Cannondale Synapse vs Specialized Roubaix vs Trek Domane: Which is the best endurance road bike?

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Cannondale Synapse vs Specialized Roubaix vs Trek Domane: Which is the best endurance road bike?

Road bikes have for a long time been divided into two categories: race bikes and endurance bikes. While the former were designed to go fast, the endurance bike was designed to go long.

We’ve argued for a while that the endurance bike is an endangered species though, squeezed between more comfortable race bikes that no longer beat you up and all-road bikes that allow you to explore off-road without committing to a full-on gravel bike.

Don’t discount the endurance bike yet though. Bike brands are adding still more tyre clearance and incorporating features to smooth the ride and add practicality, such as in-frame storage. 

Three of the best endurance bikes currently available are the Cannondale Synapse, Specialized Roubaix SL8 and Trek Domane. They each go about their mission of making longer rides more comfortable in different ways, so how do these three contenders measure up?

Cannondale Synapse vs Specialized Roubaix vs Trek Domane: Key features

Cannondale Synapse

• Two frame materials: carbon, alloy
• Flex zones in frame and seatpost
• RLE carbon bike specs with lights and radar powered by a central battery
• External cabling from handlebars into frame
• Mudguard and top tube bag mounts
• 35mm tyre clearance (carbon)/32mm (alloy)

Specialized Roubaix SL8

• Carbon only, with two grades
• Future Shock suspension headset
• External cable routing
• Mudguard, top tube bag and third bottle cage mounts
• 40mm tyre clearance

Trek Domane

• Two carbon and one alloy frame options
• Internal downtube storage in carbon bikes
• Internal cable routing in carbon bikes
• Mudguard mounts
• 38mm tyre clearance, 35mm with mudguards

Cannondale Synapse vs Specialized Roubaix vs Trek Domane: comfort features

The prize for the most added comfort features goes to Specialized. The Roubaix features the brand’s Future Shock 3 in the head tube, providing up to 20mm of linear travel at the bars. 

On the highest spec models, Future Shock 3.3 is both tuneable as you ride via a dial on the head tube cap and hydraulically damped. Mid-spec bikes get Future Shock 3.2, which is damped but cannot be tuned when riding, while the lower spec Roubaix bikes have Future Shock 3.1, which is not damped.

All variants allow you to swap between three springs and add or remove preload spacers to fine-tune your ride.

At the rear, the Roubaix’s broadened seat tube, paired with a seatpost clamp that’s set lower down, provides extra flex for increased saddle comfort.

The Domane assures compliance at the saddle via Trek’s long-established IsoSpeed feature, which decouples the seat tube from the top tube and seatstays. IsoSpeed is no longer adjustable in the latest Gen 4 Domane and Trek’s bikes no longer include front IsoSpeed though, so front end compliance is reliant on the design of the handlebars and the wide tyres.

Cannondale doesn’t include specific comfort features in its Synapse, instead relying on flex zones in the frame, a compliant seatpost and, in higher spec bikes, the handlebars. It claims that its approach avoids adding extra weight.

All the brands offer two-piece bars and stems, with carbon bars on their higher spec bikes, to improve adjustability over a one-piece design, so riders can fine-tune their hand position.

Cannondale Synapse vs Specialized Roubaix vs Trek Domane: tyre clearance

Tyre clearance continues to grow for all categories of bike. It’s especially important for endurance bikes, as wider tyres are a large part of the comfort equation. 

The Roubaix wins here again, as it can fit 40mm tyres, although Specialized doesn’t take full advantage of the space on offer, fitting 32mm tyres. It’s the same with Trek, which fits 32mm tyres despite 38mm clearance. Cannondale goes narrower still, fitting 30mm tyres in the carbon frame’s 35mm available spacing (32mm for the alloy Synapse).

The narrower tyres do allow you to fit mudguards to all three bikes, but it’s slightly surprising that none of the brands choose to augment their frames’ plushness with tyres that will accentuate this, fitting tyres of a width that would be considered normal on a race bike. Even Tadej Pogačar is riding 32mm measured width tyres in races now.

On the other hand, the fitted tyres are likely to spread by a couple of millimetres wider than their stated width on the wider rims now typical of road bike wheels, so actual width is likely to be closer to the stated clearance.

Cannondale Synapse vs Specialized Roubaix vs Trek Domane: additional features

Endurance bikes are increasingly gaining add-ons to make them more useful for longer rides.

In Cannondale’s case, it’s the SmartSense integrated lighting and rearview radar, powered by a central battery. It’s offered on the higher spec bikes, while lower down the Synapse Carbon range, the frame is designed so that SmartSense can be fitted. 

