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2023 Cannondale

Synapse 1

An aluminum frame endurance bike with upper mid-range components and shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes.

Manufacturer Price

£1,900($2,548)
FrameAluminum
ForkCarbon
Wheels700c Aluminum
Drivetrain2 × 11
Groupset105
BrakesShimano 105 Hydraulic Disc
Where to Buy
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Insights
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)

Spec Level

Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

Sizing
44cm

5'0" – 5'5"

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

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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 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

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BikeRadar
Cannondale Synapse 1 review

Feb 2024 · Simon Withers

A comfortable fender-friendly all-rounder

Highs
  • Comfortable ride

  • Good contact points

  • Comprehensive fixtures and fittings

  • Excellent 105 groupset

  • Good tyre clearance

Lows
  • More expensive than key rival

  • Non series crankset

  • Tyres aren t tubeless ready

Read Review

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

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Lightweight SmartForm C2 Alloy, SmartSense compatible, BSA threaded BB, internal cable routing, flat mount, 142x12 thru-axle, hidden rack/fender mounts

BB StandardBSA, 68mm, Threaded

Tire Clearance32c

ColorsBlack Pearl; Jade

Fork

Synapse Carbon, integrated crown race, 12x100mm thru-axle, internal routing, flat mount brake, fender mounts

Bottom Bracket

Shimano RS500

Headset

Integrated, 1-1/8" - 1-1/4"

Stem

Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 7°

Handlebar

Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, Compact

Saddle

Fizik Aliante Delta, S-alloy rails

Seatpost

Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, 27.2x350mm

TypeRigid

Pedals

Wellgo w/ Clip and Strap

Grips

Cannondale Bar Tape, 3.5mm

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano 105 GS

Front Derailleur

Shimano 105

Crank

Shimano RS510, 50/34

Shifters

Shimano 105, 11-speed

Cassette

Shimano 105, 11-34, 11-speed

Chain

Shimano HG601, 11-speed

Brakes

Shimano 105 hydraulic disc, 160/160mm RT70 rotors

TypeShimano 105 Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

Shimano 105

Wheels
Rims

DT Swiss R470 DB, 28h, tubeless ready

Spokes

Stainless Steel, 14g

Front Hub

Formula CL-712, 12x100mm centerlock

Rear Hub

Formula RXC-400, 12x142mm centerlock

Tires

Vittoria Zaffiro Pro Bright Black, 700x30c, reflective

Rider Notes
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First added January 6

Last updated March 22

Not listed for 74 days