If there’s a bike that embodies what most riders mean when they say “road bike,” it’s the Cannondale Synapse.
It’s not the stiffest bike on paper.
It’s not the lightest or most aggressive race platform.
But when it comes to ride quality, comfort over distance, and confidence on varied surfaces, the Synapse stands apart.
This is the bike for national park loops, century rides, wind-blown coastal mornings, and long days with a view at the summit.
Here’s our detailed Cannondale Synapse review, honest, practical, and focused on how the Synapse performs in the real world.
Overview / Verdict Up Front
Who this bike is for:
- Long-distance riders who value comfort
- Cyclists who want a bike for mixed road conditions
- Riders who plan big days, varied surfaces, and weekend tours
Who this bike isn’t for:
- Pure racers chasing marginal gains
- Riders who want the most aggressive geometry possible
- People who only ride on perfectly smooth pavement
Quick take:
The Synapse isn’t a slow bike — far from it. But it isn’t a race-only machine either. What makes it most compelling is how complete it feels: comfortable without mushy, capable without harshness, and stable enough for long rides without feeling ponderous.
Key Specs (Real-World Relevant)
- Frame: BallisTec Carbon (varies by build)
- Fork: Carbon with compliance focus
- Brake Type: Disc brakes (flat mount, thru-axle)
- Geometry: Endurance-oriented (higher stack, balanced reach)
- Tire Clearance: Up to ~35mm (varies by model)
- Intended Use: Endurance, long days, varied road surfaces
The Synapse comes in a range of builds — from Shimano 105 to Ultegra and higher — and Cannondale also offers versions with gravel-capable clearance and practical mounting points for fenders and racks.
Ride Impressions (Core Section)
Comfort: Its Greatest Strength
Comfort is where the Synapse really earns its reputation.
Through a combination of:
- Smart geometry
- Compliance-tuned carbon layup
- A forgiving fork and seatpost
- Room for wider tyres
…the Synapse transforms rough pavement from a punishment into a quiet rhythm.
On anything but perfect tarmac, you notice the difference immediately. It doesn’t isolate you from the road — instead it lets the bike absorb chatter so your body doesn’t have to.
This matters most:
- On long rides
- When roads are patchy
- In late-season or winter riding
- On gravel-adjacent lanes
Handling: Calm, Predictable, and Confident
Cannondale has tuned the Synapse’s handling to be stable without being dull.
If you’re coming from:
- A racing bike → it feels friendlier
- A casual endurance bike → it feels more planted
Cornering feels confident even when you’re tired. Descents are stable, and the bike rarely feels nervous under load. It’s not a tarmac-shredding race machine, but it handles like a real road bike should — predictable, balanced, and composed.
Stiffness & Acceleration: Balanced, Not Brutal
The Synapse doesn’t refuse to accelerate — it simply prioritises smooth power delivery over jarring responsiveness.
There’s enough stiffness for:
- Pulling hard on short climbs
- Responding in small group rides
- Quick rollouts from rest stops
…but not so much that you feel punished over lumps, cracks, and uneven asphalt.
For many riders, this balance feels more natural than a pure race geometry bike.
Climbing: Comfortable, Steady, and Rewarding
On climbs, the Synapse feels:
- Stable when seated
- Predictable when standing
- Efficient without being knife-edged
It won’t feel like an ultra-light climber on steep Alpine roads, but on rolling hills or sustained gradients, it just works. If climbing is part of your ride — not the whole ride — the Synapse doesn’t let you down.
Descending: Stable and Trustworthy
This bike isn’t a descending specialist, but it’s confidently stable.
Here’s what you notice:
- Disc brakes give strong, consistent stopping power
- Geometry stays composed at speed
- The bike doesn’t feel nervous over cracks or patched tarmac
If you lean into corners, the Synapse responds predictably — which builds confidence on long descents after a big ride.
Long Rides (3–7+ Hours): Where It Truly Shines
This is where the Synapse’s design philosophy proves itself.
You won’t feel eager to finish the ride faster because your body is screaming. Instead, tired legs feel less punishing feedback, and those small road imperfections become less jarring moments.
Comfort doesn’t equal softness here — it means lasting performance.
