Domane vs Synapse | Ultimate Endurance Road Bike Head To Head

The Cannondale Synapse and the Trek Domane are held in the highest regard when it comes to the endurance road bike market. But which bike is best? Sam Gupta and Simon Smythe drill down into the differences between the bikes to try and figure out which is best for those wanting a more comfortable road riding experience.
00:00 - Intro
00:25 - Features
03:29 - Ride Quality
09:32 - Aesthetics
11:53 - Build Options
15:52 - Verdict
17:34 - Outro
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[@vtmtmtl]

I own the Synapse. Having owned a 2006 Synapse and ridden thousands of miles, I was happy to see this model released just when I was shopping for a new bike! After a year, I am very pleased with the Synapse. Very comfortable and simplistically sexy.

[@milybanily]

I have been riding Synapse from...I can't remember when began to do it. But I remember when stop buying them when cannondale added a battery to the frame. Still have a 2020 Synapse, its a great bike.

[@elliotresnick5433]

Which model do you have?

[@davekashuba4730]

Thanks for making this a true comparison. It's always good to hear both the positives AND negatives, as well as getting the opinions from two people with seemingly different preferences.

[@bdgrph]

owner of a last gen synapse di2 ultegra perspective, not willing to upgrade for smart sense although it is a great feature, new wheels and tires have an amazing and immediate impact on weight, ride and responsiveness. I love the look of the domane and wish I had the frame storage and wider tire clearance for some smooth gravel roads and rail trail rides. If I was buying today I would probably start at trek

[@andrewlowin3369]

I chose a Trek Domane SL6 Gen4 because I could not justify the huge jump in price for the SLR6 just for the lighted carbon. I upgraded the wheels to carbon and GP5000’s with the saving over SLR. Plus, and a big one, SRAM.

[@jorgerivera8787]

2014 Synapse …That’s really an Endurance Performance Machine..💯

[@Skaughtto]

I'm still riding a 2013 Domane 2.0 but I upgraded it with Ultegra 6700. It's been a great bike. I'd probably replace it with another Domane just because I know the geometry remains similar. Trek has numerous local shops which makes accessories easy to come by.

[@ewtcizs1101]

Lol I love how when you talk about the new domane and how much cleaner the looks are at 2:50 compared to the old gen you only show the old model ^^

[@LockedinCycling]

How did they not notice they are talking about the new domane but they only showed the older gen pictures?

[@kidShibuya]

The better question is how do you not know that they don't edit the videos themselves?

[@grantwilliams2912]

I love the new Domane.. Soooo smooth

[@bernardo9202]

Both bikes are really overpriced for the offer. I would choose the Canyon Endurance or even the canyon ultimate (winner of the Gravel WC/ 2nd place in the waffle belgian ride in men and 1st in woman), Cube Agree, even if the tire clearance is only 30mm or a Orbea Orca.

[@universe-juice]

I agree, my Damone is vary tame. Just wants to be ridn in the saddle. Not saying thats a bad thing. Its a GREAT commuter. I did switch the 32 r3s in for conti 25s. Made the bike a little quicker.

[@Enzo575]

I have a 2021 Domane. I believe it has a great balance for speed and endurance. I have Zipp 303s and Pirelli SLR on 28s. Never fails

[@dwaynerandolph3565]

I purchased the 2021 Synapse just last year,in fact because of the Pandemic I should have gotten it during that year but was sold online before I could purchase it at the bike shop. Because of the mishap I didn’t get it until 10 months later and was offered the bike with no taxes in February 2023, would you know just 2 weeks after my purchase the new 2023 Synapse with Smart sense debuted ? I felt slighted in a way. So fast forward to now, I’m purchasing this new Synapse at a steal of a deal for $2600, I couldn’t pass up this deal @Cycling Weekly 😊 Ps this is my 10th Cannondale since joining the sport in January 2000.

[@ivangsvts]

Great comparison. Could you include a Canyon Endurace into the mix?

