Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 Review 2023

Quick Jump Links: Full List of Specs | What’s good | What’s not so good | Our Verdict

Where to buy 💵

$2,400 REI.com

Type: Road bike | Frame Material: Carbon |  Brakes: Hydraulic Discs | Best for: Long rides

YesCycling Score – 9.2/10

Full List of Specs 🔧

Frame: Synapse Carbon, SmartSense enabled, Proportional Response size-specific design, BSA threaded BB, flat mount brake, 12x142mm thru-axle
Fork: Synapse Carbon, integrated crown race, Proportional Response size-specific design, 12x100mm thru-axle, thru-tube internal routing
Headset: Synapse Sealed Bearing, integrated, 1-1/4″-1-1/8″
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra GS
Front Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra, braze-on
Shifters: Shimano Tiagra hydraulic disc, 10-speed
Chain: Shimano HG54, 10-speed
Crank: Shimano Tiagra, BSA, 50/34
Rear Cogs: Shimano Tiagra, 11-34, 10-speed
Bottom Bracket: Shimano BSA
Brakes: Shimano Tiagra hydraulic disc, 160/160mm RT64 rotors
Brake Levers: Shimano Tiagra hydraulic
Rims: RD 3.1, 28h, 21mm IW
Spokes: Stainless Steel, 14g
Tires: Vittoria Zaffiro Pro Reflective, 700 x 30c
Tire Size: 30
Wheel Size: 700c
Hubs: (F) Formula CL-712, 12x100mm centerlock / (R) Formula RXC-400, 12x142mm centerlock
Front and Rear Tires: Vittoria Zaffiro Pro Reflective, 700 x 30c
Handlebar: Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, Compact
Stem: Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 7°
Saddle: Fizik Aliante Delta, S-alloy rails


What’s good 👍

  • Super lightweight carbon construction
  • Full 10-Speed Shimano Tiagra groupset
  • Extraordinary best-in-class saddle
  • Very precise and powerful hydraulic disc brakes
  • Thru-axle is compatible with bike trainers
  • Excellent 35mm tire clearance for the wet season
  • It comes with a lot of mounts, including fender compatibility
  • Fuss-free riding experience
  • Modern electronics ( SmartSense light and sensor system )

What’s not so good 👎

  • Eye-watering price tag
  • The wheels are a bit heavy

Our Verdict 🎗

Should you buy it, avoid it or shortlist it?

We think that you should buy it.

Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 is an excellent modern carbon road bike with world-class components. It looks amazing, rolls smooth, fast, and confidently for most cyclists. If you can spend $2,400 on a road bike, then this bike should be on top of your list.


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