Cannondale's Synapse Hi-Mod 2014 series represents the latest incarnation of their successful Synapse endurance road bike range, configured to introduce a little more comfort into the riding equation than for an out-and-out racer without sacrificing performance.
We took a first look at the Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod machines last week – now we're bringing a rundown of the full stable, available in 11 different sizes when female-specific models are factored in. Full global pricing is still unavailable at the time of writing, but a quick scan of the US tariffs so far released confirms that these bikes are – unsurprisingly – not for the faint of wallet. Look out for our first ride over the next few days…
Synapse Hi-Mod Black Inc. £tbc/$7499
Top of the range is the Synapse Hi-Mod Black Inc. It sports a jet black finish and is built with Vision’s new Metron 40 carbon clinchers and a Shimano Dura-Ace 9000 mechanical groupset. Bar and stem are from FSA’s SL-K line, as is the dedicated SL-K carbon 25.4 seatpost. FiZik provide an Aliante saddle, while Cannondale’s own spider-ring equipped Hollowgram SiSL2 chainset completes the drivetrain – and the Black Inc. runs on fat 25c Schwalbe Ultremo ZX tyres.
Synapse Hi-Mod 2 SRAM Red 22 £tbc/$4999
Closest in the range to what we test rode (though that had upgraded Metron 40 carbon clinchers), this features SRAM’s latest Red 22 group, a Hollowgram SiSL2 chainset, Mavic Ksyrium Elite S WTS, FSA Pro Wing bar, FSA AL-K stem, and SL-K carbon post. FiZik again provide the Aliante saddle. It’s available in a team-like green, or a more understated black and white ‘71’ livery.
Synapse Hi-Mod 3 Ultegra £tbc/$3699
Sharing the same c950g frameset, the Hi-Mod 3 uses an Ultegra groupset combined with a new forged version of the Hollowgram chainset. Whereas the range-topping SiSL2 tips the scales at a feathery 485g, this forged version weighs a heftier 609g – in context, however, that’s still lighter than an Ultegra chainset by some margin. It rolls on Ksyrium Equipe S WTS wheels, and uses Cannondale C1 aluminium bar and stem. FSA’s SL-K carbon seatpost remains.
Synapse Hi-Mod Athena T £tbc/$tbc
We have to admit we didn’t expect a triple to enter the range, but the Athena-equipped Synapse retains a matching spec to the Ultegra version though it’s driven by a full Athena group and 52/39/30 triple chainset. The men’s models are available in 48/51/54/56/58/61cm sizes.
Women's models
Synapse Hi-Mod 2 SRAM Red £tbc/$tbc
Women’s models have been launched at the same time, with female-specific geometry (even more top tube slope). This one comes with SRAM Red 22, SiSL2 chainset, Ksyrium Elite S WTS hoops, FSA Pro Wing compact bar, SL-K stem and post. Each model in the women’s range uses a FiZik Vesta saddle.
Synapse Hi-Mod Di2 Ultegra £tbc/$tbc
The only electronic shifting model in the range (so far) comes with full Ultegra Di2, Hollowgram Si chainset, Fulcrum Racing 5’s and women’s-specific Cannondale C1 aluminium bar and stem.
Synapse Hi-Mod 3 Ultegra £tbc/$tbc
Ultegra group, Hollowgram Si cranks, Mavic’s Ksyrium Equipe S WTS wheels and C1 aluminium bar and stem. Like all of the Synapse Hi-Mod range it also has the SL-K carbon seat post. Women’s models will be available in 44/48/51/54/56cm sizes.
