Cannondale CAAD13 105 vs Cannondale Synapse 3

151 facts in comparison

Based on 140 Reddit opinions. Close race—Synapse 3Cannondale Synapse 3 edges ahead.

140 opinions

Synapse 3 leads by 2pts

CAAD13 105

81%

B+

Based on

158 Redditors

Cannondale CAAD13 105

~$36.99

92 opinions

tldr; The aluminum road king. Race-worthy, incredible value.

Check prices

Reddit's Pick

Synapse 3

83%

B+

Based on

98 Redditors

Winner

Cannondale Synapse 3

~$35

48 opinions

tldr; Reddit overwhelmingly recommends the Cannondale Synapse 3. With 87% positive sentiment across 98 mentions, this is a clear community favorite.

Check prices

⭐RID

⚡COM

🔧FRA

📐FIT

⭐VER

Points

Score by Category

Ride Quality

100%50%

Components

50%100%

Frame Quality

86%100%

Fit & Sizing

100%50%

Versatility

—50%

Why is Cannondale Synapse 3 better than Cannondale CAAD13 105?

Higher Reddit score (83% vs 81%)
Better comfort (50% vs 43%)
Better components (100% vs 50%)
Better brakes (100% vs 50%)
Better price (100% vs 33%)
Better value (100% vs 91%)
Better geometry (100% vs 60%)
Better frame (100% vs 86%)

Based on 256 Reddit opinions

Too Close to Call

Reddit prefers the Synapse 3Cannondale Synapse 3

Winning by 2 points (83% vs 81%)

Better comfort

Better components

Better brakes

High confidence (256 mentions)

💬Reddit Sentiment

Based on 256 Reddit mentions

Overall Rating

CAAD13 105

8.1/10

158 mentions

Synapse 3

8.3/10

98 mentions

FRAME

CAAD13 1058.6/10

Synapse 310.0/10

GEOMETRY

CAAD13 1056.0/10

Synapse 310.0/10

WEIGHT

CAAD13 10510.0/10

Synapse 3N/A

SPEED

CAAD13 10510.0/10

Synapse 3N/A

COMFORT

CAAD13 1054.3/10

Synapse 35.0/10

VALUE

CAAD13 1059.1/10

Synapse 310.0/10

⚔️

Head to Head

Topic	CAAD13 105	Synapse 3
Frame	86%	100%
Geometry	60%	100%
Weight	100%	N/A
Speed	100%	N/A
Comfort	43%	50%
Value	91%	100%
Groupset	100%	0%
Maintenance	100%	N/A
Frame Quality	100%	N/A
Bottom Bracket	0%	0%
Build Quality	100%	N/A
Coolness	100%	N/A
Stiffness	100%	N/A
Aerodynamics	100%	N/A
Frame Condition	0%	N/A
Aesthetics	67%	N/A
Availability	0%	N/A
Price	33%	100%
Durability	33%	100%
Fit	100%	50%
Design	100%	100%
Age	0%	0%
Reputation	100%	N/A
Components	50%	100%
Fun	100%	N/A
Gearing	100%	N/A
Cost	100%	N/A
Standards	0%	N/A
Condition	100%	N/A
Parts Availability	33%	N/A
Upgradability	100%	N/A
Responsiveness	100%	N/A
Tires	0%	N/A
Grip	100%	N/A
Feel	100%	N/A
Brakes	50%	100%
Handling	100%	N/A
Appearance	50%	N/A
Tire Clearance	100%	100%
Drivetrain	100%	N/A
Ride Quality	100%	50%
Frame Reliability	100%	N/A
Specifications	100%	N/A
User Friendliness	100%	N/A
Value Retention	100%	100%
Paint	0%	N/A
Upgrade Potential	100%	N/A
Aggressiveness	50%	N/A
Agility	N/A	100%
Equipment	N/A	100%
Reliability	N/A	100%
Model Year	N/A	50%
Versatility	N/A	50%
Category	N/A	50%
Feature	N/A	100%
Compatibility	N/A	0%

