The lights and radar all integrated together is really cool but could do with a front dynamo hub to power it all. I do approve of the use of more sensible standard components. Other than that doesn't look like anything else particularly special or smart about the bike.
I'm guessing by the big youtube 'AD' on this, along with the paid promotion label, that this isn't investigative journalism at it's finest. I haven't watched it but imagine it's innovative, planted, stiff and accelerates all the while delivering a feather bed ride to the rider..
I like the tech, sure they could make another light aero bike that is like every other nice bike but this makes it more unique and interesting. Sure it may not be as fast as some super bike, but you can't set a KOM if a car hits you.
I like everything except for the integrated lights. I'd rather be able to choose my own light setup. I think 350 lumens up front would get washed out by the summer sun here in Texas. And I've seen much better rear lights than the one included.
Agreed. I live in the US PNW, lots of low-light winter months. I’d probably end up sticking more lights on it along with the setup - which I guess defeats the purpose.
Varia radar is a game-changer, but absolutely fit a mirror to the bike. The radar tells you when to check the mirror, and the mirror tells you whether the approaching vehicle is giving you room.
Love my 2017 Synapse. The normall BB and the bento box compatibility is cool on this new Synapse but the integrated light setup is an eyesore. I have various lights that I can swap between bikes in a matter of seconds that don't weigh a lot.
I really like the integrated lights. They're really a lot better than the cheap products I used on my Defy, and I feel a lot safer using these that were designed for my riding in mind.
This seems to be Cannondale's approach to solve a problem nobody had. I think the integration would make sense if the lights were properly integrated into the bike, but they looks as much as an add on as any other aftermarket bike lights do. A Garmin Varia RTL515 offers you the same functionality (apart from the brake light) and much more versatility on where you mount it (there are different Garmin and third party options to mount it anywhere from the saddle rails to any shape of seatpost). A Garmin UT800 can be tidily mounted under the bike computer and can also be controlled by the Garmin app, while offering a maximum of 800lm (more than twice the Cannondale's 350lm). The cable concealment is not a problem because... you don't need cables! And you can easily move those devices between bikes! The only advantage I can see on the Cannondale solution is that you only need to charge 1 battery instead of 2 devices, which is a negligible advantage considering the lack of flexibility it brings. 5h average battery is also quite underwhelming since you will probably get the same from the 2 separate devices (no advantage there either). In summary, Cannondale is simply rebranding some accessories, making them a proprietary solution to be able to charge a premium over existing solutions.
Good points, and one to add. If you are like me and have multiple bikes, getting the tech separately means I only bought the computer and lights once. For the second bike, I just got speed and cadence sensors and mounts for the computer and lights. Then I just have to switch the computer and lights to whichever bike I'm riding that day. Makes more sense to me.
Got a 2008 entry level Synapse and is perfect for me. Still using for my epic rides and some light gravel too, it's pure fun. No needs to change atm, maybe in 10-15 years from now.
Bike prices are insane these days - the bottom of the range which is aluminium and only got tiagra yet £2400??? A few years ago that would have barely been £1k
If they'd somehow revolutionised a dynamo system, with the smart lights and radar so it would never have to be charged, sure, but otherwise it's just a proprietary pain in the arse.
@@kratkidokumentarci224 The best Dynamo lights draw very few watts away from you power when not in use. Like 2-3w for a SON28 hub. Off course somewhat more when your lights are on 15w ish. But the best thing is you cannot run out of charge and there is no ugly battery pack. Check some tests on the SON28. Its not like this is the all and out race bike. I can save those 2watts anywhere on the bike. The difference between a good and bad tire can be more than the Watts in drag by a hub dynamo running and off you wont even notice it.
What? No BB30!? Well done Cannondale! Having dealt with creaking press fit bottom brackets they’ve become a deal killer for me. That’s a very nice looking bike.
My aluminum Synapse is a great handling bike, and I'm already running fenders, lights, and radar on it. This bike looks like a great refinement, and with only one battery to charge!
After 12 years and 16,000 miles on a Giant Defy-1, yesterday I bought the 2022 Synapse (without radar systems). I was really happy with this review, and it was a real confidence builder for me in making this extremely important decision. With my first, short ride under my belt, it was a real tour de force. I'm completely elated over the light system, and I've just downloaded the app to see what I can do with that. Thanks for this helpful review.
@@sugar2493 Yes, love it. I put 2,000 miles on it last year. Absolute joy to ride. No maintenance issues, but I did buy heavier rims because I'm heavy (250)
I have a 2019 synapse which is great. I have upgraded the wheels to Winspace Hyper 50 and run Cycliq combined lights with dash cams. I thought about Varia radar but instead went old school with a bike eye rear view mirror- applaud Cannondale’s thinking and would recommend to others who want a slightly more comfortable ride than a Tour de France model
1. As CAAD10 owner I approve of the BSA BB (BB30 is creaking mess and I replaced it with a thread together BB) 2. Where do I put my saddle bag? (top tube bag are shite) Bag should have been integrated where the battery is located! 3. As someone who always rides with powerful lights no matter day or night these lights are not powerful enough (insufficient lumens/optics) and don't last long enough (
I still ride the Synapse from 2006, though nearly all components have been updated. It's aluminium and all external cable routing, but surprisingly aero, and precision BB & headset.
The “Smartsense” gimmick is the showstopper for me to ever consider this bike… an endurance bike which cannot have a saddlebag or a bar bag fitted; and which is permanently fitted with a front light that’s too weak and a battery that’s too small and frankly hideous! Those would each be a killer individually for endurance riding, let alone in combination!! 🤦🏻♂️
@Radek To be fair, I doubt that a road endurance bike is going to be ridden downhill through the woods at night. This said... yep, it's fairly gimmicky.
I really like the idea of integration. I like the idea of having one central battery back, if I could just use any usb battery back I own... Actually, flexibility seems to be the weak side of this thing. I'd need stronger lights. I'd need more battery options. I'd probably want to move at least the rear light every now and then to use a proper saddle bag... And I don't get why you wouldn't want to integrate the light into the seapost if you'd go that far But I live the idea
That's actually a great point about the saddle bag. I keep my rear light ON my saddle bag, because of where it sits on the bike. (Small frame means I use the Carradice SQR system.) Other than that, this looks like a commuter's delight. Imagine just charging one battery for both lights and having a radar to boot.
