My Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod 2 year real world long-term review

I've been riding this 2018 model year Cannondale Synapse for the past 2 years and it's been great, but it's going back soon, so here's my real world long-term review

[@agile-heliuk1801]

I just got the new version of this bike. I'm just restarting with bikes. As not been able to go swimming this past year. And my knees not to good for running anymore. I really love mine. I saw it in the shop and fell in love with it... so brought it. Need to start getting accessories for it now. It was a tough choice as to go for a road bike or off road bike. But not much options for off road where I live... so when I saw this bike it made my mind up for me. Hopefully it will see me through for some years to come.

[@Carmelov2012]

I own a 2012 way before all the really cool updates and I absolutely love mine bought for 1,200 slapped some wheels and a few mods it now down to 17lbs size 58 with out pedals and I keep up with bikes that cost 3 times what mines does and I do it super comfy! Can’t imagine how the new ones feel.

[@darrenmiller608]

Got the 2016 rim brake synapse, it is the best bike I own great handling, good at climbing and super comfy for long distances, also own a 2017 super six evo but always go back to the synapse, it's that good in my opinion

[@greenophotography]

I own a 2018 Synapse HiMod in Acid Red color. Honestly, a wonderful climbing bike with excellent handling. Stiff and responsive.

[@davidarthur]

Cool paint job!! Totally agree with your assessment

[@simonmurray9664]

Mine is 2016 disc hi-mod model - (got late 2015) and its still amazing after 12,000+ miles? Still light compared to others and still going strong. One to 3rd rear cassette, bottom bracket fine, headset needs tightening every now and then; new cables as have Ultegra, carbon front wheel cracked after 3 years so have an alternative. Have changed the saddle and have "good" wheel set too with another cassette for long days. I use 28mm tyres. Used in several different countries by plane and car over snow capped mountains and off-road gravel / sand / dirt and super bad roads in Turkey / Bulgaria / Greece. Its been looked after but not overly loved as some do! It's a really good all round bike and proving to be super reliable/dependable. New bar tape needed....and a new paint job would be nice!

[@Cyclingchoice]

I am doing a new build with the 2013 frame, that frame is well ahead of its time, tick all the boxes for me, including rim brakes :)

[@chrismartin1448]

Sophisticated rear triangle. Cannondale leads the way and undoubtably other companies will also redistribute the excess BB carbon. Reviews are highly entertaining.

[@nelsdude]

Had a 2014 Synapse Hi-Mod with SRAM Red. It was super light & I put a ton of miles on it. Riding a 2018 Supersix Evo Hi-mod Disc now & find the ride pretty comparable with 28mm tires. I’ll probably go back to the Synapse again since they are now disc but as you know availability is an issue. Great video.

[@marvinsmall5002]

I been on the lookout for one. Much prefer the frame to the new designs

[@kona6812]

Love mine too! Don't have the High-Mod but for the difference in price I got the tubeless Cosmic, the crank and my new love Sram's wireless Red. Was experimenting with tire pressure to get an even blush ride. I now love the ride! Bad roads - doesn't matter! But it shines on long distance rides. Even in the last km I can grab the drops when riding with the chain gang.

[@kamfire98]

Good review thanks for posting. Just picked up a new 2018 frame gonna built it up looking forward to the maiden ride on the new baby!

[@davidarthur]

Nice enjoy that first ride 👍

[@darrinkulyk9560]

Excellent Vid 😎 Thanks Ill Be Getting a 2016 Unit Forsure 😎

[@lukeyg5680]

Always informative thanks David. Did you get to try the save handlebars?

[@davidarthur]

Thanks! I rode the SAVE handlebars at the launch and was very impressed with them, real shame they didn’t go to production back then

[@deane9050]

Hi Dave great review i have the synapse di2 but not thje himod model, nice bike , a question regarding seasons have you ridden it through the winter months ?, what is your take on the hollowgram wheelset would you invest in a set. i have just subbed you great info cheers Jeff

[@theodosiosvafias4244]

Hope they release a new version soon. Thats how we ll get a bargain on a 20 or even better a 19 high mod

[@davidarthur]

But won’t you want the new and improved version?

[@theodosiosvafias4244]

@@davidarthur only if we avoid dropped seat stays hahaha. Love the 19 colourways.

[@carly200]

the 2020 colors are awful, I am looking to get a Synapse, but I don't like the available colors. (or attached configurations/prices)

[@johnhealy1071]

David, I have a synapse carbon 105 and am considering a strael, but I'm concerned it will feel sluggish on the hills compared to the synapse. Thoughts?

[@uli.p1431]

Hi David, great review. Thank you. Just saw that you’re riding a 56 frame. Is there a difference compared to other race and endurance bikes you have tested or would you recommend to stick to the same frame size? . It seems that the 58 frame with the comparably long head tube is not an option when you’re in between a 56 and 58 and looking for a racier setup . Uli

[@davidarthur]

I’d recommend sticking to the same frame size usually, it works for me, but it might be worth getting bike fit advice if you’re not sure or comparing stack and reach to get a better handle on what side you need

[@darrenbarlow5759]

Great video. Question: I was at a bike shop trying to find my next bike. I have been looking for an endurance frame. I noticed the supersix Evo had a tall head tube. I chatted with the owners and he said not to dismiss the supersix evo for an all day comfort bike especially with 30mm tires. Do you agree?

