![\"ccs-62657-0-88800900-1528186391.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-88800900-1528186391.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe Frame<\/h2>\n
The 2018 Synapse frame is constructed using a new carbon layout which shaves considerable weight from the previous model. At the top of the range, using the advanced Hi-MOD carbon, Cannondale is claiming 220-gram savings on the medium model. It’s almost enough to wipe out the weight gains added by the disc brake system. Unfortunately, there aren\u2019t readily available weight claims on the standard carbon frame that we tested.<\/p>\n
<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nCannondale continues to develop their SAVE micro-suspension technology on this latest Synapse frame. The bike is designed to be flexible at various points on the frame (notably the seat tube, stays, and fork). The idea is to soak up vibrations from the road surface while still allowing power to transfer uninterrupted to the rear wheel. Cannondale fits a thinner 25.4 mm diameter seat post (also found on the SuperSix Evo) for added deflection, contributing to a smoother, more compliant ride feel.<\/p>\n
Comfort is not all down to the micro-suspension system, the Synapse\u2019s geometry also deviates from that of a thoroughbred race bike to ensure that the rider is well positioned to enjoy the experience. In comparison with the brand\u2019s SuperSix Evo race bike, the head tube length and stack height are increased, the head angle slightly slacker and the chainstays are 5 mm longer with a broader wheelbase. This geometry might not be overly relaxed compared to other all-road bikes but the Synapse does enough to position the rider slightly more upright with a greater feeling of control over the bike.<\/p>\n Front and back mounts for fenders. And a neat internal cable routing system.<\/span><\/p>\n To make the bike more friendly to riders of varying heights and weights through the size curve, Cannondale use different diameter tubes on the frame, head tube, and fork steerer as well as three fork rakes through the range.<\/p>\n While the future of disc brake standards is still unfolding on the road, Cannondale has picked the more commonly walked path using flat mount calipers and 142x12mm rear axle spacing with 100x12mm front axles. The new Synapse has also bumped up the tyre clearance to officially accept 32 mm width tyres. Some peace of mind for those looking for some kind of (near) future proofing.<\/p>\n Front and rear tyre spacing with the stock 28 mm Schwalbe Lugano tyres.<\/span><\/p>\n As the name suggests, the Cannondale Synapse Carbon Disc Ultegra is equipped with a largely Shimano Ultegra hydraulic groupset with a Cannondale Si crank and FSA chainrings.<\/p>\n The gearing on the Synapse is also tuned with comfort in mind. The 50\/34 compact chainrings link to an 11-32 spread cassette giving the Synapse a generous range when it comes to climbing. On a number of occasions, I was more than happy to slide into the 32 and cruise up the climbs. Some riders might point to a deficiency in the low range, I found that I start spinning out around the 60 km\/h mark (more than fast enough for my liking) but it is an easy fix should gravity not be sufficient.<\/p>\n The bike rolls on Mavic\u2019s popular Aksium wheels, with centerlock brake mounts, fitted with 28mm Schwalbe Lugano tyres. The disc brake version does carry a bit more weight than the rim brake model. One reason is that the hubs have to accommodate for the mounting of the rotors. The bare wheelset tips the scale at just over 2 kgs, so it\u2019s one place where a future upgrade might see some weight loss. The wheelset is strong and reliable having taken a serious pounding on rough roads and corrugated gravel during testing.<\/p>\n The cockpit features a Cannondale branded aluminium handlebar, stem, and seatpost with a Selle Royal Seta 1 saddle. The bar tape is also from Cannondale and offers good grip.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When first swinging a leg over the Cannondale Synapse Carbon it is clear that the bike edges towards the racier side of the endurance road bike spectrum. The flexible design, wide tyres, and relaxed geometry do a lot to provide comfort and stability on the bike but, in doing so, the Synapse does well to maintain a performance feel.<\/p>\n Though not the lightest model in the range, the Synapse Carbon Ultegra climbs with elegance. There is little indication that the frame is designed to flex while the 8.95-kilogram bike feels considerably lighter (despite what laws of physics might demand). Seated or out of the saddle, the Synapse glides up climbs encouraging you to hang onto the wheel ahead. Rather than the snappiness and vigour of a true climbing bike, the Synapse’s climbing feel is efficient smoothness.<\/p>\n After a successful climb, the Synapse is eager for the challenge of the downhill. The combination of the bump absorption, generous tyres, commanding brakes, and accommodating geometry make for a confidence-boosting descender putting the rider firmly in control. Through the corners, the Synapse holds a line effortlessly, while the disc brakes allow greater control into the turns, and flinging the bike around tight corners feels sharp.<\/p>\n I’ll take disc brakes and thru axles on my road bikes any day of the week.<\/span><\/p>\n The hydraulic Ultegra brakes are predictable with good modulation allowing for just the right amount of power to be applied. Of course, in the wet, the discs showed their true worth. My only concern became whether the tyres would hold out. On prolonged descents, like the Swartberg Pass, the brakes impressed showing little sign of fade as they heated up.<\/p>\n On the flats and rolling hills, the Synapse is a dutiful mile eater. The bike does well to lessen the impact of fatigue-inducing chatter and bumps over rough sections of road, allowing you to focus on keeping momentum. A familiar road bike feel greets you in the drops where you can comfortably and efficiently click over the kilometres.<\/p>\n Jump out of the saddle for a quick burst of effort and the Synapse obliges with a stiff, responsive, and balanced reaction. There is no blaming of the bike if you fail to close a gap or beat your mates to the top.<\/p>\n I felt safer on the Synapse compared to a performance-focussed road bike. Thanks to the bump absorption, large tyres, and position on the bike, I found that I could hold a line better through deteriorating road surface. A good example is when you are forced to ride alongside the gutter by close passing traffic, where the road surface is far from ideal and usually unpredictable. The same comfort and stability translated well when commuting, with the added versatility of the option to veer off the road onto the dirt verges.<\/p>\n Although the Synapse favours the road bike end of the endurance bike spectrum, I could not resist racing the bike over some gravel at the Swartberg 100 Gran Fondo<\/a>. The only modification was maxing out the official tyre clearance with a set of 32mm Vittoria Zaffiro tyres.<\/p>\n<\/a>The SAVE seatpost with an integrated seat binder tighten by a bolt accessible on the underside of the top tube.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nComponents<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nSpecifications<\/h2>\n
\n
On the road (and gravel)<\/h2>\n
<\/a>The Synapse’s carbon tubing flexes at critical points to absorb vibrations as they move along the frame towards the rider.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n