MERIDA Ride Alloy 94 or CANNONDALE Synapse 5 105 C?

[Gavstar]

I'm choosing between these two bikes, and am veering towards the Cannondale as it has some mounts for a pannier rack and can take full guards. The pannier rack still needs a seat post ring, but it will sit better than on the Merida which has none.

Any thoughts on anything else I should consider? Spec wise, they're almost identical other than the cranks, which i'm told are slightly lower spec on the Cannondale.

[Bobley]

Not much wrong with a Gossamer crank? Strange thing to say?

My lad rides a Synapse Tiagra which he likes but we only made the decision after going to the bike shop and riding it about. We conpared it to a Focus, Jamis and a couple of others. There's nothing in it really as long as it feels comfortable.

[IN51GHT]

I have a 2013 Synapse & I am very, very pleased with it.

[richardxjr]

One of my riding mates bought an alu Synapse, this year he added a carbon one so he's very happy too.

The SAVE flared seatstays seem to work, don't know if it's any more comfy than a carbon post on any other bike though.

[BeeGT]

I've never ridden a Cannondale but I have the Merida Alloy 105 and cannot complain - it was an insurance replacement for an "irreplaceable" Lemond so I couldn't try it out first but I find it a relaxed sportive-style fit and not too aggressive.

[shalmaneser]

Cannondale, no question. Much better frame.

[TAZ 215]

What makes the Cannondale so much better?

I just read the specs, which show the Cannondale with 6061 series aluminium and carbon fork blades and the Merida with 6066 aluminium and a full carbon fork.

That would seem to be not as good.

[Gavstar]

My LBS actually said the Merida is a better bike, but I want lugs for the pannier rack to make it more secure and not sit so high, which makes the Cannondale better for me I think. Unfortunately the need for a rack means making some compromises.

[Gizmoish]

Another Cannondale vote. My CAAD8 was really comfortable, Synapse is supposed to be even better.