Please Help With New Bike Purchase



Capecodder

New Member
Dec 5, 2011
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I've been looking for my first new road bike in 30 years and have it narrowed down to a Cannondale or a Specialized.

The Cannondale is their Synapse Sora 7T model http://www.cannondale.com/2012/bikes/road/performance-road/synapse/2012-synapse-7-sora-19967


The Specialized is their Secteur model http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=62036&scid=1101&scname=Road


I rode both bikes today and they both were comfortable, rode well and shifted great. I will be using the bike for a few charity events this coming year and for short rides after work, and longer 50 mile rides on the weekends.

Any and all help welcome.

Thanks,
CC
 
Originally Posted by Capecodder .

I've been looking for my first new road bike in 30 years and have it narrowed down to a Cannondale or a Specialized.

The Cannondale is their Synapse Sora 7T model http://www.cannondale.com/2012/bikes/road/performance-road/synapse/2012-synapse-7-sora-19967


The Specialized is their Secteur model http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=62036&scid=1101&scname=Road


I rode both bikes today and they both were comfortable, rode well and shifted great. I will be using the bike for a few charity events this coming year and for short rides after work, and longer 50 mile rides on the weekends.

Any and all help welcome.

Thanks,
CC
Since you comfortable on both bikes and liked their ride, as well as the function of the components, the choice comes down to do you want the Sora 9s system with a double crank and a more narrow gearing range or do you want the Sora 9s triple crank with a bigger gearing range. The bigger gearing range of the triple will give you much lower gears for climbing hills, an important consideration, especially if you will climb some steep hills. You have to decide that bit. If you've got knee or back issues, the triple may provide some relief on hills. Both drivetrains should work well. Both frames are high quality frames that would be worth upgrading with better components down the road if you choose.
 
When I first started looking at bikes in September I was impressed with the Secteur but I didn't like the components. I was told they could be upgraded to Shimano 105 but the price jumped. I was seriously considering it but made the mistake of riding a carbon fiber bike. Anyway I found the Secteur very comfortable and think its a great first bike for short rides and the occasional longer ride.
 
Sora is quality component which I can say will stand up to everyday recreational cycling. I have a 2001 Trek 1000 with over 50000 miles on the sora components.
Today this bike is my winter bike which some people refer to as a beater. Well maybe it is a beater but it is standing up to the punishment of the roads in the winter in South Coast Massachusetts.
Welcome to the forum neighbor.
I would recommend the triple as has been mentioned above.