Like you I was first disappointed about not being able to fit a saddle bag but. Cannondale say the light are mounted with standard GO PRO mounts and you can get extenders for then easily that allow for a saddle bag to be fitted cycling weekly have an article on this very subject with answers from Cannondale them self and pictures to prove their point see link attached Cannondale reacts to negative comments directed at new Synapse with smart technology | Cycling Weekly
I have a bike with a Garmin Varia, mounted on the saddle rails; it's not a problem for the saddle bag. I just flip it around, so that the part that loops around the seatpost now loops around the saddle rails. It hangs down and out of the way - - very snug, but it works.
Love the threaded bb, love the internal routing that doesn't go through the stems, love the shimano chainset from a compatibility standpoint although I really like my SiSL2 hollowgram crankset, love the idea of including the lights and radar system, hate the battery. I totally get where Cannondale is going but the battery adds complexity and proprietary consumable parts that will need to be replaced in several years and likely will be scarce and expensive. I get that the smart tech is probably built into it and it's not simply a battery, but I think it is in sharp contrast to everything else they did to the synapse (which is in the right direction IMO). I don't like round seatposts anymore, but I get it. I think most serious riders use a Varia these days. I don't mind having to charge my front and rear lights separate. I would like all the options the Lezyne made Cannondale lights have without the integrated head unit/battery though as an option. And I'm not a luddite when it comes to bike tech. I have the Cannondale wheel sensor on my Supersix and I really like what they have done with the app. I don't use it while riding (I have a garmin 830) but syncs up after the ride. It's everything Strava et all can't deliver as far as cataloguing and tracking mileage on components. Overall a great step forward.
Proprietary battery really makes me worried. The overall shape of this bike is really sexy, but that battery is going to degrade over time, and in 5-10 years, when Cannondale no longer makes that battery, what do I do?
One question: will this work with a fender or simple rear rack like Othelib Quickrack? I am thinking about getting a 105 2 RLE for touring instead of a gravel bike because the bike seems feature packed for a good price, to the point I might trade off wheel clearance, off-road capability and 1by for this bike.
I have an alloy synapse 2021 with 105 and i love it, this bike looks great hopefully Cannondale makes the lights and battery and option and not keep it standard on the bike
I think it looks like a sweet expensive commuter bike, and after owning an ebike with integrated lights I can tell you they are actually surprising useful and save a lot of faffing around sometimes.
Just fitting lights now to a GC race bike, and to get them to look cool and neat and aero is not an easy task. This Synapse has it all done for you. PLUS the smartsense thing is excellent for the roads near me. Yep. A thumbs up...
No, I think the lowest spec is just not available in Europe since Cannondale is regarded as an expensive brand here and potential customers will look at other brands.
Way to go Cannondale! 👏 Hoping other brands will follow. The whole thing with each brand making their own standards every year, making compatibility of parts impossible and simplicity of service super complicated not just for customer, but often even for mechanics, got completely out of the hands past decade+. And all in the name of “progress” that was actually slowing the actual progress down. This bike is using proved features that we learned in the past and yet is moving things forward. Hopefully real world test will prove that bike is reliable, simple but also modern and fun. Other “premium” brands, pls wake up.
Can someone explain why rear facing radar is of any use whatsoever to a bike rider? So I can see when a vehicle is behind me... so what? It's a road, I kind of expect that, but what use is that information to me? Do I dive off the road if the closing speed is too high? What would too high be? Is closing speed even a risk factor for an accident? How would I know? etc. etc. Unless there is a valid reason for having the information it's both a waste of money and a potential risk factor (too much info, red lights etc are confusing) I would think. Unless of course I'm missing something, please feel free to educate me.
I think this is wonderful! I ride with a radar and daytime blinker already. Great bike with some nice features like round seatpost! Only flaw of my CAAD 13 is the damn seatpost.
Those lights are fine to be seen by our fast lights but not brighten enough for real night riding, the battery isn’t big enough either. They would need to be upgradeable to be really useful.
You are right, but you can still mount your 1500xl on your steer. The other light is indeed to be seen and it will bring you home in dusk just fine. I ride with a double cell battery powered light that brings me home at 17:30 right now (northern hemisphere) having a nice light like that in bike is a good idea.
A lot of proprietary add ons no doubt they will break at some point. Then you are stuck going and paying cannondale. That battery looks big and heavy. I have small lights that last longer and and shine brighter. And the tech is changing often so nice to buy a new light every couple years with little cost :)
I like the idea of integrated lighting, but for me a hub dynamo setup makes far more sense than any battery setup. I'm not at all convinced of the need for a rear radar, either. But it's nice to see some moves away from specialisation of components, especially the standard sized seatpost.
Nice overview. Been waiting for this bike as an upgrade from my much loved 2015 Synapse. Unfortunately I'm disappointed by it - the non-removable lighting system has 20% the power of what I'm current running, there's nowhere to put my saddle bag, and no colour option so stuck with grey. Sadly think I'll have to look elsewhere.
Nice idea behind it. I'm looking forward to upcoming versions that are integrated even more inconspicuously. And my favourite topic also plagues Cannondale. There is a version for the world and one for Germany. Everywhere flashing lights are no problem, only we Germans know better, I can't understand it.
Actually, I can very much understand it. Flashing lights are an absolute eyesore for everybody else on the road, other cyclists and cars alike. I am very happy that here in Germany almost nobody uses them. Just get a light with decent battery life and keep it in the always-on mode. You get seen equally well without completely distracting everyone.
Very good approach of Cannondale to a complete bicycle setup. I would totally consider it for my next bicycle. The only thing I would suggest is a battery recessed in the downtube ?
I like the approach! But I would like the lights to be detachable. This would be a nice adventure bike, but I can’t fit my Saddle pack on this. And for adventure races, the battery pack is too small, and the front light is too weak. But it’s impossible to make everyone happy 😃.
