New Cannondale Synapse LAB71 SmartSense on Test – Is This Really the Future of All-Road Riding?

With the endurance-focused Synapse and their top-tier LAB71 line, Cannondale take the latest iteration of their popular all-road bike to a whole new level – quite literally. The wind tunnel-optimised design, generous tire clearance and integrated SmartSense lighting system with central power supply leave very little to be desired with the Cannondale Synapse LAB71 SmartSense.

Few bikes embody the endurance and all-road spirit quite like the Cannondale Synapse, so it’s no surprise that the latest generation is joining the all-road renaissance in full force. And not just playing along – the new Synapse isn’t just built for the road anymore. With this update, Cannondale are clearly aiming for versatility, and the bike feels just as at home off the tarmac as it does on it.

Fully equipped and built around the LAB71 frameset, our test bike sets a new benchmark when it comes to pricing.. At a staggering € 15,799, it’s one of the most expensive all-road bikes currently available on the market. But with massive tire clearance, integrated lighting and rear-facing radar, can the Cannondale Synapse LAB71 still hold its ground in a world of gravel and race bikes like the Cannondale SuperX, which already come with wide tire clearance as standard?

All-road or Gravel? – The Cannondale Synapseredefines the Boundaries

All-road or gravel? Technically, it shouldn’t even be a question – Cannondale position the Synapse clearly as an endurance road bike. But with clearance for t¡ires up to 42 mm, it certainly looks ready for gravel too. What might initially seem like a break from its tried-and-tested endurance roots quickly proves to be a smart glimpse into the future of all-road bikes. Gone are the days of compromised performance on rough terrain. The Cannondale Synapse is built to be a true go-anywhere machine. And that’s exactly how it rides.

Fitting wide slick tires not only adds extra comfort, control and grip to the bike, it also means you can venture off tarmac without constantly worrying about punctures. While our test bike comes with ‘just’ 32 mm Vittoria Corsa Pro Control tires, the result is still a highly versatile setup – albeit one that leans more towards road use – and one that impresses with its low weight. That doesn’t come at the expense of comfort, though. Thanks to the compliant rear end, with engineered flex zones in the seat tube, seat stays and chainstays, the Synapse is built to stay comfortable even on rougher terrain, making it a bike you can ride for hours without fatigue.

But the Cannondale Synapse isn’t just about comfort and relaxed riding, it also has genuine performance ambitions. And that’s not just because of the LAB71 badge. A closer look reveals a clear development focus on wind tunnel engineering. After all, why should long-distance rides be any slower than your fast after-work blasts?

In practice, that means classic aero-optimised tube shapes, with a low, narrow front end, a dropped fork crown and an aerodynamically sculpted down tube. At the rear, the bike narrows down again, allowing for a compliant rear triangle and saving a few extra grams in the process.

Packed with Tech – The fully loaded Cannondale Synapse LAB71

Gravel or road? No problem. But what happens when the sun goes down? Cannondale have that covered too, the answer is SmartSense. With its integrated lighting system, including radar and a central power source, the Synapse aims to be the ultimate all-rounder.

The system draws its power from a centrally mounted battery hidden in the frame. From there, cables run through the frame and headset to a front light from LightSkin, discreetly mounted beneath the cockpit, and through the seatpost to a Garmin rear light with built-in radar, neatly tucked away under the saddle.

A unique feature on our test bike is an additional cable running to the SRAM AXS drivetrain, providing a constant power supply. The lighting system is controlled via the rear Garmin unit, letting you toggle between various steady and flashing modes. Charging is easy, too, either directly via a USB-C port accessed through a small opening below the frame storage compartment, or externally after removing the battery with a quick, simple motion.

There’s no dynamo hub version like you’ll find on the ROSE BACKROAD Unsupported or the Canyon Grizl CF 8 Escape Eclips, but that’s not what the Cannondale is aiming for. This bike isn’t built for rugged expeditions—it’s all about fast, focused all-road performance.

It also comes with a smartly integrated storage compartment in the down tube, which is where you can access and remove the battery. And if you’re planning to commute or ride through nasty weather, the Synapse has you covered there too. Mudguards can be fitted, and there are the usual mounting points on the top tube for a small bag or tool pouch.

The Cannondale Synapse LAB71 SmartSense in Detail

Our test bike, the Cannondale Synapse LAB71 SmartSense, comes fully loaded, as you’d expect at a price of € 15,799. The price includes the ultra-light LAB71 carbon frame with integrated SmartSense system, along with every high-end component Cannondale could throw at it. The build features a Cannondale MOMODesign cockpit, Reserve 42|49 wheels with DT Swiss 180 hubs, and 32 mm Vittoria Corsa Pro Control tires.

Shifting is taken care of by a SRAM RED XPLR AXS groupset with a 44T chainring and integrated power meter. All in all, the Synapse weighs in at 8.2 kg in size 56, not bad at all when you factor in the generous 42 mm tire clearance and the built-in SmartSense system.

If all that sounds a bit over the top, you’ve got options. Cannondale also offer the LAB71 frameset on its own for € 5,799, as well as significantly more affordable complete builds – available with or without SmartSense.

