The fact that Cannondale was working on a new road bike had been publicised since late last summer. After all, Lachlan Morton travelled around his home country of Australia on a bike that was still unreleased at the time. The ex-professional covered a whopping 14,210 kilometres on the obviously long-distance capable model, which the Americans are now presenting as the Synapse. The new generation sees itself as a sporty all-road bike that combines elements of the SuperX (Gravel) and SuperSix Evo (Race) and, depending on the equipment, comes with a whole host of additional functions.
The basis is a carbon frameset that openly flaunts its proximity to the two race platforms for off-road and road. Striking examples are the strongly tapered seat tube, the filigree seat post or the flow-optimised steering head. Cannondale offers the chassis in two quality levels. The frame and fork of the basic version should weigh around 1644 grams, while the lighter frame set should be almost 200 grams lighter. The US company did not provide any information on complete bike weights. The exclusive top model from our test ride, which is not available on the German market, weighed in at 8,040.
Cannondale Synapse: The most important facts
- Weight of complete wheel: 8.0 kilogrammes (weighed weight, top version, size 56)
- Frame weight (standard/hi-mod): under 1150/1000 grammes
- Fork weight (standard/hi-mod): 494/445 grammes
- Stack/Reach/STR: 590/387 millimetres/1.52
- Maximum tyre clearance: 48/42 millimetres (front/rear)
- Frame sizes: 44, 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61
- Prices: 3499 to 15799 Euro
That sounds like a lot of ballast for the luxury version. Comparable top wheels like the Canyon Endurace CFR, Giant Defy Advanced SL or Specialised S-Works Roubaix SL8 save up to 960 grams. In contrast to the Cannondale, however, the aforementioned candidates do not have electronic aids such as a lighting system and warning radar, which continue to give the Synapse a unique selling point in the endurance segment. As with its predecessor, the US brand combines the technology under the generic term "SmartSense", and two equipment variants with the practical features and StVZO conformity are to be offered in Germany in the future.
"Smartsense" in the second generation
The compact LED front light from LightSkin offers 400 lumens. "That's bright enough to ride all day and into the night," says Cannondale. A luminous flux of 800 lumens is specified for the international version, which is fitted to the Lab71 model tested, among others. The LED rear light from Garmin has an integrated radar that warns of approaching vehicles. The warning signals are transmitted acoustically or visually via any modern bike computer with ANT+ or via smartphone. However, our testers found it difficult to use the radar function with a Wahoo computer. All in all, you should take some time before your first ride to activate the additional technical solutions using the corresponding app and adapt them to your own needs.
In contrast to the old version of the Synapse, the battery is located in the down tube and should last up to 12:45 hours at the maximum lighting level. The highlight: In addition to the lighting system and the radar, the battery can also power the front derailleur and rear derailleur on models with SRAM AXS. The battery can also be converted into a power bank. The concept would be truly perfect if the US manufacturer were to offer the new product with an integrated hub dynamo, which supplies the battery and therefore also the gears & co. with power. Separate charging would then be a thing of the past. Bikes with Shimano groupsets will not even be able to enjoy these unusual functions. As Cannondale announced, "Smartsense" is initially only compatible with SRAM AXS drivetrains.
To ensure that the Synapse is equipped for long distances, the racer comes with typical marathon geometry. Cannondale specifies an STR ratio of 1.52 for a medium frame size. However, the seating position of the Lab71 model is somewhat sportier, as the bike has the race-style cockpit of more expensive versions of the SuperSix Evo takes over. Thanks to the long wheelbase and plenty of fork travel, the Synapse is trimmed for high directional stability. Fast changes of direction, on the other hand, are less to the taste of the new bike. In addition to the frame geometry, this is also due to the choice of tyres. The Vittoria Corsa Pro Control tyres roll excellently. However, when turning in, the tyres with their own grooved profile react stiffly and give the rider undefined feedback.
The frame leaves room for up to 42-millimetre tyres, and even wider tyres (48 millimetres) are possible on the fork. This means that the Synapse is poaching in the territory of off-road specialists. Even with the standard tyres, the Cannondale takes on many surfaces under its tyres; the Vittoria expands from reserve to 34 millimetres over the voluminous carbon rims. The integrated storage compartment including transport bag and mounting points for fixed mudguards round off the concept of a modern all-road bike.
The gear selection on the Lab71 is unusual for a nominal road bike, as the bike is built with the gravel version of the SRAM Red AXS with just one chainring (44 teeth) and a huge cassette (10-46 teeth). The gear ratio is sufficient for many riding situations, but ambitious riders might wish for a higher gear. An "emergency sprocket" is available for steep climbs.
Cannondale Synapse: Equipment and prices
For the German market, Cannondale is initially offering four equipment variants, which have to make do without a lighting system and warning radar due to being equipped with Shimano groupsets. However, as SRAM is about to update the Force and Rival groupsets, bikes with "Smartsense" are likely to follow soon. The basic model with mechanical 105 and simple aluminium wheels costs €3,499. For the build with carbon wheels, you have to factor in at least 7,899 euros. The most expensive model for the time being with electronic Ultegra is available in Germany for 9,199 euros - which is still "cheaper" than the Lab71. The US brand puts the gigantic price tag of 15,799 euros on the top model.
Synapse Carbon 5
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano 105 (2x12; 50/34, 11-36 t.)
- Brakes: Shimano 105 (160/160 mm)
- Tyres: Vittoria Zaffiro Pro (32 mm)
- Impellers: DT Swiss R 470/Shimano RS 470 (aluminium)
- Smart Sense: no
- Price: 3499 Euro
Synapse Carbon 4
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano 105 Di2 (2x12; 50/34, 11-34 t.)
- Brakes: Shimano 105 (160/160 mm)
- Tyres: Vittoria Rubino Pro (32 mm)
- Impellers: DT Swiss R 470 (aluminium)
- Smart Sense: no
- Price: 4499 Euro
Synapse Carbon 2
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Ultegra (2x12; 50/34, 11-34 t.)
- Brakes: Shimano Ultegra (160/160 mm)
- Tyres: Vittoria Rubino Pro (32 mm)
- Impellers: DT Swiss ERC 45 (Carbon)
- Smart Sense: no
- Price: 7199 Euro
Synapse Carbon 1
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Ultegra (2x12; 50/34, 11-34 t.)
- Brakes: Shimano Ultegra (160/160 mm)
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Pro Control (32 mm)
- Impellers: Reserve 42/49 TA (Carbon)
- Smart Sense: no
- Price: 9199 Euro
Julian Schultz
Editor