How many LUX is the front headlight, and is is it for being seen, or to see? Is the beam pattern the German type so it doesn't;t blind oncoming traffic?
The SystemSix is the Pro's bike, the Synapse has ALWAYS been EVERYBODY's bike. However slightly disappointed with the massive spike in its price tag since it used to be priced quite reasonable despite all that radar system
@@RyonBeachner by no means blaming Cannondale for the price hike. Just disappointed in general to see the prices go up significantly on everything. the first hit came when I saw the Speshy Aethos and it seemed so unnecessarily overpriced or an ordinary looking frame. And I was told buying cars these days are bad XD
I have similar feelings about Treks newly updated Speed Concept TT bike. For years, it was "The Peoples" bike which allowed both triathletes and time trial specific riders to get into one of the most aero bikes on the market for a pretty amazing price. Very popular model for I think a decade - price has always been reasonable. Fast forward to 2022. Overnight, Trek jacked the price up a staggering 250 percent. Now, not only is it not The Peoples bike, but its not even a bike for many pros. Its now for The Elite, the Aristocracy of the sport whose paychecks are enormous enough to afford it.
Agree, future of bikes. In few years prices may equilibrate as others incorporate upgrades. Radar and integrated lights with threaded bottom bracket 30 inch tires great. How about elastomer seatpost!
This is both necessary and unnecessary. Lights and radar should definitely come standard on a road bike. But the mounts I have found and use are better than what comes on this. Still, kudos to C'dale for prioritizing what should be the standard in "electric bikes" - lights and safety. Pedal assist should be a distant second.
For this particular year and I don’t know if it’s a beginning or not but they have moved the synapse from a serious endurance bike to all-around bike for recreational cyclist. There is some good news though if they want to make the radar and lighting systems optional for next year They already have an amazing frame and amazing parts in the 2022 model. 99% of the bike is amazing just that one percent of forced lighting and radar integration brings it down tremendously for the more serious rider.
I ve got an older alloy synapse. I absotuletly love it, really nice quality bike. I could imagine myself riding that bike very much. I read theese comments about its not integrated and big battery and not removable lights and stuff, I wouldnt bother about it. This bike is for long rides mostly, certainly I wouldnt race it or if I would I can still remove the lights. I think I can see the practicality in this bike and I would love to get my hands on one but its out of my price range unfortunately. But kudos for cannondale, I just love the quality they represent.
I too have a 2016 Alloy 105 Synapse and love it, was my first ever road bike and love the higher position with the ability to still get low if I really want to try to test out my speed. Recently got the 2021 carbon Topstone from them and love it!
The problem is exactly what you said. Endurance bikes are for long rides but you can burn through the battery in under 3 hours, with that battery pack and a 350w front light I was expecting double the run times on the battery at least.
@@damionmandy7978 well you got a point but personally i dont turn my lights on in daylight except when its bad weather or foggy. So for me its plenty. I mean considering the size of the battery its still kinda hard to understand why its only a couple of hours but still for my riding style it would be more than enough.
@@markkorondi5983 I haven't watched the video yet i will when I finish work. I'm hoping the lights can be removed due to i have better lights and also my bag for my bike goes under the saddle where the rear light is located
My first Cannondale was a Synapse on 105 from 2010, one of my favorite bikes! Then a car turned in front of me 2 years later and crack the frame. Took a Supersix Evo 2012, not as comfy but ultra lightweight was crazy light and fast. Now back to a Roubaix 2019 on R8000 Di2, better than ever but heavier too even if far more expensive :/
The bike itself is gorgeous and I'd have it in a heartbeat (if I could afford it). But I'll echo other comments - the battery life is too short and the light output is far too low for proper early morning/night time riding, or when you want the brightest flashing mode for daytime riding. The convenience of only one battery to charge is a great idea, but the runtime is far too low for a bike marketed as your "all day epic ride" bike.
Pure marketing, no need for a sensor telling you a car is coming, You can always hear them... But I guess It may give a customer the illusion of security and control....
@@lancelink88 That is the difference with italian brands (for example) they go more for improving designs and aesthetics of their bikes, americans just add things to their bikes, 'the more the better' philosophy, same as when Homer designed a car in The Simpsons 😂
Totally agree, if you want tech on your bike you should be free to add it but don't make the rest of us pay for anything more than the bit we actually pedel and steer
This could have well been the perfect bike for me. Normal, reliable tech and a geometry suited for forty-somethings. But why oh why Cannondale is it again only available in mouse grey and moss green? There are people out there who want a comfortable bike but with a bit of optical bling. Release this bike in EF team colours and you will sell a LOT.
OK, I guess -- but I'll stick with my 2014 Synapse in BBQ with upgrades (Di2+Shimano BB, old C50 w/set matches the BBQ), plus 2 x 850 lumen cygolites front and hotshot pro rear, plus front/rear Contour ROAMS. It's my dream setup, pretty much.
Synapse is a really nice bike for sure, but it's marketed to wannabes who are willing to let Cannondale make ancillary decisions for them: lights, batteries, GPS, et. al. You'll never get lost or find yourself in the dark after sundown, and you can hope when the rear radar detects an approaching car the guy won't hit you. It's nice to know how many miles are on the bike, but I know my preferred cadences, heart rate at a given intensity, and generally how hard I'm working. Never replaced the HR monitor or cadence monitor. I've ridden at the same wattages fo ryears and don't need the data anymore. It's always the same! Batteries quit in the most inopportune moments. I also have grown weay of being constantly challenge by cadence or speed goals. I want to ride by feel, feedback unencumbered by numbers, such as heart rate, cadence or wattage. I know when I'm in AT. I'm breathing hard. HR varies depending on air temperature, the last climb, what I ate, or how well I slept the night before. Have buttonless speedos on both bikes. Change the batteries every year as they start dimming out. Lights. The 350 lumins Nightrider cilp on has lasted over 5 years. I ride at night once or twice a year. It makes a fantastic flashlight! I commuted on it a few years ago. It lasted well over an hour, the length of the ride. The dim setting, 250 lumins I believe, cast well enough light on an unlit road. Night vision kicks in and I can see everything around me. Brighter lights make everything harder to see off the sides, tunnel vision. Short seat stays. They're relying on the shock absorption qualities of tube angles, somewhat like elastomer shocks Trek put where the stays meet the seat tube. That's also the place where the tubes will break. Why insert the force induced into the seat stays by road bumps into a very thin tube down in the middle, the weakest part of the tube? It's also ugly. They're out of proportion to the chain stays, and main triangle. The lines don't blend. A permanent tail flasher would be nice, as long as it worked. I've replaced them about every 4 or 5 years. But turn signals on a bicycle are totally dumb. Reaching out with the arms is much more impressive! Or point your arm down to show braking to some impatient motorists behind. Hey, shoe laces are coming back! Only a matter of time before they'll bring out toe straps, you know, optional equipment to keep the shoe from stretching unloading on the upstroke? Internal cables are turning out to be an experiment that's failing. Fine. Eliminate the cables altogether, yessir. Electronics will save the day. Don't leave home without your i phone.
