At the start of 2022, Cannondale will present a successor to the Synapse endurance road bike. The frame is said to be slightly lighter and more comfortable and has a modern design language. The marathon road bike allows the installation of fixed mudguards and tyres up to 35 millimetres wide. Contrary to current trends, however, the bike does without cable integration on the handlebars, specially moulded seat posts or more aerodynamic frame shapes.
A special feature of the new Synapse, on the other hand, is the integration of a lot of electronics, the individual components of which Cannondale summarises under the term "SmartSense". All models available in Germany are supplied as standard with powerful lighting from accessory specialist Lezyne. Higher-end models even have a distance radar from Garmin on board, which informs the rider about traffic behind using a handlebar display.
Power is supplied by a central battery, which is located in a recess on the down tube and can be removed for charging via a USB-C cable. The system can also be switched on and off or the charge status displayed here. The battery can also be used as a power bank to charge a smartphone or bike computer. Cannondale promises a light duration of around three hours with a fully charged battery.
A sensor integrated into the front wheel registers the movement of the bike and switches the lights on automatically. The lights can also be switched on and off using a switch or smartphone app; the app can also record journeys, manage several bikes or remind you of maintenance intervals.
The Cannondale Synapse starts at € 3,499 for the 3 L version with lights and Shimano 105 groupset. The Garmin Radar is available from the 2 RL with mechanical Ultegra for € 4,499. The top model is the Synapse Carbon 1 RLE with electronic Shimano Dura-Ace, carbon wheels and fast Vittoria tyres for €8,999.
An individual test of the new Cannondale Synapse appears in TOUR issue 3/2022.
Jens Klötzer
Editor
