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2021 Cannondale

Synapse Carbon Hi-MOD Disc Record

A carbon frame endurance bike with ultra high-end components and campagnolo record hydraulic disc brakes.

Manufacturer Price

$8,500
Weight17.4 lbs  
FrameCarbon
ForkCarbon
Wheels700c Carbon
Drivetrain2 × 12
GroupsetRecord
BrakesCampagnolo Record 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 Hi-MOD Disc Record

39 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

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
  • Comfortable all-day ride

  • Stable and confidence-inspiring handling

  • SmartSense radar and light integration

  • Simplicity of design (standard seatpost clamp, threaded BB)

  • Understated graphics

  • Shimano Ultegra Di2 12-speed with compact gearing

  • Fender mounts

  • Tubeless-ready wheels

Lows
  • SmartSense radar triggers false warnings from cars in other lanes or parallel roads

  • SmartSense battery charging finicky, needs removal and reset

  • Battery capacity requires charging after every ride

  • Heavy wheels (1740g) affect acceleration and climbing

  • No carbon seatpost for added compliance at this price

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

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

BikeRadar
Cannondale Synapse Carbon Disc Dura-Ace review

Jun 2020 · Warren Rossiter

Top flight drivetrain for the venerable Synapse, one of our Endurance Bike of the Year 2020 contenders

Highs
  • Lively handling, light chassis, smooth ride

Lows
  • Middleweight wheelset at odds with superbike chassis

Read Review

Cycling Weekly
Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Disc Red eTap review

May 2019 · James Bracey

Cannondale’s endurance machine packs in more than just a comfortable ride

Highs
  • Handling

  • Specification

Lows
  • Limited height adjustability of stem

Read Review

road.cc
Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Disc Dura-Ace Di2

Jun 2018 · David Arthur @davearthur

Fast, smooth and fun, the new Synapse is an exceedingly good endurance bike

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

Bikerumor
Review: Cannondale Synapse Carbon Disc road bike is the perfect all 'rounder

Mar 2018 · Tyler Benedict

The 2018 Cannondale Synapse Carbon Disc proves you can have speed and comfort in the same bike. With race worthy handling and power transfer, the SAVE seatstays, chainstays and fork add bump-eating compliance for a bike that can go long and fast. Read our full review with actual weights right here!

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

BallisTec Hi-MOD 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 StandardBB30a, Press Fit

Fork

BallisTec Hi-MOD 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

Campagnolo Record PressFit

Headset

Synapse Si, 25mm Carbon top cap

Stem

All-New HollowGram SAVE, alloy, -6°

Handlebar

HollowGram SystemBar SAVE, Carbon, 8 deg. pitch adjust

Saddle

Brooks Cambium C17, steel rails

Seatpost

SAVE Carbon, 25.4 x 350mm (44-56), 400mm (58-63)

TypeRigid

Grips

Brooks Cambium

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Campagnolo Record

Front Derailleur

Campagnolo Record, braze-on

Crank

Campagnolo Record Carbon, 50/34

Shifters

Campagnolo Record hydro disc, 2x12

Cassette

Campagnolo Super Record, 11-34, 12-speed

Chain

Campagnolo Chorus, 12-speed

Brakes

Campagnolo Record hydro disc, 160/140mm 03 rotors

TypeCampagnolo Record Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

Campagnolo Record hydro disc

Wheels
Rims

Fulcrum Wind 400 DB

Spokes

Fulcrum, Stainless steel

Front Hub

Fulcrum Wind 400 DB, 12x100

Rear Hub

Fulcrum Wind 400 DB, 12x142

Tires

Vittoria Corsa, 700 x 28c

Rider Notes
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First added July 15

Last updated October 31

Not listed for 2,051 days