Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 RL Review

The Synapse range from Cannondale has long been one of our best selling bike collections here at Westbrook Cycles. The latest version of the Synapse Carbon 2RL retails at £4,000 and continues the highly capable reputation of the Synapse range, which has been built over the last ten years.

This bike is an easy to live with endurance bike, which provides masses of performance with comfort. It’s also a very practical road bike - with the option to run 35mm tyres as well as having a threaded bottom bracket. This model also has plenty of smart kit, such as Cannondale’s own developed SmartSense light and sensor system.

One of the biggest developments with the Synapse, is it’s focus on being a very practical and enjoyable to ride endurance bike, with Cannondale intentionally placing great differences between this bike and racier models, such as the Supersix Evo range. There are new tubes on the Synapse range this year, which have a more aerodynamic shape - without gaining weight. There are also more mounts & practical features on the frame than ever before, with greater tyre clearance and mudguard mounts, with mounts on the top tube - which resembles the top tube found on many Cannondale Gravel Bikes.

Wheels and tyres on the Synapse Carbon 2 RL provide a smooth ride, and the bike is fitted with Vittoria Rubio Pro G2.0 tyres - and these tyres are fitted to Fulcrum Rapid Red 900 wheels. The rims of these wheels have a 24mm deep rim, with a rim dimension of 22mm. These wheels can be used with tyres with inner tubes, as well as tubeless tyres.

Gearing is taken care of by Shimano’s battle proven Ultegra R8000, which has been fitted to bikes for five years. It performs very well, changes are good - and the system is very reliable. There’s plenty of range in the gearset, with a 11-34t cassette. The base level of components is good - with a comfy saddle, but there is an alloy seatpost, which can be easily upgraded.

Overall, this lightweight endurance bike remains one of the best choices on the market - there are a few easily upgradeable items on the bike, which make it even better. The presence of smart features and lights make it an attractive choice to many - especially those looking for extra safety. The smart lights also provide multiple advantages over riders who have to charge up and fit multiple lights and batteries. This bike is a sensible choice, which remains fun and engaging to ride - and brings many of the advantages of race bias road bikes, with more comfort and practicality.

Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 RL Features

• Cannondale Smart Sense
• Cannondale/Garmin Rader
• Cannondale Lezyne Rear Light
• Cannondale/Garmin Display
• Cannondale Bottle Cage
• Trainer Ready
• 9.89kg weight
• Carbon Frame
• Carbon Fork