Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 review: the US brand's comfortable road bike attracts attention with new features: With aerodynamics optimized for realistic riding speeds, it promises to be faster, and with increased tire clearance and a storage compartment in the downtube, it's almost a "gravel bike light". It's not entirely clear why the SmartSense lighting system is reserved for SRAM riders.
Just a quick two-hour bike ride? The US manufacturer didn't design the current Synapse – full name Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 SmartSense StVZO – for that. It has always been a model optimized for high riding comfort, with early versions featuring flat fork legs and rear stays positioned perpendicular to the direction of travel to provide shock and vibration damping. A slightly larger tire clearance has also always been part of the concept, as has a frame geometry that is less aggressive compared to a racing bike. The Synapse wasn't particularly aerodynamic until recently – but that has now changed.
Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3: The highlights
- Frame: Synapse Carbon, tire clearance 48/42 mm (front/rear) with integrated battery
- Groupset: SRAM Rival AXS
- Wheelset: DT Swiss E1800 Spline
- Weight: 9,4 kg (size 56, without pedals)
- Price: € 4.499
- Comfortable all-road bike with ample tire clearance, comfortable seating position and lighting/radar system.
"Real-world aerodynamics" is the key phrase, meaning that the current model generation isn't optimized for the typical speeds of professional racing, but rather for what long-distance specialists like Lachlan Morton ride on their endless tours. Accordingly, the frame features characteristics such as a slightly swept-back head tube with a spoiler lip at the transition to the down tube, as well as flat fork legs and low-mounted seat stays. The focus on riding comfort is particularly noticeable at the rear: the chainstays are still flattened, the seat stays are curved upwards, and the lower part of the seat tube is flattened and swept forwards. This is intended to allow the rear triangle to offer maximum flex.
| synapse carbon | 44 | 48 | 51 | 54 | 56 | 58 | 61 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube length (mm) | 407 | 407 | 443 | 480 | 520 | 550 | 590 | |
| Top tube length (mm) | 522 | 533 | 544 | 550 | 567 | 580 | 598 | |
| Top tube length (horizontal) (mm) | 478 | 486 | 497 | 509 | 523 | 537 | 556 | |
| Steering angle | 69,8° | 70,9° | 71,3° | 71,3° | 71,3° | 71,3° | 71,3° | |
| Seat Tube Angle | 73,0° | 73,0° | 73,0° | 73,0° | 73,0° | 73,0° | 73,0° | |
| standover height (mm) | 714 | 722 | 752 | 785 | 815 | 843 | 878 | |
| Head tube length (mm) | 91 | 108 | 127 | 150 | 171 | 196 | 227 | |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1003 | 1005 | 1013 | 1026 | 1044 | 1058 | 1077 | |
| Chainstay Length (mm) | 425 | 425 | 425 | 425 | 430 | 430 | 430 | |
| Bottom bracket drop (mm) | 75 | 75 | 75 | 73 | 73 | 70 | 70 | |
| Bottom bracket height (mm) | 278 | 278 | 278 | 280 | 280 | 283 | 283 | |
| Fork deflection (mm) | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | |
| Trailing angle (mm) | 71 | 64 | 61 | 61 | 61 | 61 | 61 | |
| Stacks (mm) | 510 | 530 | 550 | 570 | 590 | 610 | 640 | |
| Reach (mm) | 366 | 371 | 376 | 381 | 387 | 393 | 402 |
Tires as wide as some gravel bikes
A striking feature of the new Cannondale Synapse is the significantly increased tire clearance, now 48 mm at the fork and 42 mm at the rear. This allows the bike to be used as a gravel bike with virtually no limitations, and adjustments to the frame geometry also indicate that this was intentional. The stack and reach values have remained unchanged for years, resulting in a compact riding position with a relatively low handlebar. While the riding position remains the same, the steering geometry has changed considerably: the head tube angle is now significantly slacker, and the chainstays and wheelbase are considerably longer. This allows for wider tires; however, the bike is now also more focused on straight-line stability, whereas older models felt more nimble and agile. The transition from a comfort road bike to an "all-road/gravel light" model seems complete.
