In this article, I’ll guide you through a comparison between the Cannondale Synapse and Canyon Endurace; both popular road bikes among cyclists.
I’ll walk through the Cannondale Synapse and Canyon Endurace models lineup, their specifications, and retail pricing (USD). I’ll explain the carbon fiber technology used (Cannondale BallisTec vs Canyon Carbon Fiber), and unique frameset features for each bike.
The goal is to help you get a better understanding before you make your final purchasing decision.
| Cannondale Synapse | Canyon Endurace | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | Endurance | Endurance |
| Frame material | BallisTec carbon | CF SLX carbon CF SL carbon |
| Frame sizes | 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 | XS, S, M, L, XL |
| Groupset | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Cabling | External | External |
| Price (USD) | $4,500 to $9,050 | $2,699 to $7,899 |
Cannondale Synapse
The Cannondale Synapse is for those looking for endurance bike geometry.
Compared to its elder sibling, the Cannondale SuperSix EVO, the Cannondale Synapse hasn’t had any major design changes in recent years. It still features a traditional frame design with the non dropped seat stays with a maximum tire size of 32c, and disc only.
As an endurance bike, the Cannondale Synapse doesn’t use top-of-the-line Hi-MOD framesets. In 2023, Cannondale streamlined the Synapse model from five to three, all with disc brakes and electronic shifting only.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cannondale Synapse Carbon 1 RLE | BallisTec carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | HollowGram 45 SL KNØT | $9,050 |
| Cannondale Synapse Carbon Ltd RLE | BallisTec carbon | Shimano GRX Di2 (11s) | HollowGram 45 SL KNØT | $7,050 |
| Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 LE | BallisTec carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | DT Swiss R470 | $4,500 |
Cannondale Synapse vs others
Canyon Endurace
The Canyon Endurace is an endurance bike. It’s designed for comfort over stiffness and performance. The frame geometry is more relaxed and puts the rider in a more upright position than the Canyon Aeroad.
Although designed for the tarmac, its 33mm wide tires have no problems tackling hardpacked gravel or dirt roads. Just make sure it’s not a single track.
Sits atop the Canyon Endurace lineup is the CFR, followed by CF SLX and CF at the bottom end.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon Endurace CF SLX 9 eTap | CF SLX carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | DT Swiss ERC 1100 | $7,899 |
| Canyon Endurace CF SLX 9 Di2 | CF SLX carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 | DT Swiss ERC 1100 | $7,899 |
| Canyon Endurace CF SL 8 eTap | CF SL carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | DT Swiss ERC 1400 | $4,999 |
| Canyon Endurace CF SL 8 Di2 | CF SL carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 | DT Swiss ERC 1400 | $4,999 |
| Canyon Endurace CF SL 7 eTap | CF SL carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | DT Swiss Endurance | $2,999 |
| Canyon Endurace CF 7 eTap | CF SL carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | DT Swiss Endurance | $2,999 |
| Canyon Endurace CF 7 Di2 | CF SL carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 | Fulcrum Racing 900 | $2,699 |
Canyon Endurace vs others
Cannondale vs Canyon carbon fiber
Cannondale BallisTec Carbon
Cannondale BallisTec is a proprietary carbon fiber construction technique used to manufacture Cannondale bicycle frames.
The BallisTec carbon technology utilizes advanced engineering and construction methods to create frames that balance strength, stiffness, and weight. It involves the precise layering and placement of carbon fiber sheets, which are impregnated with epoxy resin and then molded under high pressure and temperature.
The BallisTec carbon is available in three grades.
- BallisTec LAB71 is Cannondale’s latest advancement in carbon construction. Also known as the Series 0 carbon, LAB71 is designed to be the lightest and most advanced, taking over from the Hi-MOD carbon. LAB71 frameset delivers exceptional performance, weight reduction, and overall ride quality.
- BallisTec Hi-MOD stands for High-Modulus, which refers to using high-modulus carbon fibers in the frame. This results in a stiffer and lighter structure, providing enhanced power transfer and a more responsive ride feel. Hi-MOD carbon frames are designed for riders who prioritize performance, stiffness, and weight savings.
