Road Bike Spec
Posted by: Lontano on 01 January 2009
I am thinking of getting a new road bike and am closing in on a Cannondale Synapse Carbon Fibre Bike. I think the geometry will suit me as it gives a slightly more upright position and is meant to be comfortable for long all day rides. I still need to do a little road testing to be certain this is the one for me and am waiting for it to arrive at the store in my size.
The big question I have on the bike spec is do I go for a Compact Double Crankset (34/50) or a Triple (30/39/50).
Now we are not in a big hill district here but I do want to be comfortable going up them when I encounter them. I am lead to believe that the Compact Double should be fine as long as I am not cycling the Alps.
It's another £300 to get the triple with better spec components on the bike as well but I would prefer not to spend that additional cash.
So will I be happy with the compact double? I welcome any thoughts.
Bike One Spec with Compact Double
Frame: Synapse SL Carbon S.A.V.E.
Fork: Cannondale SL Synapse S.A.V.E.
Gears: Shimano 105 front and rear derailleurs
Shifters: Shimano 105
Crankset: Cannondale Carbon BB30 Compact 34/50 Tooth Chainrings
Brakes: Shimano 105
Wheels: Mavic Aksium Race wheelset
Tyres: Vittoria Zaffiro Pro 700x23c
Handlebar: Cannondale C3
Stem: Cannondale C4 31.8mm
Saddle: Fizik Pave Sport
Seatpost: Cannondale C3 16mm offset 31.6 x 300mm
Pedals/Extras: Look Keo Classic Team Liquigas pedals.
Bike Two spec - another 300 quid.
Frame: Synapse Carbon SL S.A.V.E.
Fork: Cannondale Synapse S.A.V.E.
Gears: Shimano Ultegra front and rear derailleurs
Shifters: Shimano Ultegra
Crankset: Shimano Ultegra Triple 30/39/50
Brakes: Shimano Ultegra
Wheels: Mavic Ksyrium Equipe Wheelset
Tyres: Vittoria Zaffiro Pro 700x23c
Handlebar: Cannondale C3
Stem: Cannondale C4 31.8mm
Saddle: Fizik Aliante Delta
Seatpost: Cannondale C2 31.6x300mm
Pedals/Extras: Look Keo Classic Team Liquigas pedals
The big question I have on the bike spec is do I go for a Compact Double Crankset (34/50) or a Triple (30/39/50).
Now we are not in a big hill district here but I do want to be comfortable going up them when I encounter them. I am lead to believe that the Compact Double should be fine as long as I am not cycling the Alps.
It's another £300 to get the triple with better spec components on the bike as well but I would prefer not to spend that additional cash.
So will I be happy with the compact double? I welcome any thoughts.
Bike One Spec with Compact Double
Frame: Synapse SL Carbon S.A.V.E.
Fork: Cannondale SL Synapse S.A.V.E.
Gears: Shimano 105 front and rear derailleurs
Shifters: Shimano 105
Crankset: Cannondale Carbon BB30 Compact 34/50 Tooth Chainrings
Brakes: Shimano 105
Wheels: Mavic Aksium Race wheelset
Tyres: Vittoria Zaffiro Pro 700x23c
Handlebar: Cannondale C3
Stem: Cannondale C4 31.8mm
Saddle: Fizik Pave Sport
Seatpost: Cannondale C3 16mm offset 31.6 x 300mm
Pedals/Extras: Look Keo Classic Team Liquigas pedals.
Bike Two spec - another 300 quid.
Frame: Synapse Carbon SL S.A.V.E.
Fork: Cannondale Synapse S.A.V.E.
