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Specialized Roubaix SL8 - Shimano Tiagra vs Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 L

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 74%). That is not a universal verdict — change the terrain or the priority and the order can flip.

Specialized

Roubaix SL8 - Shimano Tiagra

74% for a typical rider

£2,499 at Brand website
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Cannondale

Synapse Carbon 3 L

80% for a typical rider

£2,700 at Brand website
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What actually separates them

Price
The Specialized Roubaix SL8 - Shimano Tiagra is £201 cheaper — £2,499 against £2,700.
Weight
The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 L is 0.3kg 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 1.56). The Specialized Roubaix SL8 - Shimano Tiagra is the more aggressive of the two — quicker if you can hold it, harder work if you cannot.
Tyre clearance
The Specialized Roubaix SL8 - Shimano Tiagra takes 40mm tyres against 35mm — the single most common thing buyers wish they had more of.
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 Roubaix SL8 - Shimano Tiagra Synapse Carbon 3 L
Price £2,499 £2,700
Weight 9.4 kg 9.1 kg
Frame carbon carbon
Groupset Shimano Tiagra R4000 mechanical Shimano 105 R7100 Di2
Stack / reach 1.56 1.60
Tyre clearance 40 mm 35 mm
Lowest gear 26 in 26 in
Mudguard mounts Yes Yes
Comfort 73 82
Speed 37 36
Climbing 58 62
Value 25 40

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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