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Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Disc Dura-Ace Di2

9
£7,799.00

VERDICT:

9
10
Fast, smooth and fun, the new Synapse is an exceedingly good endurance bike
Weight: 
7,220g

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First published 20 December 2017

Compared with the previous version, the new Cannondale Synapse is smoother, more comfortable, lighter and stiffer – and one of the best endurance bikes on the market right now.

  • Pros: Lighter, better handling, stiffer and more comfortable than the previous bike
  • Cons: Expensive in this build, not class-leading bump absorption

The Synapse traces its roots back to 2006, introduced at a time when demand was growing for bikes that offered more comfort than the race bikes they were loosely based on. For 2018 the Synapse has been taken back to the drawing board – and the results are very impressive.

> Find your nearest dealer here

The new frame is not only lighter, helping to negate the disc brake weight penalty, it also has space for wider tyres and, recognising that it's a key bike for the UK market, mudguard eyelets.

Ride and handling

The Synapse has always offered lovely predictable handling together with impressive all-day comfort, but the new design is a noticeable improvement in every key aspect that defines how a bike performs. The changes that make it lighter, stiffer and more compliant help return the new Synapse to the front of the endurance bike pack.

The lighter frame certainly makes a noticeable difference to the overall weight; at 7.25kg (15.98lb) this 56cm bike is one of the lightest disc brake-equipped endurance bikes we've tested at road.cc, and it's knocking on the door of some race bikes. It's lighter, for example, than the Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc I tested back in March, though there are some spec differences that will account for some of that.

That helps it excel on the climbs, and on my local lumps and bumps the Synapse put in a stellar performance. Steep or gradual gradients, the Synapse makes great progress. And when you get out of the saddle to sprint the last 100 metres to the summit, the high level of stiffness from the fork through to the bottom bracket makes itself felt in how directly the bike responds, through the pedals and the handlebar.

Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Disc Dura-Ace Di2 - riding 2.jpg

On descents, boy is the Synapse an eager beaver. I had my first taste of the new Synapse's descending talents at the worldwide launch on the hilly roads around Lake Como in Italy earlier this year, and even on unfamiliar ground, blasting around blind bends, with erratic local drivers testing your commitment, it instilled great confidence. On more familiar descents around the Cotswolds, it's clear the longer wheelbase, bump-absorbing frame, grippy 28mm tyres and powerful Shimano Dura-Ace disc brakes combine to ensure descending is an area where the new bike shines.

Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Disc Dura-Ace Di2 - rear drop out 2.jpg

It's not just on the climbs and descents that the Synapse is fast. On rolling, undulating roads the new bike can be pushed hard; the frame is super-responsive, with no undesirable flex robbing you of energy. It's a very efficient high-speed long-distance bike. Sure, the riding position is comfortable for riding all day, but shift down into the drops and it's as aggressive as most of us will want or need.

Noticeably stiffer

Cannondale has worked its engineering knowhow not only to create a frame that is lighter than the one it replaces but also one that is stiffer. It's noticeable too: the Synapse feels more immediate, more responsive than the previous bike. In fact, there's a hint of the SuperSix Evo about it.

That's one of the biggest highlights for me of the new Synapse: the way Cannondale has managed to move its endurance bike closer to a race bike in terms of handling and responsiveness while dialling in more comfort is very impressive. It's a great combination and one that will appeal to those who want their endurance bike served up with a large slice of speed and engagement.

Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Disc Dura-Ace Di2 - riding 3.jpg

It's definitely one of the racier endurance bikes, and draws parallels with the Canyon Endurace CF SLX and Trek Domane SLR.

While the comfort has been improved thanks to the wider tyres, new seatpost and refined frame design, it's not as bump-absorbingly smooth as the Specialized Roubaix. It's still a very smooth bike, comfortable on broken road surfaces, and it filters out bigger impacts nicely, but it's a firmer ride than the Roubaix.

If maximum isolation from the road is top of your list, you'll need to look elsewhere. If you want a simple and lightweight bike, the Synapse is the route to go.

Geometry

It's a very capable bike for all sorts of rides, with geometry that is more relaxed than a race bike but not as upright as some endurance bikes. I was as at home on fast-paced group rides as I was on long-distance solo romps, and never felt handicapped in any situation. Some of that could be down to refinements of the geometry, with the head angle a shade steeper and the wheelbase a touch shorter, injecting a bit more agility into the ride.

Geometry for the 56cm model on test here includes a 590mm stack and 386mm reach, 995mm wheelbase, 73-degree head angle and 173mm head tube. That creates a riding position that is higher and shorter than a race bike but still reasonably aggressive; it's likely to suit those who don't race and also those who might have recently hung up their race wheels but don't want to stop riding as fast as they can everywhere (eg, me).

Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Disc Dura-Ace Di2.jpg

Cannondale reckons the Synapse strikes the ideal balance between race bike aggressiveness and upright comfort. I'd agree with that. It's a balance that leans closer to race bikes than some, but the Synapse is still a very easy to ride bike, whether you have years of experience or are just starting out.

Cannondale says its goal for the new Synapse was to 'create a faster and higher performance bike for the rider who doesn't want to sacrifice speed for comfort', and in my opinion it's achieved that.

Frame design

The previous Synapse proved to be one of the class-leading bikes in the endurance and sportive category, developed for the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix yet right at home on an English country lane, providing comfort and an exciting ride. It's no wonder it was a hit with UK cyclists given the state of our roads.

First developed with rim brakes around a frame with some pretty interesting features, then given the option of disc brakes, the Synapse set the tone for the US company's endurance category. 'Combining a smooth ride with the stiffness and performance of a race bike, the revamped Cannondale Synapse impresses,' I said back in 2013. The same could be said now of the new bike.

The new Synapse has a visual similarity to its predecessor, but the disc brake-only frame is lighter, stiffer and more comfortable thanks to Cannondale's SAVE technology, where parts of the frame are designed to flex under load. It has wider tyre clearances, 12mm thru-axles and flat mount callipers, and now – finally (if hidden) – mudguard eyelets.

Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Disc Dura-Ace Di2 - seat tube detail.jpg

The headline-grabbing figure for the new bike is the 220g frame weight saving over the previous version, a size medium Hi-Mod frame coming it at 950g. The fork is 116g lighter than before at 367g.

Stiffness has been increased by 9.4% according to Cannondale, and narrows the gap between the Synapse and SuperSix Evo, resulting in that similarity in performance I mentioned earlier. Cannondale has taken a size-specific approach to the new Synapse, as it first did with the SuperSix Evo, to produce the same handling traits regardless of frame size. It optimises both the carbon layup and tube dimensions on each frame size, tailoring the stiffness for each.

It has also developed three new forks, with different offsets, to achieve this goal. Frame sizes 44cm and 48cm use a fork with a straight 1 1/8in steerer tube and a 60mm offset; sizes 51cm and 54cm use a tapered 1 1/4in steerer with 55mm offset; and 56, 58 and 61cm frames have a tapered 1 3/8in steerer tube, and 45mm offset.

Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Disc Dura-Ace Di2 - fork.jpg

Designed for disc brakes

Much of the weight and stiffness improvements have come about as a result of the asymmetric design of the new frame, intended to better manage the different loads from rider input and the disc brake forces.

The previous frame had a pretty curvy back end, but this new Synapse takes it to another level. In fact, the two halves of the rear triangle are totally different. The non-drive side chainstay is 18% larger in key areas than its opposite number, and the seat tube and down tube are asymmetrically offset around the 73mm-wide BB30a bottom bracket.

Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Disc Dura-Ace Di2 - bottom backet.jpg

The fork also has a bigger left leg and directional carbon layup to resist flexing under heavy braking.

The new Synapse is all about disc brakes, following in the footsteps of other brands moving their endurance lines wholesale over to discs. They're hugely popular on non-race bikes ridden year-round in all sorts of conditions, and with the weight savings Cannondale has achieved with the new Synapse, there's no longer a significant penalty.

Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Disc Dura-Ace Di2 - front disc.jpg

Cannondale told us committing to disc brakes enabled it to have more focus on the design, reducing weight and increasing stiffness in key areas. And, of course, disc brakes make it easier to increase tyre clearance: there's now space for 32mm measured tyres (the previous Synapse had clearance for 28mm), and all production bikes will come stock with 28mm tyres.

Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Disc Dura-Ace Di2 - seat stays.jpg

Cannondale has also improved the bike's versatility and added mudguard mounts, though you won't notice them unless you go looking for them. You can add a set of mudguards straight over the 28mm tyres. To fit the mudguards you simply need to add a removable rear brake bridge.

We might bang on about mudguards a lot here at road.cc, but when you've tried them it's hard to then face a wet wintry ride without them. A dry bum and legs make such a difference on a wet and cold ride, but a lot of the new breed of endurance bikes aren't catering for mudguard enthusiasts. So good work, Cannondale.

> Buyer's Guide: 10 of the best mudguard-compatible carbon fibre road bikes

The new bike has the now industry standard 12mm thru-axles and flat mount callipers, and the brake hoses are routed inside the frame and fork for clean lines. The gear cables or wires, depending on which groupset you opt for, are also internally routed, and Cannondale is using a single port in the down tube that, by changing the plastic plug, can accommodate any groupset. This Di2-equipped bike has the junction control box neatly in the down tube, so you can still easily access it when riding. It's a lot neater than being attached to the stem.

Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Disc Dura-Ace Di2 - cable route.jpg

Comfort is key

Endurance bikes need to be many things to many people, but above all they need to be comfortable. Cannondale achieves that both through the geometry, which is more relaxed than a race bike, and through a combination of its SAVE technology – as I said above, a term it uses to describe parts of the frame designed to flex under load.

Cannondale hasn't resorted to any complicated moving parts, instead it relies on flex in the frame enhanced by tube shaping and carbon fibre layup to give the Synapse the ability to soak up bumps.

Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Disc Dura-Ace Di2 - seat tube shape.jpg

For the new Synapse the chainstays, seatstays and fork legs have been reshaped, providing more flex where it's needed. There's the same 25.4mm seatpost diameter, since adopted by the SuperSix Evo and Focus Paralane, but the new carbon fibre post has been shaped to improve the available deflection at the saddle. The seatclamp is hidden inside the top tube and increases the amount of seatpost extended outside of the frame.

Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Disc Dura-Ace Di2 - saddle and post.jpg

You can detect the amount of fore-aft movement in the saddle easily when you ride the Synapse over a bumpy road; you can look down and see the saddle moving. It really does help to remove the harshness from riding along anything but perfectly smooth roads.

The saddle in question is a superbly comfortable Fabric Scoop Shallow Pro with carbon rails. Saddle shapes are very much personal things, but the Scoop is one that a lot of people seem to get on well with.

Bah, no bar

At the launch we rode Cannondale's new SAVE SystemBar handlebar, a two-piece carbon bar and stem that was designed to provide more deflection than a regular bar. The claim was that up to 6mm of deflection was possible, with testing showing upwards of 15mm.

Unfortunately, because of some production issues, 2018 bikes won't be fitted with this new bar and stem. Hopefully, we'll see it in 2019... That means current bikes will be fitted with substitutes, and on this high-end build it's an Enve Carbon Road Compact bar and stem, with a comfortable shape and easy-to-reach short drops. It's hard to find fault with an Enve setup, it's beautiful kit. A nice touch is the Garmin out-front mount attached to the stem faceplate.

Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Disc Dura-Ace Di2 - stem.jpg

Without testing the SystemBar and Enve setup alongside each other, it's impossible to say which provides the most deflection, but I will say I was impressed with the SystemBar at the launch, though I only had limited time with it and was riding unfamiliar roads.

What I can confidently say is that the front end of the Synapse is smooth and the bike has a very supple feel over bumpy roads. It's not soft and wallowy, and has a firmer ride than some endurance bikes, but critically it tames the biggest holes and cracks you might ride over. How much smoother it would be with the SystemBar is something I'll hopefully find out in the future.

Top spec

I was lucky to ride the range-topping Synapse, adorned with the latest Dura-Ace R9170 Di2 groupset and hydraulic disc brakes, including the funky new disc rotors that are designed to reduce heat buildup for more dependable braking.

This bike costs £7,799, and there's no denying it, that's a lot of cash. The carbon Synapse range starts at £1,399 with Tiagra, though that cheapest model and the £1,599 bike above it both use the previous frameset. Step up to £2,199 and you'll find the cheapest model with the new Synapse frame, and there are another seven models before you get to the bike tested here.

Unfortunately, the test bike had the older R785 brake levers and not the newer R9170 hoods, but bikes in the shops will have the newer levers. These are significantly more compact and nicer to use than Shimano's first road hydraulic lever, which now looks a bit clunky.

Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Disc Dura-Ace Di2 - bar and lever.jpg

Cannondale substitutes the Shimano crankset for its own Hollowgram SiSL2 design, which certainly looks distinctive and is one of the lightest cranksets on the market. It's an opinion divider for sure, based on the road.cc forum comments, but on the bike there's little to tell it apart from Shimano's latest crankset, so performance is more than acceptable. The gear range – 50/34t chainset and 11-30t cassette – is suitably capable for high-speed shenanigans and grunting steep climbs.

Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Disc Dura-Ace Di2 - crank.jpg

Increasingly in recent years, bike brands have been designing, producing and speccing their own wheels. Trek, Giant, Specialized... they're all at it. Cannondale's Hollowgram SL Carbon Disc wheels are a tubeless-ready design thanks to a collaboration with Stan's NoTubes, so shedding the inner tubes should be an easy task.

The 35mm-deep carbon rims have a 19mm internal width and are laced via DT Aerolite bladed spokes (24 front, 28 rear) to Hollowgram hub shells with DT Swiss internals, and Centerlock disc mounting hardware. Claimed weight for the wheelset is 1,417g.

Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Disc Dura-Ace Di2 - front hub.jpg

I couldn't find anything to fault with the wheels. They're comfortable, stiff enough and provide good aerodynamic performance, with the shallow depth stable in windy conditions. On the miles logged so far, they've proven reliable and dependable. 

Vittoria tyres aren't a common sight on production bikes, but Cannondale told us at the launch of the new Synapse that it arrived at these tyres through extensive testing, finding the ride characteristics met its requirements for this bike.

Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Disc Dura-Ace Di2 - tyre.jpg

Inflated to about 70psi, the tyres are supple and cushioning on the road, yet with good rolling resistance on the evidence of my informal roll-down test. Durability seems good too, with no flats during the test period and no distress to the rubber from sharp flints and stones.

Overall

The new Synapse offers a smooth, comfortable, responsive and fun ride. It's equally at home on very long distance rides where comfort and low weight are a priority (for the climbs) and short blasts where speed matters.

It's a case of evolution rather than revolution. Cannondale has kept the solid foundations of the previous Synapse and improved it in a number of ways, resulting in a bike that is snappier, faster, more fun, smoother and more composed on the rough, with space for wider tyres and the option, at last, to fit mudguards.

The lighter frame also reduces the previous weight penalty associated with disc brakes, meaning you can have better braking with fewer drawbacks.

Verdict

Fast, smooth and fun, the new Synapse is an exceedingly good endurance bike

If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website

road.cc test report

Make and model: Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Disc Dura-Ace Di2

Size tested: 56

About the bike

State the frame and fork material and method of construction. List the components used to build up the bike.

Frame

Synapse Disc, BallisTec Hi-MOD Carbon, Di2 ready, SAVE PLUS, BB30a, flat mount, 12mm thru axle.

Fork

Synapse Disc Asymmetric, SAVE PLUS, BallisTec Hi-MOD Carbon, integrated crown race, size-specific design.

Front Derailleur

Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9150

Rear Derailleur

Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9150

Number of Gears

22

Shifters

Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9170 hydro disc

Chain set

Cannondale HollowGram SiSL2, BB30a, w/ OPI SpideRing SL, 50/34

Bottom Bracket

FSA BB30 Bearings

Cassette

Shimano R9100, 11-30, 11-speed

Chain

Shimano HG901, 11-speed

Pedals

Not Supplied

Brakeset

Shimano Dura-Ace 9170, hydro disc, flat mount, 160/140mm

Handlebars

ENVE Carbon Road Compact Handlebar

Stem

ENVE Carbon Stem w/ integrated Garmin mount

Headset

Synapse Si, 25mm carbon top cap

Bar Tape

Cannondale Grip Bar Tape w/Gel, 3.5mm

Rims

Cannondale HollowGram SL, Carbon Clincher Disc, 19mm inner, 35mm deep, tubeless ready

Hubs

Cannondale HollowGram SL Disc, 100x12mm, 24h (F) / HollowGram by DT Swiss, 142x12mm, 28h (RR), Center-lock, straight-pull

Tyres

Vittoria Corsa 700x28c

Saddle

Fabric Scoop Shallow Pro, Carbon Rail

Seatpost

Cannondale SAVE Carbon, 25.4

Accessories

Integrated SAVE Handlebar Garmin Mount

Fabric Lumaray front light

Tell us what the bike is for

Cannondale says: "ENDURANCE ROAD - These cycles combine full race level performance with the capabilities, rider position and comfort of a road bike built for longer distances."

From Evans Cycles:

"Light, smooth, fast and elegantly designed. The all-new Synapse is the ultimate machine for full-gas, full-day exploits.

"The Cannondale Synapse is the perfect balance of raw power and all-day ridability. Its race-proven combination of endurance geometry, light weight and dialed vertical compliance has won it everything from Spring Classics to Bike of the Year accolades. It might just be the best all-around road bike ever made. The Synapse takes our size-specific construction philosophy to a whole new level. Not only does every frame size get its own rider-appropriate carbon layup and tube dimensions, we also utilize three different fork steerer and headtube diameters with three different fork offsets to ensure that every rider enjoys the same ride-feel and handling, regardless of size.

"The new frame weighs just 950g (over 220g lighter) with a level of stiffness normally reserved for World Tour sprinters' rigs. This thing is fast. SAVE PLUS micro-suspension in the frame and fork is complemented by the addition of the SAVE seatpost and new, creating a full, holistic comfort and performance enhancing system that keeps you protected from shocks and vibration yet connected to the feel of the ride. The rider position perfectly balances low, forward efficiency and upright comfort, for a 'just-right' feel that encourages full-gas exploits and all-day sessions."

Frame and fork

Overall rating for frame and fork
 
9/10

Tell us about the build quality and finish of the frame and fork?

Usual high quality that we've come to expect from Cannondale.

