2018 Cannondale Synapse

The Cannondale Synapse will be available in 14 models, including this SRAM Red eTap-equipped beauty.​

Cannondale has revealed a new version of its endurance race bike, the Synapse, which has been redesigned to give riders enhanced comfort, improved performance, and the capability to confidently attack any road. With the expanded SAVE micro-suspension system featuring the new SAVE SystemBar and seatpost, a significantly lighter frame and fork, and clearance for big 32mm tires, the new Synapse is being billed as a true endurance machine.

2018 Cannondale Synapse

The two-piece system offers integrated style without the hassle of a one-piece design, allowing riders to fine tune their ride position with interchangeable stem lengths and 8-degrees of pitch adjustment.​

SAVE Micro-Suspension technology has been at the heart of the Synapse design since its introduction in 2006. Engineered flex zones in the frame and fork aim to soak up vibration and chatter, keeping the rider comfortable and in control on uneven surfaces. The new Synapse boasts re-engineered SAVE features in its chainstays, seatstays, and fork legs, and adds a 25.4mm SAVE seatpost and the sleek new SAVE SystemBar handlebar and stem, creating a holistic system that insulates the rider from the bumps, without isolating them from the experience. For a clean cockpit, the new bar also features an integrated, detachable cycling computer mount.

2018 Cannondale Synapse

The new Synapse is offered in three different steerer/headtube diameters and three fork offsets.​

"The SystemBar's ergonomic and elliptical SAVE bar shape feels great in the hands and provides riders more deflection than a standard bar. The SystemBar works with the rest of the bike's SAVE features to really smooth the ride and increase control." said David Devine, Cannondale's senior product manager for road. "Additionally, the two-piece system offers integrated style without the hassle of a one-piece design, allowing riders to fine tune their ride position with interchangeable stem lengths and 8-degrees of pitch adjustment."

The Synapse's endurance race geometry is designed to strike a balance between full race aggression and the relaxed upright comfort of other "endurance" bikes on the market. It gives the rider the low, forward position they need to go hard, with just enough comfortable rise to encourage them to go long, claims Cannondale.

2018 Cannondale Synapse

The new bike will come in seven sizes from 44cn to 61cm.​

To ramp up the performance and elevate the race characteristics of this endurance machine, the 2018 Synapse is both lighter and stiffer than previous models. The frame is 220 grams lighter. Stiffness gains of up to 10% at the headtube and bottom bracket are achieved courtesy of an asymmetric frame design that is said to more effectively resist disc brake and pedaling loads, and size-optimized construction that varies tube dimensions and carbon layup by size.

The new Synapse takes the concept of size-optimization a step further by also offering three different steerer/headtube diameters and three fork offsets. This allows each size to have the appropriate amount of front-end stiffness, and a consistent steering feel across the entire size range.

2018 Cannondale Synapse

The new bike comes spec'd with a svelte 25.4mm SAVE seatpost.​

To expand riding possibilities and encourage exploration, the new Synapse has clearance for up to 32mm measured tires, and discreet fender mounts. Other notable features include front and rear thru-axles, adjustable flat-mount disc brakes, and the Synapse's intelligent cable port, which allows for clean and modular cable routing and accommodates everything from mechanical cables to eTap and Di2.

2018 Cannondale Synapse

Cannondale has achieved some impressive numbers in weight department.​

The Cannondale Synapse will be available in 14 models, including four women's models, with a price range of $2500 to $10,000. For more information visit www.cannondale.com.