[@danflanagan9536]

how well does your synapse handle on gravel?

[@podgey65]

What your views on synapse v giant defy of similar spec. I'm in the market next year and considering the defy. I have those hollowgram wheels on my current defy.

[@avip2u]

Curious what you ended up replacing it with, and do you like it better?

[@carly200]

What are your thoughts comparing the Synapse to the Rose Reveal? ...I really like the spider rings :-)

[@davidarthur]

I think the Synapse has the edge, ride quality and mudguard mounts

[@carly200]

@@davidarthur thanks for your reply, love your videos. Since cannondale is hard to get by where I live, I might go with the rose. Loved the ride of the synapse though. The rose looks cleaner, but a bit less sophisticated. But then, everything is shimano standard. No bb30🙈 Couldn't afford the hi mod version anyways 😜.

[@bubinja10]

Hi David. I have the 2018 hi-mod dura ace mechanical. It is a brilliant bike. As you have tested other bikes in tandem to this, is the Synapse lacking in speed compared to an aero/race bike? Thanks.

[@davidarthur]

It’s definitely not as fast as an aero bike like the Madone or Venge, as you would expect. I reply want to test the Domane SLR because I think that would be an interesting and exciting comparison to the Synapse. Also, the Roubaix (review coming soon) feels faster than the Synapse

[@pbt2005]

@@davidarthur I own a Domane SLR with 47xxx wheels 28mm pirelli zero in tan. It's a great bike. Paradoxically it prefers rough roads as is faster sat down pushing hard. Climbs like a bag if potatoes but not bought for that. The only caveat I can level at it as it needs big normalised power to make it go as fast as some bikes. I like as much as I loathe it if that makes sense.

[@DakarARV]

@@davidarthur - you rode all three by now as far as I've watched you. So, Synapse vs Domane vs Roubaix - which one is the winner? :->

[@IvanB2311]

David, what is you height and inseam to ride 56? I am 1.79 meters and used to ride 54 but it felt small so that I sold it

[@30bananaguy]

What do you think about this bike compared to TCR advanced from Giant?

[@rameshsubaschandram]

I've Rode both. The synapse is way more compliant and comfy. The TCR is more of a race bike. The synapse is a pure endurance bike.

[@gretashapiro4118]

Had a Schwinn beach cruiser

[@PoetWithPace]

Can i have first dibs on any of your "give backs"? :-)

[@brendangalloway4592]

Do you ride the synapse more than your evo? I’m interested in buying one of them soon from my LBS after I test ride of course.

[@davidarthur]

I do ride the Synapse a lot more. It's really comfortable with 28mm tyres and I love the disc brakes. I really need to upgrade my old Evo to the new model which I think could be a better choice for me and the riding I do these days

[@Music-fu8fq]

♥david arthur

[@roubaix3843]

How do you rate the Synapse Alloy frame?

[@glennoc8585]

7kgs seems very light did you weight it with pedals?

[@davidarthur]

It was weighed without pedals s

[@glennoc8585]

@@davidarthur Thanks David. That's very impressive for disc. The wheela must be sub 1500g too.

[@mattpalmbeach]

Nice review. You mentioned testing various wheelset/tyres on the synapse. Which was your favorite combo? I'm upgrading... Thanks

[@davidarthur]

Thanks. I tested some Mavic, Reynolds and Parcours on it, but you know what, I've mostly been using the supplied Hollowgram wheels. They are ace. They are fast and they tubeless really easy, and the hub bearings have been super reliable

[@yumeofhikari]

Have heard that the sora synapse has very poor brakes (promax 160 brakes) , if anyone has any info on this please let me know! (105 and above have good brakes)

[@gregorschiffer7446]

I‘m thinking to buy a new Synapse, but struggle with the frame size. You have a 56 frame - how tall are you?

[@davidarthur]

I’m 5’11” and the 56 is a perfect fit for me

[@jamilabbasy]

Me too. I am 5'7" and test rode a 54 and it felt huge. Rode an AL 51 and it felt good. Getting measured this weekend and may order the carbon 51. It seems they run really large / long.

[@fcuenco]

I am 5'6" and use a size 51. It does feel a bit too big for me.

[@artmatthew1]

Great review. I just bought a used 2019 carbon 105 today and I feel I got a good deal, especially after seeing an experienced rider like yourself give it high marks. Thanks! I think I'll try to put some 32 tires on it at some point and see how that goes, since I do fantasize about riding gravel now that it's all the rage. Thoughts?

[@icewindh]

I'm 5'5" and ride 48cm. Perfect fit for me (i have short legs).

[@SP-ee2nv]

Is this bike for sale then?

[@davidarthur]

Not yet!

[@1956colinb]

Got this exact same bike, also had it two years, see my thoughts here in your other video review kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5bNpWyOgM1pZtU

[@EliteAlex000]

Does it have thru axels front and back?😊

[@davidarthur]

Yes 12mm at both ends

[@EliteAlex000]

david arthur Thanks! 😊

[@EliteAlex000]

david arthur Would you say the himod is worth it over the standard carbon?

[@davidarthur]

Probably not if you want to save some money

[@tbear4291]

My synapse 2015 AL disc is no way as good as yours.

[@molfar9049]

never was a fan of their paint job

[@rameshsubaschandram]

Their stealth grey colour is really good.