Tell us about the materials used in the frame and fork?

BallisTec Hi-Modulus carbon fibre frame and fork.

Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork?

Like all endurance bikes, it's more relaxed than a race bike, but the new Synapse has been made slightly more aggressive (lower at the front and shorter wheelbase) than the previous version.

How was the bike in terms of height and reach? How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size?

It fitted very well with no changes required.

Riding the bike

Was the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you felt about the ride quality.

Extremely comfortable.

Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible?

Plenty of stiffness when you want to get the power down and climbing out of the saddle.

How did the bike transfer power? Did it feel efficient?

No flex detectable at all.

Was there any toe-clip overlap with the front wheel? If so

None.

How would you describe the steering? Was it lively Neutral.

Tell us some more about the handling. How did the bike feel overall? Did it do particular things well or badly?

The handling is exceptionally good, a balance between all-day steadiness and high-speed agility.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's comfort? would you recommend any changes?

There's nothing I can see that needs changing.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's stiffness? would you recommend any changes?

I couldn't find fault with any of the components.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's efficiency? would you recommend any changes?

No changes.

Rate the bike for efficiency of power transfer:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for acceleration:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for sprinting:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for high speed stability:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for cruising speed stability:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for low speed stability:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for flat cornering:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for cornering on descents:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for climbing:
 
9/10

The drivetrain

Rate the drivetrain for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the drivetrain for durability:
 
9/10
Rate the drivetrain for weight:
 
9/10
Rate the drivetrain for value:
 
8/10

Wheels and tyres

Rate the wheels for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the wheels for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the wheels for weight:
 
8/10
Rate the wheels for comfort:
 
9/10
Rate the wheels for value:
 
8/10
Rate the tyres for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the tyres for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the tyres for weight:
 
8/10
Rate the tyres for comfort:
 
9/10
Rate the tyres for value:
 
8/10

Controls

Rate the controls for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the controls for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the controls for weight:
 
8/10
Rate the controls for comfort:
 
8/10
Rate the controls for value:
 
8/10

Your summary

Did you enjoy riding the bike? Yes

Would you consider buying the bike? Yes

Would you recommend the bike to a friend? Yes

Rate the bike overall for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the bike overall for value:
 
8/10

Use this box to explain your overall score

The Cannondale is close to perfection and must be considered amongst the best bikes in the endurance category. Only the high price of this lavish build holds it back from getting all the scores on the doors – but bear in mind that while this model has all the bells and whistles, the range starts at £1,399 (with last year's frame) and the cheapest bike with this new frame is £2,199.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 180cm  Weight: 67kg

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo-cross, commuting, touring, mountain biking

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes

Add new comment

34 comments

Avatar
andrespena | 6 years ago
0 likes

Does anyone know what is the widest tire that fits in the new Synapse frame? Cannondale says it will fit up to 32c but I was wondering if you could fit in something wider gor gravel, say 33c or even 35c (although not recommended by Cannondale). I am a Cannondale fan and I am looking for a bike similar to the trek domane which fits 35c tires (and I think even wider) which in my opinion could be the one bike for all.

thanks,

Avatar
Yorkshire wallet | 6 years ago
0 likes

8k gets you mudguard clearance. They've thrown all in with this one boys. Get the wife convinced.

Avatar
belabatnom | 6 years ago
0 likes

I suspect that reviewers don't get any choice in which spec bike they review unless they want to go out and buy it themselves.

That said I do agree that I find the super bike reviews pointless by virtue of the fact that they all get good reviews. Don't think I've ever seen less than four stars

Avatar
gunswick | 6 years ago
0 likes

nadsta, totally valid comments. The team should review both, the halo version (top-end) and most common version that will sell (the value-for-money version I guess), and compare/contrast them. I have a TCR, and trying to find reviews of the base level versions is hard compared to the SL top end etc. I don't want to compare Super-six halo vs TCR halo, and then try to squint at both and figure out which compromises and downgrades are best and hope my £2k (which is still a minority purchase I would add!) is well spent. Simple example, saddles and seat-posts are often different, or stem size or stiffness, or wheels, or carbon types etc. We need both levels reviewed, and IMO it would be helpful to see them compared.

Check reviews of the GT Grade last year, the team did the 105/Ultegra Carbon hydraulic, and then shortly later did the Tiagra ALU version. Very helpful approach I thought.

Avatar
gunswick | 6 years ago
1 like

This is a pointless review, only about 5 people will buy this configuration. Review the £2,100 version instead which is the most popular model. Go for sales volume on reviews, not the halo models nobody buys please.