Gears: Shimano Ultegra front and rear derailleurs
Shifters: Shimano Ultegra
Crankset: Shimano Ultegra Triple 30/39/50
Brakes: Shimano Ultegra
Wheels: Mavic Ksyrium Equipe Wheelset
Tyres: Vittoria Zaffiro Pro 700x23c
Handlebar: Cannondale C3
Stem: Cannondale C4 31.8mm
Saddle: Fizik Aliante Delta
Seatpost: Cannondale C2 31.6x300mm
Pedals/Extras: Look Keo Classic Team Liquigas pedals
Posted on: 01 January 2009 by davereay
I would say that depends on how fit you are, how fit you are likeley to stay over the next few years, and how tired you get, however, there is only 4 tooth difference on the small front chainring, if you consult a gear chart you may find that sticking a slightly larger sprocket on the rear you may negate any difference and still have a granny gear. If you want close ratios then the triple is the way to go.
105 kit is really good these days and unless you are racing I wouldn't see the need for Ultegra.
Personally, if I wasn't sure I would fit a triple and be covered for all eventualities, including going on holiday/touring/headwinds etc.
Hope this helps.
Dave (Closet Road Racer, Time Triallist and Charity Rider!)
105 kit is really good these days and unless you are racing I wouldn't see the need for Ultegra.
Personally, if I wasn't sure I would fit a triple and be covered for all eventualities, including going on holiday/touring/headwinds etc.
Hope this helps.
Dave (Closet Road Racer, Time Triallist and Charity Rider!)
Posted on: 01 January 2009 by Jono 13
what are the rear block ratios? With the triple you could go for a close spread so as to limit the jumps between gears.
Jono
Jono
Posted on: 01 January 2009 by Lontano
Looks like 12-27 on the rear.
Posted on: 01 January 2009 by JAB
I always ride a double which suits me fine in London (and we do have hills here.)
The price difference between a double and triple in the same groupset is not much (its £20 more in the 105) - i think the wheels are worth spending extra on with your choices - can you not have more flexibility on getting what you want?
The price difference between a double and triple in the same groupset is not much (its £20 more in the 105) - i think the wheels are worth spending extra on with your choices - can you not have more flexibility on getting what you want?
Posted on: 01 January 2009 by Lontano
This is an off the shelf spec - that's how the bike comes. Not sure what flexibility there would be. Could always ask. What wheels would you recommend?
Posted on: 01 January 2009 by RichardM
I have 3 road bikes and do around 5k miles a year.
I have started off with a triple chainset, but I have now got compact on all 3 bikes and I have ridden with a compact in the Alps. You can get low gearing by choosing the ratios on the rear cassette - 12/27 will give you the ability to get up any hill that is rideable and the compact chainset will be a bit lighter as well as looking a bit better.
With regards to the wheels, I have got Aksiums on my winter bike. They are strong and comfortable, but not the lightest wheels. If you go for the 105 compact chainset and save £300, you could then go for better wheels as these would make a significant difference to the weight - there is not much point in having a carbon fibre frame and then heavy wheels. That way the hills may seem a bit easier. The Mavic Ksyrium range are pretty good.
Another alternative is to get the frame only and then pick your own components - groupset and wheels. Personally, I moved from Shimano 105 and Ultegra to Campagnolo on all my bikes and I much prefer it.
I have started off with a triple chainset, but I have now got compact on all 3 bikes and I have ridden with a compact in the Alps. You can get low gearing by choosing the ratios on the rear cassette - 12/27 will give you the ability to get up any hill that is rideable and the compact chainset will be a bit lighter as well as looking a bit better.
With regards to the wheels, I have got Aksiums on my winter bike. They are strong and comfortable, but not the lightest wheels. If you go for the 105 compact chainset and save £300, you could then go for better wheels as these would make a significant difference to the weight - there is not much point in having a carbon fibre frame and then heavy wheels. That way the hills may seem a bit easier. The Mavic Ksyrium range are pretty good.
Another alternative is to get the frame only and then pick your own components - groupset and wheels. Personally, I moved from Shimano 105 and Ultegra to Campagnolo on all my bikes and I much prefer it.
Posted on: 01 January 2009 by RichardM
Just looking at the spec again, I would take the second option with Ultegra and Ksyriums, but I would ask the dealer to put a compact chainset on it.
Posted on: 01 January 2009 by northpole
The frame/ geometry is the most important bit to get right & I hope that you have taken test rides on a few different makes?
