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Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 SmartSense vs Specialized Roubaix SL8 Pro - SRAM Force AXS

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

The short answer

For a typical all-round rider the Specialized Roubaix SL8 Pro - SRAM Force AXS comes out ahead (79% 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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Specialized

Roubaix SL8 Pro - SRAM Force AXS

79% for a typical rider

£6,999 at Brand website
✓ Checked

What actually separates them

Price
The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 SmartSense is £4 cheaper — £6,995 against £6,999.
Weight
The Specialized Roubaix SL8 Pro - SRAM Force AXS is 1.2kg lighter, which you notice on long climbs more than anywhere else.
Riding position
The Specialized Roubaix SL8 Pro - SRAM Force AXS sits you more upright (1.56 stack-to-reach against 1.52). The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 SmartSense 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 Roubaix SL8 Pro - SRAM Force AXS
Price £6,995 £6,999
Weight 9.1 kg 7.9 kg
Frame carbon carbon
Groupset SRAM Force AXS SRAM Force AXS E1 2x12 electronic
Stack / reach 1.52 1.56
Tyre clearance 42 mm 40 mm
Lowest gear 25 in 25 in
Mudguard mounts Yes Yes
Comfort 68 73
Speed 45 56
Climbing 64 80
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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