Beyond Comfort: The New Cannondale Synapse Redefines Endurance with Smart Tech

Cannondale has long been a name synonymous with high-performance cycling, pushing the boundaries of speed and technology. With their latest iteration of the Synapse, they're not just refining an endurance road bike; they're ingeniously merging cutting-edge race-derived features with smart, rider-focused innovations that promise to elevate the everyday cycling experience. This isn't just about shaving grams or slicing through wind; it's about making every ride more enjoyable, safer, and seamlessly integrated with the technology we rely on.

While the Synapse is firmly positioned as an endurance and all-road machine – a fast road bike designed for the masses, not just the pro peloton – it undeniably shares DNA with Cannondale's top-tier race bikes. Take the flagship Synapse Lab71 model, for instance. Sporting a Hi-Mod carbon-fibre frame that dips below the 1,000-gram mark (in a size 56cm), it shaves a significant 150 grams compared to the standard carbon layup. This pursuit of lightweight performance echoes directly from their WorldTour-caliber SuperSix Evo.

The parallels don't end there. Just as the third-generation SuperSix Evo in 2019 embraced truncated airfoil tube shapes for enhanced aerodynamics, the new Synapse incorporates this design throughout its structure. According to Nathan Barry, Cannondale’s senior design engineer, this aerodynamic optimization means the Synapse now boasts "drag figures that are basically on par with the previous third-generation SuperSix Evo," a bike he asserts would still be fiercely competitive in the professional ranks. This infusion of race-proven aerodynamic principles into an endurance platform highlights Cannondale's commitment to speed, regardless of the rider's goals.

However, where the new Synapse truly distinguishes itself is in its intelligent integration of technology designed for the everyday rider. While pro racers might obsess over marginal gains in aerodynamics and weight, the Synapse embraces features that address the practicalities of riding – enhancing safety, convenience, and overall enjoyment.

Cannondale has long recognized the nuanced definitions within the "endurance" and "all-road" categories. While some brands might use these terms interchangeably, Cannondale views "endurance" as encompassing comfortable geometry, lively handling, and clearance for wider tires – essentially, "all-road" capabilities without the potentially sluggish feel of older endurance bikes. For Cannondale, "all-road" specifically leans towards light gravel excursions, while the Synapse remains first and foremost a high-performing road machine that excels with 32c or 34c tires. Its generous tire clearance, accommodating up to 48mm at the fork and 42mm at the stays, provides versatility for tackling varied terrain.

Comfort remains a cornerstone of the endurance category, and the new Synapse delivers with features like a compliant D-shaped seatpost and an optimized carbon-fibre layup in the seat tube and frame. Cannondale claims an overall compliance increase of 20 percent, translating to a smoother, more comfortable ride over long distances.

Yet, the most compelling innovation lies in Cannondale's second-generation SmartSense system. Building upon the integrated headlight, rear radar and light, and wheel sensor of its predecessor, SmartSense 2.0 takes integration to a new level. The battery is now seamlessly housed within the down tube, powering both the integrated lights (sleeker LightSkin front light and Garmin rear radar/light unit) and, notably, SRAM AXS derailleurs on compatible models like the Lab71.

This single-battery system addresses a common annoyance for many cyclists: the pre-ride ritual of charging multiple devices. Cannondale has even considered battery life concerns, implementing low-power modes that dim and eventually turn off the lights to prioritize shifting functionality, ensuring you're not left stranded in a single gear. They highlight that even at 5% battery, the capacity is roughly equivalent to a fully charged AXS battery.

Accessing the SmartSense battery is convenient via a door in the down tube, which also houses the StashPort, complete with a StashBag for neatly storing ride essentials. Furthermore, the SmartSense battery can even charge your phone via a USB-C cable, adding another layer of practicality. While Shimano Di2 components are not directly powered by SmartSense, the Synapse Carbon 1, 2, 4, and 5 models are SmartSense compatible.

All models in the new Synapse lineup come equipped with a wheel sensor, carrying over from the first generation. This sensor automatically wakes up the system, transmitting crucial ride data (speed, distance, route) and even service reminders to the Cannondale app, which allows for customization of SmartSense features.

In conclusion, the new Cannondale Synapse represents a thoughtful evolution of the endurance road bike. It masterfully blends the speed and aerodynamic advantages derived from their top-tier race machines with genuinely innovative and practical technologies that cater directly to the needs of everyday riders. By prioritizing integrated convenience, enhanced safety, and versatile performance, Cannondale has created a bike that is not only fast and comfortable but also intelligently designed for the modern cycling experience.