I like the idea of the single battery but I’d want to choose my own components to run off it. The supplied lights are weak, fine if you’re riding around town but I wouldn’t want to be on unlit country roads with them. At the moment, at the end of a long ride I have 5 different things on the bike, each with their own means of charging, that may need recharging so if the industry got it’s act together (not holding my breath) life could be much less of a faff
Just a technical pointer that some of these shots have a lot of chromatic aberration, there's a purple-ish contour to shapes specially on the bike where the sun is reflecting (e.g. 4:46)
Have a 2016 synapse and has always been great to ride. But it's downfall was the dreadful BB30 internal bottom bracket and fiddly spidering chainset. So it's great to see those gone - possibly a realisation by bike companies that bespoke components are not the most practical option. So curious they've then decided to go down that route with lights! I run Garmin Varia and it's great. But I swap & pair it with other light combinations - and couldn't do that here. And why have they mounted it under the saddle - where would my saddle bag go?
Your bike is lighter and faster without a tool kit. If you have a problem you can't repair, jump off and jog the bike home. That's why they call it endurance!
Nice review. I've been researching and considering buying a Synapse; I really like the changes for more aerodynamics and the threaded bb. However, the integrated lights, etc are a deal breaker for me. I keep my bikes forever...still have my racing steel Bianchi, 20yr old C40 Colnago, etc. I really don't like the idea of being stuck with this lighting and radar system for the duration of owning this bike. Would you buy a house where you are stuck with the lights or hvac system forever? Not sure what Cannondale was thinking...I guess they are using this model to test new technologies. No thanks! I guess I will look at the Defy, Endurace, Caledonia, etc.
Nobody said you had to use their lights, battery, or any of the Smart Sense components. They actually have a nice flat repair kit/tube holder that fits where the battery goes if you don't want to use their electronics.
![No Walk In The Park 5K February 2025 [] RACE VLOG [] How Fast Can We Run A 5K in Marathon Training?](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4GxN8WRPo_c/mqdefault.jpg)
Do you like the look of the new Cannondale Synapse?
I don’t know. I’m still recovering from Simon’s singing.
The lights and radar all integrated together is really cool but could do with a front dynamo hub to power it all. I do approve of the use of more sensible standard components. Other than that doesn't look like anything else particularly special or smart about the bike.
I do, but it's probably cheaper to purchase a fleet of Tesla's! ;)
I'm guessing by the big youtube 'AD' on this, along with the paid promotion label, that this isn't investigative journalism at it's finest. I haven't watched it but imagine it's innovative, planted, stiff and accelerates all the while delivering a feather bed ride to the rider..
I like the tech, sure they could make another light aero bike that is like every other nice bike but this makes it more unique and interesting. Sure it may not be as fast as some super bike, but you can't set a KOM if a car hits you.
I like everything except for the integrated lights. I'd rather be able to choose my own light setup. I think 350 lumens up front would get washed out by the summer sun here in Texas. And I've seen much better rear lights than the one included.
Agreed. I live in the US PNW, lots of low-light winter months. I’d probably end up sticking more lights on it along with the setup - which I guess defeats the purpose.
Varia radar is a game-changer, but absolutely fit a mirror to the bike. The radar tells you when to check the mirror, and the mirror tells you whether the approaching vehicle is giving you room.
Love my 2017 Synapse. The normall BB and the bento box compatibility is cool on this new Synapse but the integrated light setup is an eyesore. I have various lights that I can swap between bikes in a matter of seconds that don't weigh a lot.
I really like the integrated lights. They're really a lot better than the cheap products I used on my Defy, and I feel a lot safer using these that were designed for my riding in mind.
Now that you have a good separate battery installed, how about a 120db dual electric horn to give those cars pulling out in front of you a blast!
Top spec with missile launcher to take care of those.
This seems to be Cannondale's approach to solve a problem nobody had. I think the integration would make sense if the lights were properly integrated into the bike, but they looks as much as an add on as any other aftermarket bike lights do. A Garmin Varia RTL515 offers you the same functionality (apart from the brake light) and much more versatility on where you mount it (there are different Garmin and third party options to mount it anywhere from the saddle rails to any shape of seatpost). A Garmin UT800 can be tidily mounted under the bike computer and can also be controlled by the Garmin app, while offering a maximum of 800lm (more than twice the Cannondale's 350lm). The cable concealment is not a problem because... you don't need cables! And you can easily move those devices between bikes! The only advantage I can see on the Cannondale solution is that you only need to charge 1 battery instead of 2 devices, which is a negligible advantage considering the lack of flexibility it brings. 5h average battery is also quite underwhelming since you will probably get the same from the 2 separate devices (no advantage there either). In summary, Cannondale is simply rebranding some accessories, making them a proprietary solution to be able to charge a premium over existing solutions.
Good points, and one to add. If you are like me and have multiple bikes, getting the tech separately means I only bought the computer and lights once. For the second bike, I just got speed and cadence sensors and mounts for the computer and lights. Then I just have to switch the computer and lights to whichever bike I'm riding that day. Makes more sense to me.
At GCN we do not do reviews... We do paid advertising ;) . Everyone's got to make a living...
Yea, GCN deals in facts....read straight from the company's press releases
Reviews = not facts. Company hyperbole = facts. Facts.
