you go test ride them in person. It sounds like you already have all the online feedback you need.

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Permalink Reply by Gecko on March 13, 2011 at 7:48pm

As Kelvin said, riding them in person is the best next step.

 

Like pjc jr, I'm slightly biased, but toward Trek instead.  I have only had good experiences riding Trek products, although I can't say the same for some of my Cannondale-riding friends.

 

Objectively, the bikes are very close in all respects.  There are some important differences though.  The frame angles are a little steeper (1 degree or so) on the Trek and the wheelbase is slightly shorter (1 inch or so), which makes for a slightly more aerodynamic, slightly more maneuverable bike.  On the other hand, if you like a ride that's just a bit more upright with slightly slower steering, you might like the Cannondale better.  Both frames also have clearance and mounts for fenders.

 

The other differences are in component specs.  As far as cockpit and drivetrain goes, they're nearly identical except brand names.  The brakes, cranks, and wheels are where the differences lie.  I'm not a snob, but if I were to buy a 105 bike, I'd like to get the awesome 105 brakes like the Trek has, instead of the Tektros (which are long reach unlike the Trek) that come on the Cannondale.  On a similar note, the Trek comes with 105 cranks, unlike the Cannondale's FSA crankset.  Also, the Shimano wheelset that comes on the Cannondale is good, but the Bontrager Race wheels on the Trek are slightly better.

 

Once again, it all comes down to personal preference, and considering how similar they are, you'll really have to go ride both for yourself.  I'm just trying to provide some quick points to consider while testing.

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