[@DaveCM]

Ever since Cannondale came out with the new Synapse, I thought they should make a box to fit were the battery goes if someone doesn't want the Smart Sense system. They do have a strap thing that mounts to hold tubes and stuff now but not a box. I did find a guy who 3D prints one for a size 58. I'm guessing he had the same idea as me and happens to ride a 58. But, I think it would be more popular as people could carry the stuff from their saddle bag there.

[@caperider1160]

seeing is believing. It would be nice to get high resolution super slow-motion videos of each bike rolling over some realistic bumps, pot holes etc, while keeping tire width & pressure equal so that we can see which parts of the bikes are flexing to absorb shocks and how.

[@pjhaction]

My Trek 2023 SL6 with upgraded carbon wheels has satisfied me

[@thomasjacques8400]

Specialized Roubaix- kicks both these bike bikes into touch (even though a couple of years old) but has been left out of the running.

[@donaldduck5731]

I have a Cannondale now which l love, was thinking of upgrading to a carbon Cannondale Synapse, but I don’t want smart-sense which is pointless and adds £1k-£2k to the bike. Started looking around, Canyon, ORRO, Ribble, Pinarello all look better value as well as the Trek.

[@stephentait8734]

i have the 2019 synapse carbon 105, if anything ever happens to that bike i wont ne getting the new synapse, the smart sense it a waste of money for me, much prefer my own lights, saddle and already the the 515 radar,, would be interested to find out how much the smart sense has affect sales.

[@JonGar1911]

I have a Domane and my wife has a synapse. Here’s is an older one but has been great for her. All carbon, lighter than my AL 4, and it gets her on the road. Still trying to get a good enough “reason” to put tubeless tires on her bike 😂

[@Hintonbro.]

“Synapse & Domane have long been the pinnacle of the endurance category “ Roubaix: 😢

[@angelortiz353]

Same thing asked? Roubaix??? Where?? I mean not even worth watching if the roubaix is not in the conversation

[@michaelfisher9760]

Giant Defy has dominated them both for years!

[@wildsurfer12]

As a Defy owner I can confirm that’s true!

[@Thomas-fy9yc]

Unfortunately,that’s like comparing a Toyota to a BMW and an Audi. I have a friend who bought a TCR since Mikes Bikes started selling Giant…and most people associated them with department store bikes and are surprised when he shows up at group rides.

[@stan9636]

The new Domane is fantastic

[@sk4runner825]

I’ll take the Domane

[@JamesSmith-zs8fl]

I'm old and cheap .... I would take the Domane AL5.

[@ronaldweed6103]

Thank you, hope you like it?

[@richardcarr6493]

WELL I BELIEVE IT COMES DOWN TO EITHER YOU CHOOSE what's the best deal or best looking also l would look which could fit gravel tires :) l want to add YOU CAN T COMPARE TOP END BUILDS TO THIS also synapse should have better wheels and tires for this PRICE !!

[@MarkusFolkesson]

A Trek Domane AL3 Disc or AL5 Disc for me. Maybe with Continental Grand Prix Urban tiers.

[@wolfganglocquet7733]

I have the AL5 Disc with Bontrager R3 28mm tyres instead of the R1 32mm tyres. Love it!!

[@qza3]

Just got one of the last generation cannondale synapse 105 models. Curious how the lower seat stays and other changes to the newer frame would change the ride.

[@ShantanurajPatil]

For how much?

[@elliotresnick5433]

What year was that?

[@kvloover]

Why don't they just make endurance geo bikes without all these options baked in. Let us opt into them instead. Or well, that might just be too close to an all-road/gravel frame ?

[@niceone1456]

The iso speed is the real deal, on one of the bumpy ride, it felt so smooth under my bottom. I just wish there could be a iso speed at the top tube as well because my hands are certainly feeling it.

[@yogiwillwin]

Not sure if you own or test road the bike, but if it's not too late, you can look into.Gen 3 of the Domane, which has a front iso speed. It does add a little weight to the bike, however.