Apparently you guys overlooked that the video is marked AD in big bold letters… it’s not a review. They’re very transparent about that.
@@danielakerman8241 Just what I wrote :"paid advertising"
The funniest thing was we don't do opinions we do facts! Is there such a thing in bike reviews?
Got a 2008 entry level Synapse and is perfect for me. Still using for my epic rides and some light gravel too, it's pure fun. No needs to change atm, maybe in 10-15 years from now.
Bike prices are insane these days - the bottom of the range which is aluminium and only got tiagra yet £2400??? A few years ago that would have barely been £1k
Right. Insane
What are you talking about. All the frames are carbon.
@@G1installs might be wrong about the aluminium bit, but the price has definitely seen a hike
If they'd somehow revolutionised a dynamo system, with the smart lights and radar so it would never have to be charged, sure, but otherwise it's just a proprietary pain in the arse.
Nobody wants that, it would use some watts and people dislike that shiii,
@@kratkidokumentarci224 just make it only be used in descents
@@kratkidokumentarci224 The best Dynamo lights draw very few watts away from you power when not in use. Like 2-3w for a SON28 hub. Off course somewhat more when your lights are on 15w ish. But the best thing is you cannot run out of charge and there is no ugly battery pack. Check some tests on the SON28. Its not like this is the all and out race bike. I can save those 2watts anywhere on the bike. The difference between a good and bad tire can be more than the Watts in drag by a hub dynamo running and off you wont even notice it.
@@luukrutten1295 i didnt watch this video, i was readin comments, and i was saying aout old dinamos
@@MarkBurghouwt Then it wouldnt work in the netherlands. 😂
I have two cycling channels in my feed release the exact same episode within minutes of each other. Good job guys.
What? No BB30!? Well done Cannondale! Having dealt with creaking press fit bottom brackets they’ve become a deal killer for me. That’s a very nice looking bike.
My aluminum Synapse is a great handling bike, and I'm already running fenders, lights, and radar on it. This bike looks like a great refinement, and with only one battery to charge!
After 12 years and 16,000 miles on a Giant Defy-1, yesterday I bought the 2022 Synapse (without radar systems). I was really happy with this review, and it was a real confidence builder for me in making this extremely important decision. With my first, short ride under my belt, it was a real tour de force. I'm completely elated over the light system, and I've just downloaded the app to see what I can do with that. Thanks for this helpful review.
1 year feedback? Is confortable to ride ?
@@sugar2493 Yes, love it. I put 2,000 miles on it last year. Absolute joy to ride. No maintenance issues, but I did buy heavier rims because I'm heavy (250)
I have a 2019 synapse which is great. I have upgraded the wheels to Winspace Hyper 50 and run Cycliq combined lights with dash cams. I thought about Varia radar but instead went old school with a bike eye rear view mirror- applaud Cannondale’s thinking and would recommend to others who want a slightly more comfortable ride than a Tour de France model
1. As CAAD10 owner I approve of the BSA BB (BB30 is creaking mess and I replaced it with a thread together BB)
2. Where do I put my saddle bag? (top tube bag are shite) Bag should have been integrated where the battery is located!
3. As someone who always rides with powerful lights no matter day or night these lights are not powerful enough (insufficient lumens/optics) and don't last long enough (
*Works great, comfortable too*
I still ride the Synapse from 2006, though nearly all components have been updated. It's aluminium and all external cable routing, but surprisingly aero, and precision BB & headset.
The “Smartsense” gimmick is the showstopper for me to ever consider this bike… an endurance bike which cannot have a saddlebag or a bar bag fitted; and which is permanently fitted with a front light that’s too weak and a battery that’s too small and frankly hideous! Those would each be a killer individually for endurance riding, let alone in combination!! 🤦🏻♂️
I couldn't agree more. Guess we can wear the Saddlebag around our necks and pretend it's light out when it's dark.
@Radek To be fair, I doubt that a road endurance bike is going to be ridden downhill through the woods at night. This said... yep, it's fairly gimmicky.
It's an endurance bike for those riding 1 or 2 hours "endurance rides" during sunny days. :-D
@Radek No, I misunderstood you - I thought you meant literally "in the wood" as in mountain biking!
@Radek same here - I wouldn’t go out my front door at night without a minimum 1000lm light. No streetlights here!
been using the gramin Maria on my supersix and garmin 1030. I highly recommend. works flawlessly. I will never ride without one.(road that is)
I really like the idea of integration. I like the idea of having one central battery back, if I could just use any usb battery back I own...
Actually, flexibility seems to be the weak side of this thing. I'd need stronger lights. I'd need more battery options. I'd probably want to move at least the rear light every now and then to use a proper saddle bag...
And I don't get why you wouldn't want to integrate the light into the seapost if you'd go that far
But I live the idea
That's actually a great point about the saddle bag. I keep my rear light ON my saddle bag, because of where it sits on the bike. (Small frame means I use the Carradice SQR system.) Other than that, this looks like a commuter's delight. Imagine just charging one battery for both lights and having a radar to boot.
Like you I was first disappointed about not being able to fit a saddle bag but. Cannondale say the light are mounted with standard GO PRO mounts and you can get extenders for then easily that allow for a saddle bag to be fitted
cycling weekly have an article on this very subject with answers from Cannondale them self and pictures to prove their point see link attached
Cannondale reacts to negative comments directed at new Synapse with smart technology | Cycling Weekly
I have a bike with a Garmin Varia, mounted on the saddle rails; it's not a problem for the saddle bag. I just flip it around, so that the part that loops around the seatpost now loops around the saddle rails. It hangs down and out of the way - - very snug, but it works.
Love the threaded bb, love the internal routing that doesn't go through the stems, love the shimano chainset from a compatibility standpoint although I really like my SiSL2 hollowgram crankset, love the idea of including the lights and radar system, hate the battery. I totally get where Cannondale is going but the battery adds complexity and proprietary consumable parts that will need to be replaced in several years and likely will be scarce and expensive. I get that the smart tech is probably built into it and it's not simply a battery, but I think it is in sharp contrast to everything else they did to the synapse (which is in the right direction IMO). I don't like round seatposts anymore, but I get it. I think most serious riders use a Varia these days. I don't mind having to charge my front and rear lights separate. I would like all the options the Lezyne made Cannondale lights have without the integrated head unit/battery though as an option.
