Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 L vs Cervélo Caledonia 105
Both are close enough that people cross-shop them at a similar price. Here is what actually separates them.
The short answer
For a typical all-round rider the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 L comes out ahead (77% against 71%). That is not a universal verdict — change the terrain or the priority and the order can flip.
What actually separates them
- Price
- The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 L is £599 cheaper — £2,700 against £3,299.
- Weight
- The Cervélo Caledonia 105 is 0.6kg lighter, which you notice on long climbs more than anywhere else.
- Riding position
- The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 L sits you more upright (1.60 stack-to-reach against 1.48). The Cervélo Caledonia 105 is the more aggressive of the two — quicker if you can hold it, harder work if you cannot.
- Shifting
- Only the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 L has electronic shifting. Crisper and lower maintenance, but it needs charging and costs more to replace.
Side by side
| Spec | Synapse Carbon 3 L | Caledonia 105 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,700 | £3,299 |
| Weight | 9.1 kg | 8.5 kg |
| Frame | carbon | carbon |
| Groupset | Shimano 105 R7100 Di2 | Shimano 105 R7100 mechanical |
| Stack / reach | 1.60 | 1.48 |
| Tyre clearance | 35 mm | 34 mm |
| Lowest gear | 26 in | 27 in |
| Mudguard mounts | Yes | Yes |
| Comfort | 82 | 53 |
| Speed | 36 | 60 |
| Climbing | 62 | 66 |
| Value | 40 | 12 |
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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