Having lights already fitted to your bike avoids the need to source and fit your own. On the other hand, the system adds around 500g in weight that some riders may prefer to avoid. We questioned whether SmartSense made sense on a premium bike when we reviewed the top spec Synapse Carbon 1 RLE back in 2022. 

Cannondale also adds its front wheel sensor to its bikes, providing speed and distance measurement that’s independent of a cycling computer and, via the Cannondale app, alerts you to service intervals. It also switches on the SmartSense system when you start to roll.

All Cannondale Synapse models include top tube mounts for a bag and in some mid-spec bikes, although not those with SmartSense, the brand provides a top tube bag when you buy the bike. 

Carbon Trek Domanes include internal storage in their down tube, allowing you to keep repair tools with you without needing to carry them in your pockets or a saddle bag. Frame storage is an increasingly popular feature of endurance, all-road and gravel bikes, but neither Specialized nor Cannondale offer it in their endurance bikes yet.

In fact, Specialized offers no additional value-added features on its Roubaix frames. All three bikes provide mudguard and rack mounts though.

Cannondale Synapse vs Specialized Roubaix vs Trek Domane: frame materials 

The Cannondale Synapse is offered in both carbon and alloy. Unlike the brand’s race bikes, the SuperSix and SystemSix, there’s no hi-mod carbon option, with the Synapse’s frame designed for road-smoothing rather than stiffness.

Meanwhile, Specialized sells the Roubaix SL8 in carbon only. It does offer two carbon grades though: FACT 12r and FACT 10r. The former uses higher grade carbon for a lighter frame and is only found in the S-Works model.

Trek too offers two grades of carbon fibre, 800 Series OCLV in its SLR bikes and 500 Series in its SL bikes. In addition, there’s an alloy Domane frameset that’s used for lower spec bikes, all of which come with a carbon fork.

Cannondale Synapse vs Specialized Roubaix vs Trek Domane: weight

Cannondale’s place in the weight stakes is hampered by the SmartSense light system, which put the top spec Synapse Carbon 1 RLE at 8.2kg for a size 56 on our scales, which we judged heavy for a premium bike costing £9,000. 

On the other hand, if you usually ride with lights you’re going to be adding most of the system’s 500g weight to a lighter bike, without the advantage of an integrated system.

At 7.2kg, the S-Works Roubaix SL8 knocks a whole kilogram off the Synapse’s weight. It’s even more expensive at £12,000 though. The next spec down Roubaix SL8 Pro is only around 100g lighter than the Synapse at a claimed 8.1kg, although it is £1,000 cheaper than the Cannondale at £8,000.

Trek claims a weight of 7.25kg for its top spec Domane SLR 9, but again it’s a premium spec with a price tag to match. Move down the range and the 8.3kg claimed weight for the £8,450 Domane SLR 7 AXS is comparable to the Synapse.

So it you’re looking at a top spec bike, Specialized and Trek offer you the lowest weights. Further down the ranges, bike weights are similar at similar price points.

Cannondale Synapse vs Specialized Roubaix vs Trek Domane: aerodynamics

Aerodynamics continues to dominate the road bike conversation and all three bikes include Kammtail tube sections that are claimed to make them faster. As you’d expect from endurance bikes, they’re less pronounced than those of the respective brands’ aero race bikes though.

Of the three, it’s only the carbon Domanes that incorporate hidden cable runs, a design feature claimed to improve bikes’ aerodynamics. In the case of the Roubaix, the Future Shock headset precludes internal cabling through the head tube. The Synapse’s light system is unlikely to be aero either.

Cannondale Synapse vs Specialized Roubaix vs Trek Domane: geometry

All dimensions in mm except where indicated

All three bikes have the classic geometry for an endurance bike, with a higher stack and shorter reach for a more upright ride position. All also have a longer wheelbase and chainstays for a more stable ride.

The Roubaix is somewhat the outlier in having a significantly higher stack than the Synapse and the Domane. Its head tube angle is also steeper; a slacker head tube angle tends to favour a more stable ride. The Roubaix’s shorter head tube length is to accommodate its Future Shock suspension fork and its shorter seat tube provides for the flex in its seatpost.

Cannondale Synapse vs Specialized Roubaix vs Trek Domane: sizing

Cannondale offers the Synapse Carbon in a small number of sizes: 51, 54, 56 and 58. It claims that these will suit riders from 165cm to 193cm tall. That’s a surprisingly narrow range, precluding shorter rides in particular. In contrast, the alloy Synapse offers more size options: 44, 48, 51, 54, 56, 58 and 61. Cannondale claims that these cater for a wider range of rider heights, from 152cm to 203cm.

