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Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 SmartSense vs Giant Defy Advanced SL 1

Both are endurance bikes at a similar price. Here is what actually separates them.

The short answer

For a typical all-round rider the Giant Defy Advanced SL 1 comes out ahead (80% against 72%). That is not a universal verdict — change the terrain or the priority and the order can flip.

Cannondale

Synapse Carbon 2 SmartSense

72% for a typical rider

£6,995 at Brand website
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Giant

Defy Advanced SL 1

80% for a typical rider

£7,199 at Brand website
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What actually separates them

Price
The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 SmartSense is £204 cheaper — £6,995 against £7,199.
Weight
The Giant Defy Advanced SL 1 is 1.7kg lighter, which you notice on long climbs more than anywhere else.
Riding position
The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 SmartSense sits you more upright (1.52 stack-to-reach against 1.50). The Giant Defy Advanced SL 1 is the more aggressive of the two — quicker if you can hold it, harder work if you cannot.
Tyre clearance
The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 SmartSense takes 42mm tyres against 40mm — the single most common thing buyers wish they had more of.

Side by side

Spec Synapse Carbon 2 SmartSense Defy Advanced SL 1
Price £6,995 £7,199
Weight 9.1 kg 7.4 kg
Frame carbon carbon
Groupset SRAM Force AXS SRAM Force AXS E1 12-speed
Stack / reach 1.52 1.50
Tyre clearance 42 mm 40 mm
Lowest gear 25 in 25 in
Mudguard mounts Yes Yes
Comfort 68 64
Speed 45 68
Climbing 64 86
Value 0 0

Neither might be the right answer

This page assumes an average rider. Tell us how you actually ride and we will rank these two against everything else at the price.

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