Geometry & Fit
Cannondale’s endurance geometry is thoughtful:
- Higher stack for comfort
- Balanced reach for relaxed power
- Stable wheelbase for loaded or long rides
If you’re coming from:
- A race bike → you’ll find the Synapse more forgiving
- An endurance bike → you’ll find it nimble and confident
This is a bike that supports many hours in the saddle without demanding an aggressive posture.
Components & Build Options
The Synapse comes in various trims, often including:
- Shimano 105 (great value)
- Ultegra (balanced performance)
- SRAM Rival/Force or higher (lighter, refined shifting)
- Even Dura-Ace on top builds
Most builds are complemented by:
- Reliable wheels (upgradeable)
- All-weather disc brakes
- Tyres sized for comfort and clearance
Cannondale keeps practical performance as priority — not flashy or fragile parts.
Tyres, Wheels & Clearance
One of the Synapse’s strong suits is tyre clearance.
Most models comfortably fit:
- 28–35mm tyres
- (Some can take wider with careful check)
Wider tyres do more than cushion:
- Improve grip in corners
- Smooth out rough roads
- Raise confidence on mixed surfaces
If your riding includes county lanes, winter roads, or rough pavement, this clearance becomes a very real advantage.
Comparisons
Synapse vs Specialized Roubaix
| Feature | Synapse | Roubaix |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| All-around performance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Race readiness | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rough road ability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Everyday usability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Roubaix leans slightly more into comfort tech (Future Shock), but the Synapse is faster feeling without losing its edge on compliance.
Synapse vs Trek Domane
Both bikes chase a similar goal, but:
- Synapse feels slightly more agile
- Domane emphasises smoothness
- Clearance and component options vary by build
Both are excellent, but the Synapse feels a touch more engaged in the ride.
Pros & Cons (Honest)
✅ Pros
- Comfortable for long rides
- Balanced handling
- Good tyre clearance
- Stable and predictable
- Great value across builds
❌ Cons
- Not as plush as the most compliance-focused bikes
- Stock wheels are fine but often upgradeable
- Not a pure racing machine (that’s not its purpose)
Who Should Buy the Synapse?
Ideal for:
- Endurance riders
- Mixed road surface enthusiasts
- Riders who want one bike for all road conditions
- Sportive and club riders
Less ideal for:
- Pure racers chasing every watt and gram
- Riders who want ultimate aggression in handling
- Those who never leave smooth pavement
Range Highlights
Entry & Value Models
- Cannondale Synapse 1 Road Bike — Great all-round endurance bike with reliable components and comfort-first geometry.
- Cannondale Synapse 2 Road Bike — Similar to Synapse 1 with slightly varied spec for a similar budget.
Mid-Tier Carbon Endurance
- Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 SmartSense Road Bike — Carbon frame with SmartSense integration (lights & radar), great balance of tech and performance.
- Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 Road Bike — Excellent mid-range carbon model with smooth performance and endurance focus.
- Cannondale Synapse Carbon 5 — Slightly more value-oriented carbon endurance bike with good component balance.
Higher Spec Carbon Models
- Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 Road Bike — Premium carbon build with higher-end groupset and wheels.
- Cannondale Synapse Carbon 1 Tungsten Blue — Top non-LAB71 carbon model with premium components and refined ride.
Flagship & Top Tier
- Cannondale Synapse LAB71 SmartSense — The ultimate Synapse endurance machine: Hi-MOD carbon frame, SRAM Red XPLR 1x with power meter, integrated SmartSense tech, and aero-inspired performance.
Final Thoughts
The Cannondale Synapse is one of those bikes that makes sense the more you ride it.
It’s comfortable without being soft.
It is capable without being demanding.
It’s confident without being intimidating.
For road cyclists who care about distance, comfort, practicality, and confidence on varied surfaces, the Synapse is a bike you can live with — and live on — for years.
This is a road bike for real riders: riders who want to go farther, enjoy the journey, and discover roads they never knew existed.
Quick Summary
Best for: Endurance rides and mixed roads
Ideal tyre size: 28–35mm
Sweet spot: Comfort with performance
Ride feel: Calm, composed, capable
