Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 RL - Beetle Green

The new Synapse Carbon is a masterpiece of modern bike design. It builds on an already exceptionally successful design by retaining all of the incredible ride characteristics and stable endurance geometry of its predecessor. You can ride the Synapse as far as your legs will take you and every mile along the way will be fast and comfortable. The dropped seat stay frame is engineered to flex in ways that improve vibration damping but do not affect power transfer. Carbon fibre naturally absorbs road vibrations and it is used throughout the frame and fork. During construction, the fibres are laid up for stiffness where it aids power transfer and flexibility where it aids comfort, so you get a responsive and dynamic ride with none of the harshness. Being a bike for riding on all kinds of roads, it comes stock with 30mm tyres that smooth out rough tarmac. There's clearance for 35mm tyres if you want an even smoother ride or for full-length mudguards if you want to ride in all weather.

The Synapse has always been a machine built for big rides and it's steadily improved with each iteration. However, with this update, there's a step-change in the form of some exciting new tech integrated into the frame. Cannondale's new SmartSense System powers cleanly mounted lights, a rearview radar and a display, all from one central battery for incredible charging convenience and long burn times. The radar not only enhances your situational awareness but it also causes the rear light to flare when vehicles get close. The precisely which SmartSense comes with the bike varies from model to model but all Synapse Carbons are fully SmartSense compatible. 

The Synapse Carbon 2 RL comes kitted out with SmartSense lights and radar. It's also specced with Shimano's top-tier mechanical racing groupset, Ultegra. This groupset is lightweight and reliable, representing the sweet spot in balancing performance with cost. As befits a modern road bike, the brakes are hydraulic disc type for consistent performance and excellent stopping power and modulation in all conditions.

The Synapse Carbon rides beautifully and is comfortable on all-day rides, which is impressive enough on its own. Add in SmartSense and an incredible spec and suddenly it's the endurance rider's dream bike. If you can't ever seem to get enough hours in the saddle, then you want a Synapse Carbon 2 RL.