Quiver

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

2021 Cannondale Synapse Carbon (48) and 2021 Giant Contend 1 (XS), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Cannondale Synapse Carbon is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Giant Contend 1 is the colored outline on top.J 996

Cannondale Synapse Carbon, 48Giant Contend 1, XSDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.

Geometry side by side

MeasurementCannondale Synapse Carbon 48Giant Contend 1 XSDifference
Reach371372+1 mm
Stack530524−6 mm
Head tube angle70.871.0°+0.2°
Seat tube angle74.674.8°+0.2°
Effective top tube517not listed
Chainstay length410412+2 mm
Wheelbase996985−11 mm
BB drop7575±0 mm
BB height270not listed
Standover712720+8 mm
Seat tube length407430+23 mm
Head tube length122123+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

AggressivePositionUpright
CalmSteeringQuick
PlayfulBalancePlanted

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.

PartCannondale Synapse CarbonCarbon 105Giant Contend 1
FrameCannondale BallisTecnot listed
ForkBallisTecnot listed
ShifterShimano 105not listed
DerailleurShimano 105, Shimano 105 GSnot listed
CassetteShimano 105not listed
ChainShimano HG601not listed
CranksetCannondale BB30anot listed
PedalsNotnot listed
TireVittoria Zaffiro Pro Brightnot listed
RimCannondale RD 2.0not listed
BrakeShimano 105not listed
Bar tapeCannondale Tapenot listed
HeadsetSynapsenot listed
SaddleFabric Scoopnot listed

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