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Today’s Deals2021 Cannondale
Synapse Carbon Disc Ultegra
A carbon frame endurance bike with high-end components and shimano ultegra hydraulic disc brakes.
Manufacturer Price
$3,300| Weight | 18.7 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Carbon |
| Fork | Carbon |
| Wheels | 700c Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 2 × 11 |
| Groupset | Ultegra |
| Brakes | Shimano Ultegra Hydraulic Disc |
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.
Smooth ride quality
Versatile tyre clearance
Stable yet responsive handling
Comfortable endurance geometry
Efficient power transfer
Controversial SmartSense system
Weight concerns
Some component choices questioned
SmartSense adds complexity
Mixed reactions to electronic aids
When I think of this bike, I just think of butter. Everything about it felt super smooth.
Cycling TipsThe latest Synapse is the best iteration of the model to date.
CyclistThe Synapse is a real joy to ride in these times, despite shorter outings.
BikeRadarWith the 2022 Cannondale Synapse, you’ll be prepared for almost any eventuality, as long as most of it happens on asphalt.
Gran Fondo MagazineThe Synapse shines brightest in providing all-day ride comfort and handling characteristics that inspire confidence.Road Bike Action
Feedback?
View all reviews
Dec 2022 · RBA Staff
Radar comes standard
SmartSense radar technology
All-day ride quality
Understated graphics
Threaded bottom bracket
Standard 27.2 seatpost
Standard Shimano crankset
Hidden fender mounts
12-speed Ultegra Di2 compact gearing
Handling characteristics that inspire confidence
Stable feel without being sluggish
Tubeless-ready wheels
Price includes tech features
Radar system creates too many false warnings
Charging system is finicky and requires removing battery pack
Battery capacity requires charging after every ride
Heavy wheels (1740 grams)
Lack of flashy finishes
Could be optimized with 105 gruppo and lighter wheels at same price
Hard to find a better-optimized package with 105 and lighter wheels
Aug 2022 · Dave Rome
An overhauled endurance road platform meets modern all-road capability. It’s wonderful but there's a but.
Smooth ride quality, versatile tyre clearance, stable yet-not-sluggish handling, Shimano Ultegra Di2, easy to service component fitments, classy subdued styling.
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.
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.
Added safety for cyclists
The lights switch from daytime to night mode automatically
Mounting points for mudguards etc.
Predictable handling
Lack of cable integration up front
Somewhat lacking in long-distance comfort
Jan 2021 · Felix Smith
This is an initial score and could change as I spend more time on the bike
Cannondale's SAVE 'micro-suspension' is incredibly effective at taming rough tarmac and the low gearing and 32mm tyre clearance encourages more adventurous cycling
Messy cables up front detract from the otherwise clean overall design and the wheels and tyres are lacking modern endurance spec
Nov 2020 · Vern Pitt
The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 105 is a popular endurance bike that still has a spring in its step
Sprightly handling
Great at reducing road buzz
Solid spec
Good value
Heavy wheels
Frame probably due an update
Mar 2020 · Joe Robinson
The Cannondale Synapse is a bike for all occasions in this modern world of mixed-terrain riding
Comfortable
Suitable for mixed terrain
'Affordable'
Doesn’t come with tubeless tyres
Sep 2018 · Stu Kerton
A quick and versatile bike based around a great frameset, though the brakes aren't the best
Apr 2018 · VeloNews.com
EF Education First-Drapac rider Sebastian Langeveld will ride disc brakes at Roubaix after making the podium in 2017.
| Frame | BallisTec Carbon, Di2 ready, SAVE, BB30a, flat mount, 12mm thru axle, internal cable routing, removable fender bridge, Di2 ready, SAVE, BB30a, Flat mount, 12mm thru axle, Internal cable routing, Removable fender bridge BB Standard: PF30, Press Fit |
|---|---|
| Fork | BallisTec Carbon, SAVE, integrated crown race, 12x100mm thru-axle, internal routing, size-specific design - 44-48: 1 1/8" steerer, 60mm rake 51-54: 1-1/8" - 1-1/4" tapered steerer, 55mm rake 56-61: 1-1/8" - 1-3/8" tapered steerer, 45mm rake |
| Bottom Bracket | Cannondale Alloy PressFit30 |
| Headset | Synapse, 1-1/4" lower bearing, 25mm top cap |
| Stem | Cannondale 3, 6061 alloy, 7-degree |
| Handlebar | Cannondale 3, 6061 alloy, Compact |
| Saddle | Fabric Scoop Shallow Sport, steel rails |
| Seatpost | Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, 25.4 x 350mm (46-56), 400mm (58-61) Type: Rigid |
| Grips | Cannondale Grip Bar Tape w/Gel, 3.5mm |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Ultegra GS |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Ultegra, braze-on |
| Crank | Cannondale 1, BB30a, FSA rings, 50/34 |
| Shifters | Shimano Ultegra hydro disc, 2x11 |
| Cassette | Shimano 105, 11-34, 11-speed |
| Chain | Shimano HG601, 11-speed |
| Brakes | Shimano Ultegra hydro disc, 160/160mm RT30 rotors Type: Shimano Ultegra Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Shimano Ultegra hydro disc |
| Rims | Fulcrum Racing 600 DB, Alloy clincher, 26mm deep |
|---|---|
| Spokes | Fulcrum, Stainless steel |
| Front Hub | Fulcrum Racing 600 DB, 12x100 |
| Rear Hub | Fulcrum Racing 600 DB, 12x142 |
| Tires | Vittoria Rubino Pro Bright Black, 700x30c |
First added July 15
Last updated October 31
Not listed for 2,051 days