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bradleybaddlands on
I’d go with the grx if you lean toward gravel and the tiagra if you think more road riding will happen. Tire clearance would be another factor to consider.
zdubas on
The REI branded bike looks to have the higher component spec, so I’d go with that one.
widowhanzo on
Depends on how much light gravel. If we’re talking like 5-10% of the entire road ride will be a well maintained gravel that’s better than some roads, I’d pick the Synapse.
Vaankar on
If it helps, I have that Co-Op one and it’s awesome.
DJeep2 on
Canondale hands down
SirHustlerEsq on
Neither, I’d do an aluminum Topstone.
ValuableForever672 on
Cannondale, GRX400 isn’t great
Majestic_Constant_32 on
Coop bike has a gravel groupset they make nice bikes. Better bike all the way
obaananana on
Co-op has better geo for some trail riding that is steeper. Onlynmatters uf you get a dropper post for the bike
DrEggRegis on
Other one, Cannondale can have strange standards
sczajic on
If you’re at max budget, listen to the other commentors who appear to know these bikes in detail. If you’re not maxed out and you’re open to this feedback: I’d spend more money on something nicer. “Buy nice or buy twice,” they say. This may feel like a lot for a bike, but it’s a durable good that will last you for decades if maintained, and it’s relative cost to a car, housing, etc. is small.
Two years ago I bought my first ‘real bike’, also the first brand new bike of my life. It’s great and I love it, and my only regret is that I didn’t spend even more money on it upfront rather than now considering paying more for upgrades.
Racer_Bait on
Whichever has the better fit for me (ie stack and reach). Personally that means wanting to run as few spacers as possible and a negative rise stem in the 110 to 130 range (I’d be on a 58/XL most likely).
I’d then choose Whichever stock rim internal width is greater if I’m happy with fit on both.
If that’s equal, the one that can clear bigger tires.
If that is not a difference, then the coop cause I like the color better
johnny_evil on
The Co-op bike is a better groupset.
La_Crux on
The adv for sure
loserkid2453 on
I’ve owned a Synapse, would absolutely go with it based on the feel. Most comfortable bike and fast. If you need switch up the stock tires to something beefier after you’ve put some miles on it, go for it.
Personally I would choose the Co-op on as it’s actually more suited towards gravel riding. The Synapse is basically just a road bike. It depends what you are really looking for though.
DLByron on
Get the one with GRX. Much better group than tiagra
liveprgrmclimb on
Wait for the REI sale. I picked up that ADV 2.2 for 40% off
finnhella01 on
Possibly look used, you can get a lot of bike for 1500 bucks.
At this price, you’ll be very well served for just $958.93
stagviper on
I think riding up on the homies with the co-op brand is also just cool. It’s a flex on expensive bikes.
dubconfidential on
Visit REI in person they may have something on special! I found a topstone 4 for $595 at clearance
RollAccomplished3677 on
Jamis renegade
lilchance1 on
I’d go giant revolt in that price
andrewcooke on
orange is a nicer colour
ShoffnerN on
Get a salsa Journeyer! Price is similar but the specs and quality are far superior to co-op or Cannondale
Ducati-1Wheel on
Coop 100%
iamzamek on
Take a look at Rose Blend, beautiful.
egosumlex on
I’d go with the REI bike because of the mounting options for bikepacking. I’d also look at the frame specs, tire clearances, geo, etc.
arouil1 on
The Cannondale is a great road bike but since you will be on gravel and dirt, I would go Co-op.
kmrbriscoe on
I have the Coop ADV 2.3 and love it!
Teffisk on
The Synapse is not a gravel bike
allmighty_myself on
i would go for the bike whit the grx
RockyMtnGT on
Beyond components, the key things I would consider is tire clearance and geometry. At a minimum, I’d want clearance for 50mm tires and a slacker front end. You may think you will never do anything beyond light gravel, I did too, but then found myself riding B roads and singletrack. My first bike could run 700x45mm or 650×2.1. However it had a 71 degree head angle so was a little sketchy when things got technical. Now riding a Lauf Seigla which can run 29×2.25 and has a slacker head angle. It’s much more comfortable and confidence inspiring when things get rough. There are lots of great deals out there. I’d widen your search.
