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Today’s DealsSynapse Tiagra
An aluminum frame endurance bike with mid-range components and promax mechanical disc brakes.
Manufacturer Price
$1,700| Frame | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Fork | Carbon |
| Wheels | 700c Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 2 × 10 |
| Groupset | Tiagra |
| 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.
The latest Synapse is the best iteration of the model to date.
The Synapse is a real joy to ride in these times, despite shorter outings.
With the 2022 Cannondale Synapse, you’ll be prepared for almost any eventuality, as long as most of it happens on asphalt.
The Synapse shines brightest in providing all-day ride comfort and handling characteristics that inspire confidence.Road Bike Action
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View all reviews

Dec 2022 · RBA Staff
Radar comes standard
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
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
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

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
Excellent geometry layout
Comfortable
Reflective seatstays are a clever touch
Trainer adaptors as standard
Cable routing not as clean as some
Low end wheelset comparative to the frame

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
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

Jan 2020 · Robin Wilmott
One of the first bikes to offer features that now define a modern endurance machine, the Synapse expands the versatility and potential of a road bike with little difference in speed.. .
SmartForm frame, all-carbon fork, Tiagra, tyre volume
Front wheel deflection, mechanical disc brakes
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: Meteor Gray |
|---|---|
| Fork | BallisTec Full Carbon, integrated crown race, SAVE, 12x100mm thru-axle, internal routing |
| Bottom Bracket | FSA Cartridge |
| 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 | Wellgo w/ Clip and Strap |
| Grips | Cannondale Bar Tape, 3.5mm |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Tiagra GS |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Tiagra, braze-on |
| Crank | FSA Omega ME Alloy, 50/34 |
| Shifters | Shimano Tiagra, 10-speed |
| Cassette | Shimano Tiagra, 11-34, 10-speed |
| Chain | KMC X10EL, 10-speed |
| Brakes | Promax Decoder R cable-actuated disc, 160/160mm Type: Promax Mechanical Disc |
| Brake Levers | Shimano Tiagra |
| Rims | RD 3.0, 28h |
|---|---|
| Spokes | Stainless Steel, 14g |
| Front Hub | Formula CRX-512, 12x100 |
| Rear Hub | Formula DC-1422, QR |
| Tires | Vittoria Zaffiro, 700 x 30c |
First added July 7
Last updated December 3
Not listed for 1,644 days