Bicycles

Focus on: 2012 Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Sram Red

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Parent Category: Bicycles

Category: Cannondale

Published on Wednesday, 26 October 2011 07:39

Written by Luca Salvatelli

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The new 2012 Cannondale Synapse is a direct evolution of the previous model. The perfect base Synapse frame is unchanged, rightly confirmed, has not changed the main triangle frame, considered good for the stiffness and weight. Indeed, if the Synapse could stand comparison with competitors it was not for the stiffness (the best in its class), but for comfort at times of less than rivals.

The 2012 version seems to remedy this lack, with a series of targeted and specific. As mentioned the main triangle remains unchanged, with its monocoque construction with high modulus carbon. The BB30 bottom bracket is standard, the head tube is long to allow a more elevated position in the saddle and comfortable. The tube has a good section, but without exaggeration and maintains the passage of external cables. The top tube is flattened and broad, the vertical pipe has a streamlined profile and direct mount front derailleur. The new features include the new full carbon fork SAVE PLUS. The SAVE PLUS system is designed by Cannondale to target and stratify carbon fiber so as to have a high shock and vibration absorption. The new fork has carbon fiber dropouts and a particular profile semi straight. The definition of the profile and positioning of the dropouts has been designed for maximum comfort. Same changes were made to the rear triangle, this completely revised precisely in terms of getting more comfortable ride. Unpublished also the seatpost, by the particular shape and made of two parts, so as to obtain support for the seat that could absorb the vibrations. This solution was then differentiated in two different versions adopted under the bounty of the bike, this allows for a relaxation for the athletes smaller and lighter, which will lead to greater comfort, while the heaviest athletes in the post is more rigid better support the weight of the athlete. This seatpost, which significantly improves ride comfort is also available as a spare and can also be adopted on previous models because the profile of the Synapse tube is the same. The bike is then assembled with different groups. SRAM Red version is used to complete the group, with 34/50 crankset Cannondale SL. The stem FSA SL-K, while the handlebar is FSA Wing Pro Compact. The wheels are Mavic Ksyrium Elite, complemented by Schwalbe tires Ultremo ZX, 700x25. The saddle Fi'zi:k Aliante DeltaDue. The price of the bike so assembled is about 4000 Euro. With this update, the Synapse has not affected his legendary stiffness but has improved ride comfort, allowing them to be more competitive against the competition. Now he has a better performance/comfort, while the list price was very competitive. The frame is great, but in this version of Red, have sacrificed some components, especially the wheels, to get a very low cost, by virtue of the construction quality of the frame and expressed in performance on the road. Who has the previous model does not have to run out and buy new, but who had not yet thought to Synapse can now turn with greater certainty of finding a great comfort. In general, therefore, a very good model, not the extreme performance, but suitable for anyone looking for a good comfort, good performance and a price not high.