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Cannondale Synapse Carbon 5 vs Specialized Roubaix SL8 Sport 105

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 Sport 105 comes out ahead (75% against 73%). That is not a universal verdict — change the terrain or the priority and the order can flip.

Cannondale

Synapse Carbon 5

73% for a typical rider

£2,895 at Brand website
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Specialized

Roubaix SL8 Sport 105

75% for a typical rider

£2,900 at Brand website
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What actually separates them

Price
The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 5 is £5 cheaper — £2,895 against £2,900.
Weight
The Specialized Roubaix SL8 Sport 105 is 0.5kg lighter, which you notice on long climbs more than anywhere else.
Riding position
The Specialized Roubaix SL8 Sport 105 sits you more upright (1.56 stack-to-reach against 1.52). The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 5 is the more aggressive of the two — quicker if you can hold it, harder work if you cannot.
Tyre clearance
The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 5 takes 42mm tyres against 40mm — the single most common thing buyers wish they had more of.
Mudguards
Only the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 5 takes mudguards, which decides whether it can be your winter bike.

Side by side

Spec Synapse Carbon 5 Roubaix SL8 Sport 105
Price £2,895 £2,900
Weight 9.4 kg 8.9 kg
Frame carbon carbon
Groupset Shimano 105 R7100 Shimano 105 R7100 mechanical
Stack / reach 1.52 1.56
Tyre clearance 42 mm 40 mm
Lowest gear 26 in 26 in
Mudguard mounts Yes No
Comfort 68 74
Speed 41 43
Climbing 58 65
Value 14 18

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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