Endurance & Sportive Road Bikes. Essential info you need to know feat. Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod
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- čas přidán 21. 03. 2020
- Endurance bikes combine speed and comfort with practical details. Here is my guide to what to look for and what sets them apart from road race bikes
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Thanks, Dave, for your honesty. I am on my 3rd year on my Metrix 10 and I'm loving it to bits. It feels like I'm never out there riding alone.
Great to hear!
I have this exact model Synapse and it’s an absolutely fantastic bike, expensive, but the components are first class, the Dura-Ace Di2 groupset works superbly in full auto mode and the Dura-Ace discs are mega powerful, all the SiSl2 parts are mega light, chainset and carbon wheels, the wheels in particular are very good running DT Swiss hubs, they feel fantastic!
I rode a Cannondale SuperSix Hi-Mod with mechanical Dura-Ace before this and I didn’t think anything would feel better than that, but after buying this Synapse I rode the SuperSix only twice in that first year, so I sent it out to my Daughters in Australia so that I have a good bike to ride when I’m out there.
The Synapse only feels very slightly less sporty than the SuperSix but to me, has three main advantages over it :-
1/ Comfort - the Carbon frame tube shapes and the SAVE seat post really do look after you on a long ride as they introduce a little bit of flex to take the sting out of bumps.
2/ Bigger volume tyres - It comes with 28c tyres and I have set them up tubeless as the rims are tubeless ready, brilliant ride quality and cushioning, they really help in isolating you from road buzz.
3/ The disc brakes - As much power as you will ever need, plus you can run the beautiful hollowgram Carbon wheels all year as nothing touches them and wears the rims, plus they have a massive advantage over the rim brakes on the SuperSix that you wouldn’t imagine until you’ve experienced it, ..a couple of years ago I did the Coast to Coast ( in UK ) on the SuperSix, during the route, two sections of road had been tarmac and covered with chippings, on both sections I had to get off the bike and take out the rear wheel as loose chippings had stuck to the tyre and then jammed up in the brake calliper and locked the rear wheel 😳.
The discs give you so much more frame clearance that this will never happen again.
Great bike, anyone thinking about getting one just do it 👍
Even if quite timidly, the bike industry is finally starting to offer more realistic options for road bike users who are not interested in racing:
- more upright frame geometries (for those who cannot or are not willing to ride in extremely stretched out positions)
- lower gear ratios (a 52/11 or 53/12 ratio is useless to an amateur, but they would certainly benefit from a 34/34 one)
- setups which are built for comfort more than speed (room for 28c tyres, more compliant frames and forks to soak up road imperfections)
However, I still find today's so-called endurance bikes are lacking in some areas. First of all, their geometries are far from being relaxed enough for certain people, especially if they have a longer-than-average inseam (and shorter-than-average torso). Secondly, there is no point in selling a particular frameset in disc brake version only if its tyre clearance isn't more than 28-29 mm (which is what any modern rim brake caliper deals with anyway). Thirdly, too few bikes come with proper mountain climbing gears, the norm being the 52/36 - 11-28 combo, which may be fine for British roads, but far from being enough to climb proper mountains on a regular basis, especially if you're on the heavier side (over 80 kg). And last, but not least, too much important is given to aerodynamics even though most of the people who are interested in endurance bikes can't even dream of riding at those speeds where aerodynamics really makes a difference, while they could still benefit from a lighter bike or a more compliant frame. Sure, aero is great if you casually ride in a peloton at 30+ mph or if you can sprint at 40+ mph, but it's hardly relevant when your usual average speed is maybe 18 mph when riding solo.
Crikey you cruise along at 18 mph or 28 kph! An average speed of 28 kph is a bloody fast ride for me.
@@bcskitouring I rarely end up with such an average speed, and it's usually on some short (
I think they're getting better, especially since, as Dave said, endurance bikes are (by a long way) their best sellers. Fit etc. should be sorted out by a decent bike fit when you buy the bike (e.g. I eventually got a 1cm shorter stem which made a decent difference to comfort). And, most importantly, at least here in Australia, no endurance bikes are sold with semi compact gearing, it's compact all the way, at least that I've seen.
