2021 Cannondale Synapse Carbon vs 2021 Giant Contend 1
The XS is the Giant Contend 1 size closest to your 48 Cannondale Synapse Carbon. We match frame stack and reach. This is a geometry comparison, not a fit recommendation; stem, spacers, handlebars and saddle setup also affect your riding position.
What changes on the Giant Contend 1
Compared with the Cannondale Synapse Carbon in 48, the Giant Contend 1 in XS places the top of the head tube 6 mm lower and about as far forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 11 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.
- Frame stack
- −6 mm
- Lower front end
- Frame reach
- +1 mm
- About the same reach
- Wheelbase
- −11 mm
- Shorter: quicker to change direction
- Head angle
- +0.2°
- About the same head angle
- Chainstays
- +2 mm
- About the same
The two frames
Cannondale Synapse Carbon, 48Giant Contend 1, XSDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Cannondale Synapse Carbon 48 | Giant Contend 1 XS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 371 | 372 | +1 mm |
| Stack | 530 | 524 | −6 mm |
| Head tube angle | 70.8 | 71.0° | +0.2° |
| Seat tube angle | 74.6 | 74.8° | +0.2° |
| Effective top tube | 517 | not listed | |
| Chainstay length | 410 | 412 | +2 mm |
| Wheelbase | 996 | 985 | −11 mm |
| BB drop | 75 | 75 | ±0 mm |
| BB height | 270 | not listed | |
| Standover | 712 | 720 | +8 mm |
| Seat tube length | 407 | 430 | +23 mm |
| Head tube length | 122 | 123 | +1 mm |
Differences are the Giant Contend 1 minus the Cannondale Synapse Carbon. Full charts: 2021 Cannondale Synapse Carbon, 2021 Giant Contend 1.
Where each sits in its class
Cannondale Synapse CarbonGiant Contend 1
Each bike is ranked against the other road bikes on Quiver, on frame geometry alone. Not your hand position or ride feel.
What each ships with
The stock build of each bike's first listed trim. Parts that match are dimmed.
| Part | Cannondale Synapse CarbonCarbon 105 | Giant Contend 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Cannondale BallisTec | not listed |
| Fork | BallisTec | not listed |
| Shifter | Shimano 105 | not listed |
| Derailleur | Shimano 105, Shimano 105 GS | not listed |
| Cassette | Shimano 105 | not listed |
| Chain | Shimano HG601 | not listed |
| Crankset | Cannondale BB30a | not listed |
| Pedals | Not | not listed |
| Tire | Vittoria Zaffiro Pro Bright | not listed |
| Rim | Cannondale RD 2.0 | not listed |
| Brake | Shimano 105 | not listed |
| Bar tape | Cannondale Tape | not listed |
| Headset | Synapse | not listed |
| Saddle | Fabric Scoop | not listed |
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