Trek Domane Vs. Cannondale Synapse | Top Endurance Road Bikes Reviewed Head-to-Head!

This is a real clash of the endurance road bike titans. Cannondale’s newest iteration of the legendary Synapse against Trek’s cobbled classic conquering Domane.
Which of these two are worthy of your hard earned money? Warren Rossitor has tested both bikes back to back as part of our Road Bike of The Year test for 2022, so keep watching to the end for the verdict.
Historically, the Synapse formula has always been to produce an endurance bike with racing DNA and a UCI certification.
This Synapse, however - especially in its basic form - retires that way of thinking. It’s a bike that’s all about usability for everyday riders rather than the lofty whims of professionals.
The two-tier carbon fibre levels have gone, replaced by a standard high-grade frame throughout. In comes a bike that’s equipped with lights that run off an integrated battery system, Garmin’s Varia radar, and a speed sensor.
One thing that hasn’t changed is the geometry. The DNA from its race ready predecessors lives on, albeit with a slightly longer wheelbase to accommodate larger tyre clearances.
Unlike the new Synapse, the Domane has remained part of Trek’s racing stable, while also appealing to us real-world riders.
The Domane frameset, along with its suspension, also brings class-leading tyre clearance of 38mm. The combination of all these elements ensures the Domane is capable of meeting anyone’s endurance bike needs and much more beyond.
A big thanks to our sponsors for helping us make this year's Bike of The Year a reality: HUUB, Lazer and 100%. The video contains product placement from our sponsors but rest assured our reviews will always remain impartial, backed up by our expert test team.
What’s your endurance road bike of the year? Let us know in the comments!
#BikeRadar #CannondaleSynapse #TrekDomane
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:27 Frame details
03:22 Cannondale Synapse specification
06:13 Trek Domane specification
08:14 Ride impressions
10:15 Conclusion
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[@bikeradar]

What’s your endurance road bike of the year? Let us know in the comments! 👇

[@argeelearner3978]

Trek Domane

[@Terrierized]

If I were riiiicch!, I'd choose the synapse

[@mrtnknrr]

I would say Synapse, if only it would have a proper front light (minimum 800W) for completely dark roads.

[@chrisburdett2460]

The one that’s available in 2-3 weeks, and not 11 1/2 months time, which was the answer when I enquired at my LBS about a specific Domäne back in Feb. A bike that effectively is not available is worth nothing more than the paper it’s specs are written on. And it’s wasn’t just Trek that had this issue. Of 5 bikes on my shortlist, only 1 was available at some point this year with certainty.

[@WerdnaLiten]

I've had a few of both; and it's too hard to separate. However I prefer the older version of the Synapse, and the 2023 Domane (as raced in Paris-Roubaix) looks far better than the current model.

[@ornoth]

Don't like all the garbage added to the Synapse. I am perfectly capable of equipping a bike with my own preferred accessories, thank you.

[@bengt_axle]

The 105 mechanical version (which is less than half the price) does not have any of that stuff. Add a second pair of lightweight wheels and you've got a better deal.

[@leejenkins9971]

@@bengt_axle I'm looking at getting the 105 version. Would you recommend?

[@bengt_axle]

@@leejenkins9971 have not ridden this one but it has many features in its favour, namely BSA BB, simplified cable routing and comfortable geometry. I’d buy it, as my current custom steel is actually based on a synapse 51 geometry which fits me nicely. If you’re unsure about sizing, pay a bike fitter to fit you on their sizing apparatus beforehand and recommend the right bike and dimensions for you. When bike is delivered you can set it up yourself or request shop do it included in the price of a new bike.

[@leejenkins9971]

@@bengt_axle thanks for your opinion buddy. So much to choose from. Ive only been back on the bike a few months so purchased a hybrid just to get back into cycling. Now I'm racking up the miles I feel the need to upgrade to something better.

[@bengt_axle]

@@leejenkins9971 Giant Defy is also known for high quality, good features, low price.

[@ricksmith3542]

I have the 3L (Shimano 105) version of the Synapse and am adding the radar module. For me and where I ride, these things are essential for safety. I love how the bike handles and fits me. I haven't messed with changing the lights mode, but after a two hour inaugural ride, the battery was still showing full bars on the charge. The tail light and radar can be moved with a small GoPro mounting arm so that an under saddle bag can be fitted. It may not suit everyone's needs, but I think all the complaining is a bit over the top. Given that the bike is pretty much sold out everywhere, I think I'm not alone in my appreciation of it.