[@niceone1456]

@@yogiwillwin yer I know, however I’ve already bought the gen4, I think the weight on gen3 is a bit too much, I can wear a pair of gloves to dampen the handlebar vibration

[@yogiwillwin]

@@niceone1456 Got it, just throwing it out there! And yes, gloves definitely help out!

[@thomaskuhn6541]

I don't understand how you can do a useful ride comparison with one guy riding the Synapse and the other guy riding the Domane? I can't imagine the Synapse be more racey and the Domane comparatively more pedestrian.

[@rickmoses5081]

Domane ALL DAY, EVERY DAY!

[@elliotresnick5433]

I’d love to see a comparison between 2023 endurance bikes like these and a light e-bike like the Specialized Turbo Vado SL. Personally I transitioned from a 2017 carbon Synapse with Ultegra to that 2023 $3750 e-bike and it’s been a lot a fun!

[@Garfie1d73]

You forgot the 3rd key feature of the Domane: Hidden fender mounts!

[@bochumsde]

Can’t believe he said “The Domane is a very bike-looking bike”. The Synapse looks a lot more boring in my opinion. In addition, the Domane has a much cleaner semi-integrated cable routing on every model in Gen 4 whereas the Synapse looks like a mess.

[@mrjames7246]

Would rather take the Canyon Endurance or Giant defy. Giant especially gives great value as always. Both far superior to either trek or cannondale

[@simoncullen8941]

Having owned a Domane SL6 and replaced it with this synapse I can tell you it is nowhere near as comfortable as my old bike or my 2013 high mod synapse which is still my best bike. And there is toe overlap with no guards fitted on the new synapse and I only take 43 shoes which is unforgivable on a bike that can take guards.

[@dennishughes721]

I own a 16 Synapse w/Ultegra I’ll continue with it until Cannondale comes to it’s senses.

[@johnstarky]

Mistake here. the green/blue Domane you’re showing is the old Gen 3 and not the Gen 4 :(

[@scottwatson7844]

I love the look of the Trek 😍 but it’s muted ride doesn’t sound all that exciting.

[@estedre7]

I just bought a Domane SL6 and I have always ridden race bikes. It is every bit as performance oriented as my previous bikes. Setup is key.

[@Mik3Hess]

@@estedre7 what setup are you running? :)

[@haroon420]

I’ve never spent £14k buying a car. And people are able to spend £14k on a bike!! 😫😫😫

[@CG-99]

Why not? What's wrong with spending whatever it takes to get the best of the best if that is what you want? I ride 20k km and enjoy these kms much more on nice equipment. If you do choose to go low or mid range you still have lots to choose from.

[@haroon420]

@@CG-99 I didn’t say ppl should spend that money. If I could, I would.

[@ekm3820]

If you are talking about racy bikes in the Domane range. Then y’all forgot the Domane rsl. It’s Aero and fast.

[@sloveloguy]

Does anyone know if the Cannondale Synapse has the 6mm offset Ai rear wheel? Or does it use a standard wheel? Very frustrating, no information in the video, literature, or at best the information about it having a 6mm offest is conflicting, some say yes, some say no. Cannondale says some models yes, some models no. I can't upgrade the wheels if I don't know the offset. This is a bummer. As a matter of fact, I don't know if I want to buy the bike if it has this 6mm offset. If I were to look at used Cannondale Hollogram wheelsets, I would need to know if they came from a bike with the 6mm offset, or if they did not. And when I inquire if the used wheelset has an offset, the owners don't seem to know. It's very confusing. It makes me want to buy a bike with a Standard offset so that I can buy Standard wheels.

[@MrPotatoYouTuber]

I have a 2022 Cannondale Synapse. It doesn't have the offset, it's standard rear wheel, standard 27.2 seatpost, BSA bottom bracket. They did away with all the proprietary equipment for the current Synapse, you no longer have to deal with pressfit BB or weird seatpost sizes.

[@grahamriley8124]

The Defy seems better value and the Domane offers the most forgiving geometry which most riders will actually need!

