New Cannondale Synapse with SmartSense Technology

With a new Synapse, Cannondale makes road cycling more attractive and efficient than ever with new SmartSense technology. In addition to a redesigned bike, it’s an actively intelligent light and radar system designed to inspire confidence while riding and add convenience to cycling.

Source: Press Release*

“SmartSense is designed to make road riding more enjoyable for experienced cyclists, more attractive for new cyclists, and more convenient for everyone,” said David Devine, Cannondale’s Global Senior Product Director. “To complement SmartSense, we’ve redesigned the hugely popular Cannondale Synapse to be even more versatile than its predecessors. The result of combining these two products is a seamless relationship between rider, bike, and road.”

Cannondale’s commitment to innovation and 50 years of cycling credibility aimed to create an unprecedented level of confidence and convenience with the introduction of the new Synapse and SmartSense. Every element of both products has been developed to enhance every part of a ride.

The new Synapse

Launched 15 years ago as the first carbon road frame in its range, Cannondale established the endurance bike category with the Synapse. This well-balanced road bike embodies the fusion of performance, comfort, and versatility with the ability to tackle a wide variety of terrains.

“The Synapse is the ideal bike to introduce SmartSense,” says David Devine. “It offers a comfortable riding position, engineering that helps absorb road imperfections, and now it offers the added confidence and awareness of the SmartSense system.”

The new Synapse offers significantly improved ride feel, making it a bike that has been praised for years by those seeking comfort. This version brings an 8% increase in comfort, the level at which the bike’s chassis flexes vertically under a rider to absorb bumps and vibrations on the road. This increased comfort, combined with a comfortable and more upright riding position, offers the most enjoyable Synapse ride to date.

The new Synapse does not sacrifice performance. It is designed to go faster with less effort. Thanks to lessons learned from the Cannondale SystemSix, the Synapse is faster than its predecessor. With improved aerodynamics, the Synapse is made to flatten climbs or set the pace on weekend group rides.

Cannondale’s Proportional Response ensures that riders benefit from the best performance of their bike, regardless of their size. Proportional Response is the unique, size-specific design for each rider. To do this, Cannondale adjusts the bike’s geometry, construction, stiffness, and steering characteristics, depending on the rider’s size and their variable center of gravity.

With a refined riding experience, the Synapse is ready for long-distance road adventures. Designed for all surfaces, from paved roads to rail trails and in-between surfaces, the Synapse has the ability to accommodate tires up to 35 mm. For those long days of off-the-beaten-path exploration, it comes with mounts for a top tube bag and two bottle cages.

“Cycling is for everyone, and the Synapse with SmartSense is a perfect example of Cannondale bringing that to life,” adds David Devine.

SmartSense Technology

SmartSense is an intelligent light and radar system that actively communicates with the rider, the bike, and the environment, powered by a single battery. Even before the first pedal stroke, users can interact with SmartSense via the Cannondale app where they will have a wide selection of settings to customize their experience. The settings are designed to offer better awareness while creating increased visibility so that the rider can see and be seen more effectively.

Once the desired customizations are applied, a rotation of the front wheel, equipped with a Cannondale wheel sensor, initiates a continuous communication chain between all available SmartSense contact points.

• Garmin Varia Radar: constantly scans for traffic from behind and can signal the speed, distance, and number of cars via audible and visual alerts on the Cannondale app or on the bike’s head unit. The Garmin radar is also compatible with your GPS.

• Lezyne Front and Rear Daytime Running Lights: the front light improves visibility for oncoming traffic to help the rider be seen. The rear light, with an optional brake alert function, offers better visibility behind the rider. Both lights can adjust brightness to adapt to limited or changing daylight, or signal rear oncoming traffic and sudden braking.

• Garmin Varia Battery: a single power source eliminates the need to charge multiple batteries and helps avoid the risk of riding ill-equipped. The battery can also be used as a USB-C charging source when disconnected from the bike mount.

• Cannondale Wheel Sensor: pairs your Synapse with the Cannondale app and automatically activates SmartSense by spinning the front wheel.

The streamlined SmartSense ecosystem allows riders to truly enjoy every ride with peace of mind, reducing distractions and increasing awareness. With its centralized system and single power source, SmartSense is an essential part of a simple and efficient routine.

The all-new Synapse is available in 4 carbon models, sizes 48 – 61. SmartSense is offered on carbon models 1, 2, and 3 with a selection of radars, lights, and electronic shifting designated by R, L, and E in the model name. The Synapse range is priced between €3,499 and €8,999.

Synapse Carbon 3 L

• Groupset: Shimano 105
• Wheels: Formula
• Tires: Vittoria Zaffiro Pro 700×30
• Handlebar: Cannondale 3
• Stem: Cannondale 3
• Saddle: Fizik Aliante Delta
• SmartSense Lights
• Price: €3499

Synapse Carbon 2 RL

• Groupset: Shimano Ultegra R8000 11-speed
• Wheels: Fulcrum Rapide Red 900
• Tires: Vittoria Rubino Pro 700×30
• Handlebar: Cannondale 2
• Stem: Cannondale 2
• Saddle: Fizik Aliante Delta
• SmartSense Lights and Radar
• Price: €4499

Synapse Carbon 2 RLE

• Groupset: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100 12-speed
• Wheels: Fulcrum Rapide Red 500
• Handlebar: FSA Gossamer Compact
• Tires: Vittoria Rubino Pro 700×30
• Stem: Cannondale 2
• Saddle: Fizik Tempo Argo R5
• SmartSense Lights and Radar
• Price: €5999

Synapse Carbon LTD RLE

• Groupset: Shimano GRX 810
• Wheels: HollowGram KNOT 45
• Tires: WTB Exposure TCS 700×30
• Handlebar: HollowGram SAVE SystemBar
• Stem: HollowGram SAVE
• Saddle: Fizik Tempo Argo R5
• SmartSense Lights and Radar
• Price: €6999

Synapse Carbon 1 RLE

• Groupset: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 12-speed
• Wheels: HollowGram KNOT 45 SL
• Tires: Vittoria Corsa 700×30
• Handlebar: HollowGram SAVE SystemBar
• Stem: HollowGram SAVE
• Saddle: Fizik Tempo Argo R3
• SmartSense Lights and Radar
• Price: €8999

Contact: cannondale.com

*Articles in this “New Products” section are based on press releases and are intended for informational purposes only. They have been selected by the editorial team for their relevance to your sport.

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