[@Motorsportsgeek]

Glad I chose the AL5 for a price that makes sense, the carbon bikes are just getting crazy in prices for not much more benefits from a standard alluminium frame

[@Hans.Dewitt]

I agree, especially if you're just getting started

[@tommyhernandez9425]

All my bikes that I've bought have been giants. Today I just bought my first trek road bike. I got the 2023 trek Domaine al2. It's been raining here in Northern California, so I haven't been able to take it out. But I can't wait to go for a ride.

[@TraceyGe]

Had the Synapse SI 2017 version for women and loved it!! Have a 2021 Domane and love it more!!!!!!!!!!!! Domane is more comfortable on the rough stuff than the Synapse was. Mind you, the Synapse could only go to 28mm wide tires and the Domane has 2 wheelsets - one set with 32mm R3 road tires and one set with 35mm GR1 Team Issue gravel tires and both are tubeless, so a big difference in comfort that way. Road and/or Gravel - best of both worlds with my Domane.

[@dreyn7780]

Unwise words. Endurance bikes reduce the amount of sideways wobble by 50%. All of that wasted energy goes into forward motion. Its got NOTHING to do with comfort. You choose a riding philosophy and you tuned the bike to that philosophy. You have a straight line philosophy and a cornering philosophy.

[@gair1944]

I test rode a 2022 Synapse with 12 speed Dura-ace Di2, Hollowgram aero wheels. Then went to the Trek store and test rode a 2023 Domane SLR/eTap Rival. Both bikes were really good but I honestly give quite an edge to the Gen 4 Trek Domane SLR. It has Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 carbon aero wheels. Spins up super fast and the handling and ride quality for me was as good but the comfort was even greater. I am a mere mortal endurance/club rider. I am not a racer but love to sprint and go fast where possible. Gen 4 Trek Domane SLR for the win. (for me)

[@chrissknutson]

Thank you for a great analysis.

[@fc-8843]

I bought the 3L because of two reasons 1) There was no stock of the Domane or Roubaix anywhere in my country for the forseeable future 2) I was able to get the 3L in my colour and size for 30% off plus an additional 15% off accessories. There's no many of these available country wide either and this store didn't ship which is why I'm figuring they still had a few left in stock.

[@ronchamrin4927]

Any reviews of the 2022 versions of the Trek Domane vs Giant Defy?

[@rockkin09]

Lost me with the 'battery lasts 5 hours'.... not my definition of 'endurance bike'

[@stevehartmann8560]

Dollar for dollar, take the Trek Domane. The Connondale is too pricey. A good deal is the Trek Domane SL5 with 105 groupset and then add whatever you need to the bike. No need to buy the extras with the Connondale.

[@kantace5198]

Dollar for Dollar, get a Cube Agree or a Canyon Endurace. The two bikes presented here are the "sponsored bikes of the year*

[@Terrierized]

Please do an Entry level / mid price range review ?..🙏

[@ovathere93]

Have a 15 Himod synapse with Ultegra mechanical. Served as a great road bike. This Conandalle is a bit too much in a different direction. Definitely dope if that's what you want.

[@scottbertelson352]

The group set choice between the LTD and RLE seems to be an un-necessary cost adder. I have a 2019 Synapse SE with ultegra group set and am very satisfied, and that was just at $4k at the time. I like the speed sensors and would lean to the RLE at $5550 over the LTD with Di2 at $1500 more

[@kevincross9206]

I have to say the Trek for me, it ticks more boxes and bringing it down to base level (and the tart in me) matches my Fuel EX8 🤣 Aesthetically I prefer the look, but would rather run Shimano than Sram tbh.

[@timdixo]

No brainer… the Domane,non integrated cockpit for fit adjustability and none of the additional tech nonsense.

[@tuomaslehosvuo7850]

How would you compare the Domane against the Fairlight Strael?

[@__marshie]

Canyon Endurace ftw

[@ravenmoto5948]

I would take the Domane SL5 with Shimano 105 instead and save a lot of cash

[@dreyn7780]

Cash is time.

[@lollypop9580]

@@dreyn7780 The différence in Time and weight IS not worth the price... 105 IS such a great groupset. 👍

[@ravenmoto5948]

@@lollypop9580 Yup, no weight savings between SL6 and SL5. Not worth the cash for the SL6

[@lollypop9580]

@@ravenmoto5948 I've actually got a carbon frame with ultegra (It was my first New road bike, I tought it had to be an ultegra...) Next IS for sure a 105.

[@toutingthomas]

With the radar placed there you can't use an asssaver??

[@patsizer3581]

How would Revolt on racy wheels compare??

[@Alex-md6bu]

How can you compare value on these two bikes.... The Cannondale costs 50% more than the trek, trek can also sell you a bike with better kit and lighter wheels if you give them an extra 2k to play with....

[@Dad-Gad]

Lifetime warranty on frame and forks on the Trek , how can you choose anything else!