I suffered (and continue to suffer on and off) lower lumbar back problems which dictated a more upright riding position. I ended up with a Specialised Roubaix pro which provides a similar riding position to the Synapse. My understanding is that all Roubaix models share the same geometry - it's just the spec that varies.
I recommend that you try out one for comparison before committing to the Synapse - even if only to validate your choice.
My bike has dura-ace but I have to agree with Richard, given a choice I would much rather have Campag gear shifts - much more intuitive to me.
I would also go for a compact chainset and take some advice from your LBS on making sure you have an appropriate spread of ratios on the rear cassette. As I found out to my peril, it's no good getting a high quality road bike only to find out that the 'engine' is in major need of a rebuild!
Good luck.
Peter
I suffered (and continue to suffer on and off) lower lumbar back problems which dictated a more upright riding position. I ended up with a Specialised Roubaix pro which provides a similar riding position to the Synapse. My understanding is that all Roubaix models share the same geometry - it's just the spec that varies.
I recommend that you try out one for comparison before committing to the Synapse - even if only to validate your choice.
My bike has dura-ace but I have to agree with Richard, given a choice I would much rather have Campag gear shifts - much more intuitive to me.
I would also go for a compact chainset and take some advice from your LBS on making sure you have an appropriate spread of ratios on the rear cassette. As I found out to my peril, it's no good getting a high quality road bike only to find out that the 'engine' is in major need of a rebuild!
Good luck.
Peter
Posted on: 01 January 2009 by Lontano
Thanks for the replies. As always nothing is simple and I think another visit to the bike store on Saturday is on the cards.
I still welcome any further comments.
Cheers
I still welcome any further comments.
Cheers
Posted on: 01 January 2009 by JAB
I can only agree with the above comments.
Fit is paramount - invest there first and foremost;
Wheels are a better upgrade than groupsets generally. i ride ksyriums but have been quite impressed with fulcrum wheels - they seem good value;
I too prefer Campy than Shimano, much more intuitive changing;
Your LBS should be able to tailor the bike to pretty much whatever you want (although be careful - like with hi fi it is so easy to upgrade endlessly with diminishing returns and spending silly money - at the end of the day your body is the most important component of all!)
Fit is paramount - invest there first and foremost;
Wheels are a better upgrade than groupsets generally. i ride ksyriums but have been quite impressed with fulcrum wheels - they seem good value;
I too prefer Campy than Shimano, much more intuitive changing;
Your LBS should be able to tailor the bike to pretty much whatever you want (although be careful - like with hi fi it is so easy to upgrade endlessly with diminishing returns and spending silly money - at the end of the day your body is the most important component of all!)
Posted on: 01 January 2009 by Bruce Woodhouse
Oooh good a bike thread!
Lots of good advice here.
On the Triple/Compact issue I am a Compact convert-and I live in a pretty hilly area. It is significantly lighter and nice to use. I still have a triple on my winter bike (enclosed) but this will be going at some point.
If you use something like Sheldon Browns Gear Calculator you may well find that the Compact plus a suitable rear block covers almost the same breadth as the Triple, but with larger between gear spacing. If you intend to tour laden with bags then maybe consider the Triple (or perhaps if you like to climb at high cadence rather than mash a big gear) but I'd go with the Compact-and buy a spare rear block with larger ratios if you head for the Pyrenees!
Looking at the two specs I would also say the Aksiums are a weakness on the first bike. No personal experience but my mate got rid fairly quickly to some Ksyriums and said he really felt a big difference. Spending £300 on better wheels will have a bigger effect than going from 105 to Ultegra on day to day riding comfort and enjoyment.
In the current climate I'd try to have a haggle. I'd be suprised if the shop will not tweak the spec if you are a genuine customer.
Bruce
Parlee Z1c
Burls Columbus custom steel for winter (see pic)
Santa Cruz Blur XC MTB
....and about 3,000 miles between them in 2008 when I get around to updating up my nerdy end of year spreadsheet!
Lots of good advice here.