Fixed lighting system with rear radar system
This is also evident in other features of the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 SmartSense StVZO. The integrated lighting system is already reflected in the name: a 400-lumen front light, a rear light on the saddle, and a Garmin radar system for monitoring traffic behind you significantly increase active and passive safety. This version of the Synapse is clearly designed for long tours that may end after sunset; however, the manufacturer still relies on a battery for power supply instead of a hub dynamo like some competitors. The battery, previously mounted externally on the downtube, is now housed inside the tube, where there is a typical storage compartment with an easy-to-use locking lever. It is charged via a USB-C port located below the storage compartment.
The Synapse also borrows from gravel bikes: the two threaded inserts on the top tube for attaching a small bag. When not in use, these disappear under a small cover, which naturally looks more elegant than the usual screw heads. Overall, the Cannondale, with its understated paintwork and harmonious lines, is a truly elegant machine, and it comes well-equipped with a carbon seatpost, DT Swiss wheelset, and SRAM Rival AXS groupset. The price is also quite reasonable at €4.499; a model variant with Shimano 105 Di2 and without lights costs even less at just €3.499.
Only SRAM bikes have SmartSense
Oddly enough, all SRAM Synapse groupset components come with the SmartSense lighting system, while all Shimano models do not. This is a shame, because anyone who doesn't use the lights constantly still has to carry them around; yet attaching battery-powered lights is now simple and aesthetically pleasing. It's also worth noting that Cannondale uses the central battery to power the electronic SRAM shifting components. So, the wireless groupset isn't truly wireless after all…
Wahoo Elemnt Roam: the Class Cool cycling computer
Extensive functionality, ease of use, and intuitive setup: these qualities have made the touchscreen speedometer a favorite among the road cycling community. Velomotion has also opted for the versatile device in its "Class Cool" model.
What makes the "Class Cool" stand out on the handlebars? Sure, there are plenty of good GPS bike computers, but the fact that more and more cyclists are swearing by Wahoo certainly isn't just down to the Gaussian normal distribution. It's more likely because the company doesn't do everything differently, but does many things better than the competition – and it starts with the fact that cycling is absolutely central to Wahoo's product range, rather than just a side issue.
Perhaps the best example of this is the Wahoo Elemnt Roam, which combines the advantages of both the top-of-the-line and entry-level models in the middle of the range. Like the latter, it's quite compact, yet already equipped with a larger screen than the more affordable Bolt. And it shares the touchscreen functionality of the top model, which is a real asset for navigation, significantly simplifying map display with zooming and panning. The sharp color display is an additional plus in this regard.
Despite the high-quality screen, Wahoo hasn't abandoned the six-button operation – and here again the company's cycling expertise shines through. Even with gloves and without prolonged eye contact, it's possible to switch between display windows or change the number of data fields shown. Setup couldn't be simpler, with the optimal customization options being a major advantage of the Wahoo interface. Users can define what and how much is displayed, resulting in an intuitive operating logic that's incredibly easy to use. This makes the Wahoo Elemnt Roam appealing to both young "digital natives" and those who didn't learn how to use electronic devices as children and therefore appreciate ease of access.
Click here for the Wahoo Elemnt Roam 3.
Stay hydrated: The Velomotion water bottle returns.
The Velomotion water bottle, a must-have for long rides, is now available again – this time with a practical Fidlock mount. It secures the 590 ml bottle almost invisibly to the frame, ensuring a clean look. For €29,95 (RRP) plus €5,95 shipping, you can easily order the Velomotion bottle by emailing [email address missing]. ppgad@pucrs.br Order now – from two water bottles onwards you also save on shipping costs. Shipping is possible from June 16.06th.