[@iantillett7402]

I currently ride a cheap Synapse, it gives me smiles as big now as I used to get on my super six. Say no more.....

[@Vokunos]

i just think that most cannondales just look much better than other bikes, and since i am not a racer the looks of a bike also mean something to me.

[@dreyn7780]

Choose a brand philosophy that suits yours. Your homework for this year is to decide on a riding philosophy. Then you must findout what philosophy each brand has. Then you suit your philosophy with 1 of the brands.

[@MeshalZKhan]

How do these compare to the specialized roubaix

[@Jonathan-py9xr]

I’ve been checking Cannondales web site for six months … the closest 48 cm frame I could test ride is 2,000 miles away.

[@LOZUPONEJ]

Domane best if you want one bike. Cannondale getting rid of that squeaky annoying bb30 was smart. Integrated lights might be appealing to some.

[@salty_commuter819]

It's a bit of an apples and oranges comparison..... Trek 6 eTap €4699,- vs Cannondale Synapse LTD RLE €6999,- . It should be obvious that the Cannondale has better specs! But if you take the Domane 6 eTap, which is in the same pricerange (€7599,-) as the Cannondale Synapse LTD, you also have carbon wheels, the premium carbon frame and powermeters, ISOspeed fromt & rear, etc. And Cannondale's Smart Sense?? Naah....not worth the hassle i.m.o.h.

[@lollypop9580]

Prices are really gone crazy... 🤣

[@craig061989]

Are both tires 700C?

[@henry00706]

First, let me say I'm a big fan of BikeRadar and WR is my favorite presenter. But.....'Bontrager' is pronounced bon-tray-grr, not bon-tray-ger.

[@Jonathan-py9xr]

I’ve been checking Trek’s web site since April. There are no 49 cm frames anywhere

[@snosqrl]

FYI Trek only builds in Even numbers. Try 48 or 50cm if you're still looking. :)

[@Jonathan-py9xr]

@@snosqrl I tried 48 too

[@bebopman5]

I prefer a nice 80s steel bike for my endurance routes. At least Chromoly, but mid to high grade Columbus or Reynolds is preferred.

[@joem3701]

Just admit that you can’t afford one of these bikes. But sure … an 80s steel bike is much better than these beauties.Who needs comfort safety and speed anyway?

[@bebopman5]

First off, you are correct, I can’t afford neither one of those off the showroom floor (w/o financing, nor will I disagree with you that they are likely safer and faster. However, second of all, he did ask at the audience at the end of video what we preferred for endurance routes, and I prefer my ‘87 Schwinn. It’s the most comfortable road bike I own. I can’t attest to a Synapse or Domane because I haven’t ridden either one.

[@kris4645]

I hate the look,of the new bikes! Too "plastic" looking,too boxy.. But those two, beautiful 😍 Especially the Trek 😊

[@dwaynerandolph3565]

Cannondale Synapse 2021 💪🏾

[@dreyn7780]

You're approach to endurance bikes is extreme. Endurance bikes reduce the sideways wobble when riding. Instead of wasting energy wobbling from side to side the endurance bike puts all that energy into forward motion. For cornering you choose the line you want to take and the bike stays on that line. You can't change your line and decide you want to overtake another rider. Your bike will resist sideways direction changes. Endurance bikes have a different riding philosophy to racing bikes. Racing bikes allow for 3 direction changes during cornering. Its perfectly acceptable to do endurance riding for 10 minutes.

[@HarryTzianakisTheGodOfSpeed]

Yoo0000! its Friday!!!

[@gair1944]

PS: I am not a fan of the extra cabling for the Cannondale Synapse light and Radar. Looks clunky and that large battery pack at the bottom of the downtime is equally annoying.

[@argeelearner3978]

Trek Domane!

[@tomaszkapusta9162]

Roubaix on ultegra di2

[@gregmorrison7320]

Neither appeal to me, the add ons the Synapse has is no where near enough battery life, I'll stick with my 2017 Synapse with my own lights and radar for my endurance rides.

[@Eagle6Airsoft]

How come we rarely see Specialized stuff being reviewed? Surely the rubbiax would be up there in a shoot out ?

[@VirgilOvid]

Specialized would win hands down

[@DaveCM]

@@VirgilOvid how so? Looking at Specialized site, the closest equipped comparison is about $1,000 more.

[@dennistate9951]

That was my first thought. "What about the Specialized Roubaix"

[@turbogears900]

Can you do a video on the cannondale quick c4 hybrid

[@JK-yi9gk]

lol

[@paulvanreesch2493]

Has no one commented on the real importance of the Black Flag "bars"?

