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2022 Cannondale

Synapse 1

An aluminum frame endurance bike with mid-range components and shimano tiagra hydraulic disc brakes.

Manufacturer Price

£1,650($2,213)
FrameAluminum
ForkCarbon
Wheels700c Aluminum
Drivetrain2 × 10
GroupsetTiagra
BrakesShimano Tiagra Hydraulic Disc
Where to Buy
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Rider Position
relaxedaggressive
Terrain
smoothrugged
Synapse 1
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 1

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 nimble handling, making it a standout in the endurance category. However, its SmartSense system and some component choices have drawn mixed reactions. The bike excels in comfort and efficiency, offering a sporty yet comfortable ride position, but some models are criticized for their value and weight.

Pros
  • Smooth ride quality

  • Versatile tyre clearance

  • Stable yet nimble handling

  • Comfortable ride position

  • High-quality frame

Cons
  • Controversial SmartSense system

  • Weight issues in some models

  • Value for money concerns in certain builds

  • Component choices not always matching frame quality

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 new Synapse is a real joy to ride – but in this guise it lacks value against its competitors
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
The Synapse shines brightest in providing all-day ride comfort and handling characteristics that inspire confidence.
Road Bike Action
If you want a comfortable race bike, this is it.
road.cc logoroad.cc

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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

BikeRadar
Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 review

Aug 2022 · Warren Rossiter

The new Synapse is a real joy to ride – but in this guise it lacks value against its competitors

Highs
  • Comfort and handling are class-leading

Lows
  • Not great value for money

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

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

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

BB StandardBB30, Press Fit

ColorsGunmetal Green; Purple; Stealth Grey

Fork

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 hydraulic disc, 10-speed

Cassette

Shimano Tiagra, 11-34, 10-speed

Chain

KMC X10EL, 10-speed

Brakes

Shimano Tiagra hydraulic disc, 160/160mm RT64 rotors

TypeShimano Tiagra Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

Shimano Tiagra hydraulic disc

Wheels
Rims

RD 3.1, 28h

Spokes

Stainless Steel, 14g

Front Hub

Formula CRX-512, 12x100mm thru-axle

Rear Hub

Formula DC-1422, QR

Tires

Vittoria Zaffiro V, 700 x 30c

Rider Notes
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First added March 14

Last updated December 5

Not listed for 1,277 days