Cannondale Synapse 3D 700C | ChooseMyBicycle Expert Review

At the heart of the Cannondale Synapse 3D is its lightweight yet durable SmartForm C2 Alloy frame, engineered to deliver an optimal blend of strength and responsiveness. The frame incorporates Cannondale's SAVE micro-suspension technology, which dampens road vibrations, enhancing comfort during long rides. This is paired with a carbon-bladed fork, which also plays a significant role in reducing road buzz while ensuring precise handling.

The geometry of the Synapse is designed with endurance in mind, offering a more upright and comfortable riding position. The relaxed geometry helps reduce fatigue during longer rides, making this bicycle an ideal choice for riders who value comfort without sacrificing performance. The clean, sleek lines and modern design aesthetics make the Cannondale Synapse a visually appealing machine, exuding a sense of speed even at a standstill.

The Cannondale Synapse 3D comes equipped with a Shimano Sora 2x9-Speed drivetrain. Known for its reliability and smooth shifting, the Shimano Sora groupset provides a wide range of gears, making this bicycle well-suited for various terrains. Whether you're climbing steep gradients or cruising on flat stretches, the 18-speed drivetrain ensures that you have the right gear for the job.

Cannondale has fine-tuned the Synapse to offer a performance-oriented ride that feels responsive and agile. The FSA Vero Compact 50/34T crankset combined with an 11-34T cassette ensures seamless transitions between gears, while the bike's lightweight frame allows for swift acceleration. This makes the Synapse 3D not only a great bike for long-distance rides but also a competent performer on group rides and competitive events.

Comfort is where the Cannondale Synapse 3D truly shines. As an endurance road bike, it has been meticulously designed to minimize rider fatigue on long rides. The SAVE micro-suspension system in the frame and fork helps absorb road vibrations, ensuring a smoother ride even on rougher surfaces. This feature is particularly useful for riders who spend hours in the saddle.

The Endurance Geometry of the frame, with its slightly upright riding position, also contributes to enhanced rider comfort. This geometry takes the pressure off your back, neck, and shoulders, allowing for a more relaxed and comfortable experience, even on long-distance rides. Additionally, Cannondale's choice of components, including the handlebars and seatpost, further adds to the overall comfort of the bike.

The Cannondale Synapse 3D 700C is equipped with Promax Decoder R Mechanical Disc Brakes, which provide reliable stopping power. While disc brakes are becoming more common on endurance road bikes, the disc brakes on the Synapse are more than capable of delivering effective braking performance. They offer good modulation, allowing the rider to control their speed with confidence, even when descending steep hills.

The steering response on the Synapse is precise, thanks to the carbon fork and well-balanced frame geometry. The bike handles well in tight corners, and the front end feels stable even when descending at higher speeds. Whether you're maneuvering through city traffic or tackling sharp corners on a mountain pass, the Synapse's steering remains sharp and responsive.

The Cannondale Synapse 3D comes with 700x30C Vittoria Zaffiro tires mounted on Cannondale RD 3.1 wheels. These tires are wider than the standard road bike tires, providing additional grip and stability on rough surfaces. The wider tires also help absorb road imperfections, further enhancing rider comfort on longer journeys. The Cannondale RD 3.1 wheels are lightweight and durable, contributing to the overall agility of the bike while ensuring long-term reliability.

The saddle on the Synapse is the Cannondale Stage CX saddle, designed for comfort over extended periods of riding. It offers adequate padding without being too soft, allowing for consistent comfort on long-distance rides. The saddle's ergonomic shape helps distribute pressure evenly, ensuring that the rider remains comfortable even after several hours on the road.