Totally agree with the aerodynamics point. At the speeds I ride (about 22 - 28kph when I'm on my own), aero is almost insignificant. And if it was, a decent set of wheels will make more difference than the bike frame anyway (seriously, aero road bikes baffle me).
The summer of 1995, I did a month long tour of the German and Austrian alps. My bike had 52/39 tooth chainrings with 175 mm cranks, and a 7 speed 11-28 cassette. Toward the end of that month I did a ride from Bregenz, Vorarlberg up to the Furkajoch. The climb would have been a lot easier with a compact crankset and an 11 speed 11-34 cassette!
Nice straightforward informative video : well pleased
Glad it was helpful!
This is the best explanation that I've seen of what an endurance bike is. Thank you!
Some of the distinctions between different types of bikes are starting to get very blurry. The Trek Domane (endurance) is very close to the Checkpoint (gravel). The 2021 Emonda looks a lot like the Madone from 5 years ago...
i have a 2017 cannondale synapse i agree with your review great all around road bike for race, sportifs, training even a bit a gravel.😎👍🏾😁🚴🏾♂️😄
Such a good bike isn’t it! Does everything so well
@Brainjock i bought a di2 ultegra version (2019 discounted) wher i live its lots of short steep hills and rough roads its perfect more comfortable than my old bike
@Brainjock the ultegra version I bought is di2 which is electronic shifting. the difference these days between 105 and ultegra on mechanical shifting is fairly minimal. you'll only get a discount if your shop wants to clear its stock. you can always ask. I searched on line as I dont have a local shop within an hours drive.
Great job
Hi David, great video! I'm looking to buy one of these second-hand; is there a way to tell which generation frame it is just by looking? I've looked at how the frames are stickered and there don't appear to be any hard and fast rules.
I got the Defy a few years back, using cycle scheme. I got it as a commuter, but also, as an all rounder. I wanted something that was more comfortable than my old bike, but flexible. I wanted to be able to ride all year round to work and also to get out for a days leisure ride, as well as enter a few events. I have no regrets, as it is a good all rounder, able to handle any riding conditions, comfortable with me loaded down with work clothes, lunch and laptop, or out for a Sunday ride. I have done a few 100k events as well and find the bike just eats up the miles. I would probably put a long cage 105 derailleur on the back and move up to an 11/32 or 34 on the back. This would help on the hills. But the 12/28 does the job nicely and I am able to handle most situations without having to get off and push. So II would recommend this style of bike for any riding, apart from time trials and off road.
Sounds like the Defy has been a good bike for you? I've got an 11-30 cassette which is really useful on the steeper climbs where I live (use the 30t more than I would care to admit!)
@@davidarthur yeah it's a good machine and still fast. I have had 40 out of it. You can put in long rides or short blasts and still have a lot of fun
I have the 2018 Synapse Hi-Mod in 'Acid Red.' I can't tell you the number of times I've decided to sell it and go for something 'racier,' only to keep it and continue riding a really excellent bike. With the stem slammed, a set of ENVE 4.5AR rims running tubeless 28mm, it's hard to beat.
Nice set of wheels 👍
Hi Dave great info, a question regarding the wheelset, how do you compare the hollowgram wheelset compared with the vel 3850s
That's a lot nicer than the new synapse paint jobs
They’ve definitely taken a very different direction. There are a few good ones but some not so great
David Harper Actively looking for an older model cos of the paint job.
I just bought a Synapse Si, (58 cm). While all my past frames have been this size, the top tube of the Synapse now feels longer than past 58cm frames I’ve had.
When I replaced the stem - moving from the stock 110cm to 80cm stem - my position on the bike felt a little less stretched out. But it still feels like I’ve got to stretch a little too much to rest my hands on the hoods. I am contemplating moving my hoods towards me a bit, from their current level position.
My question to you is - at 6’1”, with a 34” inseam and 37’ arms - did I just buy a frame that’s too large for me?
I love that first bike, how and where can i get it ?
Hi David. Good informative video. I have a 2018 Synapse carbon which I love. Which mudguards would you recommend to best fit the mounting points on the Synapse ? Thanks in advance.
Thanks Richard. I never fitted mudguards to it, but a set of SKS bluemels should fit fine - maybe measure the fork/rear stay clearance to get the right size mudguards
Any suggestions for a endurance bike which has bottle cage mounts on the fork, like some gravel bikes has?
