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2024 Cannondale

Synapse Carbon 2 RL

A carbon frame endurance bike with high-end components and shimano ultegra hydraulic disc brakes.

Manufacturer Price

€4,199($4,863)
FrameCarbon
ForkCarbon
Wheels700c Aluminum
Drivetrain2 × 11
GroupsetUltegra
BrakesShimano Ultegra Hydraulic Disc
Where to Buy
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Top Comparison
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 Carbon 2 RL

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
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
  • 5'9", size 54, Just right
  • 5'4", size 48cm, Fits small
Reviews

Summary

The Cannondale Synapse is celebrated for its blend of performance and comfort, making it a standout in the endurance category. Its design focuses on real-world performance, with features like size-specific geometry, lightweight frames, and enhanced compliance for a smoother ride. The bike also boasts innovative technology such as the SmartSense system for integrated lighting and radar, and ample storage options with StashPort. While it excels in versatility and comfort, some reviews note limitations with tire clearance and the SmartSense system's compatibility with certain components.

Pros
  • Versatile and capable

  • Real-world performance

  • Comfort and stability

  • Performance-oriented but comfortable

  • Innovative technology like SmartSense

Cons
  • Tire clearance may be limited with certain setups

  • SmartSense system's compatibility issues with some components

  • Higher spec models can be expensive

Key Quotes
The Cannondale Synapse is what happens when you take performance seriously—but not so seriously that you forget to smile during a five-hour ride.
Bikerumor logoBikerumor
"The Synapse now has drag figures that are basically on par with the previous third-generation SuperSix Evo, which, from all of our testing, would be an extremely competitive bike if it was still in the pro peloton," says Nathan Barry, Cannondale’s senior design engineer.
Canadian Cycling Magazine logoCanadian Cycling Magazine
The Synapse goes further than the other two bikes to prepare you for longer rides.
Cyclist logoCyclist

Feedback?

View all reviews

Gran Fondo Magazine
New Cannondale Synapse LAB71 SmartSense on Test – Is This Really the Future of All-Road Riding?

Nov 2025 · Calvin Zajac

With the Synapse LAB71 SmartSense, Cannondale present their vision of the future of all-road riding – but is the bike really worth its hefty price tag?

Highs
  • Versatile and fun handling

  • Vively ride feel

  • Extremely adaptable

  • Clean integration of lighting and electronics

Lows
  • Expensive

Read Review

Bicycling
The Cannondale Synapse Sets a New Standard for Endurance Road Bikes

Jul 2025

The Synapse forgoes comfort gimmicks in favor of ample tire clearance, solid geometry, and clean integration to deliver an exceptional riding experience.

Read Review

Bikerumor
Cannondale Synapse Can Run Your Electronics from One Battery and Has Room For Snacks

May 2025 · Jordan Villella

The Synapse was never the average endurance bike, the newest models reflect a refined road bike that wants to go fast, comfortably.

Read Review

Canadian Cycling Magazine
New Cannondale Synapse: Expanded endurance-bike technology

May 2025 · Matthew Pioro

The latest bike not only has features that will make you speedier, it will get you out on the roads faster New Cannondale Synapse: Expanded endurance-bike technology

Read Review

Velo
First Ride: The New Cannondale Synapse Road Bike Gets Gravel Tire Clearance and Integrated Lights

May 2025 · Alvin Holbrook

Remember that clunky SmartSense system? Its back and wrapped around one of the most compelling road bikes of 2025, the Cannondale Synapse.

Read Review

Road Bike Action
CANNONDALE SYNAPSE CARBON RLE BIKE TEST - Road Bike Action

Dec 2022 · RBA Staff

Radar comes standard

Highs
  • SmartSense radar technology

  • All-day ride quality

  • Understated graphics

  • Threaded bottom bracket

  • Standard 27.2 seatpost

  • Standard Shimano crankset

  • Hidden fender mounts

  • 12-speed Ultegra Di2 compact gearing

  • Handling characteristics that inspire confidence

  • Stable feel without being sluggish

  • Tubeless-ready wheels

  • Price includes tech features

Lows
  • Radar system creates too many false warnings

  • Charging system is finicky and requires removing battery pack

  • Battery capacity requires charging after every ride

  • Heavy wheels (1740 grams)

  • Lack of flashy finishes

  • Could be optimized with 105 gruppo and lighter wheels at same price

  • Hard to find a better-optimized package with 105 and lighter wheels

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

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Synapse Carbon, SmartSense enabled, Proportional Response size-specific design, BSA threaded BB, flat mount brake, 12x142mm thru-axle, thru-tube internal cable routing with Switch Plate, removable fender bridge, hidden rack/fender mounts

BB StandardBSA, 68mm, Threaded

Tire Clearance35c

ColorBeetle Green

Fork

Synapse Carbon, integrated crown race, Proportional Response size-specific design, 12x100mm thru-axle, thru-tube internal routing, hidden fender mounts

Bottom Bracket

Shimano R60 BSA

Headset

Synapse Sealed Bearing, integrated, 1-1/4"-1-1/8"

Stem

Cannondale 2, 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 7°

Handlebar

Cannondale 2, 7050 alloy, Compact

Saddle

Fizik Aliante Delta, S-alloy rails

Seatpost

Cannondale 3 SmartSense, 6061 Alloy, 27.2x350mm (48-56), 400mm (58-61)

TypeRigid

Pedals

Not included

Grips

Fabric Knurl Bar Tape

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano Ultegra GS

Front Derailleur

Shimano Ultegra, braze-on

Crank

Shimano Ultegra, BSA, 50/34

Shifters

Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc, 11-speed

Cassette

Shimano Ultegra HG800, 11-34, 11-speed

Chain

Shimano HG701, 11-speed

Brakes

Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc, 160/160mm RT800 rotors

TypeShimano Ultegra Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

Shimano Ultegra hydraulic

Wheels
Rims

Fulcrum Rapid Red 900

Spokes

Fulcrum, Stainless steel

Front Hub

Fulcrum Rapid Red 900, 12x100mm centerlock

Rear Hub

Fulcrum Rapid Red 900, 12x142mm centerlock

Tires

Vittoria Rubino Pro Bright Black, 700x30c, reflective

Rider Notes
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First added June 15

Last updated October 19

Not listed for 236 days