A premium carbon endurance road frameset for a fast, personalised build.
The Cannondale LAB71 Synapse Frameset is the starting point for riders who want to build a high-performance road bike around the components and fit they prefer. Its lightweight Hi-MOD carbon construction combines aerodynamic shaping with the balanced geometry and practical features that make the Synapse suited to long days on real-world roads.
Finished in Black Marble, the frameset includes a carbon fork, C1 Aero 27 carbon seatpost, integrated headset and spacers, and a large StashBag for the downtube storage compartment.
Hi-MOD Carbon for Fast Endurance Riding
The LAB71 Synapse uses Cannondale Hi-MOD carbon construction to create a lightweight, responsive platform for climbing, accelerating and riding at pace. Aerodynamic tube shaping helps reduce drag, while endurance-focused geometry provides a balanced position for longer rides.
Cannondale’s Proportional Response construction adapts the frame design across the size range to help deliver the intended balance of stiffness, comfort and handling for different riders.
The result is a frameset for riders who want performance without committing to the low, uncompromising position of an outright race bike.
A Custom Build Around Your Riding
Starting with a frameset gives you the freedom to choose the drivetrain, wheels, tyres and contact points that suit your riding. Build it for fast bunch rides and road events, or choose wider tyres and practical accessories for long days exploring rougher back roads.
The frame uses a 68 mm BSA threaded bottom-bracket shell, flat-mount disc brake fittings and a UDH-compatible rear derailleur mount. Discuss your planned components with our workshop before ordering so we can help check compatibility and build requirements.
Clean Integration with Delta Steerer
The carbon fork uses Cannondale’s Delta Steerer design to route cables and hoses neatly through the front of the bike. Integrated headset spacers are listed with the frameset for a clean cockpit setup.
The cockpit is not listed among the included components. Handlebar, stem and routing choices should be checked as part of your build, particularly if you are planning an integrated setup.
Room for Wider Tyres
Cannondale lists clearance for tyres measuring up to 42 mm at the rear and 48 mm at the front, with at least 4 mm of clearance on each side. When choosing the same tyre width for both wheels, the rear frame is the limiting point.
Actual tyre width varies with the rim and pressure, and fitted mudguards may reduce the available space. Check the measured clearance of your chosen tyres before riding.
The clearance gives you options for rough chipseal, broken seal and suitable light gravel. The Synapse remains a road platform rather than a dedicated gravel frameset.
Storage and Everyday Versatility
StashPort provides storage inside the downtube, with a large StashBag included to help keep compact tools and spares organised. It is a practical way to carry essentials without adding another external bag.
Frame and fork mudguard mounts offer options for wet-weather riding and year-round training. Check mudguard and tyre compatibility together when planning your build.
C1 Aero 27 Carbon Seatpost
The included Cannondale C1 Aero 27 carbon seatpost uses a D-shaped profile designed to combine aerodynamic efficiency with vertical compliance. Its 330 mm length and size-specific offset provide a starting point for setting up your position.
The seatpost is listed as SmartSense compatible. A SmartSense system is not listed among the included frameset components.
Key Features
- LAB71 Synapse Hi-MOD carbon frame and fork
- Endurance-focused road geometry
- Proportional Response size-specific construction
- Aerodynamic frame shaping
- Delta Steerer and integrated cable routing
- UDH-compatible rear derailleur mount
- 68 mm BSA threaded bottom-bracket shell
- Flat-mount disc brake fittings
- 12 × 100 mm front and 12 × 142 mm rear thru-axle standards
- Tyre clearance up to 42 mm at the rear and 48 mm at the front
- StashPort downtube storage with large StashBag
- Cannondale C1 Aero 27 carbon seatpost
- Integrated headset and spacers
- Frame and fork mudguard mounts
- Black Marble finish
Who Is It For?
- Riders planning a premium custom endurance road build
- Long-distance road riding and gran fondos
- Fast bunch rides and road events
- Riders who want to choose their own drivetrain and wheels
- Rough chipseal, back roads and suitable light gravel
- Riders who prefer a balanced position to an aggressive race fit
- Year-round road riding with the option to fit mudguards
Our Thoughts
The LAB71 Synapse Frameset makes sense for a rider who wants to create a genuinely premium road bike without starting from an uncompromising race platform. The Hi-MOD carbon frame, integrated routing and aerodynamic shaping give it a performance focus, while the endurance geometry and tyre clearance make it relevant to the roads around Canterbury.
Its biggest advantage is the freedom to choose your own build. That also means budgeting for the drivetrain, wheels, cockpit and other parts separately. If you are considering transferring components from another bike, talk to us first about compatibility and the work involved.
Compared with Cannondale’s race-focused SuperSix EVO, the Synapse places more emphasis on a balanced fit and practical versatility. It is a strong foundation for riders who want to cover long distances quickly and comfortably.
Specifications
Frame and Fork
- Frame: LAB71 Synapse Hi-MOD carbon, Proportional Response construction, integrated cable routing, StashPort downtube storage, UDH compatible, flat-mount disc, integrated seat binder and mudguard mounts
- Fork: LAB71 Synapse Hi-MOD carbon, integrated crown race, Delta Steerer, internal routing, flat-mount disc and mudguard mounts
- Fork offset: 55 mm
- Headset: Integrated, 1-1/8-inch to 1-1/2-inch, with integrated spacers
- Front axle standard: 12 × 100 mm thru-axle
- Rear axle standard: 12 × 142 mm thru-axle
- Bottom-bracket shell: 68 mm BSA threaded
- Stated maximum tyre clearance: 42 mm rear / 48 mm front; check measured clearance with fitted tyres
Seatpost
- Seatpost: Cannondale C1 Aero 27 carbon, SmartSense compatible
- Length: 330 mm
- Offset for listed sizes 51–61: 15 mm
Additional Details
- Colour: Black Marble
- Listed sizes: 51, 54, 56, 58 and 61 cm
- Included extra: Large StashBag downtube storage bag
This is a frameset, not a complete bicycle. Drivetrain, wheels, tyres, brakes, cockpit and saddle are not listed as included. Contact us to confirm all supplied hardware and discuss your build before ordering.
Select your preferred size to check current availability.
Size Guide
The right Synapse size depends on your height, body proportions and preferred riding position. Contact Chain Reaction for personalised sizing and cockpit advice before ordering, particularly if you are between sizes.
Why Buy from Chain Reaction?
- Official Cannondale dealer
- Expert road-bike sizing and setup advice
- Help planning a complete custom build
- Advice on drivetrain, wheel and cockpit compatibility
- Professional workshop assembly available
- Practical advice on tyres, maintenance and component choices
- Finance and WorkRide options available
Visit Chain Reaction at 4/218 Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch. There are more than 200 free car parks on-site, along with plenty of room to discuss sizing and your build.
Specifications are based on supplier and manufacturer information and may change without notice. Supplied parts and hardware may vary between production batches. Please contact us if a particular component or accessory is important to your purchase.
