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Is it still possible to create new incentives to buy a marathon road bike? Most
manufacturers are trying to do so with better aerodynamics, more system integration, wider tyres or
tyres or (even) more suspension comfort. Cannondale is taking a completely different approach with the new Synapse - with features previously unknown on road racing bikes: permanently installed, StVZO-compliant lighting and a safety system called "SmartSense"which includes a rear light and warning radar. In addition, there are proven and easy-to-maintain components - from the classic Ahead stem to the screw-in BSA bottom bracket.
Safety features mean more weight
Cyclists with a more pragmatic disposition, who primarily want to ride a road bike without any worries, should welcome the new model from the Americans. However, the Synapse enters the TOUR test, which is designed for purist road bikes, with a small handicap that should be taken into account when interpreting the scores: Because the added safety provided by lights and radar means extra weight. If you remove all this, you are left with a modern carbon frameset that is somewhat lighter and more comfortable than its predecessor.
Initially sluggish, then a pleasure - driving behaviour of the new Synapse
However, the bike's total weight of 9.4 kilograms, which is unusually high for this price range, is not only due to the lights. The wheels are also comparatively heavy and would be prime candidates for an upgrade. The handlebars, stem and seat post are functionally flawless, but not particularly light aluminium parts. In view of the equipment on offer, the price of the test bike seems sporty. On the other hand, the competition is also getting more expensive, and the Synapse also has a unique selling point with its concept.
The Synapse reacts somewhat sluggishly to acceleration. Once you get going, even longer rides become a pleasure: The riding position is not too upright, the steering is pleasantly neutral and precise, and the affordable, 30-millimetre-wide Vittoria tyres roll surprisingly well. Even the somewhat outdated, mechanical Elffach-Ultegra gears work perfectly.
Lighting system & radar on the Cannondales Synapse 2
However, the electronic helpers definitely leave a lasting impression. If the electronics are in stand-by mode, the light and display panel of the Garmin radar switch on automatically as soon as the front wheel turns. If the bike is stationary for longer than six
minutes, the lights and radar switch off again.
Practical test of radar with brake light
The front light from Lezyne illuminates the road brightly and evenly. The wide Garmin rear light controls the brightness depending on the ambient light and
has additional functions: If a car approaches very quickly or the cyclist brakes, sensors cause the light to become brighter. This has an effect, even during the day: several test riders confirmed the impression that car drivers kept a greater distance than usual when overtaking. One driver even spoke to us in praise of the brake light and wished it were mandatory. We also quickly learnt to appreciate the radar: the LED bar on the handlebars shows logically and clearly whether, how many and how fast cars are approaching from behind. This is particularly practical on a road bike, as the headwind means you can only hear motorised traffic when it is already next to you. The radar works very reliably and over long distances; there were no false alarms over several hundred kilometres of testing. The signal can also be emitted via warning tones, although this is only advisable when there is little traffic.
Battery capacity and connectivity
The energy is supplied by a central battery that sits in a holder on the down tube. This is also where the system can be switched on and off and the charge status checked. As a power bank, it can even charge a smartphone or bike computer. The capacity seems a little small to us: At temperatures around zero degrees, the storage unit only provided power for a good two hours before the light went out. Although the light can also be switched off using a switch or in the associated app to save power, an important safety feature is then lost. The system would be really well rounded with a hub dynamo that charges the battery while riding, especially as charging via USB-C cable takes several hours.
The smartphone app can record journeys, manage several bikes or remind you of maintenance intervals. It can also be used as a display for ride data and the radar, but it is not really needed to operate the Synapse. The model with the simplest equipment without radar and with Shimano's 105 groupset is called the 3 L and costs €3,499. The Garmin radar is on board from the 2 RL tested here for € 4,499. The top model is the Synapse Carbon 1 RLE with electronic Dura-Ace, carbon wheels and fast Vittoria tyres for € 8,999.
Facts about the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 RL
- Price 4,499 Euro >> available here
- Weight of complete wheel 9.4 kilos
- Info www.cannondale.com
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 1,130/451/73 grams / Frame sizes** 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 cm / Seat/top tube/head tube 525/570/165 mm / Stack/Reach/STR*** 591/387 mm/1.53
Equipment
- Drive/Circuit Shimano Ultegra (2x11, 50/34, 11-34 t.)
- Brakes Shimano Ultegra Disc (160/160mm)
- Wheels/tyres (weights) Fulcrum Rapid Red 900/Vittoria Rubino Pro 30mm (f./h. 1,569/2,089 grams)
*Weighed weights. ** Manufacturer's specification Test size bold. *** Stack/Reach Projected vertical/horizontal dimension from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube; STR (Stack to Reach) 1.36 means a very stretched sitting position, 1.60 means an upright sitting position.
More new bikes for 2022 in the TOUR test:
Canyon Endurance CF 7 & Endurance 7 - Plenty of tyre clearance with an excellent price-performance ratio
Cube Agree C:62 SLT- sporty marathon bike, agile with average comfort
Orbea Orca Aero M10iLTD - Is it as fast in the wind tunnel as it looks and feels?
Trek Checkpoint SL 6 ETAP - Gravel bike with impressive comfort and a very sporty riding position
Julian Schultz
Editor
