The Cannondale Synapse Lab71: An endurance bicycle worth spending on, but is it our top choice?

The Cannondale Synapse Lab71 SmartSense and the Trek Domane SLR 9 AXS Gen 4 are two premium endurance road bikes that cater to comfort, performance, and advanced technology. While they share similarities, these two models differ notably in features, performance focus, and pricing.

Features

Cannondale Synapse Lab71 SmartSense

The Cannondale Synapse Lab71 SmartSense boasts a lightweight Hi-MOD carbon frame with a balanced geometry that combines endurance comfort and race-bike performance. It's equipped with an advanced integrated SmartSense system, which includes front and rear lights, rear radar for vehicle detection, and a wireless connection, all powered by a hidden 43.5Wh down tube battery that also powers the SRAM AXS electronic shifting. The bike also offers ample tire clearance for wider tires, enhancing ride smoothness, and comes with a convenient downtube storage compartment integrated with the SmartSense battery and includes a flashlight. The drivetrain consists of SRAM Force AXS 12-speed, with an innovative power delivery system for derailleurs and safety electronics. The Synapse Lab71 SmartSense is priced around £13,000 to $16,499.

Trek Domane SLR 9 AXS Gen 4

The Trek Domane SLR 9 AXS Gen 4 is a high-end endurance bike with IsoSpeed technology, designed to reduce road vibrations. It features an SRAM Red eTap AXS wireless electronic groupset with 12-speed shifting, offering top-tier performance. The bike shares similarities with the Synapse in terms of integrated cockpit, aerodynamic tube shaping, and tire clearance for wider tires. It often includes performance telemetry and compatibility with Trek's proprietary accessories. The market price for a fully spec'd model typically falls around $13,000 to $15,000.

Performance

The Synapse Lab71 SmartSense melds WorldTour-level stiffness and aerodynamics with endurance geometry, emphasising comfort without sacrificing speed. The SmartSense system adds an extra layer of safety and rider awareness. The Domane SLR 9 AXS Gen 4, on the other hand, is renowned for its smooth ride via IsoSpeed suspension, excellent stiffness-to-weight ratio, and race-proven drivetrain reliability, slightly favouring aggressive endurance riders seeking compliance and race performance.

Price Comparison

The Synapse Lab71 SmartSense is premium-priced around £13,000–€15,799 ($16,500), reflecting its exclusive hi-mod carbon build and innovative safety tech. The Domane SLR 9 AXS Gen 4 is similarly priced in the high-end range of ~$13,000–$15,000 depending on build and market.

Summary

| Aspect | Cannondale Synapse Lab71 SmartSense | Trek Domane SLR 9 AXS Gen 4 | |-----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | Frame & Geometry | Hi-MOD carbon, balanced endurance & race blend | High-end carbon, IsoSpeed for vertical compliance| | Smart Technology | Integrated SmartSense (lights, radar, battery for AXS) | No integrated radar; eTap AXS wireless shifting | | Drivetrain | SRAM Force AXS 12-speed (powered by SmartSense battery) | SRAM Red eTap AXS 12-speed | | Tire Clearance | Ample, for wide tires | Ample, optimized for endurance | | Price Range | £13,000–$16,500 (high-end) | ~$13,000–$15,000 | | Ride Focus | Endurance with advanced safety and tech integration | Endurance with suspension comfort and race speed |

In conclusion, if integrated safety tech like radar and lighting powered by a single battery is a priority, the Cannondale Synapse Lab71 SmartSense stands out as a cutting-edge choice for endurance riders. Meanwhile, the Trek Domane SLR 9 AXS Gen 4 focuses more on classic endurance comfort with proven suspension tech and top-tier racing components, appealing to riders prioritising refined compliance and race pedigree. Pricing is broadly comparable, both targeting the high-end endurance market segment.

It's worth noting that the SmartSense system on the Lab71 Synapse provides up to 24 hours of runtime in flashing mode or over 12 hours in steady mode.

References:

Cannondale Synapse Lab71 SmartSense
BikeRadar Cannondale Synapse Lab71 SmartSense Review
Trek Domane SLR 9 AXS Gen 4
Cyclist Magazine Cannondale Synapse Lab71 SmartSense Review

The Cannondale Synapse Lab71: An endurance bicycle worth spending on, but is it our top choice?