I am in the market for a new CF bike. I have decided it is gonna be either a Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3, or the Giant OCR2 Carbon.
I do have some issues I'll like resolved before making a decision.
The Giant dealer has offered to sell me the OCR2 with an upgrade of the wheelset (Mavic Aksium to Ksyrium SL) for $2300.
The Cannondale comes with Shimano WH-R550 wheelset, and it can be had for around the same price.
The Giant has Ultegra shifters, and the Cannondale has 105s.
My questions are, which is the better buy, and why?
I am also worried about wheels. I weigh 220Ibs, and I like strong wheels. I do not want wheels that I'll have to spend most of my time getting trued. The Giant dealer claims that the Mavic Ksyrium SLs is plenty strong to handle my weight. Is this true?
Also, I have had some Cannondale aluminum bikes in the past, and I have been happy with them. One thing has always bothered me about Cannondale though, and that is their tendency to have a different standard for some bicycle parts that is different from the rest of the industry. I have a Cannondale aluminum mountain bike that came with an inch and a quarter steerer tube, and it took me forever to find a replacement stem, as the industry standard is an inch and an eight. Also, I am kind of worried that Cannondale does not have a lot of experience with carbon fiber, although one could argue that, since they do not build the bike in-house, it really does not matter much. Giant does have a long experience with carbon fiber.
I really do like Cannondale bicycles that I have, and have had in the past. I especially appreciate the stiffness of the Cannondales around the bottom bracket.
Please help me make the choice.
If it helps, I am strictly an exercise/recreational rider. Most of my rides are going to be 60milers on weekends, and of course, the ocassional century and charity rides.
Also, I am shopping for a CF bike because aluminum beats me up real good, although I do appreciate the stiffness.
Thank you.
I do have some issues I'll like resolved before making a decision.
The Giant dealer has offered to sell me the OCR2 with an upgrade of the wheelset (Mavic Aksium to Ksyrium SL) for $2300.
The Cannondale comes with Shimano WH-R550 wheelset, and it can be had for around the same price.
The Giant has Ultegra shifters, and the Cannondale has 105s.
My questions are, which is the better buy, and why?
I am also worried about wheels. I weigh 220Ibs, and I like strong wheels. I do not want wheels that I'll have to spend most of my time getting trued. The Giant dealer claims that the Mavic Ksyrium SLs is plenty strong to handle my weight. Is this true?
Also, I have had some Cannondale aluminum bikes in the past, and I have been happy with them. One thing has always bothered me about Cannondale though, and that is their tendency to have a different standard for some bicycle parts that is different from the rest of the industry. I have a Cannondale aluminum mountain bike that came with an inch and a quarter steerer tube, and it took me forever to find a replacement stem, as the industry standard is an inch and an eight. Also, I am kind of worried that Cannondale does not have a lot of experience with carbon fiber, although one could argue that, since they do not build the bike in-house, it really does not matter much. Giant does have a long experience with carbon fiber.
I really do like Cannondale bicycles that I have, and have had in the past. I especially appreciate the stiffness of the Cannondales around the bottom bracket.
Please help me make the choice.
If it helps, I am strictly an exercise/recreational rider. Most of my rides are going to be 60milers on weekends, and of course, the ocassional century and charity rides.
Also, I am shopping for a CF bike because aluminum beats me up real good, although I do appreciate the stiffness.
Thank you.