35 Comments
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I’d go with the grx if you lean toward gravel and the tiagra if you think more road riding will happen. Tire clearance would be another factor to consider.
The REI branded bike looks to have the higher component spec, so I’d go with that one.
Depends on how much light gravel. If we’re talking like 5-10% of the entire road ride will be a well maintained gravel that’s better than some roads, I’d pick the Synapse.
If it helps, I have that Co-Op one and it’s awesome.
Canondale hands down
Neither, I’d do an aluminum Topstone.
Cannondale, GRX400 isn’t great
Coop bike has a gravel groupset they make nice bikes. Better bike all the way
Co-op has better geo for some trail riding that is steeper. Onlynmatters uf you get a dropper post for the bike
Other one, Cannondale can have strange standards
If you’re at max budget, listen to the other commentors who appear to know these bikes in detail. If you’re not maxed out and you’re open to this feedback: I’d spend more money on something nicer. “Buy nice or buy twice,” they say. This may feel like a lot for a bike, but it’s a durable good that will last you for decades if maintained, and it’s relative cost to a car, housing, etc. is small.
Two years ago I bought my first ‘real bike’, also the first brand new bike of my life. It’s great and I love it, and my only regret is that I didn’t spend even more money on it upfront rather than now considering paying more for upgrades.
Whichever has the better fit for me (ie stack and reach). Personally that means wanting to run as few spacers as possible and a negative rise stem in the 110 to 130 range (I’d be on a 58/XL most likely).
I’d then choose Whichever stock rim internal width is greater if I’m happy with fit on both.
If that’s equal, the one that can clear bigger tires.
If that is not a difference, then the coop cause I like the color better
The Co-op bike is a better groupset.
The adv for sure
I’ve owned a Synapse, would absolutely go with it based on the feel. Most comfortable bike and fast. If you need switch up the stock tires to something beefier after you’ve put some miles on it, go for it.
Qutoe quick googling says the [Co-op](https://www.rei.com/product/207914/co-op-cycles-adv-22-bike) one is a gravel bike with 45mm tires while the [Synapse AL 2](https://www.rei.com/product/208188/cannondale-synapse-al-2-bike) seems to be an endurance road bike with 30mm tires.
Personally I would choose the Co-op on as it’s actually more suited towards gravel riding. The Synapse is basically just a road bike. It depends what you are really looking for though.
Get the one with GRX. Much better group than tiagra
Wait for the REI sale. I picked up that ADV 2.2 for 40% off
Possibly look used, you can get a lot of bike for 1500 bucks.
I have owned this [this ADV 2.2](https://www.rei.com/product/159859/co-op-cycles-adv-22-bike) for 3 years and absolutely love it.
At this price, you’ll be very well served for just $958.93
I think riding up on the homies with the co-op brand is also just cool. It’s a flex on expensive bikes.
Visit REI in person they may have something on special! I found a topstone 4 for $595 at clearance
Jamis renegade
I’d go giant revolt in that price
orange is a nicer colour
Get a salsa Journeyer! Price is similar but the specs and quality are far superior to co-op or Cannondale
Coop 100%
Take a look at Rose Blend, beautiful.
I’d go with the REI bike because of the mounting options for bikepacking. I’d also look at the frame specs, tire clearances, geo, etc.
The Cannondale is a great road bike but since you will be on gravel and dirt, I would go Co-op.
I have the Coop ADV 2.3 and love it!
The Synapse is not a gravel bike
i would go for the bike whit the grx
Beyond components, the key things I would consider is tire clearance and geometry. At a minimum, I’d want clearance for 50mm tires and a slacker front end. You may think you will never do anything beyond light gravel, I did too, but then found myself riding B roads and singletrack. My first bike could run 700x45mm or 650×2.1. However it had a 71 degree head angle so was a little sketchy when things got technical. Now riding a Lauf Seigla which can run 29×2.25 and has a slacker head angle. It’s much more comfortable and confidence inspiring when things get rough. There are lots of great deals out there. I’d widen your search.