Cannondale Synapse Vs Giant Defy Comparison

Bike brands are investing heavily in their all-road/endurance road bikes, and one of the most recent launches in the world of endurance road bikes is the Cannondale Synapse. In this post, we compare the Synapse to the Giant Defy, a popular endurance road bike - the Giant Defy.

Cannondale Synapse Features

The Synapse is the first bike we look at. Revitalised and renewed in 2025, it has been engineered with a relaxed geometry without losing focus on speed and performance. It’s the ideal bike for road riders wanting to rack up the miles without encountering the common wrist and neck pain that comes from riding more race-focused road bikes.

Different frame options are available, with varying levels of carbon fibre as the range progresses to the top models. There’s also an alloy-framed Cannondale Synapse for those working on a tighter budget or wanting to purchase an alloy-framed road bike. The Synapse enjoys excellent levels of comfort and compliance, thanks to the integrated SAVE micro-suspension, which reduces road vibrations and buzz while keeping pedalling efficiency high, leaving you less fatigued over longer distances.

The Synapse can also accommodate tyres up to 35mm wide for comfort and rough terrain. This allows a versatile set of tyres to be fitted to this bike and allows riders to experiment with gravel trails and tracks.

Across the range, there’s a decent level of groupsets and specification, with models across the Synapse lineup equipped with the Shimano 105, the Ultegra, and even SRAM electronic shifting systems. Cannondale has ensured that you can expect crisp and reliable shifting regardless of your chosen model.

Models higher up the range also have SmartSense integrated technology, which tech-heads will like.

Cannondale Synapse Cost

Approximately £2,900 to £8,000, depending on the model.

Giant Defy Features

The Giant Defy is an endurance-focused road bike with a performance-focused edge. Like the Synapse, it offers a fast bike package with increased comfort. Giant uses all the frame technologies and materials you would expect, with advanced-grade composite frames providing comfort over rough surfaces and terrain and efficiency.

Giant also uses D-Fuse technology, which is found on its handlebars and seat posts. This reduces vibrations and discomfort over long distances and rough and uneven terrain. Many riders also use the Defy to gravel ride, with all Defy models fitting tyres up to 38mm.

At the top end of the range, Giant Defy models are factory fitted with PowerPro power meters, making this bike a perfect choice for those who want to analyse data on their rides, to improve performance.

The Defy is slightly cheaper than the Synapse, with prices starting at £2,300 and rising to £6,500.

Giant Defy Cost

Ranges from £2,300 to £6,500, making it slightly more affordable across its range than the Synapse.

Synapse VS Defy

Both bikes are excellent choices, and both represent a great turning point for bike brands - these are the bikes that we all should be riding, so if you find yourself with a stiff neck after riding your race focused bike on your local circuits - consider switching to a road bike like these, something focused for endurance and comfort, without sacrificing too much in the way of pace.

For the team here at Westbrook, the Synapse edges it—it’s got more technology, and we think it’s a better package overall. It has a massive array of models within the range, suitable for every rider's requirements and preferences.

We stock the Synapse and the full range of Cannondale Bikes Online, so please do get in touch if you have any questions. We will be more than happy to help.