Cannondale Synapse Neo 1 (2020) - 1 month review...

[carsonjones]

FOLLOW UP ADDED - MAR 2023 (see below)
FOLLOW UP ADDED - AUG 2021 (see below)

I live in a very hilly area and ride mainly quiet country roads and light gravel trails. I also ride with some relatively fast riders (28 - 32 km/hr avg speed) occasionally and so I went searching for an ebike that fit both my budget and riding style. The Synapse Neo 1 is what I ended up choosing and it's been one of the best decisions I've made. I'll go over my list of pros and cons below. Also, my experience with Cannondale hasn't been great and I'll describe and explain that experience as well. I've ridden almost 1000 km so far on my new Synapse Neo 1.


Pros...


- The battery range is great. I'm about 6'4" / 230 lb and ride with a bike packing saddle bag that carries a multi-tool, first aid kit, two spare tubes, one spare tire, light cycling jacket, and snacks. I also have a top tube bag for my phone, wallet, and keys. Add to this two water bottles and an attached mini pump and that's typically my kit. The range I'm seeing on a full charge is about 100 km with 1000 m of climbing when riding primarily in eco / tour mode with a kick up to Sport mode on some steep climbs. I'm very happy with that.

- The ride quality is good. The bike feels like a typical road bike when you're riding it which I'm pleased to report. When combined with the bike's Bosch Activeline Plus motor, the bike feels nimble and handles well. The weight of the bike also makes it feel very stable when cornering and going down hills. A little tip is to shift into your preferred hill climbing assist setting (i.e. mine is Sport) before you go into the bottom of the climb. Much the same way as you would drop into smaller gears before going into a bigger climb. Doing this makes for a very smooth climb up the hills. It's an amazing experience.

- The components are great overall except for a manufacturing issue with my rear wheel which I'll get to in the Cons section below. The Ultegra / 105 group set is perfect for me and matches up well with the bike's price point. The wheels and tire choice are great for typical road riding. I appreciate having the 32 mm tires on the rougher roads. The frame attachment points are suited to bike packing which is a big plus in my book. Overall I'm pleased with how the Neo 1 is set up. That said, there are areas to improve upon that shouldn't increase the cost too much (see below).

- I like the overall look of the Synapse Neo 1. It's hard to go wrong with black and I really like the blue accents on the inner forks. Not much more to say about that really. I think it's a good looking bike .



Cons...


- I like longer rides and plan to do a fair amount of bike packing with the Neo 1. I expect to do some trips that approach the 200 km range in a single day. While the battery range is excellent, if you want to hot-swap an extra battery in for longer rides then the process is decidedly painful, given how Cannondale have engineered the frame's battery cover. If you want to swap out your battery then you have to remove the battery and attached cover, then unscrew and remove your bottle cage, loosen the screws under the bottle cage, then unscrew two inner screws on the top of the battery, and finally slide the battery out. Reverse this process for connecting up your extra battery. Brutal. To get around this incredibly ridiculous process I've had to purchase a second battery cover from Cannondale (approx. $50 CDN). This adds an additional cost and added weight to your Neo 1 if you plan on carrying a second battery for longer trips and want a much better way of switching out your batteries while on the road / trail. In my opinion, Cannondale need to revise their battery setup so that users don't need to unscrew anything in order to quickly swap out their battery. If you won't be doing longer rides or bike packing then I don't think this is an issue for you at all and you'll love the range you'll be getting from a single battery setup.

Link to video showing battery removal process...

