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2025 Cannondale

Synapse Carbon 2 RL

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

Manufacturer Price

¥517,000($3,231)
FrameCarbon
ForkCarbon
Wheels700c Aluminum
Drivetrain2 × 11
GroupsetUltegra
BrakesShimano Ultegra Hydraulic Disc
View on cannondale.comLearn about Cannondale
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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 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
  • 6'2", size 56, Just right
  • 6'1", size 56, Just right
Price History
Reviews

Summary

The Cannondale Synapse is celebrated for its blend of performance and comfort, making it a standout in the endurance category. Its lightweight frame, advanced aerodynamics, and innovative features like the SmartSense system and StashPort storage highlight its versatility. The bike's design focuses on real-world performance, offering a smooth ride with improved compliance and handling.

Pros
  • Versatile and capable with real-world performance

  • Lightweight frames and advanced aerodynamics

  • Innovative features like SmartSense and StashPort

  • Improved comfort and stability with size-specific geometry

  • Wide tire clearance for versatility

Cons
  • SmartSense system compatibility questions with AXS derailleurs

  • Tire clearance limitations with certain setups

  • Added weight from SmartSense system

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

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View all reviews

Cycling News
Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 review: Dependable and sure footed, but not as exciting to ride as some of the best endurance bikes on the market

Mar 2026

The 6th gen Synapse can handle a lot, but if you're looking for a more comfortable endurance bike, you will need to decide if its geometry and ride feel are for you

Highs
  • Confidence inspiring, sure footed handling

  • Comfortable geometry

  • Progressive tyre clearances mean you can do a lot with the bike

  • A good looking bike overall

Lows
  • Middle spec, tube-only tyres on a 6k bike is a let down

  • No alternate inline seatpost option for all sizes

  • Lacks a little bit of race bike excitement

Read Review

Road Bike Action
First Rides - Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 with SmartSense - Road Bike Action

Mar 2026 · Joe Mackey

The Synapse has arguably been the most versatile bike in Cannondale’s lineup for the last several years. From the Cobbles in the Pro Tour to your favorite local Fondo, the Synapse has been ridden just about everywhere.  As a former owner of a Synapse, I can attest to the versatility of generations past. But this […]

Highs
  • Versatile bike, suitable for various riding scenarios

  • Updated geometry: longer reach, shorter stack for racier feel

  • Increased tire clearance (48mm fork, 42mm rear)

  • Added aero features

  • Integrated SmartSense system with headlight and Garmin rear radar

  • Downtube storage for battery, tool kit, etc.

  • Smooth ride quality with stock 32mm Vittoria Rubino tires

Lows
  • No power meter included at $7500 price point

  • SmartSense system may be unnecessary for some riders

Read Review

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

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

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

ColorsBlack Pearl; Beetle 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 October 23

Last updated June 13