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2022 Cannondale

Synapse Disc Sora

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

Manufacturer Price

$1,325
FrameAluminum
ForkCarbon
Wheels700c Aluminum
Drivetrain2 × 9
GroupsetSora
BrakesPromax Mechanical Disc
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Rider Position
relaxedaggressive
Terrain
smoothrugged
Synapse Disc Sora
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 Disc Sora

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

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

BikeRadar
Cannondale Synapse Disc Ultegra long-term review

Jan 2021 · Felix Smith

This is an initial score and could change as I spend more time on the bike

Highs
  • Cannondale's SAVE 'micro-suspension' is incredibly effective at taming rough tarmac and the low gearing and 32mm tyre clearance encourages more adventurous cycling

Lows
  • Messy cables up front detract from the otherwise clean overall design and the wheels and tyres are lacking modern endurance spec

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

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

SmartForm C2 Alloy, SAVE, BB30, internal cable routing, flat mount

BB StandardBB30, Press Fit

ColorSage Gray

Fork

Full Carbon, SAVE, internal routing, 1-1/8" - 1 1/4" tapered steerer, flat mount, 55mm rake, 12x100 thru axle

Bottom Bracket

FSA Cartridge

Headset

FSA Sealed Bearing, Integrated, 1-1/4"-1-1/8"

Stem

Cannondale 4, 6061 alloy, 31.8, 7°

Handlebar

6061 alloy, Compact

Saddle

Cannondale Stage Ergo

Seatpost

Alloy Micro Adjust, 15mm setback, 27.2 x 350mm

TypeRigid

Pedals

Not Included

Grips

Cannondale Grip Bar Tape w/Gel, 3.5mm

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano Sora GS

Front Derailleur

Shimano Sora, braze-on

Crank

FSA Vero alloy, 50/34

Shifters

Shimano Sora, 2x9

Cassette

Shimano HG400, 11-34, 9-speed

Chain

KMC Z9, 9-speed

Brakes

Promax Decoder R cable actuated disc, 160/160mm rotors

TypePromax Mechanical Disc

Brake Levers

Shimano Sora

Wheels
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

Rider Notes
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First added March 14

Last updated December 5

Not listed for 1,280 days