And I'm not a luddite when it comes to bike tech. I have the Cannondale wheel sensor on my Supersix and I really like what they have done with the app. I don't use it while riding (I have a garmin 830) but syncs up after the ride. It's everything Strava et all can't deliver as far as cataloguing and tracking mileage on components. Overall a great step forward.
Proprietary battery really makes me worried. The overall shape of this bike is really sexy, but that battery is going to degrade over time, and in 5-10 years, when Cannondale no longer makes that battery, what do I do?
The cables are external, not internal as you state.
Specialized does hidden external routing that actually looks internal (See SL7, 2019 venge). This is straight up old fashioned cable routing.
@@galenkehler Internal through the frame. Not through the bars and stem
@@Leo-ss2gb Perfect
I bought this bike. It’s amazing. I love the SmartSense. After a couple thousand miles of riding it, I’m very satisfied.
One question: will this work with a fender or simple rear rack like Othelib Quickrack? I am thinking about getting a 105 2 RLE for touring instead of a gravel bike because the bike seems feature packed for a good price, to the point I might trade off wheel clearance, off-road capability and 1by for this bike.
The Zefal Spy mirror works like a charm for letting me know when cars or riders are approaching
Not sure if I'm watching GCN or Carfection.
You can very much take that as a compliment, awesome videography.
Thanks William!
I'd order the Ultegra version tomorrow if it didn't have the smartsense. If only the Defy came with a threaded BB...
I have an alloy synapse 2021 with 105 and i love it, this bike looks great hopefully Cannondale makes the lights and battery and option and not keep it standard on the bike
Best feature of the new Synapse I've seen so far. Well done, Si!
Thank you!
£2400 for a Tiagra variant. They're having a laugh, no wonder marketing is so aggressive.
I love how random it is that the 2006 phone screen in the beginning is reading “enter PIN” in Greek 😂
I think it looks like a sweet expensive commuter bike, and after owning an ebike with integrated lights I can tell you they are actually surprising useful and save a lot of faffing around sometimes.
Of course, an e-bike is a moped, which is a type of little motorcycle. All motorcycles should have lights on the road.
Cool, good move forward by Cannondale. Also like the understated design.
2009 Shimano Di2 called and said it wants its downtube battery back.
Perfect winter/all road bike for a decent price. Sounds like a perfect bike
Kudos to the person running backwards holding the Wahoo Bolt.
Just fitting lights now to a GC race bike, and to get them to look cool and neat and aero is not an easy task. This Synapse has it all done for you. PLUS the smartsense thing is excellent for the roads near me. Yep. A thumbs up...
2400$ in US and 3499Euros in Europe with only the additional light? I hope there is more than that!!!
No, I think the lowest spec is just not available in Europe since Cannondale is regarded as an expensive brand here and potential customers will look at other brands.
Way to go Cannondale! 👏 Hoping other brands will follow. The whole thing with each brand making their own standards every year, making compatibility of parts impossible and simplicity of service super complicated not just for customer, but often even for mechanics, got completely out of the hands past decade+. And all in the name of “progress” that was actually slowing the actual progress down. This bike is using proved features that we learned in the past and yet is moving things forward. Hopefully real world test will prove that bike is reliable, simple but also modern and fun. Other “premium” brands, pls wake up.
Can someone explain why rear facing radar is of any use whatsoever to a bike rider? So I can see when a vehicle is behind me... so what? It's a road, I kind of expect that, but what use is that information to me? Do I dive off the road if the closing speed is too high? What would too high be? Is closing speed even a risk factor for an accident? How would I know? etc. etc. Unless there is a valid reason for having the information it's both a waste of money and a potential risk factor (too much info, red lights etc are confusing) I would think. Unless of course I'm missing something, please feel free to educate me.
Threaded bottom brackets are the future
Lovely bike - would love to see Si testing the Ti Brompton
Where does the saddle bag go? Can't mount a handlebar bag either it looks like?
I think this is wonderful! I ride with a radar and daytime blinker already. Great bike with some nice features like round seatpost! Only flaw of my CAAD 13 is the damn seatpost.
Free ad means only positive review!!!
Excellent move, important for safety of riders
@Radek Weird thing is My varia and Bontrager Front light turn on automatically when I start a ride on my bike computer.
Looks excellent! This could be the addition to my gravel bike that I’ve been looking for..
Those lights are fine to be seen by our fast lights but not brighten enough for real night riding, the battery isn’t big enough either. They would need to be upgradeable to be really useful.
You are right, but you can still mount your 1500xl on your steer. The other light is indeed to be seen and it will bring you home in dusk just fine. I ride with a double cell battery powered light that brings me home at 17:30 right now (northern hemisphere) having a nice light like that in bike is a good idea.
As an owner of the previous model, I approve these changes.
Beautiful looking bike
very interesting bike! the battery is running a bit short, isnt it?
You had me at ‘threaded bb’
and 27.2 seat post!
A lot of proprietary add ons no doubt they will break at some point. Then you are stuck going and paying cannondale. That battery looks big and heavy. I have small lights that last longer and and shine brighter. And the tech is changing often so nice to buy a new light every couple years with little cost :)
I like the idea of integrated lighting, but for me a hub dynamo setup makes far more sense than any battery setup. I'm not at all convinced of the need for a rear radar, either. But it's nice to see some moves away from specialisation of components, especially the standard sized seatpost.
Agreed! SON deluxe just beats everything
How much room to spare is there 6:57? Do you reckon 38mm would fit?
Nice overview. Been waiting for this bike as an upgrade from my much loved 2015 Synapse. Unfortunately I'm disappointed by it - the non-removable lighting system has 20% the power of what I'm current running, there's nowhere to put my saddle bag, and no colour option so stuck with grey. Sadly think I'll have to look elsewhere.
What lighting system do you have?