How does this compare to the super-six in comfort? Many race bikes are comfy enough not to bother with the 'endurance' version

Avatar
nadsta replied to gunswick | 6 years ago
0 likes
gunswick wrote:

This is a pointless review, only about 5 people will buy this configuration. Review the £2,100 version instead which is the most popular model. Go for sales volume on reviews, not the halo models nobody buys please. How does this compare to the super-six in comfort? Many race bikes are comfy enough not to bother with the 'endurance' version

not particularly a range of bikes I’m interested in at any price but I would like to know from a reviewer’s perspective how close in real terms  the bikes are from the £2k version to the top of the range. 

Plus this wallet waving duffer bashing is annoying and serves no real purpose. I’m middle aged, don’t race anymore and have no reason to own an ego enhancing superbike but I do. And some other lesser carbon bikes (carbon wheels and dura ace and all the rest). And not only can tell the difference between the £4K builds and those double that,  the experience is a different league. Sure you suffer the same, you get wet, you get blown sideways, all that is obv the same and is a big part of the overall. But when the road and conditions are good, I’ve never once thought is this superbike mammil ego massaging frame worth twice my other one? I just think omg this is the best feeling I can imagine on 2 wheels. Then I get on my regular bike and think this is great but it’s nowhere near superbike level. It doesn’t make me any happier or sad  I just really appreciate the differences and am happy to pay for that.

And diss the top tier groupset mammil customers you may,  but as we know next year’s ultegra is this year’s Dura ace and I’d expect Shimano et al need that top end market to work commercially before the r&d trickles down. 

Avatar
rjfrussell | 6 years ago
1 like

"Amateurs won't and are just spunking money on something because they can. While it is a right to do this as it's their money, it is also my right to point and laugh at the waste and stupidity."

 

I agree entirely.  More than happy to pitch up so you can point and laugh in an upfront and personal way.  Do like shiny thing!

Avatar
don simon fbpe replied to rjfrussell | 6 years ago
0 likes
rjfrussell wrote:

"Amateurs won't and are just spunking money on something because they can. While it is a right to do this as it's their money, it is also my right to point and laugh at the waste and stupidity."

 

I agree entirely.  More than happy to pitch up so you can point and laugh in an upfront and personal way.  Do like shiny thing!

I'm more than comfortable chuckling away here on the sofa at someone who's paid over the odds for a bike.

Gotta love those marketing folks.

Perhaps you can explain how it is twice as good as something that costs £4k.

Avatar
Stueys replied to don simon fbpe | 6 years ago
1 like
don simon wrote:

I'm more than comfortable chuckling away here on the sofa at someone who's paid over the odds for a bike.

Gotta love those marketing folks.

Perhaps you can explain how it is twice as good as something that costs £4k.

 

Buy what you like and other people can spend their money on what they fancy.  For a top end bike this is pretty much the going rate, whether a top end bike is value for money is all relative to the individual.

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rjfrussell replied to don simon fbpe | 6 years ago
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don simon wrote:
rjfrussell wrote:

"Amateurs won't and are just spunking money on something because they can. While it is a right to do this as it's their money, it is also my right to point and laugh at the waste and stupidity."

 

I agree entirely.  More than happy to pitch up so you can point and laugh in an upfront and personal way.  Do like shiny thing!

I'm more than comfortable chuckling away here on the sofa at someone who's paid over the odds for a bike.

Gotta love those marketing folks.

Perhaps you can explain how it is twice as good as something that costs £4k.

 

Who said it was twice as good?  Twice the price does not for a moment imply twice as good.  Once you get past "very good" in nearly all spheres, the price increase is exponential at least.  So, perhaps, you can pay 100% extra for a 5% extra "quality".  And perhaps you are a fat knacker for whom that 5% makes no measureable performance difference anyway.  But if it makes you happy....

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don simon fbpe replied to rjfrussell | 6 years ago
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rjfrussell wrote:
don simon wrote:
rjfrussell wrote:

"Amateurs won't and are just spunking money on something because they can. While it is a right to do this as it's their money, it is also my right to point and laugh at the waste and stupidity."

 

I agree entirely.  More than happy to pitch up so you can point and laugh in an upfront and personal way.  Do like shiny thing!

I'm more than comfortable chuckling away here on the sofa at someone who's paid over the odds for a bike.

Gotta love those marketing folks.

Perhaps you can explain how it is twice as good as something that costs £4k.

 

Who said it was twice as good?  Twice the price does not for a moment imply twice as good.  Once you get past "very good" in nearly all spheres, the price increase is exponential at least.  So, perhaps, you can pay 100% extra for a 5% extra "quality".  And perhaps you are a fat knacker for whom that 5% makes no measureable performance difference anyway.  But if it makes you happy....

