Cannondale synapse or caadx?

[sjj84]

Following on from my last thread about the caadx and my desire to buy a bike on the cycle to work scheme, I've come across the synapse and wonder if that would be a better bet? Both models come with 105 group set and mechanical discs for the same £999 price. Any advantages of one over the other that I'm missing? Will be used on single lane narrow country roads, the sort that get covered in mud from tractors and flood when it rains. Not intending on taking it off road.

My initial thoughts on getting the caadx were due to the larger tyres hopefully giving a better ride and being more resistant to punctures, plus a more upright position. I'm extremely unfit and I'm wanting to do this to get fit, I'd like to be as comfy as possible hence not looking at the usual road bikes that I think would finish off my back completely.

Any thoughts? Back to work on Friday so will set the ball rolling with whatever I have to do to buy through the scheme.

[sjj84]

Thanks for the info, both bikes have eyelets for mudguards according to the cannondale website.

I've been searching around for a shop that has both in stock, not having much luck at the moment. My nearest Evans is about 45 minutes away but sadly has neither.

I don't have any intention currently to take it off road, I've got an old hardtail mountain bike that's barely been used, I think I'll take that if I'm planning on riding to the woods.

Are the continental 4 seasons a good tyre? I see them mentioned quite a lot. They seem to be quite expensive compared to other brands.

[sjj84]

I'll make a note to try and avoid vans!! It makes sense to me to wear out whatever tyres come on it to begin with, I'll look at getting some 4 seasons then.

Ideally don't want to spend over the £1000 limit as I'm starting from scratch so will be paying extra to get shoes, pedals, some sort of clothing and anything else I might need like a pump.

Going to have a look in a local bike shop on Thursday that I've just spotted online, hopefully they'll have something to see.

[sjj84]

Silver940 said:

I've been using 25mm Gp4000s all year round and really can't complain. They roll really well and I've had relatively few punctures. Front has now done over 7k miles...

I'll take a look at those too then when the time comes. The synapse comes with Schwalbe Lugano, any good?

[sjj84]

Just to complete the thread, I have now ordered a synapse via the cycle to work scheme. Just waiting for what ever I have to wait for. Looking forward to my first ride, have bought pedals and shoes in anticipation.