Cannondale Synapse Neo

82/100
BikeRide Score
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Users (2 ratings)
100
Experts (2 reviews)
74
Cannondale Synapse Neo
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Facts

Gender
Men, Women
Type
Commuter, Electric, Gravel - Adventure, Road, Seniors
Release Year
2020
Brand
Cannondale
Charge Time
4.5 Hours
Maximum Range
149 Miles
Top Speed
20 mph
Watts
250 W
Torque
50 Nm
Volts and Amp Hours
36V 13.4Ah
Class
Class 1
Drive
Mid-Drive
Wheel Size
650b, 700c
Number of Gears
22 (2x11), 11 (1x11)
Gearing Type
External Derailleur
Weight
41.0 lb
Suspension
None
Brake Type
Disc: Hydraulic
Frame Material
Aluminum, Carbon Fiber

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Cannondale Synapse Neo. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

14 reasons to buy

  • The Neo’s maximum range sits between 88 and 95 miles in eco mode.
  • Reviewers described the Neo as being “extremely well tuned”.
  • It was common to hear testers saying that the Neo “didn’t feel like an e-bike”.
  • Relaxed ‘endurance road’ geometry proved great for older road cyclists.
  • When cycling with no power, extra weight wasn’t very noticeable.
  • The Bosch Active Line Plus motor was silent in all but turbo mode.
  • Long battery-life means that all-day rides are stress-free.
  • NEOs 1 and 2 fit 700c tires up to 35c.
  • The NEO SE comes fit with plush 600x47c tires.
  • On the NEO 1, 50/34 chainrings and an 11-30 cassette provide ample range.
  • Low resistance allows pedal-assisted speeds in excess of the motor’s 20mph limit.
  • A “WALK+” function assists with walking the bike up slopes.
  • Frames feature bosses for two bottle cages, racks, mudguards and a front mech.
  • A low and central center-of-gravity performed excellently off-road.

6 reasons not to buy

  • The 41lb weight struck riders as ‘on the heavy side’.
  • One tester found that the battery was tricky to remove and install.
  • A reviewer said the left crank rubbed on the non-drive side of the motor’s housing.
  • Slack angles caused the front wheel to wander on climbs.
  • Compliance and comfort were limited, due to a stiff aluminum frame.
  • Longer chainstays added stability but slowed handling.

Bottom line

Cannondale’s Neo range offers sleek packages for e-gravel and e-road endurance riders. Without being bulky and oversized, these bikes impressed with powerful motors and impressively long ranges. All-distance rides were considered a doddle. Prices are kept down by using an aluminum frame, coupled with a fork made of Cannondale’s BallisTec carbon. This makes for a not insubstantial 41lb weight. Gravel performance was commended on the Neo SE.

Expert Reviews

74/100 based on 2 rated expert reviews
Apply to become an expert
80
BikeRadar
Level 5 expert

Cannondale Synapse NEO SE e-Road Bike Review

Level 5 expert

The NEO SE’s off-road performance is a revelation…It’s like Cannondale’s designers have combined a very capable gravel bike, a powerful e-bike and a monster truck.

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67
Gran Fondo
Level 5 expert

Cannondale Synapse NEO SE in Review

Level 5 expert

The Cannondale Synapse NEO SE is an extremely sturdy gravel travel machine with a snazzy look! …a solid bike at a fair price.

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Bruno Bobbink
Level 2 expert

The Perfect Bike for My Wife? The Synapse Neo. Cannondale’s First E-Road Bike.

Level 2 expert

This bike is great for people who want to enjoy the mountains but don’t have the strength or the conditioning. …going down, it feels a bit more heavy and a bit more stable… With the disc brakes, it’s golden.

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Velo
expert

Five of Our Favorite Things About the Cannondale Synapse NEO 1

expert

…road vibrations are kept to a minimum so you could ride all day if you wanted to. And luckily, this bike has the range to match your ambitions.

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Bicycling
Level 5 expert

The Cannondale Synapse NEO SE is the E-Bike You’ve Been Waiting For

Level 5 expert

…one of the most natural-feeling gravel e-bikes we’ve ridden to date… it gives you a window into a world of what it feels like to have a heightened level of fitness.

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Bici Da Strada
Level 3 expert

Cannondale Synapse Neo: Faithful and Fun [Italian]

Level 3 expert

…facing the tour of the four passes (Sella, Gardena, Campolongo and Pordoi – 40 miles with 6500 meters of altitude difference) in Eco mode, I only consumed one battery notch

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nanobike
Level 1 expert

Cannondale Synapse Neo SE Hybrid E-Bike 2019 | Review [German]

Level 1 expert

A 25.4” post exhibits flex, along with the carbon fork…to increase comfort.

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Cykelportalen
Level 3 expert

Cannondale Synapse NEO [Danish]

Level 3 expert

The bike feels extremely well tuned and not really like an electric bike …the engine can be switched off completely ….it pedals at a fine pace, without noticing the increased weight.

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ROADBIKE
Level 4 expert

Cannondale Synapse NEO – Cannondale’s First e-Road Bike [German]

Level 4 expert

…the engine does not tempt you… on the contrary, it motivates you …you often move over 25 km/h …without the support of the engine …people like to drive the Synapse NEO at speed.

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ROADBIKE
Level 4 expert

Test: Cannondale Synapse NEO against Focus Paralane² [German]

Level 4 expert

The Synapse NEO SE is an impressive 18.7 kilos. You can feel this extra weight in every curve… This fun rocket is fast, adventurous, ready even for rough operations.

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User Ratings

100/100 based on 2 ratings
  • 5 star
    100%
  • 4 star
    0%
  • 3 star
    0%
  • 2 star
    0%
  • 1 star
    0%

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