- A complaint I do have with ride quality is that Cannondale seem to have incorrectly configured my bike to cut the ebike assist at about 26 km/hr when the bike is rated for 30 km/hr assist. I've been able to confirm this in several ways. I have attached my Wahoo Speed sensor to the bike and the assist is consistently cutting out at approximately 26 km/hr. When I compare my Wahoo speed readings with others on group rides it's very accurate and matches up with what they have. I've also ridden by traffic speed signs and it's matching up with my Wahoo Speed Sensor readings as well. All of this tells me that the Cannondale is performing under spec and I should be experiencing assistance from the Bosch Activeline Plus motor up to the 30 km/hr marker. While I expect that the manufacturers cut assist support slightly before 30 km/hr I think my bike has been configured to cut out well before that at 26 km/hr. I'm working with my local bike shop (also a Cannondale dealer) to resolve the issue. Be warned that you'll likely experience a typical consumer complaint when dealing with Bosch and Cannondale. Bosch will ask that you deal with Cannondale regarding this particular issue and Cannondale have been inclined to push you towards dealing with Bosch. Very frustrating.

- When I purchased the Synapse Neo 1 and picked it up from my bike shop, I took it home and took it for an initial test run around the block. After only a lap or two, the rear wheel began to wobble badly. I returned the bike to the bike shop the next day and they immediately gave me a temporary replacement while they looked into what was happening. It turns out that the spokes used in Cannondale's manufacturing of the bike were the wrong size and the spokes weren't threading into the rim correctly. Not a good indication of Cannondale's quality control in their manufacturing process. That said, the bike shop submitted the wheel for a warranty replacement which I received yesterday. I'll report back on the new rear wheel replacement if there are any further issues with it.

- Cannondale should be including a better Bosch head unit on their bikes. The Purion unit feels like something out of the 1990's and is as basic as it gets. I think the Bosch Kiox head unit should be included with this bike.



My overall impression of the bike and changes / additions I've made or will be making...

The Cannondale Synapse Neo 1 (2020) is a great bike and has made my riding experience so much better. It's been a real game-changer in terms of where I ride, how far I ride, and who I can ride with. If you're thinking about buying an ebike I'd be first in line to say that if you can afford one and you want to ride further and typically faster, then I highly recommend buying one. I definitely recommend the Synapse Neo 1. While not inexpensive, its certainly not the most expensive and components and configuration are ideal for road riding and light gravel.

I've already purchased a second battery (Bosch Powertube 500) that I'll be carrying in a Topeak midloader (L). I've also purchased a second battery cover which I resent a little. The very unfriendly design of the bike's battery cover needs to be improved upon. I think Cannondale need to redesign the battery setup so that users can easily and quickly swap out batteries without the need for tools. For greater versatility I've also purchased a second set of 650b wheels (Shimano 570 GRX) and WTB 47 mm Byway tires for a mix of road / rough gravel / light single track.

The Synapse Neo 1 is a pleasure to ride and has opened up a world of cycling possibilities for me. It's comfortable to ride and versatile. I'd recommend this bike to anyone looking to purchase a road ebike.



FOLLOW UP: August 2021

I'm now 3700+ kms with the Cannondale Synapse Neo 1 on both road and trail (i.e. rail trail) rides. The 650b / 47 mm wheelset is by far the most used set and they're fantastic. Regular maintenance is a given for me and so I have my local bike shop do a full checkup at the beginning of each season. Check cables / brakes / chain / shifting / wheels / etc. and ride with peace of mind. Carrying an extra battery in an Ortlieb half frame bag has been amazing and I highly recommend if you're interested in doing longer rides. I also recommend a handlebar bag for longer rides. Once set up with a Topeak removeable bottle cage adapter changing out the battery takes a minute or two. I'm now looking at adding in a rear rack and pannier setup for touring. So far I've been very happy with this bike!

FOLLOW UP ADDED - MAR 2023

I've now ridden this bike well over 10000 km and I can absolutely tell you without a doubt that it's amazing and I love it. If you're in the market for a road / all road ebike that can easily handle gravel and light single-track I can wholeheartedly vouch for the Synapse Neo. Today I just picked up some parts for it that will live on a shelf and serve as backup 'just in case' (replacement Bosch Active Line Plus motor / service kit). With parts being so difficult to source these days, and with tech support often being dropped as the years pass, I decided to buy a complete motor replacement as well as the service kit. That's how much I like this bike and I plan to ride it for many more years to come.