The Geometry of the Cannondale Synapse LAB71

The geometry of the Cannondale Synapse (size 56) is clearly tuned for long-distance comfort and confident control. With a stack-to-reach ratio of 1.52, the riding position is noticeably more upright, yet still efficient enough for fast, all-day efforts. The slack 71.3° head angle combined with a generous 61 mm trail ensures predictable, composed handling that stays calm at high speeds, while still feeling lively through corners.

The 430 mm chainstays, 73 mm bottom bracket drop and 1,044 mm wheelbase all work together to provide stable straight-line tracking and excellent traction on rough tarmac. The result is an all-road endurance setup that blends stamina, control and responsiveness into one well-balanced package for everyday riding.

Size	44	48	51	54	56	58	61
Seat Tube	407 mm	407 mm	443 mm	480 mm	520 mm	550 mm	590 mm
Horizontal Top Tube	522 mm	533 mm	544 mm	555 mm	567 mm	580 mm	598 mm
Head Angle	69.8°	70.9°	71.3°	71.3°	71.3°	71.3°	71.3°
Seat Angle	73.0°	73.0°	73.0°	73.0°	73.0°	73.0°	73.0°
Head Tube	91 mm	108 mm	127 mm	150 mm	171 mm	196 mm	227 mm
Wheelbase	1003 mm	1005 mm	1013 mm	1026 mm	1044 mm	1058 mm	1077 mm
Chainstay Length	425 mm	425 mm	425 mm	425 mm	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm
BB Drop	75 mm	75 mm	73 mm	73 mm	70 mm	70 mm	70 mm
BB Height	278 mm	278 mm	280 mm	280 mm	283 mm	283 mm	283 mm
Stack	510 mm	530 mm	550 mm	570 mm	590 mm	610 mm	640 mm
Reach	366 mm	371 mm	376 mm	381 mm	387 mm	393 mm	402 mm

Fast, Sporty and Comfortable! – The Cannondale Synapse LAB71 on the Road

So much for the concept, what’s the Cannondale Synapse really like to ride? It doesn’t take long to realise that the Synapse LAB71 SmartSense is far sportier than its wide tire clearance and integrated lighting might initially suggest. What really stands out is its lively ride character, with a stiff frame and punchy acceleration.

Especially when putting the power down, the Synapse picks up speed surprisingly fast and holds that momentum with impressive efficiency, remarkably so for an all-road bike. It also performs brilliantly on descents and when riding aggressively, delivering a direct and responsive feel on the road, despite its all-road DNA.

The Synapse also feels right at home off the beaten track and, with the right gravel tires, could easily give some dedicated gravel race bikes a run for their money. When it comes to comfort, the bike stays true to its endurance roots. The compliant rear end does a great job of soaking up small bumps and vibrations, making long rides much more manageable. And if that’s not enough, there’s still plenty of room to up the comfort factor with wider tires, turning the Cannondale Synapse LAB71 into a truly plush endurance machine.

Tuning tip: A set of 40 mm-wide road tires to unlock the Synapse’s full all-road potential.

The SmartSense system is well thought-out and worked very well during our test. On the one hand, the internal cable routing gives the bike an impressively clean look. On the other, the range of lighting modes ensures you’re always clearly visible out on the road. That said, the front light isn’t always bright enough. For proper night rides away from street lighting or cycle paths, the beam falls a little short. Another drawback is the fixed integration of the lights and wiring, which reduces flexibility. You can’t just head out without the lights and battery, especially since the drivetrain won’t function without the central power unit. Still, for commuters and anyone training in unpredictable conditions, SmartSense is a brilliantly practical solution.

Who should take a closer look at the Cannondale Synapse LAB71 SmartSense?

A comfortable, performance-focused gravel/road all-rounder with integrated lighting for nearly € 16,000 – can you really recommend that with a clear conscience? No doubt, the price of the Cannondale Synapse LAB71 SmartSense is steep. But if you see it more as a technology showcase and a proof of what’s possible, it starts to make a lot more sense.

Because with the Synapse, Cannondale deliver a bike that feels ready for just about anything and anyone. It’s a sporty machine with outstanding performance on both paved and unpaved roads, making it the perfect choice for riders who just want to enjoy every moment in the saddle. Whether you’re cruising along a cycle path, carving down a twisty descent or grinding up a quiet gravel climb, the Synapse rarely feels out of place. The LAB71 frameset offers that extra bit of performance for those who want the very best, while SmartSense adds peace of mind for commuting and riding in mixed conditions.

Conclusions about the Cannondale Synapse LAB71 SmartSense

With the Synapse, Cannondale have brought one of the most versatile bikes, and quite possibly the best all-road option, onto the market. It’s not just the balanced handling and sporty ride that impress. The hard facts like tire clearance, rider ergonomics and aero optimisation all come together to make the Synapse the only bike you really need in your garage. That said, our LAB71 version with the full SmartSense lighting package definitely pushes the limits when it comes to price.

More information at cannondale.com.

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Words: Calvin Zajac Photos: Jan Richter