Trek 1500 or Cannondale Synapse 4?

OpusX · #1 08-16.-2006

I went to a few LBS and found the Trek 1500 for $1050 and the Cannondale Synapse 4 for $1050 to be suited to my liking.

Which of the 2 would be seen as having the better frame? better components?

Opinion on better buy?

All your help is much appreciated.

Thos · #2 08-17.-2006

I'd go with the Trek; better components & wheel set, IMO (Shimano & Bontrager vs. Cannondale stuff).

NickDavid · #3 08-17.-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by OpusX

I went to a few LBS and found the Trek 1500 for $1050 and the Cannondale Synapse 4 for $1050 to be suited to my liking.

Which of the 2 would be seen as having the better frame? better components?

Opinion on better buy?

All your help is much appreciated.

Just bought the Trek 1500 so I'm partially biased. Heard cracking stories about crackindales.

OpusX · #4 08-18.-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thos

I'd go with the Trek; better components & wheel set, IMO (Shimano & Bontrager vs. Cannondale stuff).

What about the frame? Ideas as to which one is better/lighter etc.

Also, what is it that cracks on the cannondales, the fork?

RickF · #5 08-18.-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickDavid

Just bought the Trek 1500 so I'm partially biased. Heard cracking stories about crackindales.

Come on. If you are going to disparage Cannondale, then do it right - it is "crack 'n fail".

Quote:

Originally Posted by OpusX

What about the frame? Ideas as to which one is better/lighter etc.

Also, what is it that cracks on the cannondales, the fork?

Some of the earlier Cannondale frames had problems, but cracking is not an issue for Cannondale now compared to any other frame. Some frames from any manufacturer will fail, but the percent that fail is extremely small. Most, including Cannondale, offer a lifetime warranty on the frames.

As far as which frame is better, really depends on the rider. They are both good entry-level frames. Try them and see which one is better for you. You might also look at the Specialized Allez and the Felt F80. You probably get the best bang for the buck from the Felt, if you like the fit of the frame. I found the position far too aggressive for me, but many people like it.

As far as weight, you really need to look at the weight of the complete bike, because the components add more to the total than the frame does. Most LBS will weigh the bike for you. My guess would be that the Trek 1500 would be slightly lighter, but the difference would be small. Unless you are an elite level racer, finding the best fit is far more important than sheding every possible gram. When you consider that the water in a full water bottle weighs 720 grams (1 pound, 9.4 ounces, and this does not include the weight of the empty bottle or the cage), you need to be realistic when you are considering weight differences.

OpusX · #6 08-18.-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickF

Come on. If you are going to disparage Cannondale, then do it right - it is "crack 'n fail".
Some of the earlier Cannondale frames had problems, but cracking is not an issue for Cannondale now compared to any other frame. Some frames from any manufacturer will fail, but the percent that fail is extremely small. Most, including Cannondale, offer a lifetime warranty on the frames.

As far as which frame is better, really depends on the rider. They are both good entry-level frames. Try them and see which one is better for you. You might also look at the Specialized Allez and the Felt F80. You probably get the best bang for the buck from the Felt, if you like the fit of the frame. I found the position far too aggressive for me, but many people like it.

As far as weight, you really need to look at the weight of the complete bike, because the components add more to the total than the frame does. Most LBS will weigh the bike for you. My guess would be that the Trek 1500 would be slightly lighter, but the difference would be small. Unless you are an elite level racer, finding the best fit is far more important than sheding every possible gram. When you consider that the water in a full water bottle weighs 720 grams (1 pound, 9.4 ounces, and this does not include the weight of the empty bottle or the cage), you need to be realistic when you are considering weight differences.

Thanx for all the info, much appreciated.

Pennstate · #7 08-18.-2006

This is my first post on this site, so here goes...

I am a competitive distance runner who is new to biking. I have been looking at bikes for the last 2 months in the same price range as yourself. I just bought the Trek 1500 for $990 today and this is after testing many bikes. There are several reasons why I bought this bike.

1. It felt most comfortable.
2. Liked the components 105/ultegra.
3. Liked the Trek shop the best and had heard good things about the service department.
4. I had read very positive reviews on this bike.
5. I liked the color and look of the bike.

I just came back from a 27 mile trek and so far I love the bike.

Hope this helps.

Fred

OpusX · #8 09-07.-2006

Well I did it, today I went to the store and purchased the Trek 1500 for $999.99.

Should have it Tuesday.

Walden · #9 09-29.-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by OpusX

Well I did it, today I went to the store and purchased the Trek 1500 for $999.99.

Should have it Tuesday.

I am confused too. I see the geometry of say a Trek Pilot series vs the regular road geometry of the Trek 1500 and Felt F80. ??

I would think since Trek has been around 30 plus years they may have an advantage over Felt ??

they're all around same price

Walden · #10 09-29.-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by OpusX

Well I did it, today I went to the store and purchased the Trek 1500 for $999.99.

Should have it Tuesday.

did my post make it on ?

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