Nice idea behind it. I'm looking forward to upcoming versions that are integrated even more inconspicuously. And my favourite topic also plagues Cannondale. There is a version for the world and one for Germany. Everywhere flashing lights are no problem, only we Germans know better, I can't understand it.
Actually, I can very much understand it. Flashing lights are an absolute eyesore for everybody else on the road, other cyclists and cars alike. I am very happy that here in Germany almost nobody uses them. Just get a light with decent battery life and keep it in the always-on mode. You get seen equally well without completely distracting everyone.
I like it but if I'm buying a Cannondale I want the awesome looking lefty fork.
Very good approach of Cannondale to a complete bicycle setup.
I would totally consider it for my next bicycle.
The only thing I would suggest is a battery recessed in the downtube ?
I’ve thought for a long time it would be nice to have the lights integrated. For this much money they should have included a power meter.
Yeah, that omission is a deal-breaker for me.
My girlfriend's Cannondale Neo 1EQ has this radar tech and it has surprised how long it has taken to be put onto an off the shelf road bike
I like the approach! But I would like the lights to be detachable. This would be a nice adventure bike, but I can’t fit my Saddle pack on this. And for adventure races, the battery pack is too small, and the front light is too weak. But it’s impossible to make everyone happy 😃.
Threaded bottom bracet, standard seat tube? Where do I get one! Although get rid of the daft light thing.
Frank Butcher wants his glasses back
Good on Cannondale for trying to make riding safer!
First thing I fit on any bike is a mirror, a lot more practical than radar
How many LUX is the front headlight, and is is it for being seen, or to see? Is the beam pattern the German type so it doesn't;t blind oncoming traffic?
The SystemSix is the Pro's bike, the Synapse has ALWAYS been EVERYBODY's bike. However slightly disappointed with the massive spike in its price tag since it used to be priced quite reasonable despite all that radar system
Please consult relevant national and international inflation data. You’ll find that the prices may not actually be Cannondales fault.
@@RyonBeachner by no means blaming Cannondale for the price hike. Just disappointed in general to see the prices go up significantly on everything. the first hit came when I saw the Speshy Aethos and it seemed so unnecessarily overpriced or an ordinary looking frame. And I was told buying cars these days are bad XD
@@antediluvianer Cars, houses, gas, food, everything seems to be going up. 😬
I have similar feelings about Treks newly updated Speed Concept TT bike. For years, it was "The Peoples" bike which allowed both triathletes and time trial specific riders to get into one of the most aero bikes on the market for a pretty amazing price. Very popular model for I think a decade - price has always been reasonable.
Fast forward to 2022. Overnight, Trek jacked the price up a staggering 250 percent. Now, not only is it not The Peoples bike, but its not even a bike for many pros. Its now for The Elite, the Aristocracy of the sport whose paychecks are enormous enough to afford it.
Agree, future of bikes. In few years prices may equilibrate as others incorporate upgrades. Radar and integrated lights with threaded bottom bracket 30 inch tires great. How about elastomer seatpost!
Is the bike still useable when the battery goes flat?
27.2 still the best one
I have this bike I love it I’ve stopped telling people how much I got it for it’s really good value if you know
There's a fair few versions. What is the Sora like please?
This is both necessary and unnecessary. Lights and radar should definitely come standard on a road bike. But the mounts I have found and use are better than what comes on this. Still, kudos to C'dale for prioritizing what should be the standard in "electric bikes" - lights and safety. Pedal assist should be a distant second.
For this particular year and I don’t know if it’s a beginning or not but they have moved the synapse from a serious endurance bike to all-around bike for recreational cyclist. There is some good news though if they want to make the radar and lighting systems optional for next year They already have an amazing frame and amazing parts in the 2022 model. 99% of the bike is amazing just that one percent of forced lighting and radar integration brings it down tremendously for the more serious rider.
Appealing more and more to actual consumers because that’s who buy these bikes and greatly contribute to their racing days.
I ve got an older alloy synapse. I absotuletly love it, really nice quality bike.
I could imagine myself riding that bike very much. I read theese comments about its not integrated and big battery and not removable lights and stuff, I wouldnt bother about it. This bike is for long rides mostly, certainly I wouldnt race it or if I would I can still remove the lights.
I think I can see the practicality in this bike and I would love to get my hands on one but its out of my price range unfortunately. But kudos for cannondale, I just love the quality they represent.
I too have a 2016 Alloy 105 Synapse and love it, was my first ever road bike and love the higher position with the ability to still get low if I really want to try to test out my speed. Recently got the 2021 carbon Topstone from them and love it!
I also have an alloy synapse 2021 with 105 and i love it. This bike looks great but i would like it without the integrated lights
The problem is exactly what you said. Endurance bikes are for long rides but you can burn through the battery in under 3 hours, with that battery pack and a 350w front light I was expecting double the run times on the battery at least.
@@damionmandy7978 well you got a point but personally i dont turn my lights on in daylight except when its bad weather or foggy. So for me its plenty. I mean considering the size of the battery its still kinda hard to understand why its only a couple of hours but still for my riding style it would be more than enough.
@@markkorondi5983 I haven't watched the video yet i will when I finish work. I'm hoping the lights can be removed due to i have better lights and also my bag for my bike goes under the saddle where the rear light is located
I'd buy it just for the the threaded BB.
My first Cannondale was a Synapse on 105 from 2010, one of my favorite bikes! Then a car turned in front of me 2 years later and crack the frame. Took a Supersix Evo 2012, not as comfy but ultra lightweight was crazy light and fast. Now back to a Roubaix 2019 on R8000 Di2, better than ever but heavier too even if far more expensive :/
The bike itself is gorgeous and I'd have it in a heartbeat (if I could afford it).
But I'll echo other comments - the battery life is too short and the light output is far too low for proper early morning/night time riding, or when you want the brightest flashing mode for daytime riding.
The convenience of only one battery to charge is a great idea, but the runtime is far too low for a bike marketed as your "all day epic ride" bike.
The integrated light and sensor is the most ridiculous “improvement” I have seen… adding unnecessary complexity and cost.
I never do a long ride without my Garmin Varia rear light. I agree, though, that by day, I don' need a front light.
