Skip to content
WhichBike

Giant Defy Advanced 1 vs Cannondale Synapse Carbon 5

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

The short answer

For a typical all-round rider the Giant Defy Advanced 1 comes out ahead (77% against 73%). That is not a universal verdict — change the terrain or the priority and the order can flip.

Giant

Defy Advanced 1

77% for a typical rider

£2,799 at Brand website
✓ Checked *

Cannondale

Synapse Carbon 5

73% for a typical rider

£2,895 at Brand website
✓ Checked *

What actually separates them

Price
The Giant Defy Advanced 1 is £96 cheaper — £2,799 against £2,895.
Weight
The Giant Defy Advanced 1 is 0.5kg lighter, which you notice on long climbs more than anywhere else.
Riding position
The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 5 sits you more upright (1.52 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 Cannondale Synapse Carbon 5 takes 42mm tyres against 40mm — the single most common thing buyers wish they had more of.
Shifting
Only the Giant Defy Advanced 1 has electronic shifting. Crisper and lower maintenance, but it needs charging and costs more to replace.
Mudguards
Only the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 5 takes mudguards, which decides whether it can be your winter bike.

Side by side

Spec Defy Advanced 1 Synapse Carbon 5
Price £2,799 £2,895
Weight 8.9 kg 9.4 kg
Frame carbon carbon
Groupset Shimano 105 Di2 12-speed Shimano 105 R7100
Stack / reach 1.50 1.52
Tyre clearance 40 mm 42 mm
Lowest gear 26 in 26 in
Mudguard mounts No Yes
Comfort 64 68
Speed 50 41
Climbing 65 58
Value 39 14

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.

Find my bike

Related comparisons