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Cannondale Synapse 5 Compact Bike - 2009

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Offering comfort in a speedy package, the Cannondale Synapse 5 compact road bike combines an aluminum frame and carbon blade fork for a nimble, responsive ride.

Constructed of lightweight T6061 aluminum, Synapse frame geometry is designed to promote stable handling and enhance comfort
Carbon fork, shaped chainstays and slightly bent seatstays employ Synapse Active Vibration Elimination (S.A.V.E.) technology to effectively dampen road vibration
FSA Omega compact crankset drives a Shimano 105 group for seamless shifts across the 12-27 cassette, leaving you to hammer away as you please
Tektro R538 dual-pivot caliper brakes provide quick deceleration
Shimano wheels are outfitted with puncture-resistant Maxxis Fuse tires for more ride time and less down time
Cockpit is outfitted with Cannondale goodies, including a carbon-wrapped seatpost that's topped with a cushy San Marco Ponza Power saddle
Specs are subject to change

After its initial break-in period you might notice your bicycle performing less responsively than the day you brought it home. Not to worry, this is typical of all new bicycles and simply reflects that cables have stretched or their housings have seated themselves into final position. To keep running at peak performance, all REI bicycles come with a FREE warranty tune-up, which should be accomplished between the first 100-200 miles of riding or after the first two months if you're accumulating miles less quickly. Contact your nearest REI bike shop for details and an appointment for this important service.

Made in USA.

Item 780447

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Cannondale Synapse 5 Compact Bike - 2009 Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

Cannondale Synapse 5 Compact Bike - 2009

4.8

(based on 4 reviews)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Responsive (4)
Comfortable (3)
Good geometry (3)
Handles well (3)
Lightweight (3)

Cons

Brakes could be better (3)
Uncomfortable seat (3)

Best Uses

Casual riding (3)
Serious training (3)

- Reviewer Profile:
- Avid cyclist (3)

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 4 customers

Sort by

Displaying reviews 1-4

Jan

2009

(12 of 17 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Great Bike, top notch components.

By CharlesV

from Keller, Texas

About Me Avid Cyclist

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Good Geometry
Handles Well
Lightweight
Responsive

Cons

Uncomfortable Seat

Best Uses

Racing
Serious Training

Comments about Cannondale Synapse 5 Compact Bike - 2009:

I was comparing this bike to one that was about $700 more expensive in a full carbon frame. Moving to a road bike from a mountain bike, I really favored quality components and the Shimano 105's are a great setup for the casual rider that is making the move into their first competitive / charity rides or even mini triathalon. I suggest finding a seat that better suits your body and get fitted by a bike shop so it is tuned to your body size. All around, if you are trying to stay within a budget or buy a bike and still afford all the accessories, this is the place to start.

May

2009

(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

What a deal for "Made in USA" road bike!

By Arteva

from Rocklin

About Me Casual Cyclist

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Fast
Good Geometry
Handles Well
Lightweight
Responsive

Cons

Brakes Could Be Better

Best Uses

Casual Riding
Exercising

Comments about Cannondale Synapse 5 Compact Bike - 2009:

Bike is lightweight, handling is superb, components are great. Very affordable a[$] for bike [...]. Service at REI is simply outstanding. Frame geometry (longer head stem) allows you to ride in more upright position which is very comfortable for me (I am 48). The seat becomes a little uncomfortable after 30 miles but I do not ride more than that in a day so it stays. Brakes (pads) have to go, they stop the bike but I can not stand that loud squeak. If you are looking for quality and affordable road bike you can not go wrong with this one.

Apr

2009

(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Pleasantly surprised

By mountainbiker45

from Woodstock, Ga

About Me Avid Cyclist

See all my reviews

Pros

Good Geometry
Handles Well
Lightweight
Responsive

Cons

Brakes Could Be Better
Uncomfortable Seat

Best Uses

Casual Riding
Exercising
Serious Training

Comments about Cannondale Synapse 5 Compact Bike - 2009:

After riding full suspension mountainbikes for the last 4 years I wanted to branch out a little and try a road bike. Like my MTB I researched within my budget of $1500 and hands down for [$] this baby out performs some of the $2200 road bikes that I tried during my search. The biggest surprise was the speed that the SYNAPSE 5 generates in a short span, on a flat surface I was hitting speeds of 37 mph and the handling is without a doubt the best feature. The seat has got to go though and the brakes need to be upgraded but overall I will purchase another one in the future...2 thumbs up for this ride>>>

Jun

2009

4.0

Good bike, but problem with chain rings

By GonzagaGrad

from Seattle

About Me Avid Cyclist

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Fast
Responsive

Cons

Brakes Could Be Better
Uncomfortable Seat

Best Uses

Casual Riding
Climbing
Serious Training

Comments about Cannondale Synapse 5 Compact Bike - 2009:

Big issue I had was with the compact FSA chain rings. Couldn't switch gears very well because the chain rings were damaged during manufacturing or build, this was a large pain [...]After this fix have had no problems with the bike.Seat is a little uncomfortable. Other then the chainrings the rest of the components work well. Biked a lot of hilly courses like bainbridge island and the bike takes the hills very well. Overall a very good bike.