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Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 L vs Giant Defy Advanced 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 Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 L comes out ahead (80% against 77%). That is not a universal verdict — change the terrain or the priority and the order can flip.

Cannondale

Synapse Carbon 3 L

80% for a typical rider

£2,700 at Brand website
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Giant

Defy Advanced 1

77% for a typical rider

£2,799 at Brand website
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What actually separates them

Price
The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 L is £99 cheaper — £2,700 against £2,799.
Weight
The Giant Defy Advanced 1 is 0.2kg 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 1.50). The Giant Defy Advanced 1 is the more aggressive of the two — quicker if you can hold it, harder work if you cannot.
Tyre clearance
The Giant Defy Advanced 1 takes 40mm tyres against 35mm — the single most common thing buyers wish they had more of.
Mudguards
Only the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 L takes mudguards, which decides whether it can be your winter bike.

Side by side

Spec Synapse Carbon 3 L Defy Advanced 1
Price £2,700 £2,799
Weight 9.1 kg 8.9 kg
Frame carbon carbon
Groupset Shimano 105 R7100 Di2 Shimano 105 Di2 12-speed
Stack / reach 1.60 1.50
Tyre clearance 35 mm 40 mm
Lowest gear 26 in 26 in
Mudguard mounts Yes No
Comfort 82 64
Speed 36 50
Climbing 62 65
Value 40 39

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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