Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 SmartSense review out now

A hands on look at Cannondale's Synapse Carbon 2 SmartSense, blending comfort, aerodynamics and integrated safety tech.

Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 SmartSense Sets a New Endurance Benchmark

The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 SmartSense sits between the top Lab71 model and the standard Synapse line. It uses Cannondale’s second tier carbon and weighs around 1,150 grams for a size 56 cm frameset. The bike keeps wide tyre clearance up to 42 mm and adds a fully integrated SmartSense system with a central battery that powers lights and radar as well as SRAM Force AXS derailleurs. The battery is removable for charging or can be charged in place via a USB-C port. The build also features a down tube storage port with a light, a threaded BSA bottom bracket and a rear SRAM UDH dropout which simplifies gear hanger replacement and direct mount derailleurs.

Riding impressions describe the Synapse as confident and fast handling, with a smooth feel on rough roads thanks to a compliant frame and 32 mm tyres. The aero look comes from the fork crown and a downsized aero profile on the top tube, while generous tyre clearance and a longer fork help stability. Wheelset choice is Reserve Turbulent aero rims with DT Swiss 370 hubs, paired with Vittoria Rubino tyres. The bike balances endurance comfort with race like handling, and the SmartSense system adds a data rich layer that enhances safety on every ride.

On the tech front, Cannondale leans into a trend where safety and data become part of the riding experience. The central battery sharing power with lights, radar and derailleurs creates a clean, tucked design but also ties the bike to a single power source for multiple functions. That makes the Synapse feel modern but also raises questions about maintenance and long term reliability if the system underperforms. Price-wise, the Synapse Carbon 2 SmartSense sits well above many standard endurance bikes and near the Lab71 tier, which could limit its market to riders willing to pay a premium for safety features and the latest aero tweaks. The choice of SRAM only for SmartSense models also shapes the ecosystem and could steer buyers toward SRAM groupsets in practice. Still, the bike demonstrates how comfort, handling and tech can be combined in a single package, moving endurance bikes closer to a high end, all in one experience.

Looking ahead, the trend toward integrated safety tech and data driven riding will likely continue to grow. If Cannondale proves that the convenience of a central battery and radar can be reliably supported by service networks and spare parts, more brands may follow. The risk is that such tech raises costs and narrows accessibility, especially for riders who want a versatile all seasons bike without a premium price tag.

Highlights

As bikes get smarter, riders will weigh the value of safety data against price and service needs.