- BallisTec is the standard carbon in Cannondale’s frames, which offers a balance of weight, stiffness, and durability at more affordable prices.
Canyon Carbon Fiber (CF)
Canyon’s innovative approach to bike design includes the utilization of advanced carbon fiber technology, resulting in performance-oriented bicycles that offer remarkable strength, reduced weight, and improved ride quality.
Canyon employs three main types of carbon fiber in their range of bikes; CFR, CF SLX, and CF SL, each offering unique benefits to cater to your needs and budgets.
- Canyon CFR (Canyon Factory Racing) Carbon is the top-tier carbon fiber used by Canyon, designed for maximum performance. Bikes built with CFR carbon are the lightest and stiffest in the Canyon line-up, favored by professional racers and serious enthusiasts alike. The CFR series represents the pinnacle of Canyon’s engineering prowess and innovation, employing state-of-the-art materials and advanced manufacturing techniques.
- Canyon CF SLX Carbon is a step below CFR, but it still offers exceptional performance characteristics. It used to be the highest-grade carbon in Canyon’s arsenal until the introduction of the CFR series. Bikes with CF SLX carbon frames provide a perfect balance of weight, stiffness, and comfort, making them highly versatile for a range of riding conditions.
- Canyon CF SL Carbon is the entry-level carbon fiber in Canyon’s range, but it still offers excellent performance. While it doesn’t quite match the extreme weight savings and stiffness of the CFR and CF SLX grades, CF SL frames are still impressively light and stiff, providing excellent performance for the value. Ideal for cyclists who desire a high-quality, performance-oriented bike without breaking the bank, the CF SL series is a testament to Canyon’s commitment to delivering value and performance.
Frameset technologies and innovations
Cannondale Synapse and Canyon Endurace framesets incorporate advanced technologies to enhance their bikes’ performance and ride characteristics.
Here’s an overview of the technologies used in each bike model.
Cannondale Synapse
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| BallisTec carbon construction | A proprietary manufacturing technology that uses meticulously woven carbon fiber material to create strong and lightweight bike frames. The goal is to maximize the stiffness-to-weight ratio, providing riders with a responsive and efficient ride experience. Available in three grades; BallisTec LAB71, BallisTec Hi-MOD, and BallisTec. |
| SAVE technology | SAVE stands for Synapse Active Vibration Elimination, and it is implemented in various bike components, including the frame, fork, seatpost, and handlebar. The primary goal of SAVE technology is to absorb and dampen road vibrations, which can lead to rider fatigue and discomfort, especially during long rides on rough or uneven surfaces. |
Canyon Endurace
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| CF SLX Carbon | Canyon’s CF SLX Carbon is an optimized carbon fiber that strikes the perfect balance between weight, stiffness, and compliance. It’s used to construct the high-performance models in the Endurace range, offering excellent ride quality and power transfer. |
| Sport Geometry | Unlike Pro Geometry, Sport Geometry caters more towards long-distance comfort rather than aggressive race position. It’s designed for the riders who are seeking both performance and comfort for longer rides. |
| Endurace System Complete | Following a similar design principle to the Ultimate, the Endurace is also developed as a complete system, incorporating all elements, from frame to fork, seat post, stem, handlebars, and spacers, during the design process. This integrated approach enhances performance and rider comfort, making the Endurace an ideal companion for endurance riders. |
| Aero Testing | Canyon uses sophisticated tools and technologies like wind tunnel testing and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to optimize the aerodynamics of the Endurace. By simulating air flow over the bike and fine-tuning the design based on these insights, Canyon ensures that the Endurace combines speed with long-distance comfort. |
Where to buy
Cannondale retailers
- Cannondale retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Cannondale retailers.
Canyon shops
- Canyon online shop. Available to ship to most countries worldwide.
Bernard Lu has 7+ years of experience working in a bicycle shop, overseeing the retail and workshop operations. He’s a qualified bicycle mechanic who understands a cyclist’s needs and speaks the same cycling lingo.
If you meet him at the cafe, he will happily talk to you for hours about all the intricacies of bikes and cycling tech. Just buy him a coffee next time you see him.