Category Wins

CAAD13 105: 30|Synapse 3: 15

Head to Head

CAAD13 105: 30|Synapse 3: 15

FrameSynapse 3

CAAD13 10586%

Synapse 3100%

GeometrySynapse 3

CAAD13 10560%

Synapse 3100%

WeightCAAD13 105

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 3N/A

SpeedCAAD13 105

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 3N/A

ComfortSynapse 3

CAAD13 10543%

Synapse 350%

ValueSynapse 3

CAAD13 10591%

Synapse 3100%

GroupsetCAAD13 105

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 30%

MaintenanceCAAD13 105

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 3N/A

Frame QualityCAAD13 105

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 3N/A

Bottom Bracket

CAAD13 1050%

Synapse 30%

Build QualityCAAD13 105

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 3N/A

CoolnessCAAD13 105

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 3N/A

StiffnessCAAD13 105

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 3N/A

AerodynamicsCAAD13 105

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 3N/A

Frame Condition

CAAD13 1050%

Synapse 3N/A

AestheticsCAAD13 105

CAAD13 10567%

Synapse 3N/A

Availability

CAAD13 1050%

Synapse 3N/A

PriceSynapse 3

CAAD13 10533%

Synapse 3100%

DurabilitySynapse 3

CAAD13 10533%

Synapse 3100%

FitCAAD13 105

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 350%

Design

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 3100%

Age

CAAD13 1050%

Synapse 30%

ReputationCAAD13 105

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 3N/A

ComponentsSynapse 3

CAAD13 10550%

Synapse 3100%

FunCAAD13 105

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 3N/A

GearingCAAD13 105

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 3N/A

CostCAAD13 105

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 3N/A

Standards

CAAD13 1050%

Synapse 3N/A

ConditionCAAD13 105

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 3N/A

Parts AvailabilityCAAD13 105

CAAD13 10533%

Synapse 3N/A

UpgradabilityCAAD13 105

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 3N/A

ResponsivenessCAAD13 105

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 3N/A

Tires

CAAD13 1050%

Synapse 3N/A

GripCAAD13 105

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 3N/A

FeelCAAD13 105

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 3N/A

BrakesSynapse 3

CAAD13 10550%

Synapse 3100%

HandlingCAAD13 105

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 3N/A

AppearanceCAAD13 105

CAAD13 10550%

Synapse 3N/A

Tire Clearance

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 3100%

DrivetrainCAAD13 105

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 3N/A

Ride QualityCAAD13 105

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 350%

Frame ReliabilityCAAD13 105

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 3N/A

SpecificationsCAAD13 105

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 3N/A

User FriendlinessCAAD13 105

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 3N/A

Value Retention

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 3100%

Paint

CAAD13 1050%

Synapse 3N/A

Upgrade PotentialCAAD13 105

CAAD13 105100%

Synapse 3N/A

AggressivenessCAAD13 105

CAAD13 10550%

Synapse 3N/A

AgilitySynapse 3

CAAD13 105N/A

Synapse 3100%

EquipmentSynapse 3

CAAD13 105N/A

Synapse 3100%

ReliabilitySynapse 3

CAAD13 105N/A

Synapse 3100%

Model YearSynapse 3

CAAD13 105N/A

Synapse 350%

VersatilitySynapse 3

CAAD13 105N/A

Synapse 350%

CategorySynapse 3

CAAD13 105N/A

Synapse 350%

FeatureSynapse 3

CAAD13 105N/A

Synapse 3100%

Compatibility

CAAD13 105N/A

Synapse 30%

CAAD13 105

81%

83%

Synapse 3

CAAD13 10581%

Synapse 383%

Close race - Synapse 3 edges ahead by 2 points

Key Specs

Spec	Cannondale CAAD13 105	Cannondale Synapse 3
Frame Material	SmartForm C1 Premium Alloy, SAVE	—
Fork	CAAD13 Full Carbon, SAVE	—
Drivetrain	Shimano 105 11-speed mechanical	—
Brakes	Shimano 105 hydraulic disc, 160/160mm rotors	—
Wheel Size	700c	—

Key Highlights

Cannondale CAAD13 105Winner

🏆 Alu road king

🏁 Race worthy

⚙️ Shimano 105

💰 Great value

Cannondale Synapse 3

Solid community reputation

Frequently recommended

Topic Battles

CAAD13 105: 2|Tied: 0|Synapse 3: 3

⭐Ride Quality

CAAD13 105 wins

CAAD13 105

100%

Synapse 3

50%

⚡Components

Synapse 3 wins

CAAD13 105

50%

Synapse 3

100%

🔧Frame Quality

Synapse 3 wins

CAAD13 105

86%

Synapse 3

100%

📐Fit & Sizing

CAAD13 105 wins

CAAD13 105

100%

Synapse 3

50%

⭐Versatility

Synapse 3 wins

CAAD13 105

—

Synapse 3

50%

Based on Reddit sentiment across 5 categories

📈Where They Rank

💬What Redditors Actually Say

What Redditors Say

Best praise vs top criticism for Cannondale Synapse 3

Best Praise

+7 pts

“With a $2k budget you can get very nice new bikes. For example the synapse in aluminum with 105 and you will get disc brakes https://www.cannondale.com/en-us/bikes/road/endurance/synapse/synapse-105”

r/whichbike

View

Top Criticism

+9 pts

“Is that Sora? This seller is drunk. At the end of last season Cannondale had disc brake Sora Synapses on clearance for less than 1000.”

r/whichbike

View

3 more quotes available below

What Redditors Say

Best praise vs top criticism for Cannondale CAAD13 105

Best Praise

+8 pts

“That Cannondale has a better and more expensive groupset. Both frames are alloy. I’d go with the Cannondale. What is much more important here is the sizing difference. One is a small, and the other is a 56cm which is a medium. Don’t buy a bike that won’t fit you. Research sizing on the internet.”

r/whichbike

View

Top Criticism

+5 pts

“I would skip the Cannondale because it is an early disc brake bike using post mount. I would rather have a really good rim brake bike or a fully modern flat mount disc brake with thru axles.”

r/whichbike

View

3 more quotes available below

Sentiment Over Time

CAAD13 105

Cannondale Synapse 3

📈Historical Price Data

Cannondale CAAD13 105

Cannondale Synapse 3

Cannondale CAAD13 105

All-time low: $36.98(2025-09)

Cannondale Synapse 3

All-time low: $20(2026-01)

Which is Better?