[@richcrompton6891]

2k + for lights and a radar? I’ll take the Trek please

[@petyrkowalski9887]

I like the Cannondale but all that “smartsense” gubbins is a deal breaker for me. I dont want all that stuff and it leaves you nowhere to out a saddle bag. Trek Domane wins out for me.

[@koenlefever4040]

pfff when released , the new Synapse was a pig and way too heavy all reviewers said (I agree sooooo heavy) . Suddenly it's a great bike......

[@lollypop9580]

Money does Magic.😅

[@anthonypeterson428]

Cervelo Caledonia 105

[@benjaminogle11]

This video is cringe for so many reasons. Most of the video feels like a marketing video sent to dealers. The bar tape is “brilliant” lmao! I was astonished when at the end they mentioned the price for the Trek was too much after not saying 1 negative thing. The real story of the video should be this is Camry vs Civic so you can’t go wrong but the segment of “adventure” bikes is now $7K USD? That was the price tag for ultra performance bikes like 4 years ago. You’re much better off looking at less mainstream brands if you want an affordable bike that offers even more options. Lastly, The videos from this place are to be taken extremely lightly because it’s pretty clear they’re paid advertisements more than objective reviews.

[@MBdrummer3288]

The Cannondale is not a good looking bike. I actually have that exact Domane, and I LOVE it! The most comfortable bike I’ve ever ridden. Love the tubeless 32mm tires and wide rims. And it’s just fantastic looking to boot. Although, it is not a light bike, unfortunately. You’ve gone up a couple notches in my book with that Black Flag T-shirt my dude! I dig that.

[@nicolemitsi]

Neither for me. Would rather get a Cervelo Caledonia!

[@anthonypeterson428]

It seems a more straightforward endurance bike with road bike characteristics.

[@Jan-uc2pq]

Hot take: neither

[@ketle369]

The test doesn’t matter. Canyon Endurace is both better and cheaper.

[@brianmcginley7215]

You have to ask yourself, WHY is the sticker price for the Domanes GBP4300 OR US$5000? GBP4,300 = US$5,483 at current FX market spot rates. And before someone pipes up "shipping costs mate" it's a fact that Trek bikes are made in Netherlands, Germany, China, Taiwan. Not USA. As far as I know it's not UK import tariffs either (if anyone knows, please do jump in). As usual the British consumer is getting shafted on UK PRICE. It's isn't just Trek, it's ...almost ANY product and it's despicable. Been like this for decades. Am a UK expat. Just my view etc.

[@Anonymous.User.0419]

S-Roubaix.

[@Numeriwar]

Who tf buy Cannondale? Their road bikes are expensive and have major flaw design

[@Chimpy_Mc_Gibbon]

God I wish people woudl review the bike rather than regurgitate marketing bullshit with the odd banal and completely insignificant critical point. Honestly, there is no bravery, it's all money minded videos. Where is the true detiments of the opposing systems? You may as well have said "It's an excellent bike but on the downside it can't get you to the moon" for all the practical critque you supply; completely pointless journalism.

[@eddieoconnor8560]

Bit of a fairy tale. Neither seem available in the real world

[@jpbpunk]

Black flag!

[@george-ng5gj]

Spesh roubaix

[@jalvarez9229]

First😎

[@bikeradar]

Big congratulations!! You're the proud new owner of 1,000,000 BikeRadar gold stars! Thanks for watching, from all at BikeRadar ⭐

[@jalvarez9229]

@@bikeradar hell yeah run me my doubloons

[@MrSzwarz]

All these bikes are cheap, like bananas : )

[@bikeman123]

Wtf?

[@MBdrummer3288]

Yeah, that doesn’t make any sense!

[@BikeLife154]

Both bikes are horrendous! The synapse is now a gravel bike. The Treks banana top tube is horrible and clearance for 38s is a gravel bike.

[@kidShibuya]

I agree. Its stressful having the choice to ran whatever width of tyre you want. Just limit all bikes to max 26mm, choice is horrible.

[@BikeLife154]

@@kidShibuya they are road bikes! Buy a gravel bike if you want clearance for gravel, it’s in the name!

[@JK-yi9gk]

Cannondale is cooler! riding a Trek is like riding a Giant

[@ravenmoto5948]

Giant makes great bikes though, so. Cannondale was great back in the day when they were made in PA and sold in bike stores

[@jorandxd]

Im gonna unsuscribe all this type of channel with content like this. They try to introduce high overpriced bikes on your needs like normalized. I hate it but still love cycling

[@DaveCM]

They review entry level bikes too

[@jorandxd]

@@DaveCM yep 1k "entry" ones i like thoose with claris

[@Terrierized]

Agree, We need entry/mid level review