On the Triple/Compact issue I am a Compact convert-and I live in a pretty hilly area. It is significantly lighter and nice to use. I still have a triple on my winter bike (enclosed) but this will be going at some point.
If you use something like Sheldon Browns Gear Calculator you may well find that the Compact plus a suitable rear block covers almost the same breadth as the Triple, but with larger between gear spacing. If you intend to tour laden with bags then maybe consider the Triple (or perhaps if you like to climb at high cadence rather than mash a big gear) but I'd go with the Compact-and buy a spare rear block with larger ratios if you head for the Pyrenees!
Looking at the two specs I would also say the Aksiums are a weakness on the first bike. No personal experience but my mate got rid fairly quickly to some Ksyriums and said he really felt a big difference. Spending £300 on better wheels will have a bigger effect than going from 105 to Ultegra on day to day riding comfort and enjoyment.
In the current climate I'd try to have a haggle. I'd be suprised if the shop will not tweak the spec if you are a genuine customer.
Bruce
Parlee Z1c
Burls Columbus custom steel for winter (see pic)
Santa Cruz Blur XC MTB
....and about 3,000 miles between them in 2008 when I get around to updating up my nerdy end of year spreadsheet!
Posted on: 01 January 2009 by Bruce Woodhouse
..and here is my posh bike.
Posted on: 02 January 2009 by JAB
lovely bike Bruce! am i correct that you are using 2 different pedal systems on the 2 bikes? i can't quite tell from the pics but it looks like speedplay for winter and look for summer?
Posted on: 02 January 2009 by Rockingdoc
How do you manage on a winter bike without mudguards?
Posted on: 02 January 2009 by Bruce Woodhouse
quote:Originally posted by Rockingdoc:
How do you manage on a winter bike without mudguards?
I took the pic before I fitted them, it got used on our summer trip to the Pyrenees rather than taking the nice bike so I left them off until we got back.
I use Eggbeaters on the winter bike because then I can use my MTB shoes/boots. Warmer and waterproof, plus I can walk a little bit easier if doing some touring with my wife. Keo's for the summer bike/shoes.
Actually there is a pic of the Burls here with mudguards (and, bizarrely, some Keos!)
Bruce
Posted on: 02 January 2009 by davereay
It seems like lots of Naimies are bikies too! All good advice IMO, especially about upgrading the wheels rather than the groupset and making sure you are comfy. I too use Campagnolo rather than Shimano but that is only because I started in the days when Shimano only made fishing reels and I used the old Super record, some of which is still going strong on my time trial bike today! I now use Chorus and love the Carbon fibre look, all the left ergo's are triple compatible if you decide to change later on. Good luck with your new bike.
Dave
Dave
Posted on: 02 January 2009 by Steve Bull
I bought a Synapse carbon back in May - 105 with a compact double. It's been a great bike which has taken me to work and back every day, around the Isle Of Wight, New Forest, Purbecks and from London to Paris. There have been a few times that I've thought a triple would have been a big help but I've managed with the compact and not had to push up too many hills.
You can find a review of the 2008 model here.
As for whether you want a triple or a double, it's a bit hard to answer for someone else. How do you get on with hills generally? How fit are you? What ratios do you have any existing bikes and how do you find it?
You can find a review of the 2008 model here.
As for whether you want a triple or a double, it's a bit hard to answer for someone else. How do you get on with hills generally? How fit are you? What ratios do you have any existing bikes and how do you find it?
Posted on: 02 January 2009 by JAB
Dave, I also use Chorus. Do you happen to know off hand what the 2 screws on the front mech do - i can never remember which is which!
Posted on: 02 January 2009 by nap-ster
quote:Originally posted by JAB:
Dave, I also use Chorus. Do you happen to know off hand what the 2 screws on the front mech do - i can never remember which is which!
They are there to limit the movement of the changing arm
Posted on: 02 January 2009 by nap-ster
AND
How come Cav never got a mention in the New Years Honours list?
How come Cav never got a mention in the New Years Honours list?
