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2021 Cannondale

Synapse Tiagra

An aluminum frame endurance bike with mid-range components and promax mechanical disc brakes.

Manufacturer Price

$1,700
FrameAluminum
ForkCarbon
Wheels700c Aluminum
Drivetrain2 × 10
GroupsetTiagra
BrakesPromax Mechanical Disc
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Rider Position
relaxedaggressive
Terrain
smoothrugged
Synapse Tiagra
Other Endurance bikes
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 Tiagra

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
  • 6'2", size 58cm, Just right
  • 5'11", size 56cm, Just right
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

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

BikeRadar
Cannondale Synapse AL Disc Tiagra review

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.. .

Highs
  • SmartForm frame, all-carbon fork, Tiagra, tyre volume

Lows
  • Front wheel deflection, mechanical disc brakes

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

SmartForm C2 Alloy, SAVE, BB30, internal cable routing, flat mount, 130x9mm QR

BB StandardBB30, Press Fit

ColorMeteor 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)

TypeRigid

Pedals

Wellgo w/ Clip and Strap

Grips

Cannondale Bar Tape, 3.5mm

Groupset
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

TypePromax Mechanical Disc

Brake Levers

Shimano Tiagra

Wheels
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

Rider Notes
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First added July 7

Last updated December 3

Not listed for 1,644 days