There’s never been a better time to take up cycling. It’s healthy, it’s good for the environment and it’s fun. And now there’s the 2022 Cannondale Synapse, which makes it easy for newcomers to get into road cycling.
The all new Synapse carbon is supple and comfortable, light and fast, it’s composed, capable, and easy to ride hard on all kinds of roads. Even better, it has a whole raft of technological features that increases awareness and visibility while out riding. Cannondale’s bike has got enough speed and stiffness to make experienced road bikers purr, but it’s not intimidating to newcomers. In fact, with its advanced safety features and ease of use, it’s positively welcoming.
What Cannondale has done here is take features that have become familiar on electric bikes – and cars, come to that – and placed them on a road bike. There’s no motor – this is strictly pedal power only – but there is a very compact but powerful battery integrated into the frames of selected Synapse models. This powers the lights and introduces rear-facing radar detection as part of Cannondale’s SmartSense system, and it can even charge your phone once you’re at your destination.
The Synapse is a highly versatile endurance road bike that’s also capable of taking on gravel trails. It makes an ideal commute cycle too. No wonder Cannondale calls it, ‘the one bike to rule them all’. Here are 5 great ways that the fifth generation Synapse improves your cycling experience.
SmartSense keeps you safe out there
Rear-mounted radar warns you of oncoming traffic
SmartSense draws on the latest bike and mobile technology, powered via a single integrated battery and hidden cabling system – a world’s first on a non-electric bike. Key SmartSense features include Garmin rear radar, which scans the road behind you to warn you of oncoming traffic. There’s also Leyzne front and rear lights that adapt to ambient lighting conditions and in different modes can keep you visible on the road for up to 20 hours.
You can also configure the lights to come on automatically when the bike starts moving, as there is a wheel sensor that wakes the system up. Paired with the Cannondale App you can also configure your light and radar settings, log your rides and have access to all your bikes tech details, right on your smartphone. SmartSense tech' frees you up from having to keep looking over your shoulder, and makes you feel more confident and safe as you take on the mean streets. SmartSense is available on most models in the Synapse range.
It’s so versatile
The SmartSense battery sits just below one of the water bottle mounts
Synapse doesn't just keep you safe on the mean streets; it's also a great ride on gravel tracks and rail trails. The same chassis build and riding position that make Synapse a joy on tarmac also make it suited to a full range of other surfaces. It’s able to accommodate tyres up to 35mm, as well as boasting mounts for luggage, mudguards and two water bottles. You can never have too much water, let’s face it.
It's a tonne of fun
The ride position is speedy but not too aggressive to be comfortable
Cannondale has been honing and refining the Synapse for 15 years now and with the fifth generation, it’s made the ride experience better than ever. The latest and greatest Synapse improves the on-road feel of the bike that fans have long loved with 8% more vertical flex in the frame – that’s called ‘compliance’, if you want to get a little technical about it. It means bumps in the road are better smoothed out.
A sporty riding position that hits the 'sweet spot' of not too racy but not too upright, means you’ll always ride comfortably and efficiently. It's a great looking bike as well. If you like your bicycles sexy, well, the Synapse practically has an 'Onlyfans' page.
It’s a great ride for every body
Whatever your height or gender, Cannondale has a Synapse that will fit you perfectly. That’s thanks to their Proportional Response frame construction, which ensures every rider can get the best performance out of their bike.
Found on the Synapse – and every other Cannondale bike – Proportional Response means the bike’s geometry, construction, stiffness and steering characteristics are all adjusted based on your height and centre of gravity.
…And it's seriously fast
Cannondale knows a thing or two about speed. It's the brand behind SystemSix, acclaimed as the world’s fastest road bike. For the Synapse, they’ve taken aerodynamic learnings from SystemSix and incorporated them to make the fifth generation even zippier than its predecessor, which was itself no slouch. Synapse is a great bike for taking on climbs and it also has superb speed on the flat. Whether you’re racing at the weekend or speeding through traffic to the office, the Synapse won’t let you down.
For this reason and many more, Cannondale Synapse is the ultimate bike. It’s like cycling, but better.
Cannondale Synapse: pricing and availability
The new Cannondale Synapse is available in 4 carbon models, priced £2,400 to £9,000 ($2,400 to $9,000 in the USA) in sizes 48 to 61.
SmartSense is featured on carbon models 1, 2, and 3 with a selection of radar, lights and electronic shifting denoted by R, L and E in the model name.
- For more information on the all-new Synapse visit www.cannondale.com
- Find out more about the SmartSense system