I've got the bike really dialed in for how I ride (see below) and plan on taking it on some extended bikepacking / touring adventures this summer. Generally I now find myself regularly riding 100 km+ distance routes with a mix of paved and gravel roads, as well as rail trails and light single track. This bike does it all really really well.

Current Config:

- Running 650b wheels
- Running WTB Byway tires (47 mm) but will be switching to Schwalbe Marathon ePlus 50 mm tires for this season.
- Redshift Kitchen Sink bars and Shock Stop stem (both very comfortable - I highly recommend)
- Topeak QR CAGEMOUNT for moving my water bottles to fresh battery packs
- I now have three batteries and can carry all while out riding (one used in drive unit / one stored in Ortlieb top tube bag / one stored in Tailfin Aero rack) and have a range between 250 km - 320 km primarily running in Eco and Tour (Average speed 25 km/hr @ avg. 100 meters climbing per 10 km)
- Typical setup includes Bags x Bird handlebar bag, 2 x stem feed bags for water bottles, top tube bag, saddle bag or Tailfin Aero rack.

A lot of the ebikes coming out now embed the battery in the frame and make it impossible to swap out while riding. If you're after extended range and long rides, or perhaps multiple days out riding without charging, then being able to swap out batteries is essential and a game changer. I'll say it again... I love this bike.

Happy to answer any questions people might have so hit me up in this thread and I'll do my best to help out if I can.

 

[Captain Slow]

A very well written and informative write-up, thanks for sharing. I have a friend who's looking at the Synapse Neo as a potential choice so I'll forward this to him.

Given your comment about the battery cover I'll guess you're Canadian. Any chance you're in the Lower Mainland of BC? I am, and always looking for new ride partners.

 

[carsonjones]

A very well written and informative write-up, thanks for sharing. I have a friend who's looking at the Synapse Neo as a potential choice so I'll forward this to him.

Given your comment about the battery cover I'll guess you're Canadian. Any chance you're in the Lower Mainland of BC? I am, and always looking for new ride partners.

Hope the review helps your friend in the decision making process. I'm in southern Ontario in Northumberland Hills. Would love to be able to ride out in BC. You're very lucky!

 

[Deacon Blues]

I have a Topstone Neo Lefty 3, but my bike has some of the same parts as your bike. Mine also has the Purion display, which is indiscreet, but very basic.

My old $35 bike computer has way more functions.

My display is out 1.5km at 30kph, so when the display shows 30kph I'm actually doing 28.5kph. On top of that the power cuts out at the display speed of

31.7kph, so I lose an additional 0.3kph. That's not much, but when it's added to the 1.5kph it means my motor cuts out almost 2 kph early.

I'd be really annoyed if my motor cut out at 26kph. It almost seems like you have a EU specked motor limiter.

I may consider upgrading to the Nyon display, when it becomes available early next year, but I'm not sure how that bulky mount would look on a drop bar

bike.

I have the same wheels on my bike and so far (700km) they haven't given me any trouble, though I am considering (dreaming) purchasing as set of carbon

wheels.

Like you, I really like my bike. I've put over 700km on the bike in one month, but unfortunately I won't be riding my Lefty for awhile. I've noticed a clicking

sound coming from the motor (but could be the rear hub) and the bike is going back to the bike shop on Tuesday (240km round trip ).

 

[Stefan Mikes]

If your Synapse is set to the Euro 25 km/h assistance limit, it is the duty of the Cannondale LBS to modify the speed limiter setting...

 

[carsonjones]

If your Synapse is set to the Euro 25 km/h assistance limit, it is the duty of the Cannondale LBS to modify the speed limiter setting...