I don't actually give a fuck what people spend their money on. Knock yourself out and yes. I'm perfectly happy with a) my bike purchases and the money I've spent, and b) that I get amusement from people who've fallen for the marketing BS. I've already stated that in my opinion there is a sweet spot where below this quality is likely to be compromised and above it we're reaching diminished returns, but don't let that stop you...

Happy New Year.

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sunnyape replied to don simon fbpe | 5 years ago
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don simon wrote:

I don't actually give a fuck what people spend their money on.

Apparently not

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EddyBerckx | 6 years ago
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/

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don simon fbpe | 6 years ago
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Seriously, £8k for a bike? And £9.5k for the Merida... It's difficult to justify, apart from "because I can". Those riders that are good enough to justify a bike that is the equivalent to an anual wage for some, have them provided for free. These guys will appreciate the most miniscule tweaks and changes in order to get that 1/1000 sec advantage.

Amateurs won't and are just spunking money on something because they can. While it is a right to do this as it's their money, it is also my right to point and laugh at the waste and stupidity.

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EddyBerckx replied to don simon fbpe | 6 years ago
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don simon wrote:

Seriously, £8k for a bike? And £9.5k for the Merida... It's difficult to justify, apart from "because I can". Those riders that are good enough to justify a bike that is the equivalent to an anual wage for some, have them provided for free. These guys will appreciate the most miniscule tweaks and changes in order to get that 1/1000 sec advantage.

Amateurs won't and are just spunking money on something because they can. While it is a right to do this as it's their money, it is also my right to point and laugh at the waste and stupidity.

 

Unless you buy the cheapest everything (food/clothes/house/car/basically everything you need to survive and no more) then plenty of people can say the same about you.

 

I can't imagine spending this sort of money on a bike, but a huge number of people buy cars every year that deprecate the same amount just driving off the forecourt, and a lot more still over the course of a year. All relative innit.

 

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don simon fbpe replied to EddyBerckx | 6 years ago
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StoopidUserName wrote:
don simon wrote:

Seriously, £8k for a bike? And £9.5k for the Merida... It's difficult to justify, apart from "because I can". Those riders that are good enough to justify a bike that is the equivalent to an anual wage for some, have them provided for free. These guys will appreciate the most miniscule tweaks and changes in order to get that 1/1000 sec advantage.

Amateurs won't and are just spunking money on something because they can. While it is a right to do this as it's their money, it is also my right to point and laugh at the waste and stupidity.

 

Unless you buy the cheapest everything (food/clothes/house/car/basically everything you need to survive and no more) then plenty of people can say the same about you.

 

I can't imagine spending this sort of money on a bike, but a huge number of people buy cars every year that deprecate the same amount just driving off the forecourt, and a lot more still over the course of a year. All relative innit.

 

Which, of course, is a valid point. I don't necessarily agree.

a) are the employees that put together the cheapest products being paid a fair wage or being exploited?

b) sufficient resources have been put into the product to ensure that it is fit for purpose.

c) at £8-10 for a bike. Has this money been redistributed to those that put the bike together?

EDIT: d) we're comfortably in the region of diminishing returns at this price.

This points to there being a sweet spot for pricing which is not the cheapest (corners are cut and people are exploited to achieve this), nor the most expensive as people are being exploited and resources wasted.

This is undeniably a vanity product and I still have the right to point and laugh (crying inside though).

 

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EddyBerckx replied to don simon fbpe | 6 years ago
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don simon wrote:
StoopidUserName wrote:
don simon wrote:

Seriously, £8k for a bike? And £9.5k for the Merida... It's difficult to justify, apart from "because I can". Those riders that are good enough to justify a bike that is the equivalent to an anual wage for some, have them provided for free. These guys will appreciate the most miniscule tweaks and changes in order to get that 1/1000 sec advantage.

Amateurs won't and are just spunking money on something because they can. While it is a right to do this as it's their money, it is also my right to point and laugh at the waste and stupidity.

 

Unless you buy the cheapest everything (food/clothes/house/car/basically everything you need to survive and no more) then plenty of people can say the same about you.

 

I can't imagine spending this sort of money on a bike, but a huge number of people buy cars every year that deprecate the same amount just driving off the forecourt, and a lot more still over the course of a year. All relative innit.

 

Which, of course, is a valid point. I don't necessarily agree.

a) are the employees that put together the cheapest products being paid a fair wage or being exploited?

b) sufficient resources have been put into the product to ensure that it is fit for purpose.

c) at £8-10 for a bike. Has this money been redistributed to those that put the bike together?

EDIT: d) we're comfortably in the region of diminishing returns at this price.

This points to there being a sweet spot for pricing which is not the cheapest (corners are cut and people are exploited to achieve this), nor the most expensive as people are being exploited and resources wasted.

This is undeniably a vanity product and I still have the right to point and laugh (crying inside though).

