Name: Cannondale Synapse Carbon
Brand: Cannondale
Rating: 98 (20 reviews)

98/100

BikeRide Score

Users (0 ratings)

Experts (4 reviews)

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Cannondale Synapse Carbon. In summary, this is what cyclists think. Published Oct 14, 2025 by Reda Ashour.

9 reasons to buy

The Synapse Carbon is available in seven builds. The top two use a lighter Hi-MOD carbon layup.
Cannondale's integrated SmartSense system includes lights, a radar, and a speed sensor (LAB71, 2, 3).
Testers enjoy the smooth ride quality over broken pavement and cobblestones.
Experts appreciate the Synapse Carbon's confidence-inspiring stability at high speeds.
Reviewers commend how the frame balances stiffness with compliance.
The Synapse Carbon feels fast, and experts agree it's easy to maintain momentum.
Reviewers compliment the lightweight and stiff Reserve 42 | 49 Turbulent Aero carbon rims (top three builds).
The frame has mounts for fenders and a top tube bag and a large storage compartment, which has a light on SmartSense builds.
The frame fits a 42mm tire, and the fork fits 48mm.

5 reasons not to buy

Two reviewers say the long wheelbase reduces the bike's agility, with one adding that this causes understeering in corners.
Experts testing the Synapse LAB71's 1x13 drivetrain (44t, 10-46t) bemoan the big steps between low gears and the lack of high gears.
The SmartSense battery is only compatible with SRAM.
The Vittoria Rubino Pro IV and Zaffiro Pro V tires used on the lower-priced builds are not tubeless-ready.
A tester complains that the Synapse Carbon 5 has an alloy seatpost, but most competing models have carbon posts.

Bottom line

The sixth-generation Cannondale Synapse Carbon endurance road bike is available in seven builds. Geometry is refined to emphasize comfort, while still prioritizing aerodynamics. Experts say this translates to a very smooth, confidence-inspiring ride for long days in the saddle. Best-in-class tire clearance, clever internal frame storage, and the optional SmartSense system sweeten the deal, though the latter adds weight. The lower range Synapse Carbon builds provide the same characteristics as the high-end models, and are recommended over the astronomically priced top-tier builds.

Where to buy

$2,825.00 eBay See it $3,100.00 Sun & Ski See it $3,149.94 Jenson USA See it $3,198.99 Mike's Bikes See it $3,199.00 REI.com See it $4,199.00 Cannondale See it

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