Enjoyed the video but one thing I'd like to have seen included would have been some working definitions, in the cycling context, for things like compliance, deflection, comfort and other concepts which feel like they should be pretty self-explanatory to a cyclist but might not mean anything to a non-cyclist looking to get in to the sport.
That’s a really good point. I wasn’t sure how much detail to go into, didn’t want to over complicate it too much. Maybe I can do another video and talk about those subjects a bit more?
@@davidarthur yeah definitely can run the risk of overcomplicating for sure. A different video with terminology for dummies or whatever might actually do the trick and lay the groundwork for future vids.
I'd like to see some hard evidence when manufacturers use the stupidly used term "compliance" in a frames construction.
Hi David, I’m trying to decide between the Giant Defy Advanced 2 2021, synapse carbon 105, ribble r872 disc, or Trek Domane al5, all
with 105 group sets, which would you choose out of those?
Hello, did you come to a conclusion?
For those of you considering a more “aggressive” bike be careful. I started riding 3 years ago with a endurance Scott CR 120. Freaking awesome bike. I decided to upgrade and got a System 6 last year. Very fast, but not for climbing. The aggressive build is hard on you. I am on the heavy side (230lbs) but just saying....
Makes sense, the System Six is of course an aero bike, so not generally geared for climbing, and the slammed stem isn't going to be that great for climbing either. Probably nice and fast on the flats though.
Today, I tested Giant Contend AR 3 with Sora and I tested Domane Al 3 with Sora . The shifting on the giant was a lot smoother and quiet than the Domane ....how come ???
That is odd. Did you test them from the same shop? I'm wondering if maybe one wasn't built to the same standard as the other? There's no reason why the two groupsets should function any differently which leads me to suspect an issue with the installation on one of the bikes
This is my dream bike but my mate bought this bike 2 years ago and had to sell it 6 months latter with creaky bottom bracket that could not be rectified and lost lot of money, have they still got same problem, Kind Regards Mark
Sorry to hear that, that’s unfortunate. This one hasn’t creaked in 2 years of riding it
Love my 2020 Emonda sl6 bought new in 2022 at a discount, best bike I've ever owned. H1 snobs dont like H2 ? A hard head makes for a sore ass 😂...
Any thoughts on the Specialized Roubaix? I'm in the position to buy either Roubaix 105 or Synapse Ultegra 2020, both with 10% off sitting around £2400. Also wondering if its worth waiting for 2021 models.
Love the Roubaix. The Future Shock works extremely well at smoothing rough roads. At this time of year you could be worth waiting but with all the current delays you might be waiting a while. Maybe better off buying one now so you can start enjoying it straight away?
I think the synapse might be the better deal with Ultegra. Might just bite the bullet and get it
Thanks for the review. What are your experience on that crankset and bb30? Is it durable or do it need service often?
I rode this bike for two solid years and didn't have to touch the bottom bracket or cranks, no creaks or anything, just reliable performance
@@davidarthur thanks! Than im going down to my local shop for a bargain on a 2019 Synapse ultegra. I'll be using it for some commuting to work, training, adventurerides and once a year in a long distance race, 210km. Think its a great bike for this use.
Im looking to get into road biking. Is a used 2017 Cannondale Synapse selling for $1080 a good price to pay?
Sounds like it to me 👍
Another nice review.
I'm guessing this is a 56 or 58?
Thanks a lot Tachyon! It's a size 56
your bike was in my list until i finally picked scott solace for grand fondo ride.
Sounds like a good choice
I've got a Scott Foil 10. Although probably not intended as an enduro bike, that's what I use it for.
Synapse on disc or rim? I wonder if they still sell synapse on rims..
Here in the U.K. you can’t buy a new Synapse with rim brakes. You might find a retailer selling an old stock one though. Disc brakes are great imo and perfect for the sort of riding the Synapse is designed for
Hi David, Ive been on a Giant Defy for two years and gradually been lowering the stem height and also extending the stock stem length (as ive got fitter and faster). Im thinking of switching to the TCR in 2021...but still like that little bit of comfort the Defy gives me. Question - will fitting 28mm tyres to a TCR be a good compromise? interested to know your thoughts on that please. PS - my current Defy has 25mm tyres. cheers !
