Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 RL: Premium Endurance Road Bike for All-Day Comfort, Speed & Safety

Looking for a lightweight endurance road bike that delivers race-like performance with unbeatable comfort for long rides, rough roads, and everyday adventures? The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 RL is the perfect choice. This versatile carbon road bike combines a smooth-riding Synapse Carbon frameset, full SmartSense integration (lights + radar), reliable Shimano Ultegra 11-speed shifting, and generous tire clearance — making it one of the best all-round endurance bikes of 2025–2026.

Weighing just 9.2 kg (56 cm), the Synapse Carbon 2 RL is fast, compliant, and packed with smart features for safer, more enjoyable miles. Whether you’re chasing gran fondos, commuting, or exploring gravel paths, this bike turns long days in the saddle into pure pleasure.

Key Features of the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 RL

Lightweight Synapse Carbon Frameset

Built with Proportional Response size-specific carbon construction, the frame offers the ideal balance of stiffness for efficient power transfer and compliance for vibration damping. Subtle aero shaping, internal cable routing, and hidden fender/rack mounts keep the bike clean and versatile.

Full SmartSense System

Integrated front light, rear light, and optional Garmin radar — all powered by one battery. No more forgetting lights or fiddling with mounts. The system dramatically improves visibility and awareness, especially in traffic or low-light conditions.

Shimano Ultegra 11-Speed Drivetrain & Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Proven, smooth-shifting Ultegra R8000 group with 50/34 crank and 11-34 cassette gives a wide gear range for climbs and flats. Powerful flat-mount hydraulic discs with 160 mm rotors deliver confident stopping in any weather.

Wheels, Tires & Tire Clearance

Fulcrum Rapid Red 900 wheelset paired with Vittoria Rubino Pro 700x30c tires (reflective sidewalls). The bike clears up to 35 mm tires, so you can swap in wider rubber for extra comfort or light gravel.

Practical Details

• Threaded BSA bottom bracket (easy maintenance)
• Multiple bottle, bag, and fender mounts
• Trainer-compatible thru-axles
• Comfort-focused cockpit with compact alloy bars and Fizik saddle

Detailed Specifications

Benefits of the Synapse Carbon 2 RL

• All-day comfort — Flex zones and compliant geometry soak up road buzz without sacrificing responsiveness.
• Safety first — SmartSense lights and radar make you more visible and aware.
• Versatility — 35 mm tire clearance + fender/rack mounts turn it into a capable all-season or light-adventure bike.
• Reliability — Threaded BB, proven Ultegra components, and Cannondale’s legendary build quality.
• Light & lively — At under 9.5 kg, it climbs and accelerates like a much racier bike.

What Riders & Reviewers Say

Reviewers praise its smooth ride, practical features, and how the SmartSense system genuinely improves real-world safety. Many call it “the perfect do-it-all road bike” — fast enough for sportives, comfortable enough for centuries, and practical enough for daily use.

FAQ: Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 RL

Is the Synapse Carbon 2 RL good for long rides? Yes — it’s an endurance bike designed exactly for that. The geometry, compliance, and tire clearance make 100+ mile days enjoyable.

What’s the difference between RL and RLE? The RL uses mechanical Ultegra 11-speed; the RLE uses electronic Ultegra Di2 12-speed.

Can I fit wider tires or fenders? Yes — up to 35 mm tires and full fenders (mounts are hidden and removable).

Does SmartSense require extra batteries? No — one integrated battery powers the front light, rear light, and radar.

Is it suitable for beginners? Absolutely. The stable handling and comfortable position make it forgiving, while the performance satisfies experienced riders.

What warranty does it come with? Lifetime warranty on the frame (original owner), 2 years on fork, 1 year on components.

Why Choose the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 RL?

If you want a premium endurance road bike that feels fast, stays comfortable all day, and includes modern safety tech without extra fuss, the Synapse Carbon 2 RL is hard to beat. It’s the ultimate “ride more, worry less” carbon road bike.

Ready to experience it? Book a test ride at your local Cannondale dealer today.

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