Endurance bikes are often more of a recliner than a race machine. The BMC Roadmachine is one of a few in the category that’s comfortable, responsive and still aggressive enough to be raced. Well, for 2018, Cannondale has taken aim at that bike and others in the category with their version of what a race-worthy endurance bike should be.
Employing the help of the Zedler Institute in Germany, the all-new Synapse was stacked and measured against the competition: Canyon Endurace CF SLX, Trek Domane SLR, BMC Roadmachine 01 and Specialized Roubaix. And, looking at the numbers across-the-board, the new 2018 Synapse is among the best overall in weight, stiffness and compliance. I love the honest comparisons and as I looked through the details, it’s right at the top overall.
Personally, I love the continued progression of the endurance category with wider tire clearance and more comfort without having to ride a La-Z-Boy. What Cannondale has achieved with the 2018 Synapse is a platform that most riders should be riding. Don’t get me wrong, race bikes are awesome but this is the bike for most riders.
Cannondale released a beautiful video of Eric Brunt riding around the San Gabriel Mountains in California:
Images courtesy Cannondale.
2018 Cannondale Synapse Highlights:
- 950 gram frame target weight drops 220 grams from prior model
- Utilizes 12mm thru-axle standards and 160mm disc brakes
- Only available with disc brakes
- SAVE Micro-Suspension technology reduces chatter and increases comfort
- 25.4mm SAVE seatpost
- SAVE SystemBar looks integrated but accommodates stem lengths and pitch adjustment
- 32 mm tire clearance
- Size-Optimized construction for optimal performance based on rider size
- Competitive (if not best-in-class) in all test categories among the test group
- Available in a variety of builds including women’s models and 1x adventure kits
- Frames available in standard and high-mod carbon
- Models priced from $2499 to $9999
More Info: Visit Cannondale.com
