The problem with most entry level carbon bikes on the market is that when you get under $2000 for a complete bike, there is going to be a compromise somewhere. It might be the shifters, the wheels, the brakes; the list goes on. The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 6 for 2011 aims to not only demolish any preconceptions about entry level carbon fiber bikes, but also bring to the market a bike under the 2k mark that any road rider would love to take up his favorite road.
The Package
The first thing that we noticed when we un-boxed our first Cannondale fresh from the UPS guy's hands is how nice it looks. The paint has a subtle flake to it with a contrasting charcoal and white finish. It was not subject to the cookie-cutter graphics that a lot of other bikes in this category suffer from. While it was on the repair stand we had numerous customers mention how classy the bike looked put together. While this may have no bearing on actual ride quality, if you and your sweetheart are going to be spending some time together, we feel she should be a looker too.
Cannondale features it's proven S.A.V.E. technology (The shaping of the fork, seat and chain-stays to allow for a modicum of vertical compliance and shock absorption while maintaining exceptional bottom bracket stiffness) on this frame. What S.A.V.E does is absorb the tiny shocks and bumps in the road so you don't have to, allowing you to arrive at your destination without feeling like you've been in a bar fight.
The real star of the show here is the SRAM Apex group, which is new for 2011. SRAM took all other component manufacturers to task by offering an entry level group that really left us wanting for nothing. The shifters shifted true and with a satisfying "click" and there was none of the "wishy-washiness" that other inexpensive shifting systems tend to display APEX also features their WiFli Technology, giving you the gear range of a triple chain ring, but keeping the simplicity of a double. What this means is you can still attack those big scary hills without having to deal with the extra weight and complexity of a triple chain ring system.
The Ride
The ride is what you can expect from the Synapse family of bikes: The Synapse High Mod 1, the Synapse 6's bigger brother, was voted "Men's Plush Bike Of The Year" by Bicycling Magazine and "Best Cyclosportif Bike of the Year" by Velo News. The bike was nimble and quick to climb up the hills in true Cannondale fashion, and I was aiming for rough pavement to test out the SAVE system, which ate up the small bumps and uneven road conditions with aplomb.
The geometry of the Cannondale Synapse 6 lends itself to a more upright and, to most, more comfortable position. The head tube is higher than normal, allowing you to sit a bit higher up from the front wheel. Also, the wheelbase is longer and the head tube angle is a bit slacker, giving the bike a very stable manner on rough pavement and even (gasp!) gravel and other nasty road conditions. Our guys here who race would have liked a more aggressive position, but I found it to be perfect for my frame and I felt right at home in the cockpit.
Summary
If you're a weight weenie, high level racer, or a super competitive rider whose buddies are on the latest and greatest carbon superbikes and talk a lot of smack, this may not be the bike for you. It's not made to be a pedal-to-the-metal race bike. What this bike is ideal for is long rides, blasting around Central Park, charity rides, and the occasional weekend sport tour, and I reckon that it would be a great starting point for someone just getting into racing in the beginner circuits.
We really like the Synapse 6 because it's hard for us to look at it and find anything to fault. Now, if you spend more money, you are going to get something lighter, stiffer, and more exclusive, which is always a good thing. However, if you want to get your first taste of carbon fiber, and experience how good a material it is to make a bike out of without spending a fortune, we can think of no better way than the Synapse 6.
Come in for a test ride!
KMA
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