Cannondale's Synapse has reigned as a staple in the American brand's lineup since 2006. When the Synapse was first introduced, its racy geometry, unmatched compliance, and all-carbon fiber chassis were alluring. Through the clever use of [save technology (Synapse Active Vibration Elimination), improved frame clearance, and the activation of disc brakes (in later years), Synapse earned a reputation as a category-defying crossover bike. While it has always been popular among cycling adventurers, its popularity only really took off after Peter Sagan won the Ghent-Wevelgem classic race on a 2013 derivative.

This is the fifth generation of the Synapse, and Cannondale has improved it to be faster, smoother, and safer than the previous model. The big news here is the SmartSense light bouquet, which is controlled by a single battery and can also be used as a USB-C charging source when removed from the bike cradle.

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For version 5, Cannondale spared no effort to ensure that ride quality is uniform across all sizing, as ride compliance has always been one of the bike's main attractions. This was achieved through "proportional response," a proprietary, size-specific blueprint that fine-tunes geometry, construction, stiffness index, and steering characteristics based on rider size and center of gravity differences. [As a result, flex zones are strategically placed in the drop seatstays, seat tube, and seat post, making the new models 8% more comfortable to ride than before. However, these vibration-absorbing measures have had little negative impact on actual performance because they apply aerodynamic characteristics learned from System Six.

Those who like to take the road less traveled will be pleased to find that the new Synapse is equipped for extended periods in the saddle. There are many mounting points, including full compatibility with fenders. Tire clearance is 35mm, 30mm with fenders, and while Cannondale's 25.4mm seatpost is standard, it also features a threaded bottom bracket and axles for the Indoor Smart Trainer. All models feature hydraulic disc brakes.

To make Synapse even more versatile than before, it is available in two versions, EU and international, with different Smart Sense light hardware (the EU version complies with StVZO, the highest standard for bicycle lights).

Recent Cannondale road bikes have often been criticized for looking the same, and while they work well from a DNA perspective, this cookie cutter design approach can be confusing to outsiders. Blatant model designations have not been Cannondale's strong suit in recent years, and it takes a close eye to tell one model from another. The pseudo-SuperSix look of the new Synapse doesn't make things any easier, but the rear-sloping top tube, SmartSense battery pack in the inner downtube, and external cables are definitive landmarks. The combination of brake hoses and SmartSense light cables is central.

Nevertheless, the color palette is very comprehensive, boasting 10 new colors (depending on the model, of course). They include Purple Haze, Jet Black, Black Cherry, Beetle Green, Black Pearl, Cool Mint, Charcoal Gray, Quick Sand, Gunmetal Green, and Stealth Gray. In addition, the Cannondale wordmark logo is different throughout the series. While all models feature the Cannondale "C" logo on the head tube and a small letter mark on the top tube, the Synapse Carbon LTD RLE is the only model in the lineup to feature the Cannondale logo on the down tube.

It comes in six sizes: 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, and 61. Geometry figures are nearly identical to current models, with a strong focus on the endurance side. The stack height of the medium model (54cm) is slightly gravel bike-like at 570mm, the chainstay is shorter at 415mm, and the bottom bracket height is 272mm.

All models in the Synapse series (except the entry-level Carbon 4) feature the Smart Sense Smart Sense. Smart Sense is an intelligent system consisting of lights and radar that actively communicates with the rider, bike, and surrounding environment and is powered by a single battery. It is a very smart and intuitive system that can be personalized using the Cannondale app.

According to David Devine, Cannondale Global Senior Director of Product, "Smart Sense is designed to make road riding more fun for experienced riders, more engaging for new riders, and more convenient for everyone. It is designed to make road riding more fun for experienced riders, more attractive to new riders and more convenient for everyone. To complement Smart Sense, we have redesigned our acclaimed Cannondale Synapse. The combination of these two products creates a seamless relationship between rider, bike, and road."

It all starts with the front wheel sensor, which activates a chain of communication throughout the SmartSense ecosystem. The system consists of a 350-lumen front light and 85-lumen rear light developed by Lezyne, Garmin Varia radar (front and rear), and Varia Core Battery, the latter of which eliminates the need to charge multiple batteries. Battery life ranges from 3 to 20 hours, depending on the mode.

This idea could lead to the possibility of a smarter, centralized solution where battery-free lights, the best cycling computer, and Di2/eTap are all powered by a single battery, eliminating the need for multiple charging ports.

Cannondale's Synapse series consists of six different carbon models that vary by groupset and specification level. The highest-end options are priced considerably higher, but there is enough variation to accommodate a wide range of cyclists. [The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 1 RLE with Shimano Dura-Ace 9200 and Hollowgram Knot components (45SL wheels and Save System bars) is £9,000/$9,000. Next is the Carbon LTD RLE with Shimano GRX Di2 for £6,750/$7,000 (similar specs), the Carbon 2 RLE with Ultegra Di2 specs for £5,800/$5,500, the UK-only Carbon 2 RL Ultgera mechanical for £4,000, and the Shimano 105 Carbon 3 L with Shimano 105 is £3,200 / $3,300.

There is also an entry-level Synapse Carbon 4 (£2,400/$2,400), which is Tiagra and Smart Sense compatible but without lights.