[BrokenBootneck]

Afternoon all

Our cycle to work scheme is nearly here again, and as n+1 is the optimal number can anybody help with recommendations based on my requirements.

1. Disc brakes

2. 28c or plus

3. Full mudguard able to be fitted, clip on style not an option (ability to mount a rack would be a bonus)

4. 105, 11 speed would be ideal (I already have Campag and SRAM)

5. Preferably a road bike not a CX, I already have a Boardman CX Team

This is to become a full on winter bike, happy with Aluminium or Steel.

Thanks in advance.

Topic

[BrokenBootneck]

I am torn at the moment, but
I am torn at the moment, but the Synapse has always been on my Short list, also like the GT Grade and the Fuji mentioned, but the price has gone back up on that. I really want more of road bike than a do anything bike as I have my Boardman CX Team, although that might go back for a refund. Decisions decisions!

[ugunt]

I recently bought the
I recently bought the Cannondale Synapse alloy 105 (2015 model) and can recommend it for commuting. I use it with sks raceblades as mudguards.
Lots of standard components as on all these bicycles (shimano up and down), but this one was put together nicely. Good frame, the best I ever had, it does absorb the bumps very nicely. The disc brakes are good, even for a heavier cyclist. Noy as strong as some Deore Hydraulics that I have used, but enough t block the wheeels, and much simpler.

This replaces my 10year old Ridgeback Genesis Day 03 with many thousands of miles. A bit of a stepchange, but doesn’t make me faster.

[ugunt]

I recently bought the
I recently bought the Cannondale Synapse alloy 105 (2015 model) and can recommend it for commuting. I use it with sks raceblades as mudguards.
Lots of standard components as on all these bicycles (shimano up and down), but this one was put together nicely. Good frame, the best I ever had, it does absorb the bumps very nicely. The disc brakes are good, even for a heavier cyclist. Noy as strong as some Deore Hydraulics that I have used, but enough t block the wheeels, and much simpler.

This replaces my 10year old Ridgeback Genesis Day 03 with many thousands of miles. A bit of a stepchange, but doesn’t make me faster.

[BrokenBootneck]

Good call, I will have a
Good call, I will have a proper look at this one!

[scale70]

I picked up the Fuji Sportif
I picked up the Fuji Sportif 1.3 D 2015 last week. Really pleased with it – lovely looking bike.

A slight upgrade to the Fuji Sportif 1.1 D 2015 would meet the OPs original requirements, i.e. 105 groupset, disc brakes, 28mm tyres, can take mudguards. Ideal winter training bike.

Only £800 too, so well within c-2-w voucher budgets.

[Blissy]

Picked up the GT Grade alloy
Picked up the GT Grade alloy 105 tonight, looking forward to getting out on it at the weekend

[Blissy]

Ok, stretching the budget a
Ok, stretching the budget a touch to the scheme limit +/- £100, it’s heads or tails between GT Grade alloy 105 or Specialized Roubiax Disk 2014, which is in the sales, but for what is still an expensive bike has Sora. Considering that you can get alu bike in the sales with sora for just over £400.

Carbon frame or better brakes and gears? There would be no £ for upgrading parts for a long time!

I like the looks of both, I know the camo on the grade is an opinion splitter but I like the individual touch.

What to do …

[Blissy]

Thanks for that Simon. I’ll
Thanks for that Simon. I’ll hit the shops after Christmas and see which I like the look and feel of. Interestingly both Evans and Leuisure Lakes said the Diverge was the one to try. Hopefully that’s a sign of the bike regard rather than a better margin.

[Simon E]

Blissy, there are no real
Blissy, there are no real duds nowadays. I think you should visit shops selling these bikes and check them out in the flesh. You’ll probably find doing that helps you make a decision more than anything else.

Also:
http://road.cc/content/news/121785-first-ride-gt-grade
http://road.cc/content/review/110792-whyte-dorset-commuterroad-bike
(yes it’s the Dorset but very similar)

[Blissy]

After some more reading and
After some more reading and searching I’ve confused myself further with another two models taking the list to:

GT Grade (Claris or sora)
Specialized Diverge (racing road)
Whyte Sussex
Norco Search S3

I’m not familiar with the tech lingo, they all look nice and the marketing blurbs seem to fit what I need the bike for. Anything obvious that would assist in ruling any of these in or out? I’m lost

[Blissy]

I’ve had a similar search but
I’ve had a similar search but looking for bike and guards all in around the £850 mark. More flexible about what groupset as anything will improve on my 12 year old mountain bike. Currently like the look of GT Grade and Specialized Diverge. Anyone had any experience of either or opinions ?

Thanks in advance

[BrokenBootneck]

Anyone know if Cycle Surgery
Anyone know if Cycle Surgery allow you to top up you C2W?

[Badgered]

The Cannondale Synapse alloy
The Cannondale Synapse alloy Disc 105 comes with the 2015 11-speed 5800 groupset.
I got it last month also on the Cycle 2 Work scheme (£999.99 from Evans). It’s an awesome bike. I can’t believe for 1K you get 11-sp AND disc brakes!
It’ll take full length mudguards but only up to 25mm tyres and that’s with minimal clearance. It’s so ridiculously close it looks like bad design. Not sure about rack mounts but I’ll check tonight on mine.

[BrokenBootneck]

Good to hear, I have a set of
Good to hear, I have a set of SKS Chromoplastic’s sitting around, but I was thinking more along the lines of proper old fashioned mudguards that last forever. Also will it take larger tyres, I quite like the 32’s on my Boardman CX.

[Wingnut]

Just received my Cannondale
Just received my Cannondale Synapse Alloy Disc 105 and it DOES take mudguards, it has fittings on the middle of the front fork above the disc and fittings on the rear. I have SKS fitted. The front needs a bit of bending and cutting as the fittings need to be shorter, your shop should do this to save you swearing. Had it for a few spins and its ace, buttery smooth and nippy My wife has ordered the female version on the scheme as well. Considering its a top notch frame, 11spd groupset and disc wheel its a steal at the price, spreading payments over 12 months sans tax just sweetens the deal.
All the best

[Author]

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