I absolutely agree. My bike shop was asked to run a diagnostic, which they have done. The report has been sent out to Cannondale (Canada) and we're waiting to hear back. Cannondale seem focused on adjusting the cosmetic speed reading on the Purion unit, which does nothing to help me, and they are very reluctant to even acknowledge that there could be an issue with the actual speed at which the ebike assist kicks out. Hoping they work hard to do the right thing here. I'll report back.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Things happen. Carson, please tell me one thing because I'm not sure I have understood you correctly. If you have bought the spare battery and the cover, is the process of replacing the battery still so cumbersome as you had described it?

 

[carsonjones]

Purchasing the second battery cover and installing it on the second battery permanently makes the process very simple indeed. Insert the key, turn, click the release button, and remove the drained battery. Stow away and replace with the fully charged second battery. No screws to toy with and very quick to do on a snack break or water stop. The battery cover itself doesn't add a lot of bulk to the battery and the Topeak Midloader bag should do the trick of carrying the extra battery just fine. It's a $50 solution and in my opinion, Cannondale should redesign things so that swapping out batteries is tool-free and quick and doesn't add additional cost to the bike.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Oh, they should redesign nothing Two mid-motor e-bikes I own (Vado 5.0 and Trance E+) follow a similar concept. You need to buy a US$25 cover when you're buying the second battery for the Vado. Then the battery swapping is as easy as you described for the Synapse. I carry the second battery with me on all my long Vado rides. With Giant Trance E+, which is e-MTB, the battery is bottom-inserted. You need a skid-plate but the process of swapping the battery is even easier, as the Giant battery just snaps in the chamber. But the point is, the Giant skid-plates are unavailable right at the moment. So I need to insert the bare battery into the frame, and then protect it by wrapping the frame with a neoprene mat...

The dedicated cover is the price we're paying for the fully integrated battery.

It might be interesting for you to know that:

• To remove the 700 Wh battery in the highly acclaimed Specialized Turbo Levo e-MTB, you need to put the e-bike upside down and use a hex wrench to remove the battery...
• All Specialized Super Light (SL) bikes (Creo SL the road e-bike, Levo SL the e-MTB, and Vado SL the commuter one) have a non-removable main battery, and the only way to extend the range is to carry water-bottle shaped range extenders. On the other hand, the Creo SL users say the super lightweight road bike has improbably great range...

In my eyes, Cannondale Synapse Neo 1 is a very good road e-bike, and I would treat the battery/cover as a feature, not a con.

Your report has been very useful though!

 

[carsonjones]

Fair enough observation re. the Cannondale battery cover situation, given how difficult some of the other manufacturers have made the process (i.e. upside down bike). I'll consider myself lucky then since finding a $50 solution solves all of the battery issues I've had in this particular case. Appreciate you pointing that out since I had no idea about how other manufacturers / bikes were handling the battery swap scenario.

I'll say this also... in my opinion the manufacturers should work to improve the battery swapping process by making things tool-free and easy to do quickly. Let's hope that future design innovations include this approach to battery compartment design.

 

[tolovan]

@carsonjones Do you get correct speed readout from the built in Cannondale/Garmin wheel sensor via the Cannondale app? Or is that off as well? Just curious. If that sensor is giving correct speed it might be a slight leverage to convince Cannondale that something is off.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I'll say this also... in my opinion the manufacturers should work to improve the battery swapping process by making things tool-free and easy to do quickly. Let's hope that future design innovations include this approach to battery compartment design.

I might understand the manufacturers' approach in many cases. For Vado/Como, at least in theory, you might be able to select a colour-matching cover. In case of Giant, the same battery can be used, for instance, on a road bike, on a MTB or an-all rounder: In each case, covers are totally different; one battery, different applications. In case of Specialized SL e-bikes, the non-removable battery is stealthily hidden in a slim, lightweight frame. So I don't think Cannondale is any worse. You were simply not informed you needed the extra cover. I was, fortunately, told about the Specialized battery cover by the Forum users prior to the battery purchase...

