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Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 vs Specialized Roubaix SL8 Sport

Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3, side view

Cannondale

Synapse Carbon 3

Specialized Roubaix SL8 Sport, side view

Specialized

Roubaix SL8 Sport

High endEnduranceCarbon700c2026
High endEnduranceCarbon700c2025

Close on the specs and the list price: here are their 11 differences, line by line.

Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3, side viewCannondaleCannondale Synapse Carbon 3
Specialized Roubaix SL8 Sport, side viewSpecializedSpecialized Roubaix SL8 Sport

At a glance

  • Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 has the higher-range groupset: SRAM Rival AXS, against SRAM Apex Xplr eTap AXS.
  • Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 is the newer model (2026).
Key specs5 differences
Model year 2026 2025
FrameSame for all Carbon
As printed

Synapse Carbon, Proportional Response construction, integrated cable routing, downtube Stashport

 Carbon
As printed

Material: Carbon

Wheelset 700c · DT Swiss E1800 Spline, 24h, tubeless ready 700c · DT Swiss G540 rim °Value not published by the brand
Drivetrain 2×12 1×12
Groupset SRAM Rival AXS Higher range SRAM Apex Xplr eTap AXS
Brake model SRAM Rival AXS hydraulic disc Hydraulic Disc °Value not published by the brand
Weight–Not given 8.9 kg °Value not published by the brand
Seatpost–Not given S-Works Pave Seat post

Prices

Each model's retailers, delivered to your country, and their prices over time.

Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3

Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3

Specialized Roubaix SL8 Sport

Specialized Roubaix SL8 Sport

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Character

  • Synapse Carbon 3 · Road bike average gearing, rather high equipment.
  • Roubaix SL8 Sport · endurance road bike, carbon frame, 700c wheels, 1×12 drivetrain, high end equipment

Gearing

Speed in the lowest and the highest gear at 90 rpm: lower on the left climbs easier, higher on the right goes faster.

  • Cannondale Synapse Carbon 311 km/h - 54 km/h
Easiest gear (climbing)Hardest gear (descending)
Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3Specialized Roubaix SL8 Sport

Components and specs

Every spec line by line; the higher range of a component is marked. The technical groups are folded.

Ride type
Ride typeSame for all Endurance
As printed

bikes/road/endurance; Comfortable high-performance road riding, long distance missions, fast group rides

 Endurance °Value not published by the brand
Frame and fork1 difference
ForkSame for all Carbon
As printed

Synapse Carbon, integrated crown race, 12x100mm thru-axle, flat mount disc

 Carbon °Value not published by the brand
Max tyre clearance 42 mm Best of the comparison 40 mm °Value not published by the brand−2 mm
AxlesSame for all Thru-axles °Value not published by the brand
As printed

Synapse Carbon, Proportional Response construction, integrated cable routing, downtube Stashport, 12x142 thru-axle, UDH, BSA 68mm threaded BB, flat mount disc,

 Thru-axles °Value not published by the brand
As printed

FACT 10R, Rider First Engineered™ (RFE), FreeFoil Shape Library tubes, threaded BB, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc

Bottom bracket–Not given SRAM DUB BSA °Value not published by the brand
Cable routing Fully integrated °Value not published by the brand
As printed

integrated cable routing

–Not given
Drivetrain5 differences
Groupset brandSame for all SRAM
As printed

SRAM Rival AXS

 SRAM
As printed

Apex Xplr Etap Axs

ShiftingSame for all Electronic, wireless Electronic, wireless
Chainrings 2 °Value not published by the brand 1 °Value not published by the brand−1
Gears at the backSame for all 12 12 °Value not published by the brand
Chainring teeth SRAM Rival 46/33 Higher range SRAM APEX AXS, Wide 12-speed °Value not published by the brand
Cassette SRAM Rival 10-36 Higher range SRAM APEX, PG 1231 XPLR, 11-44T °Value not published by the brand
Rear derailleur SRAM Rival AXS °Value not published by the brandHigher range SRAM APEX XPLR eTAP AXS, 12-speed °Value not published by the brand
Shifters SRAM Rival AXS °Value not published by the brandHigher range SRAM APEX eTAP AXS, hydraulic disc °Value not published by the brand
Brakes
BrakesSame for all Hydraulic disc
As printed

SRAM Rival AXS hydraulic disc

 Hydraulic disc °Value not published by the brand
As printed

Disque hydraulique

Front rotor 160 mm –Not given
Rear rotor 160 mm –Not given
Wheels and tyres1 difference
Wheel sizeSame for all 700c / 29"
As printed

Vittoria Rubino Pro IV, 700x32c

 700c / 29" °Value not published by the brand
RimsSame for all Aluminium °Value not published by the brand Aluminium °Value not published by the brand
Tubeless readySame for all yes °Value not published by the brand yes °Value not published by the brand
Tyres Vittoria Rubino Pro IV, 700x32c S-Works Mondo 2BR, 700x32c °Value not published by the brand
Tyre width fittedSame for all 32 mm 32 mm °Value not published by the brand
Cockpit and seatpost
Handlebar–Not given Specialized Hover Comp, Alloy, 125mm Drop, 75mm Reach w/Di2 Hole °Value not published by the brand
Stem–Not given Future Stem Comp °Value not published by the brand
Seatpost model–Not given S-Works Pave Seat post °Value not published by the brand
Weight
Weighed in size–Not given 56

° Value not published by the brand

Where to buy them

Compare the whole Cannondale Synapse range

Frequently asked questions

What groupset do Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 and Specialized Roubaix SL8 Sport come with?

Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3: SRAM Rival AXS. Specialized Roubaix SL8 Sport: SRAM Apex Xplr eTap AXS.

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