[Mark01268]

Can’t decide which to go for cannondale synapse 105 carbon or canyon ultimate cf sl

Topic

[narcissus]

For me I would choose
For me I would choose cannondale .

No reason is like,Especially their lefty

[rnarito]

The Canyon bikes look
The Canyon bikes look amazing, but I can’t buy one in the US 😐 With that said, I own a Cannondale and can say nothing but great things about the brand. Well built bikes that handle superbly and are very light. However, I do agree with the others, you should definitely ride them to figure out which one fits you best. Good luck 🙂

[Miles253]

In regards to the headset, if
In regards to the headset, if the problem is really unsolvable through the lbs, couldn’t you send it back to Canyon? Failing that, couldn’t you put in a new headset? Of a different type?

[Mark01268]

Miles253 will do mate
Miles253 will do mate

[boffo]

There is a lot to be said for
There is a lot to be said for the LBS. I got myself a slx last year, a superb bike that would be hard to beat even if it was an extra £1000, but a long delay, poorly assembled and now the need for new headset bearings which nobody seams to know much about (acros) kind of took the shine off of the deal. Would I buy from Canyon again? probably. Its the bike that counts.

[Miles253]

Mark01268 wrote:Miles 253

Mark01268 wrote:

Miles 253 your right mate about the smile on your face, and I have ordered the cannondale.

Sweet, enjoy it, and ride report please.

[Mark01268]

Miles 253 your right mate
Miles 253 your right mate about the smile on your face, and I have ordered the cannondale.

[Scoob_84]

surly_by_name wrote:
I am

surly_by_name wrote:

I am similarly sceptical as to the merits of a “test ride”, mostly because the “test” really isn’t. You aren’t going to get any meaningful time/distance on the bike and it’s unlikely (unless your bike shop carries all of the models you are considering) that you will be able to compare different bikes head to head over the same conditions (even assuming those conditions are the same ones you intend to use bike for). I can see why bike shops trumpet the idea that you shouldn’t buy a bike without a test ride.

+1
Me too, I did a test ride on a 54cm and 56cm supersix before riding. Trouble was, the bikes set up at evans had about 6 inches of headset spacers so the test was pretty much meaningless. The 56 felt so upright i ruled it out. Luckily i was advised to go a size down if there’s any confusion and i’m fairly happy with my 54cm after a few stem adjustments.

I also recently bought a kinesis frame going just off the online sizing guide and a chat with the manufacturer. The fit turned out to be perfect.

[surly_by_name]

I am very sceptical about the
I am very sceptical about the current trend for (invariably expensive) “bike fittings”. If you send me £150, I will happily pop around to your place and put a few spacers under your stem and/or tip your stem upside down so it sticks up in the air in a manner that makes your bike resemble a cheap hybrid.

Also, “fit” isn’t static. I am more flexible now than I was 15 years ago. The bespoke Ti frame I bought in 2004 now feels too high at the front unless I put a negative rise stem on it. Is the idea that you pop back for another expensive fitting every 12 months?

I am similarly sceptical as to the merits of a “test ride”, mostly because the “test” really isn’t. You aren’t going to get any meaningful time/distance on the bike and it’s unlikely (unless your bike shop carries all of the models you are considering) that you will be able to compare different bikes head to head over the same conditions (even assuming those conditions are the same ones you intend to use bike for). I can see why bike shops trumpet the idea that you shouldn’t buy a bike without a test ride.

I am very happy with Canyon. My SLX is a breathtakingly great, spectacular bike. (I have recently ridden the Ultegra equipped Ultimate AL and for the money that is probably the best bike I’ve ever thrown a leg over. Certainly it is all the bike my talent would ever justify if I was being sensible.) I’ve never had a problem with Canyon service. I am a moderately capable mechanic and quite like building bikes and fixing them, but if I can’t fix a problem then I accept I’ll have to take it to a shop and pay for them to do it. Everyone is different and Canyon may not work for you.

To the chap who started all of this: I wouldn’t agonise over the decision for too long, none of the options you are looking at is the “wrong” choice, any of them will put a smile on your face.

[Miles253]

I’ve seen lots of articles
I’ve seen lots of articles recently that argue the merits of a test ride. I think your own measurements and riding needs should be all you need to make a decision. I of course would argue the joy of seeing the bike in front of you either, but am happy to waive that for the better spec for the money in most cases. I am thinking about scouring the sales for some bargains as they often uproot some great deals that help match the Canyon value for money. Primera sports seem to offer good off the bat pricing, very competitive actually. I think they have the Ultegra Synapse for just over £2000 which is great, not sure if there is a catch however.

[Mark01268]

Yeah Fitting is essential,
Yeah Fitting is essential, managed to borrow cannondale today, rides really well and looks the part also,

[Nixster]

Getting back to the
Getting back to the bikes…

The two you’ve listed fit quite differently – the Synapse is more upright with a relatively shorter reach compared to the Canyon I think?

Making sure you’ve got a bike that fits you, whether by trying it out in person or being very sure of your measurements/preferences will give you a better result in the long run.

Compared to this whether it gets posted to you or to a shop is a relatively minor consideration I suggest.

[giobox]

surly_by_name wrote:Where is

surly_by_name wrote:

Where is this mystery LBS of which you speak? The one which remains open “after work” to serve your every need? The one that doesn’t say “sorry mate … we’re all booked up until Thursday week” or “no, we don’t have that part in stock. But we can order it to store, it should be here next Tuesday” or “you’ll need our gold service for that. How much you ask? Only £149.99”.

My experience with several shops is that they have done all of the things I mentioned. That’s my point really – support your LBS by shopping there and get to know the staff and this is in my experience not uncommon at all. Turn up with a bike you bought from Canyon, and sure they’ll charge you 150 quid. My old LBS (Billy Bilsland Cycles in Glasgow since you seem to think the shop is mythical) did all of these things, and provided maintenance for bikes bought from them for free. Again, good luck replicating that experience when you wheel your Canyon in.

[bollandinho]

I have the Ultegra Synapse
I have the Ultegra Synapse and it’s amazing. I have one of those mythical bike shops that is open before/after work, and they’ve been brilliant in helping me fit it and get it just right. (It’s Billy Bilslands on Glasgow Green, if you’re curious.)

I spent a long time eyeing up Canyons and Roses, but I felt happier buying something I’d tried out and knew was right for me. Also, after seeing it in the flesh (carbon) and trying it, I knew it would be a bike I would want to ride a lot. That was a big factor for me.

I’m sure the Canyon is brilliant too, but I would suggest you try out the Cannondale if you can.

[bollandinho]

I have the Ultegra Synapse
I have the Ultegra Synapse and it’s amazing. I have one of those mythical bike shops that is open before/after work, and they’ve been brilliant in helping me fit it and get it just right. (It’s Billy Bilslands on Glasgow Green, if you’re curious.)

I spent a long time eyeing up Canyons and Roses, but I felt happier buying something I’d tried out and knew was right for me. Also, after seeing it in the flesh (carbon) and trying it, I knew it would be a bike I would want to ride a lot. That was a big factor for me.

I’m sure the Canyon is brilliant too, but I would suggest you try out the Cannondale if you can.

[Author]

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