 

[Deacon Blues]

@carsonjones Do you get correct speed readout from the built in Cannondale/Garmin wheel sensor via the Cannondale app? Or is that off as well? Just curious. If that sensor is giving correct speed it might be a slight leverage to convince Cannondale that something is off.

There's a Cannondale app that works with a Bosch motor?

 

[tolovan]

Some models come with an additional wheel sensor installed at the front hub that was designed by Garmin. It syncs with the Cannondale App (and supposedly with Garmin Connect). I'm not sure if Bosch uses this sensor at all (I think it relies on spoke mounted sensor on the back wheel instead). Cannondale advertises this sensor as "hyper-accurate" So if this sensor gives the correct speed and Bosch doesn't I think it would be fair to tell Cannondale that Bosch needs to be adjusted.

 

[NH-Senior-Gal]

I also have the Cannondale Synapse Neo 1 e-bike (2020 version bought in November 2019). I live in the US and have MPH readings, not KPH. My motor very unobtrusively and gently cuts out at 20 mph. I can feel it continuing to assist at lower speeds, say 18 and 19 mph. You may have the European version which limits assist at a lower threshold. I don't normally ride at 20 mph, but on a gentle downhill, I often get into that range.

 

[timacn]

I also have the Cannondale Synapse Neo 1 e-bike (2020 version bought in November 2019). I live in the US and have MPH readings, not KPH. My motor very unobtrusively and gently cuts out at 20 mph. I can feel it continuing to assist at lower speeds, say 18 and 19 mph. You may have the European version which limits assist at a lower threshold. I don't normally ride at 20 mph, but on a gentle downhill, I often get into that range.

Hi NH-Senior-Gal Three questions: what kind of mileage per charge do you get? Do you ever take it on gravel or dirt roads? Do you use both chain rings or could you get by with just one? (I'm trying to decide between the Synapse Neo 1 and the Synapse Neo SE) Thanks!

 

[NH-Senior-Gal]

Hello timacn, Welcome to the e-bike world!
To answer your questions...
Q1: I have done one 100 mile ride with 3500 ft of climbing on one charge. I think I could have gone another 20 miles or so. I used mostly eco mode with a little bit of tour mode. I didn't set any speed records since I was riding behind my husband on his e-trike which is not very efficient. He used 2 batteries. I normally do 20 to 30 mile rides with an occasional 40-ish mile ride. I usually recharge when I have ridden about 70 miles (two or three rides). If you regularly use the higher power modes, you will have to recharge more often. For the riding we do, we aren't normally trying to keep up with faster riders, so we're happy putzing along enjoying the scenery while having the advantage of not being exhausted at the top of hills.
Q2: Yes, I do gravel and dirt roads, but mostly pavement (noting that here in NH 'pavement' can be pretty rough...) I am thinking about getting larger tires, but the 32s work pretty well. One note - the bike is stiff like many Cannondales. I have learned not to have a death grip on the handlebars on rough dirt roads which really helps me 'flow' over the bumps.
Q3: Yes, I use both chain rings! Having 2 chain rings with a 1:1 ratio low gear was my deciding factor in getting the Neo 1. In the one year since I've had the bike, other bike manufacturers (Trek, for instance) have gone to 2 rings on some of their bikes. I am used to a really low gear (20 inches) on my regular bike and I wanted to be able to get home under my own power on an e-bike if I ran out of battery. I have an out and back ride 11 miles each way with 500 ft of climbing each way. As an experiment, I used my power assist on the way out, but turned off the assist on the way back. I crept up the steepest hill at about 4 mph, but I made it all the way home with no added power.
Other notes -- in the year that I have had the bike, I have ridden 2100 miles and the bike has worked very well. I had one flat which was an interesting experience (you can check my other posts for details) because the bike has 'tubeless ready' tires and rims which means that even though you have tubes, the tire/rim interface is really tight! I am prepared now for another flat when I get one.
I am guessing that you will really enjoy your e-bike whichever one you decide on!
Brenda

 

[timacn]

Thanks so much for all the good info, Brenda!

