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2021 Cannondale

Synapse 2

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

Manufacturer Price

£1,100
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 2
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)

63 km/h

Synapse 2

62 km/h

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Sizing
51cm

165cm – 176cm

54cm

170cm – 181cm

56cm

175cm – 186cm

58cm

182cm – 193cm

Rider Fit Notes
  • 187cm, size 58cm, Just right
  • 181cm, size 56cm, Just right
Reviews

Summary

The Cannondale Synapse is celebrated for its smooth ride quality, versatile tyre clearance, and stable yet responsive handling, making it a standout in the endurance category. Its comfort and efficiency are frequently highlighted, with many reviewers praising its ability to blend speed with a forgiving ride position. However, the SmartSense system and some component choices have drawn mixed reactions, with some finding them innovative and others seeing them as unnecessary additions that add weight and complexity.

Pros
  • Smooth ride quality

  • Versatile tyre clearance

  • Stable yet responsive handling

  • Comfortable endurance geometry

  • Efficient power transfer

Cons
  • Controversial SmartSense system

  • Weight concerns

  • Some component choices questioned

  • SmartSense adds complexity

  • Mixed reactions to electronic aids

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 Synapse is a real joy to ride in these times, despite shorter outings.
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
With the 2022 Cannondale Synapse, you’ll be prepared for almost any eventuality, as long as most of it happens on asphalt.
Gran Fondo Magazine logoGran Fondo Magazine
The Synapse shines brightest in providing all-day ride comfort and handling characteristics that inspire confidence.
Road Bike Action

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

Dec 2022 · RBA Staff

Radar comes standard

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

BikeRadar
Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 RL review

Jan 2022 · Warren Rossiter

The new Synapse is a refined endurance bike that’s easy to live with and brings safety-enhancing tech as standard

Highs
  • Supple smoothness wrapped around swift, exciting handling

  • Clever tech brings day and night safety

Lows
  • Not everyone will want all of the equipment

  • Alloy components and middleweight wheels feel like a downgrade

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

Velo
Pro Bike Gallery: Sebastian Langeveld’s Cannondale Synapse

Apr 2018 · VeloNews.com

EF Education First-Drapac rider Sebastian Langeveld will ride disc brakes at Roubaix after making the podium in 2017.

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

SmartForm C2 Alloy, SAVE, BB30, internal cable routing, flat mount, 135x9mm QR

BB StandardBB30, Press Fit

ColorBlack Pearl

Fork

Full Carbon, integrated crown race, SAVE, 12x100mm thru-axle, internal routing

Bottom Bracket

Cartridge, square taper

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, 25.4x300mm (48-51), 350mm (54-56), 400mm (58-61)

TypeRigid

Pedals

Not included

Grips

Cannondale Bar Tape, 3.5mm

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano Sora GS

Front Derailleur

Shimano Sora, braze-on

Crank

FSA Vero Alloy, 50/34

Shifters

Shimano Sora, 9-speed

Cassette

Shimano HG400, 11-34, 9-speed

Chain

KMC Z9, 9-speed

Brakes

Promax Decoder R mechanical disc, 160/160mm rotors

TypePromax Mechanical Disc

Brake Levers

Shimano Sora

Wheels
Rims

RD 3.1, 28h

Spokes

Stainless Steel, 14g

Front Hub

Formula CRX-512 12x100mm thru-axle

Rear Hub

Alloy, sealed loose ball bearing, QR

Tires

Vittoria Zaffiro V, 700x30c

Rider Notes
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First added 6 August

Last updated 27 June

Not listed for 1,067 days