 

That's a reasonable response, fair enough  3

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sammutd88 replied to don simon fbpe | 6 years ago
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don simon wrote:

Seriously, £8k for a bike? And £9.5k for the Merida... It's difficult to justify, apart from "because I can". Those riders that are good enough to justify a bike that is the equivalent to an anual wage for some, have them provided for free. These guys will appreciate the most miniscule tweaks and changes in order to get that 1/1000 sec advantage.

Amateurs won't and are just spunking money on something because they can. While it is a right to do this as it's their money, it is also my right to point and laugh at the waste and stupidity.

 

I agree however there’s a definite market, and that market aren’t even interested in their minuscule advantage. I’m always surprised to see how many (mostly middle aged - some slightly younger) riders these days ARE forking out the cash for these top spec machines. My beef with Cannondale have always been the non-groupset specific chainsets they spec, regardless of how good their own gear is. For the cash, you’d want a Dura ace chainset to match the rest of the bike and ensure best possible shifting. Lovely frame though, if it were me I’d probably be buying a non hi-mod frameset and sticking a Campagnolo Potenza groupset on it. Just to be different....

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don simon fbpe | 6 years ago
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£8k for a bike?

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David Arthur @d... replied to don simon fbpe | 6 years ago
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don simon wrote:

£8k for a bike?

The Synapse range starts at  £1,399 if you don't want to spend nearly £8k on this model, which is the flagship in the new range

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beezus fufoon replied to David Arthur @davearthur | 6 years ago
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David Arthur @davearthur wrote:
don simon wrote:

£8k for a bike?

The Synapse range starts at  £1,399 if you don't want to spend nearly £8k on this model, which is the flagship in the new range

isn't a range of synapses called a ganglion?

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phil1505 | 6 years ago
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Hi David. Thanks for the reveiw and glad its largely positive. Be great to see a reveiw of one of the non Hi Mod Snapses as i can't see myself spending that sort of loot on one.

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David Arthur @d... replied to phil1505 | 6 years ago
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phil1505 wrote:

Hi David. Thanks for the reveiw and glad its largely positive. Be great to see a reveiw of one of the non Hi Mod Snapses as i can't see myself spending that sort of loot on one.

 

Thanks! I'm hoping to swap this model for a lower specced non-Hi Mod version in the new year and it'll be very interesting to see how the compare. The new standard Synapse is apparently lighter than the previous Hi-Mod frame and they're offering higher spec builds, so I think it should be an appealing option

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rjfrussell | 6 years ago
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Ah-  I'd noticed it was non-Enve bar/ stem on the Sram edition, but hadn't picked up that it was a a lower wheelset too.  interesting that the DA rotors are 160/140 whereas the etap seems to be 160/160.

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Rob_B replied to rjfrussell | 6 years ago
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rjfrussell wrote:

Ah-  I'd noticed it was non-Enve bar/ stem on the Sram edition, but hadn't picked up that it was a a lower wheelset too.  interesting that the DA rotors are 160/140 whereas the etap seems to be 160/160.

I have the etap version. As I understand it, the difference in the wheels relates to the hubs - the Dura Ace version having DT Swiss internals; the rims are the same. Originally, both versions had the same SAVE system bar, however when this was withdrawn the Dura Ace version got the ENVE bar and stem combo whilst the etap model got the Cannondale stock.  Because the prices stayed the same, these swaps meant that the value proposition of the Dura Ace model improved relative to the etap model I suppose. I still think it's quite a big price difference though.

Plus, I got mine from Bespoke Cycling, who did a bike fit and swapped out the bars for a fizik cyrano 00 free of charge, so this discrepancy didn't make much difference to me.

It's a lovely bike.

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EddyBerckx | 6 years ago
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I've no doubt it's a great bike but I'm always surprised when 8k etc bikes are still nowhere the uci weight limit, especially as we're told it's a now out of date limit and they could make bikes a lot lighter if they want. Disc brake weight penalty shouldn't be a thing should it?

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rjfrussell | 6 years ago
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Butty replied to rjfrussell | 6 years ago
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rjfrussell wrote:

Frameset:

 

https://qwertycycles.co.uk/products/cannondale-2018-synapse-hm-disc-a-m-...

 

 

So that's £5,300 for Cannondale to fit the frame out and flog it at retail price.

They must have some highly paid assemblers......

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Rapha Nadal | 6 years ago
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Not normally a fan of Cannondale's but this looks fantastic!  I might've missed it in the review (apologies if so) but does it come as a frame only option?

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rjfrussell | 6 years ago
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David, having ridden this top spec model, do you have any views on the relative merits/ value of this one and the Sram ETAP hi mod version at 6,499.  The extra £1300 for DA seems hard to justify?

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