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2021 Cannondale

Synapse Carbon 4

A carbon frame endurance bike with mid-range components and shimano tiagra hydraulic disc brakes.

Manufacturer Price

$2,600
FrameCarbon
ForkCarbon
Wheels700c Aluminum
Drivetrain2 × 10
GroupsetTiagra
BrakesShimano Tiagra Hydraulic Disc
Where to Buy
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Insights
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

39 mph

Synapse Carbon 4

39 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Sizing
48cm

5'2" – 5'6"

51cm

5'5" – 5'10"

54cm

5'7" – 5'11"

56cm

5'9" – 6'1"

58cm

6'0" – 6'4"

61cm

6'3" – 6'8"

Rider Fit Notes

None yet.

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Reviews

Summary

The Cannondale Synapse is celebrated for its smooth ride quality, versatile tyre clearance, and stable yet responsive handling, making it a standout in the endurance category. Its comfort and efficiency are frequently highlighted, with many reviewers praising its ability to blend speed with a forgiving ride position. However, the SmartSense system and some component choices have drawn mixed reactions, with some finding them innovative and others seeing them as unnecessary additions that add weight and complexity.

Pros
  • Smooth ride quality

  • Versatile tyre clearance

  • Stable yet responsive handling

  • Comfortable endurance geometry

  • Efficient power transfer

Cons
  • Controversial SmartSense system

  • Weight concerns

  • Some component choices questioned

  • SmartSense adds complexity

  • Mixed reactions to electronic aids

Key Quotes
When I think of this bike, I just think of butter. Everything about it felt super smooth.
Cycling Tips logoCycling Tips
The latest Synapse is the best iteration of the model to date.
Cyclist logoCyclist
The Synapse is a real joy to ride in these times, despite shorter outings.
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
With the 2022 Cannondale Synapse, you’ll be prepared for almost any eventuality, as long as most of it happens on asphalt.
Gran Fondo Magazine logoGran Fondo Magazine
The Synapse shines brightest in providing all-day ride comfort and handling characteristics that inspire confidence.
Road Bike Action

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Road Bike Action
CANNONDALE SYNAPSE CARBON RLE BIKE TEST - Road Bike Action

Dec 2022 · RBA Staff

Radar comes standard

Highs
  • Simple design with 27.2 seatpost and threaded BB

  • SmartSense radar and light system integration

  • All-day ride comfort and stable handling

  • 12-speed Ultegra Di2 with wide gear range

  • Up to 35mm tire clearance

  • Understated graphics

Lows
  • SmartSense generates frequent false alerts

  • Battery charging finicky and needs resetting

  • Battery capacity limited, requires charging after each ride

  • Heavy wheels (1740g) slow acceleration and climbing

  • Lack of carbon seatpost at this price point

Read Review

BikeRadar
Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 review

Aug 2022 · Warren Rossiter

The new Synapse is a real joy to ride – but in this guise it lacks value against its competitors

Highs
  • Comfort and handling are class-leading

Lows
  • Not great value for money

Read Review

Cycling Tips
2022 Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 RLE review: One smooth ride - CyclingTips

Aug 2022 · Dave Rome

An overhauled endurance road platform meets modern all-road capability. It’s wonderful but there's a but.

Highs
  • Smooth ride quality, versatile tyre clearance, stable yet-not-sluggish handling, Shimano Ultegra Di2, easy to service component fitments, classy subdued styling.

Lows
  • SmartSense and the fact it’s a forced feature you’re paying extra for, wheels could be fancier for the money, mis-matched thru-axles.

Read Review

Cyclist
Cannondale Synapse Carbon 1 RLE review

May 2022 · Sam Challis

At its core, the new Synapse is a truly excellent road bike

Highs
  • Comfort

  • Handling

  • Design simplicity

  • Quality finishing kit

Lows
  • Controversial SmartSense system

  • Weight

Read Review

road.cc
Cannondale Synapse 2 RL

Feb 2022 · Stu Kerton

Beautiful to ride with a great blend of speed and comfort, but the electronic aids aren't that special – and aren't for me

Highs
  • Excellent geometry layout

  • Comfortable

  • Reflective seatstays are a clever touch

  • Trainer adaptors as standard

Lows
  • Cable routing not as clean as some

  • Low end wheelset comparative to the frame

Read Review

Gran Fondo Magazine
First ride review: 2022 Cannondale Synapse – Safer on the road thanks to Cannondale SmartSense?

Jan 2022 · By

Cannondale have overhauled the Synapse, adding an integrated radar and lights. Can it offer improved safety on the road? Read on to find out.

Highs
  • Added safety for cyclists

  • The lights switch from daytime to night mode automatically

  • Mounting points for mudguards etc.

  • Predictable handling

Lows
  • Lack of cable integration up front

  • Somewhat lacking in long-distance comfort

Read Review

Cycling Weekly
Cannondale Synapse Carbon 105

Nov 2020 · Vern Pitt

The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 105 is a popular endurance bike that still has a spring in its step

Highs
  • Sprightly handling

  • Great at reducing road buzz

  • Solid spec

  • Good value

Lows
  • Heavy wheels

  • Frame probably due an update

Read Review

Velo
Pro Bike Gallery: Sebastian Langeveld’s Cannondale Synapse

Apr 2018 · VeloNews.com

EF Education First-Drapac rider Sebastian Langeveld will ride disc brakes at Roubaix after making the podium in 2017.

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Synapse Carbon, SmartSense enabled, Proportional Response size-specific design, BSA threaded BB, flat mount brake, 12x142mm thru-axle, thru-tube internal cable routing with Switch Plate, removable fender bridge, hidden rack/fender mounts

BB StandardBSA, 68mm, Threaded

Tire Clearance35c

ColorsCashmere; Rose Gold

Fork

Synapse Carbon, integrated crown race, Proportional Response size-specific design, 12x100mm thru-axle, thru-tube internal routing, hidden fender mounts

Bottom Bracket

Shimano BSA

Headset

Synapse Sealed Bearing, integrated, 1-1/4"-1-1/8"

Stem

Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 7°

Handlebar

Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, Compact

Saddle

Fizik Aliante Delta, S-alloy rails

Seatpost

Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, 27.2x350mm (48-56), 400mm (58-61)

TypeRigid

Pedals

Not included

Grips

Fabric Knurl Bar Tape

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano Tiagra GS

Front Derailleur

Shimano Tiagra, braze-on

Crank

FSA Omega Alloy, 50/34 with FSA MegaExo BB

Shifters

Shimano Tiagra hydraulic disc, 10-speed

Cassette

Shimano Tiagra, 11-34, 10-speed

Chain

Shimano HG54, 10-speed

Brakes

Shimano Tiagra hydraulic disc, 160/160mm RT64 rotors

TypeShimano Tiagra Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

Shimano Tiagra hydraulic

Wheels
Rims

RD 3.1, 28h, 21mm inner width

Spokes

Stainless Steel, 14g

Front Hub

Formula CL-712, 12x100mm centerlock

Rear Hub

Formula RXC-400, 12x142mm centerlock

Tires

Vittoria Zaffiro Pro Reflective, 700x30c

Rider Notes
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First added May 31

Last updated March 22

Not listed for 74 days