In this comparison, I’ll dissect two popular bike models; the Giant Defy Advanced vs Cannondale Synapse.
I’ll compare their lineups, bike specifications, and suggested retail prices in USD, then discuss the carbon fiber technology (Giant Advanced Composite and Cannondale BallisTec) and frameset technologies.
The goal is to give you a better understanding of Giant Defy Advanced and Cannondale Synapse to help in your decision-making.
| Giant Defy Advanced | Cannondale Synapse | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | Endurance | Endurance |
| Frame material | Advanced carbon | BallisTec carbon |
| Frame sizes | XS, S, M, ML, L, XL | 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 |
| Groupset | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Cabling | Internal | Internal |
| Price (USD) | $2,800 to $6,500 | $4,500 to $9,050 |
Giant Defy Advanced
The Giant Defy Advanced is an endurance bike.
Unlike the Giant Propel Advanced and TCR Advanced, the Giant Defy is designed for you to go longer distances and be comfortable.
To achieve this, the Giant Defy has a more relaxed geometry with a shorter reach and higher stack than a similar size Giant TCR Advanced. The frame can take up to 700x35c tires.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giant Defy Advanced Pro 1 | Advanced carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Giant SLR 1 36 | $6,500 |
| Giant Defy Advanced Pro 2 AXS | Advanced carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Giant SLR 2 36 | $5,200 |
| Giant Defy Advanced Pro Di2 | Advanced carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Giant SLR 2 36 | $4,800 |
| Giant Defy Advanced 0 | Advanced carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Giant P-R2 | $4,100 |
| Giant Defy Advanced 1 | Advanced carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Giant P-R2 | $3,900 |
| Giant Defy Advanced 2 | Advanced carbon | Shimano 105 (R7000) | Giant P-R2 | $2,800 |
Giant Defy Advanced vs others
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
Giant vs Cannondale carbon fiber
Giant Advanced Composite Carbon
Giant’s Advanced Composite Carbon is a proprietary carbon fiber technology used in constructing bicycle frames. It’s a high-quality composite material with carbon fibers embedded in a resin matrix.
Using Advanced Composite Carbon, Giant can design frames with specific performance characteristics tailored to different riding disciplines. The material offers excellent vibration-damping properties, enhancing comfort and reducing fatigue on long rides. It also provides efficient power transfer, enabling riders to maximize their pedaling efficiency and accelerate easily.
The Giant Advanced Composite Carbon is available in standard and SL (Super Light) versions.
- Advanced SL represents the pinnacle of Giant’s carbon fiber engineering and construction. Advanced SL frames undergo additional optimization, utilizing a higher grade of carbon fiber and meticulous layup techniques. It’s found in Giant’s top-of-the-line bikes.
- Advanced is a step down from the top-tier Advanced SL carbon fiber, but it still offers an impressive balance of performance and value for money.
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.
Frameset technologies and innovations
Giant Defy Advanced and Cannondale Synapse framesets incorporate advanced technologies to enhance their bikes’ performance and ride characteristics.
Here’s an overview of the technologies used in each bike model.
Giant Defy Advanced
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Advanced Composite Technology | Utilizes Giant’s High Performance Grade raw carbon material and Modified Monocoque Construction technique to create a custom frame material. This carbon composite offers a high stiffness-to-weight ratio, balancing lightweight performance and strength. |
| OverDrive 2 | Features advanced steerer tube technology with oversized headset bearings and a tapered steerer tube (1 1/2″ lower, 1 1/4″ upper). This design optimizes the front-end steering performance, resulting in superior steering stiffness, enhanced control, and precise handling. |
| Compact Road Design | Originating with the professional Team ONCE in the 1990s, Compact Road Design revolutionized high-performance road bikes. It involves a downward-sloping top tube, creating smaller front and rear triangles for a lighter, stiffer bike. The design also enables riders of all sizes to find a perfect fit and maintain optimal power transfer. |
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. |
Where to buy
Giant retailers
- Giant retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Giant retailers.
Cannondale retailers
- Cannondale retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Cannondale retailers.
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.