[Synaptic]

Hi. I have a ten-year-old Cannondale Synapse, aluminium. In the last decade I’ve upgraded the group set and wheels, but not I need a new group set and rear wheel. The bike’s worth very little but the frame is excellent and I love the ride, it’s amazingly comfortable on long rides, even up to 150 miles. Though scuffed, the frame is sound.
Question now is whether to buy new components, again, at a cost of £500 or more, or to get a new or second-hand bike. And, I am thinking of switching to carbon.
And, second question, is carbon really that much better? The weight savings are less than I would have thought at the price bracket I’m looking at, which is £1k-1.5k. Boardman does some great, reasonably priced carbon and aluminium.
Thanks

Topic

[Steve K]

I’d say if you love the bike, it’s worth investing to keep it on the road.

[Synaptic]

Thanks both. The rear wheel is damaged and needs replacing; both mechs are screwed and need replacing. I’ve decided to keep the bike, renew the drivetrain and replace both wheel.

[tomlew]

What exactly do you mean by “I need a new group set”?

I understand you need a rear wheel, as you may have crashed or broken it. But I find it hard to imagine you NEEDING to replace the grouppo, as you would’ve rather said something like “I need to replace the RD” or “My shifter is not working” (unless there is absolutely no substitute for the broken part).

That leaves us with you WANTING to upgrade some stuff – which is a matter of your preference, not of our opinion.

[matthewn5]

In my experience of both, aluminium makes a very lively ride that you’ll miss in all but the best carbon. Even good carbon feels calm and damp compared to aluminium. So, if you’re prepared to buy top-of-the-range carbon, maybe second hand, go for it, but otherwise I’d be tempted to stick with the frame you have. You could always get it resprayed in a new colour for the ‘new bike’ feeling.

[Author]

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