Cannondale Synapse 3 Wins

83%

81%

105

Close race, but Cannondale Synapse 3 edges ahead by 2 points based on 256 Reddit opinions.

Why Synapse 3Winner

Better Value for Money (100% vs 91%)

Why CAAD13 105

🏆 Alu road king
🏁 Race worthy
More discussed (158 vs 98)

❤️The Love/Hate Breakdown

Sentiment Breakdown

43%Positive

Positive

43%

Neutral

51%

Negative

Based on 98 Reddit opinions

Sentiment Breakdown

48%Positive

Positive

48%

Neutral

42%

Negative

10%

Based on 158 Reddit opinions

Specification Comparison

Spec	Cannondale CAAD13 105	Cannondale Synapse 3
Frame Material	SmartForm C1 Premium Alloy, SAVE	—
Fork	CAAD13 Full Carbon, SAVE	—
Drivetrain	Shimano 105 11-speed mechanical	—
Brakes	Shimano 105 hydraulic disc, 160/160mm rotors	—
Wheel Size	700c	—
Tire Clearance	Up to 30mm	—
Brand	UFDTHCJH	Cannondale
Manufacturer	UFDTHCJH	Cannondale
Color	C/Blue	Black
Weight	2.20462262 pounds	1.7 Pounds
Height	0.393700787 Inches	9.99998 inches

Feature Checklist

CAAD13 105: 7|Synapse 3: 1

Feature	CAAD13 105	Synapse 3
【Extra Soft & Comfortable】: Our bike seat cushion for men and women is filled with thick gel padding and memory foam, providing superior comfort for long rides. This material blend ensures a soft and supportive ride, whether you're on a short city commute or a long - distance cycling adventure.
【Breathable & Sweat-Resistant】: The bike seat cushion cover with breathable Lycra fabric keeps you cool and dry, reducing friction and sweat buildup. ventilation groove in the middle. This design ensures that your buttocks stay comfortable even during intense cycling sessions.
【Anti-Slip & Secure Fit】: It comes with a strong and adjustable Velcro strap that allows for easy installation and ensures a tight fit on various bike seat sizes, providing you with a safe and stable seating position. No more sliding or discomfort — just stable, reliable performance.
【Ergonomic design】: Ride Longer Without Pain – Say goodbye to saddle soreness and numbness. Our ergonomic bicycle seat cushion helps reduce hip pain, tailbone discomfort, and improves endurance for fitness training, commuting, or casual rides.
Alu road king
Race worthy
Shimano 105
Rails: chromoly

Features extracted from Reddit highlights and enrichment data

⚔️Head to Head

Metric	Cannondale CAAD13 105	Cannondale Synapse 3
Reddit Score	81%	83%
Mentions	158	98
Sentiment	+ 76- 16	+ 42- 6

Where to Buy

Cannondale CAAD13 105

Price unavailableCheck prices

All-time low was $36.98 on 2025-09

Cannondale Synapse 3

Price unavailableCheck prices

All-time low was $20 on 2026-01

~50 sold/month on Amazon

Prices may vary. We may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

Cannondale CAAD13 105Check prices Cannondale Synapse 3Check prices

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Cannondale Synapse 3 or Cannondale CAAD13 105?

Based on 256 Reddit comments, Cannondale Synapse 3 has a slight edge with 83% positive sentiment vs Cannondale CAAD13 105's 81%. The difference is small, so both are solid choices.

Should I buy Cannondale Synapse 3 or Cannondale CAAD13 105?

Both have similar approval ratings (83% vs 81%), so focus on specific features, pricing, and what matters most to you.

What do Redditors love about Cannondale Synapse 3?

Cannondale Synapse 3 has 98 mentions on Reddit with 83% positive sentiment. Users consistently recommend it based on real ownership experiences.

What do Redditors say about Cannondale CAAD13 105?

Reddit users highlight: Alu road king. Race worthy. Shimano 105. With 158 mentions and 81% approval, it remains a popular alternative.

How many Reddit reviews were analyzed?

This comparison analyzed 256 Reddit comments: 98 about Cannondale Synapse 3 and 158 about Cannondale CAAD13 105. Data was sourced from Which Bike community discussions.

How accurate are these ratings?

Our sentiment analysis is approximately 80-85% accurate compared to manual review. Well-discussed products with many mentions tend to have more reliable scores than niche items with fewer data points.

Why trust Reddit over professional reviews?

Reddit users bought products with their own money and have no incentive to mislead. You're seeing hundreds of real opinions across different use cases, not just one reviewer's take. This crowdsourced approach surfaces both common praise and recurring complaints.

140 Reddit opinions analyzed · Last updated 7/11/2026

View full Which Bike guide Browse all guides