[@matlindell5022]

Team synapse 💪💪👍

[@markrskinner]

I'd take a Giant Defy over these.

[@devdroid9606]

Drop 800g from the frame by removing one iso speed? The whole frame and fork can't be more than 1500g. I think the savings is more like 80g.

[@darthvulcanis4002]

Pause at 2:29 😆 btw Domane > Synapse

[@steinfossgard5210]

Synapse!

[@WerdnaLiten]

Having had 2 Synapse, and currently on my 4th Domane, I'd actually be tempted by the Canyon Endurace for my next bike.....

[@elliotresnick5433]

Have you tried the Canyon?

[@user-no6vv2ht6n]

Defy every time 🚴🏼🚴🏼

[@askmeaboutmattweiner]

The synapse not including integrated cables is absurd (depending on who you ask)

[@johnsall6274]

This bike was really easy to assemble kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA and required very few adjustments out of the box. The wheels did not require any truing/adjustments. The frame had some small scratches, but nothing major.I did replace the seat though - the seat it came with was very uncomfortable. The tires need to be re-inflated every 4-5 days, but this appears to be quite common for the narrow 700x25 tires.Overall, in my opinion, this bike looks and rides like a much more expensive bike.

[@gordonmiller6691]

Looking for a bike today is a tradeoff of stupid design features. They Synapse has the ugly and poorly executed Smart Sense, Domane has the stupid cubby hole that causes frames to crack, and Giant still uses the Devil spawned press fit bottom bracket. And you don't get the benefit of test riding your new bike. You have to special order it and take what you get because many local bike shops only carry low end bikes these days.

[@beesplaining1882]

Definitely a sponsored video.

[@Chimy1423]

Domane looks more aggressive, racing bike. Synapse aesthetic is...ehhh!! Commuter, non racing bike.

[@stephentait8734]

i hate the smart sense

[@phibs2]

Huh?

[@cmarnold78]

That whole Smart Sense thing just looks awful. Big weird shapes and a whole bunch of cables plus a big battery pack strapped on to make it look like some sort of E-Bike.

[@romanpramuka2703]

Both bikes are overpriced and overweighted, no one of these is worth considering

[@Dan210871]

What would you buy instead?

[@romanpramuka2703]

@@Dan210871 go for Canyon or at least Giant or Merida, if you want the best quality, get Time or Look

[@Dan210871]

@@romanpramuka2703 Thank you.

[@jemsmay2167]

Had to stop the video, simply could not hear “SIGH-napse” one more time….. It’s me, medical terms should only have one pronunciation and the Latin root is “syn-“ not “sy-“. Does one say “SIGHchronicity” or “SIGHnergy” in the UK?

[@Hintonbro.]

How hard for you. Thoughts and prayers.

[@jemsmay2167]

@@Hintonbro. thanks for your understanding, it is truly difficult but I somehow persevere. Anyway, how are things in HIGHnton these days?😂

[@wildimaging60]

In the UK, all doctors I know say 'Sigh-napse'.

[@jemsmay2167]

Can confirm; all the UK docs I worked with were similarly afflicted.

[@anthonyconcialdi3659]

I own a Synapse Carbon 2RLE which I am overall pleased with. I changed the wheels to carbon wheels and went with Victoria Corsa n. ext tires in 30mm . I am pleased with the Shimano DI2 and I’m ok with the smart sense that can be tailored to your needs with the app. However I do like the features of the new Domane SLR 7 with top tier 800 series carbon fiber.The overall clean look of routed cables is a major plus for me. The comfortable seat post,and hidden storage are also nice. The Domane SLR 7 priced higher than the Synapse 1RLE which comes with a Dura Ace group set ,so that’s a consideration. Hoping Cannondale cleans up the look of the next generation and reduces bike weight as well.

[@dan4466]

I’d rule out the Cannondale right away because of the wimpy little logo. I like the big logo. That’s just the way it is. Don’t get why a mfg would put their name so small on a bike riding by someone whos thinking“that’s a nice looking bike”.