Choosing between two used road gravel bikes often comes down to component priorities and price. The Trek Domane 5.9 lists at $2,249 and uses Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, while the Cannondale Synapse lists at $999.99 with a 10-speed mechanical Ultegra drivetrain. Both are carbon endurance road bikes and both are listed as used, so the decision is really about how much you want from the groupset and how much you want to spend.
Quick verdict
Pick the Trek Domane 5.9 if you want electronic shifting and a wide 11-speed gear range. Pick the Cannondale Synapse if you prefer a classic mechanical 10-speed build and a lower listed price.
Comparison table
| Product | Listed price | Price bar | Drivetrain | Frame size | Brakes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used Trek Domane 5.9 | $2,249.00 | Shimano Ultegra Di2 11-speed | 58cm | Shimano Ultegra caliper | |
| Used Cannondale Synapse | $999.99 | Shimano Ultegra 2x10 | 60cm | Rim brake - Mechanical |
Where each wins
The Trek Domane 5.9
The headline is Shimano Ultegra Di2. This 2014 Domane 5.9 comes with a 50/34 compact crankset and an 11-34 cassette, giving you 11 speeds controlled electronically. The listed build also includes Bontrager Race Lite TLR wheels and a Zipp Service Course SL cockpit, which makes the overall package feel complete for endurance riding. The catch is price: it's the more expensive option in this pair.
The Cannondale Synapse
The Synapse is the lower listed price, and it still gets you a carbon frame and carbon fork. The 10-speed Ultegra drivetrain is mechanical, and the brakes are mechanical rim brakes. At 60cm, the frame is larger than the Trek's 58cm, so the fit will differ. It's a simpler setup and less expensive.
Product notes
Used Trek Domane 5.9, Shimano Ultegra Di2, Carbon Endurance Road Bike-2014, 58cm
This used Trek Domane 5.9 is a 2014 carbon endurance road bike with Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8050 shifters and derailleurs, plus a 50/34 compact crankset and an 11-34 cassette. The 58cm frame is paired with a carbon fork, Bontrager Race Lite TLR wheels, and a Zipp Service Course SL handlebar and stem. The Di2 groupset delivers electronic shifting across 11 speeds, which is the main reason to choose it over the Cannondale. The trade-off is the price: it's the higher-cost route into this comparison. If you want electronic shifting and a complete, modern-feeling build, this Trek is the one to consider.
Used Cannondale Synapse 60cm
This Cannondale Synapse is a used carbon endurance road bike from the 2000s, listed in white with a 60cm frame. The drivetrain is Shimano Ultegra 2x10, and the brakes are mechanical rim brakes. It also uses a carbon fiber fork, so the frame and fork are both carbon. For riders who like a straightforward mechanical shifting feel, this is the less expensive option in this pair. What you give up is the Di2 electronic shifting and the 11-speed cassette found on the Trek, but the lower listed price leaves room in your budget for other gear.
Final choice by use case
- For electronic shifting and a wide gear range: The Trek Domane 5.9's Shimano Ultegra Di2 build is the clear match. The listed price is higher, but the 11-speed drivetrain and complete component package make it the pick if Di2 matters to you.
- For a lower listed price and a classic mechanical setup: The Cannondale Synapse's 10-speed Ultegra drivetrain and rim brakes keep things simple. With a 60cm frame, it's also the larger of the two choices.