Pure marketing, no need for a sensor telling you a car is coming, You can always hear them... But I guess It may give a customer the illusion of security and control....
l agree it's total bollocks from Cannondale who have lost touch, they have no idea anymore.
@@lancelink88 That is the difference with italian brands (for example) they go more for improving designs and aesthetics of their bikes, americans just add things to their bikes, 'the more the better' philosophy, same as when Homer designed a car in The Simpsons 😂
Totally agree, if you want tech on your bike you should be free to add it but don't make the rest of us pay for anything more than the bit we actually pedel and steer
The correct number of bikes is n+1, but this is not the 1 for me.
is it possible to put on a back rack???
BSA & 27.2 FTW!!!
is that electric tape wrapping around the front wires going into front downtube? or is that heat shrink wrap? thank you
I love this. Can we have one battery in the bike frame for lights, radars, Di2 shifters, powermeters, etc? easy charging.
Simon, mate... what are you doing with Biggy Big at 6:58 ?!?
So they've made an endurance bike which can't take a saddle bag? Great.
This could have well been the perfect bike for me. Normal, reliable tech and a geometry suited for forty-somethings. But why oh why Cannondale is it again only available in mouse grey and moss green? There are people out there who want a comfortable bike but with a bit of optical bling. Release this bike in EF team colours and you will sell a LOT.
You call 5,000 a decent price? What great life you must have
@@Wi1dSk7Production Christian said nothing about price in his single paragraph post. What a delusional life you must live!
Agreed. Badly needs a colour option.
Can you. Change saddles?
Love the brand, bike and tech. Would have like to know the price of the bike you rode in the video…
Wondering how large of a rear cog can you use with a 53t large chainring? I know with a 105 rear mech you can use a 40t and 50t chainring.
OK, I guess -- but I'll stick with my 2014 Synapse in BBQ with upgrades (Di2+Shimano BB, old C50 w/set matches the BBQ), plus 2 x 850 lumen cygolites front and hotshot pro rear, plus front/rear Contour ROAMS. It's my dream setup, pretty much.
This bike looks good!
Synapse is a really nice bike for sure, but it's marketed to wannabes who are willing to let Cannondale make ancillary decisions for them: lights, batteries, GPS, et. al. You'll never get lost or find yourself in the dark after sundown, and you can hope when the rear radar detects an approaching car the guy won't hit you.
It's nice to know how many miles are on the bike, but I know my preferred cadences, heart rate at a given intensity, and generally how hard I'm working. Never replaced the HR monitor or cadence monitor. I've ridden at the same wattages fo ryears and don't need the data anymore. It's always the same!
Batteries quit in the most inopportune moments. I also have grown weay of being constantly challenge by cadence or speed goals. I want to ride by feel, feedback unencumbered by numbers, such as heart rate, cadence or wattage. I know when I'm in AT. I'm breathing hard. HR varies depending on air temperature, the last climb, what I ate, or how well I slept the night before. Have buttonless speedos on both bikes. Change the batteries every year as they start dimming out.
Lights. The 350 lumins Nightrider cilp on has lasted over 5 years. I ride at night once or twice a year. It makes a fantastic flashlight! I commuted on it a few years ago. It lasted well over an hour, the length of the ride. The dim setting, 250 lumins I believe, cast well enough light on an unlit road. Night vision kicks in and I can see everything around me. Brighter lights make everything harder to see off the sides, tunnel vision.
Short seat stays. They're relying on the shock absorption qualities of tube angles, somewhat like elastomer shocks Trek put where the stays meet the seat tube. That's also the place where the tubes will break. Why insert the force induced into the seat stays by road bumps into a very thin tube down in the middle, the weakest part of the tube? It's also ugly. They're out of proportion to the chain stays, and main triangle. The lines don't blend.
A permanent tail flasher would be nice, as long as it worked. I've replaced them about every 4 or 5 years. But turn signals on a bicycle are totally dumb. Reaching out with the arms is much more impressive! Or point your arm down to show braking to some impatient motorists behind.
Hey, shoe laces are coming back! Only a matter of time before they'll bring out toe straps, you know, optional equipment to keep the shoe from stretching unloading on the upstroke?
Internal cables are turning out to be an experiment that's failing. Fine. Eliminate the cables altogether, yessir. Electronics will save the day. Don't leave home without your i phone.
I like the idea of the single battery but I’d want to choose my own components to run off it. The supplied lights are weak, fine if you’re riding around town but I wouldn’t want to be on unlit country roads with them. At the moment, at the end of a long ride I have 5 different things on the bike, each with their own means of charging, that may need recharging so if the industry got it’s act together (not holding my breath) life could be much less of a faff
A dyno hub would've been a good add to the front wheel for extra battery life.
Just a technical pointer that some of these shots have a lot of chromatic aberration, there's a purple-ish contour to shapes specially on the bike where the sun is reflecting (e.g. 4:46)
Have a 2016 synapse and has always been great to ride. But it's downfall was the dreadful BB30 internal bottom bracket and fiddly spidering chainset. So it's great to see those gone - possibly a realisation by bike companies that bespoke components are not the most practical option.
So curious they've then decided to go down that route with lights! I run Garmin Varia and it's great. But I swap & pair it with other light combinations - and couldn't do that here. And why have they mounted it under the saddle - where would my saddle bag go?
Your bike is lighter and faster without a tool kit. If you have a problem you can't repair, jump off and jog the bike home. That's why they call it endurance!
Nice review. I've been researching and considering buying a Synapse; I really like the changes for more aerodynamics and the threaded bb. However, the integrated lights, etc are a deal breaker for me. I keep my bikes forever...still have my racing steel Bianchi, 20yr old C40 Colnago, etc. I really don't like the idea of being stuck with this lighting and radar system for the duration of owning this bike. Would you buy a house where you are stuck with the lights or hvac system forever? Not sure what Cannondale was thinking...I guess they are using this model to test new technologies. No thanks! I guess I will look at the Defy, Endurace, Caledonia, etc.
Nobody said you had to use their lights, battery, or any of the Smart Sense components. They actually have a nice flat repair kit/tube holder that fits where the battery goes if you don't want to use their electronics.
What are the shades Si’s wearing???