Posted on: 02 January 2009 by winkyincanada
quote:Originally posted by Bruce Woodhouse:quote:Originally posted by Rockingdoc:
How do you manage on a winter bike without mudguards?
I took the pic before I fitted them, it got used on our summer trip to the Pyrenees rather than taking the nice bike so I left them off until we got back.
I use Eggbeaters on the winter bike because then I can use my MTB shoes/boots. Warmer and waterproof, plus I can walk a little bit easier if doing some touring with my wife. Keo's for the summer bike/shoes.
Actually there is a pic of the Burls here with mudguards (and, bizarrely, some Keos!)
Bruce
How did you enjoy cycling the Pyrenees? I have been each summer for the past three years, basing myself out of Bertren. It's just like a 3000km-long theme park for cyclists, eh?
That Parlee is pretty sweet. Did you get it custom made?
Posted on: 02 January 2009 by Bruce Woodhouse
quote:Originally posted by winkyincanada:quote:Originally posted by Bruce Woodhouse:quote:Originally posted by Rockingdoc:
How do you manage on a winter bike without mudguards?
I took the pic before I fitted them, it got used on our summer trip to the Pyrenees rather than taking the nice bike so I left them off until we got back.
I use Eggbeaters on the winter bike because then I can use my MTB shoes/boots. Warmer and waterproof, plus I can walk a little bit easier if doing some touring with my wife. Keo's for the summer bike/shoes.
Actually there is a pic of the Burls here with mudguards (and, bizarrely, some Keos!)
Bruce
How did you enjoy cycling the Pyrenees? I have been each summer for the past three years, basing myself out of Bertren. It's just like a 3000km-long theme park for cyclists, eh?
That Parlee is pretty sweet. Did you get it custom made?
The Parlee was a custom build. Personal fitting was a key element of the choice. Glad I did this as the fit is spot on, I have never been this naturally comfy in terms of position on a stock bike. I have also since used the CAD drawings to have the steel frame built so I'm as comfy on each. The Parlee is genuinely special to ride; silky but sharp as a tack.
The Pyrenees riding was around St Jean de Pied de Port so not too challenging, my wife is pretty fit but not quite up to the more serious cols. We have walked in both summer and winter in the high Pyrenees around Luchon, the Aigues Tortes NP and the surrounding areas. This was our first trip with the bikes, but will not be the last. A great area.
Bruce
Posted on: 02 January 2009 by winkyincanada
Bruce,
I highly recommend the place we stay. It is a cycling focussed B&B in Bertren. They also run point-to-point tours (Raid Pyrenees-style etc). The company is called Pyractif. You'll find them on google. It is run by an ex-pat English couple.
From their place you have great access to many of the famous (and not-so-famous) cols - and to the North is a plethora of less vertical but equally pretty riding.
Cheers,
Winky
I highly recommend the place we stay. It is a cycling focussed B&B in Bertren. They also run point-to-point tours (Raid Pyrenees-style etc). The company is called Pyractif. You'll find them on google. It is run by an ex-pat English couple.
From their place you have great access to many of the famous (and not-so-famous) cols - and to the North is a plethora of less vertical but equally pretty riding.
Cheers,
Winky
Posted on: 02 January 2009 by davereay
quote:Originally posted by JAB:
Dave, I also use Chorus. Do you happen to know off hand what the 2 screws on the front mech do - i can never remember which is which!
I can't remember which is which, I'll have a look see if I can see which one is which.
Dave
Posted on: 02 January 2009 by Bruce Woodhouse
quote:Originally posted by winkyincanada:
Bruce,
I highly recommend the place we stay. It is a cycling focussed B&B in Bertren. They also run point-to-point tours (Raid Pyrenees-style etc). The company is called Pyractif. You'll find them on google. It is run by an ex-pat English couple.
From their place you have great access to many of the famous (and not-so-famous) cols - and to the North is a plethora of less vertical but equally pretty riding.
Cheers,
Winky
Thanks for that. We are actually planning a trip to the Picos this year. One slight snag to bringing the bikes-we are going in my Caterham!
Bruce