 

[carsonjones]

I'm in to my second season with the Synapse Neo 1 and the speed calibration issue persists with the Bosch Activeline Plus system. The Bosch unit registers a speed that is approximately 4 km/hr faster than actual speed (referencing Wahoo Speed sensor / Wahoo GPS / others stats on group rides). In Canada pedal assist should be working up to 32 km/hr (20 mph) likely cutting out slightly before based on manufacturer settings. Because my Bosch system is registering a speed that is a confirmed 4 km/hr faster that actual, it's cutting out at approximately 26 km/hr.

Cannondale ran a diagnostic and have said that everything is to spec (ignoring the speed calibration issue). Bosch have stated that it's the responsibility of the bike manufacturer to adjust any settings. They're both completely ignoring the speed calibration issue by assuming that there isn't one simply because the settings seem correct. I can't recommend Bosch ebike systems and certainly won't be buying another ebike in the future that uses a Bosch system.

 

[Alaskan]

@carsonjones You are dealing with this issue on two different thread so I will copy and paste here what I just wrote on the Bosch Product Improvement Thread a few minutes ago

The primary way available to the rider to adjust the speed read out and cut off point on Bosch bikes is through setting accurate tire circumference values.

Having had several ebikes with Bosch motor, I have run into a similar problem of speed inaccuracy with my Trek Allant 9.9, a very sophisticated bike from a very customer responsive company.

Under the Bosch ecosystem each manufacturer sets the limits within which the rider can adjust the tire circumference value, usually based on the tire size range that the bike will safely accommodate. The Allant's lower limit was limited to a value above that of the OEM tire that came on the bike when new, resulting in a 1.7mph error at 20 mph.. I needed to be able to tell the system that the tire circumference was smaller as it was set to interpret each revolution of the tire to be a greater distance traveled than it actually was, reaching the speed limitation sooner than I should have.

Expanding the available circumference range to encompass the OEM tire turned out NOT to be something that was available to the local Trek store. They had to have the bike linked into the Trek diagnostic system on the day that one of the few people at Trek corporate tech support could patch in and use his authorization code to expand the maximum circumference available so that the speed value was accurate. In the era of covid, that took some time to accomplish. My patience was rewarded in getting accurate speed values and having the bike performing up to spec.

My point is that you have identified the wrong culprit in your pursuit of more accurate speed readings and thus, assistance up to the stated max. speed. It is most definitely not an issue that Bosch can solve for you. It is totally Cannondale's call. The problem is that the bike tech at the Cannondale shop you are using does not have full understanding of just who is responsible for what.

I suggest you chill for a bit and let @William - Bosch Team guide you to a more competent Cannondale shop that can solve your problem. In my experience with Bosch with six different Bosch powered bikes over the past three years, is that the get on it quickly, are super responsive compared to most and they know way more than most local bike mechanics. Usually protracted resolution of issues boils down to the mechanic thinking he knows more than he does and not getting the job done until he swallows his pride, gets Bosch involved and actually listens to and follows their lead.

By the way, it is important to have actual circumference of your tire on that bike with the pressure you use. The primary way available to the rider to adjust the speed read out and cut off point on Bosch bikes is through setting accurate tire circumference values.

Rim diameter is usually very accurate. Most tires are famously not spot on as to spec, something further complicated by people running various tire pressures. The best way to measure that is to draw a strait perpendicular chalk line at one point on your tire. Mark the floor when it is perpendicular to the ground. Push the bike forward one wheel rotation and mark where the chalk line on the tire is again perpendicular to the floor. Measure the distance between marks for actual rather than theoretical circumference.

Then go into the bike settings using whatever display unit you have on the bike and try lowering the circumference value accordingly. If it won't go down far enough, only Cannondale can fix that.