That’s a good question. I should hopefully be getting a new TCR to review so I’ll definitely be trying wider tyres to see if it closes the gap to the Defy.
@@davidarthur cheers - i look forward to your feedback. lots of race bikes out now blurring the lines.
It’s an exciting time for race bikes for sure
Hello David, I appreciate your info on bicycles. I was looking for maybe a recommendation and have been looking at the Trek SL 5, 6 or 7. The last bike I had for many years and decided to upgrade. I am concerned more of comfort than anything due to a couple riding issues. But intend to ride minimum 25 to 50 miles at a time. Hope you don’t mind a request. Also, these are just the model that I’m looking at and less you have any other suggestions
The new Domane would be a great choice that meets your comfort requirements with up to 32mm tyres and their IsoSpees decoupler helping to smooth the bumps out. Which model you choose comes really down to how much you want to spend
david arthur thank you for the response and look forward to the new reviews
Happy to help :)
Hi Joe. I can concur with the Trek Domane. My model is in the lower carbon spectrum before the models with provision for wider tyres. Something to note is the 85mm bottom bracket drop and relaxed geometry making you feel more in the bike rather than on it. Riding down mountain passes is like it's on rails. Other bikes like Dave has reviewed here, Giant Defy and Specialized Roubaix are in the same league. Comfortable long distance bikes. Trek has the best warrantee. Lifetime on frame.
Endurance bikes for touring recommended? need some help from more experienced riders here.
no no no...touring bike for touring. touring bikes begin with comfort and practicality. I use my endurance bike on fine days to do 50 miles or so around the district with my head down and enjoying the power. I use my steel raleigh randoneur (lovely bike with reynolds tubing) when i want to do 600 miles in 10 days, taking a couple of small panniers, and slowly rolling along enjoying the scenery at maybe 12 mph and arriving for my night stop still feeling fresh. I cycle to work on both as the mood takes me.
But why a slammed stem with negative drop on stem?🤔
Just because I wanted the handlebars a bit lower to suit my bike fit
@@davidarthur what is the rise of the stem? Looking to do the same with my Synapse but can't decide to go with -12 or -17 degree.
How does an endurance bike differ from a gravel bike, please?
Good question! It also occurred to me while watching this excellent video. Anybody?
@Mike Padios Thanks for that, Mike. And all other things being equal, does the type of tyre really make such a noticeable difference in performance?
Since material science is so advanced and weight is not a problem nowadays, why don't manufactures make full suspension endurance or sportive bikes? My pre-covid ride is a Giant Defy Advance
Great question. Some bike brands are getting closer to this, the Future Shock on the Roubaix and the IsoSpeed decoupler on the Domane. Guess weight is still and issue and then there's the issue of whether the consumers have an appetite for that sort of thing? The full suspension Niner gravel bike wasn't met with universal approval at all!
Sounds like endurance are still too aggressive..perhaps straight bar fitness is more for me
To me it's going to take more than frame geometry and wider tires to call it an "endurance bike". It needs to have a flat style handlebar so I can mount ergo grips, bar ends AND bar end mirrors and a bag. These are not available on a standard drop bar. Furthermore, the race style seats are no good for me. How about some comfort padding? In addition, a full array of accessory attachment points should be standard. Too much emphasis on style vs function utility.
People cycle in rain, snow AND mud? ;-)
on a serious note, i'm so grateful i stumbled across your channel and have now subbed. Hopefully get some more tips for my TCR and my Giant Contend, which i have found as a great all round bike.....having just completed 205 mile ride in one day on the Contend.
Ha ha sometimes we’re at that lucky!! Thanks for the sub means a lot hopefully lots of nice content for you to look forward to. That’s a cracking ride on your Contend 💪
@@davidarthur indeed it was a cracking ride. Lots of great content for me to catch up on already David..... i think i need to visit my family in Glos and catch up on some Cotswold cycling!
I'd love to hear some reviewers using adjectives other than "aggressive" to mean anything and everything.
The word has become meaningless and does not serve to inform those who might otherwise learn something.
OK.. that's was an Aggressive comment :)
Is this a sissy bike..
By which you mean?