New Bike Day - 2023 Cannondale Synapse Di2

10 years ago I bought my first Cannondale Synapse and I put 21 thousand miles on it. It was time for an upgrade and Shawn at the Bicycle Center suggested I get a Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2LE. 

Cannondale was running a sale and the price was right. It has Shimano 105 Di2 and a built in lighting system called Smart Sense, perfect for my RC Ilumenati night rides. It was such a good deal I couldn’t say no. 

Specifications
Frame	Synapse Carbon, SmartSense enabled, Proportional Response size-specific design, BSA threaded BB, flat mount brake, 12×142mm thru axle, thru-tube internal cable routing with Switch Plate, removable fender bridge, hidden rack/fender mounts
Fork	Synapse Carbon, integrated crown race, Proportional Response size-specific design, 12×100mm thru-axle, thru-tube internal routing, hidden fender mounts
Rims	DT Swiss R470 db, 28h
Hubs	(F) Formula CL-712, 12×100mm centerlock / (A) Formula RXC-400, 12×142mm centerlock
Spokes	Stainless Steel, 14g
Tires	Vittoria Zaffiro Pro Reflective, 700 × 30c
Pedals	Not included
Crank	Shimano 105 7100, BSA, 50/34
Bottom Bracket	Shimano 105 R7100, BSA
Chain	Shimano 105
Rear Cogs	Shimano 105
Front Derailleur	Shimano 105 Di2 7150, braze-on
Rear Derailleur	Shimano 105 Di2 7150
Shifters	Shimano 105 Di2 7170, hydraulic disc, 12-speed
Handlebar	Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, Compact
Grips	Fabric Knurl Bar Tape, 3.5mm
Stem	Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 7°
Headset	Synapse Sealed Bearing, integrated, 1-1/4"-1-1/8™
Brakes	Shimano 105 7170 hydraulic disc, 160/160mm RT70 rotors
Brake Levers	Shimano 105 Di2 7170 hydraulic disc
Saddle	Fizik Aliante Delta, S-alloy rails
Seatpost	Cannondale 3 Smartense, 6061 Alloy, 27.2 × 350mm (48-56), 400mm (58-61)
Sizes	48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61
Color 1	Smoke Black w/ Reflective Black (SBK)
Extras	SmartSense with Lights, Trainer-compatible thru-axle

 

Once I got the bike home I added my Garmin mount but felt like there was too much going on and wanted a cleaner look. 

I felt like Cannondale took a shortcut with this light attachment by not including a GPS mount because it makes the cockpit too busy. 

I took the adapter off my Varia headlight

which is compatible with a GoPro

 but not compatible with the Smartsense Headlight. 

I tried an aftermarket stem plate mount 

that also didn’t work so I found another mount that finally did.  

I was able to repurpose the light holder later down the road when I bought an e-bike. 

I have been looking for a GPS mount that would elevate my GPS high enough so as not interfere with my handlebar bag, a vintage Cannondale Casey bag. 

Another challenge with the Sisense system was the location of the taillight. The Fisk saddle has a clip holder specifically designed for saddlebag. 

Unfortunately, the seat adapter isn’t long enough to move the light low enough nor is there enough cable if I got another GoPro adapter. 

The clip snaps into place

But the bag sits awkwardly 

It didn’t work for me so I kept the Top Tube bag to hold a spare tube until I figure something else out.