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The Best Feature on Cannondale’s Stunning New Bike Is Easy to Overlook (Until It Saves Your Life)

The latest Synapse may be packed with superlative updates, but one of its quieter touches is the secret star.

cannondale synapse macroCannondale

By Steve Mazzucchi

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When a gleaming new edition of a bike as iconic as the Synapse rolls out, you better believe there will be a lot of potential talking points.

After all, the bike made its first appearance in Cannondale’s lineup two decades ago, and before the latest one even launched, the legendary Lachlan Morton had already FKT’ed his home country of Australia on it, riding nearly 9,000 miles in just 31 days.

cannondale synapse action
The integration of SmartSense 2.0 stands out among many jaw-dropping qualities of the Synapse Lab71.
Cannondale

Throw in the fact that the product guide PDF is 37 pages long, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the deluge of details. 

But while you can learn everything about the Synapse at Cannondale’s own site, I’ve ID’ed one quality many might miss amidst the hubbub over a 2.5-pound frame, 18% more compliance, the admittedly rad StashPort downtube storage system and more.

Just as helmets only gained wide adoption when they got light and sleek enough that most people forget they’re wearing them, the SmartSense 2.0 system heralds what’s possible regarding inconspicuous on-bike safety features. 

What I’m stoked about is that at the highest trims, Cannondale’s SmartSense system has reached another level, where it’s so seamlessly integrated, you can forget all about it until it saves your life.

Safety third — but also first

To be fair, with its aim of improving visibility, situational awareness and convenience, Cannondale was already on the right track with the original SmartSense. 

The intelligent and connected system of lights, radar, sensors and the Cannondale app checks a lot of boxes regarding convenience, visibility and situational awareness.

cannondale synapse dramatic lighting
SmartSense 2.0 represents a significant step up in terms of both battery life and streamlining.
Cannondale

However, as is often the case with second generations, the whole package has been simultaneously souped up and streamlined. 

With SmartSense 2.0, everything runs from a single concealed battery (housed within the StashPort and powering a glovebox-style light when the cover is removed). 

cannondale synapse front light
The headlight is not only smaller than the previous edition but also up to twice as bright.
Cannondale

At 43.2 Wh, this battery boasts over twice the capacity of the original, enabling it to run for up to 24 hours and power not only the lights and radar but also the bike’s SRAM AXS electronic shifting. You can even use it to charge your phone or a laptop in a pinch.

As far as actual safety features are concerned, the rear-facing Garmin radar keeps you aware of approaching traffic, while intelligent headlights and taillights that adjust blink patterns and brightness to alert others to your presence (without blinding them). 

cannondale synapse rear light
The tailight and Garmin-powered radar are both neatly tucked under the saddle.
Cannondale

The headlight is not only smaller but also shines twice as bright (up to 800 lumens), while the radar and taillight are stealthily integrated under the seat.   

Just as helmets really only gained wide adoption when they got light and sleek enough that most people forget they’re wearing them, the SmartSense 2.0 system heralds what’s possible regarding inconspicuous on-bike radar and lighting features. 

cannondale synapse lab71 beauty
As you can (can’t?) see here, the SmartSense system is almost invisible — until you need it.
Cannondale

So while it’s only available in some very pricy bikes right now, the future is, well, bright.

Availability and pricing

Some of the new Cannondale Synapse road bikes are available now with prices starting at $3,599 (for the Synapse Carbon 5).

However, the SmartSense 2.0-equipped editions (Lab71 SmartSense, Lab71 frameset and Carbon 1) will be available in shops and online in July, starting at $9,399 (for the Carbon 1) — with a couple more to be announced next month.

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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