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Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 SmartSense vs Eddy Merckx Pevele Corsa Rival AXS 2x12

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 SmartSense comes out ahead (68% against 64%). That is not a universal verdict — change the terrain or the priority and the order can flip.

Cannondale

Synapse Carbon 3 SmartSense

68% for a typical rider

£4,995 at Brand website
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Eddy Merckx

Pevele Corsa Rival AXS 2x12

64% for a typical rider

£4,999 at Brand website
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What actually separates them

Price
The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 SmartSense is £4 cheaper — £4,995 against £4,999.
Weight
The Eddy Merckx Pevele Corsa Rival AXS 2x12 is 0.3kg lighter, which you notice on long climbs more than anywhere else.
Riding position
The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 SmartSense sits you more upright (1.52 stack-to-reach against 1.50). The Eddy Merckx Pevele Corsa Rival AXS 2x12 is the more aggressive of the two — quicker if you can hold it, harder work if you cannot.
Tyre clearance
The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 SmartSense takes 42mm tyres against 38mm — the single most common thing buyers wish they had more of.
Mudguards
Only the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 SmartSense takes mudguards, which decides whether it can be your winter bike.

Side by side

Spec Synapse Carbon 3 SmartSense Pevele Corsa Rival AXS 2x12
Price £4,995 £4,999
Weight 9.9 kg 9.6 kg
Frame carbon steel
Groupset SRAM Rival AXS SRAM Rival XPLR AXS 2x12
Stack / reach 1.52 1.50
Tyre clearance 42 mm 38 mm
Lowest gear 25 in 26 in
Mudguard mounts Yes No
Comfort 68 72
Speed 36 39
Climbing 53 54
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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