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Today’s Deals2021 Cannondale
Synapse Sora
An aluminum frame endurance bike with mid-range components and promax mechanical disc brakes.
Manufacturer Price
$1,300| Weight | 22.9 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Fork | Carbon |
| Wheels | 700c Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 2 × 9 |
| Groupset | Sora |
| Brakes | Promax Mechanical Disc |
5'2" – 5'6"
5'5" – 5'10"
5'7" – 5'11"
5'9" – 6'1"
6'0" – 6'4"
6'3" – 6'8"
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
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.
May 2022 · Sam Challis
At its core, the new Synapse is a truly excellent road bike
Comfort
Handling
Design simplicity
Quality finishing kit
Controversial SmartSense system
Weight
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
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 | SmartForm C2 Alloy, SAVE, BB30, internal cable routing, flat mount, 130x9mm QR BB Standard: BB30, Press Fit Color: Sage Gray |
|---|---|
| Fork | BallisTec Full Carbon, integrated crown race, SAVE, 12x100mm thru-axle, internal routing |
| Bottom Bracket | Cartridge, square taper |
| Headset | FSA Sealed Bearing, Integrated, 1-1/4"-1-1/8" |
| Stem | Cannondale 4, 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 7° |
| Handlebar | Cannondale 4, 6061 alloy, Compact |
| Saddle | Cannondale Stage Ergo |
| Seatpost | Cannondale 4, 6061 Alloy, 25.4 x 300mm (48-51), 350mm (54-56), 400mm (58-61) Type: Rigid |
| Pedals | Not Included |
| Grips | Cannondale Bar Tape, 3.5mm |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Sora GS |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Sora, braze-on |
| Crank | FSA Vero Alloy, 50/34 |
| Shifters | Shimano Sora, 9-speed |
| Cassette | Shimano HG400, 11-34, 9-speed |
| Chain | KMC Z9, 9-speed |
| Brakes | Promax Decoder R cable-actuated disc, 160/160mm Type: Promax Mechanical Disc |
| Brake Levers | Shimano Sora |
| Rims | RD, 28h |
|---|---|
| Spokes | Stainless steel, 14g |
| Front Hub | Formula CRX-512 12x100 |
| Rear Hub | Alloy, sealed loose ball bearing, QR |
| Tires | Vittoria Zaffiro, 700 x 28c |
First added July 7
Last updated December 3
Not listed for 1,638 days