Specialized sells the Roubaix in sizes 44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 61, claiming that these will fit riders from 142cm to 205cm tall.

The Domane SLR is sold in sizes 47, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 and 62. Trek says that it should fit riders between 152cm and 195cm tall. The Domane SL adds a 44 and is claimed to fit riders from 150cm, while the Domane AL’s sizing is slightly different, offering 44, 49, 52. 54. 56. 58 and 61 sizes with claimed rider heights between 150cm and 191cm accommodated.

Cannondale Synapse vs Specialized Roubaix vs Trek Domane: groupsets

All Synapse builds include Shimano groupsets. Almost the whole Shimano range is on display, from 12-speed Dura-Ace down to 9-speed Sora, all with a 50/34t crankset and an 11-34t cassette. None include a power meter.

Specialized is much more SRAM focussed, offering SRAM Red AXS with a power meter, a 46/33t crankset and 10-36t cassette as well as a Dura-Ace 50/34t, 11-34t spec with 4iiii power meter as an alternative on its top spec S-Works Roubaix. There are Force, Rival and Apex builds further down the range, with power meters on all but the Apex build. Its Shimano options include 105 with 50/34t, 11-36t gearing and Tiagra with 50/34t, 11-34t.

The Trek Domane too headlines with a SRAM Red AXS build with power meter. There’s also a Dura-Ace spec on offer at the top end, while further down the range both Shimano and SRAM builds feature, with the majority of SRAM builds including a power meter. The lowest priced Domanes are kitted out with 8-speed Shimano Claris.

Cannondale Synapse vs Specialized Roubaix vs Trek Domane: ranges compared

Next. we’ll run through all the different specs for the three bikes that are available to UK riders. Both Cannondale and Specialized offer seven specs. Trek manages to more than double that though, with a total of 15 different specs on sale.

Cannondale Synapse bike range

The Cannondale Synapse range includes seven specs and both carbon and alloy frame bikes. The higher spec carbon bikes include SmartSense, while lower spec bikes are compatible with the system. Some specs are sold with a bar bag.

Synapse Carbon 1 RLE

• Frame/fork: Synapse Carbon
• Handlebars: HollowGram Save SystemBar carbon on HollowGram Save alloy stem
• Groupset: Shimano Dura-Ace 12-speed, 50/34t, 11-34t
• Power meter: No 
• Wheels: HollowGram 45 SL Knot carbon
• Saddle: Fizik Tempo Argo R3 Kium rail 
• Claimed weight: 8.3kg
• Price: £9,000

Synapse Carbon 2 RLE

• Frame/fork: Synapse Carbon
• Handlebars: FSA Gossamer alloy on Cannondale 2 alloy stem
• Groupset: Shimano Ultegra 12-speed, 50/34t, 11-34t
• Power meter: No 
• Wheels: Fulcrum Rapid Red 500 alloy
• Saddle: Fizik Tempo Argo R5 S-Alloy rail 
• Claimed weight: 8.9kg
• Price: £5,800

Synapse Carbon 3 L

• Frame/fork: Synapse Carbon
• Handlebars: Cannondale 3 alloy on Cannondale 3 alloy stem
• Groupset: Shimano 105 11-speed, 50/34t, 11-34t
• Power meter: No 
• Wheels: RD2.1 alloy on Formula hubs
• Saddle: Fizik Aliante Delta S-Alloy rail 
• Claimed weight: 9.6kg
• Price: £3,200

Synapse Carbon 4

• Frame/fork: Synapse Carbon
• Handlebars: Cannondale 3 alloy on Cannondale 3 alloy stem
• Groupset: Shimano Tiagra 10-speed, 50/34t, 11-34t
• Power meter: No 
• Wheels: RD3.1 alloy on Formula hubs
• Saddle: Fizik Aliante Delta S-Alloy rail 
• Claimed weight: 9.5kg
• Price: £2,400

Synapse 1

• Frame/fork: SmartForm C2 alloy frame/Synapse Carbon fork
• Handlebars: Cannondale 3 alloy on Cannondale 3 alloy stem
• Groupset: Shimano 105 11-speed, 50/34t, 11-34t
• Power meter: No 
• Wheels: DT Swiss R470 DB alloy
• Saddle: Fizik Aliante Delta S-Alloy rail 
• Price: £1,900

Synapse 2

• Frame/fork: SmartForm C2 alloy frame/Synapse Carbon fork
• Handlebars: Cannondale 3 alloy on Cannondale 3 alloy stem
• Groupset: Shimano Tiagra 10-speed, 50/34t, 11-34t
• Power meter: No 
• Wheels: DT Swiss R470 DB alloy
• Saddle: Fizik Aliante Delta S-Alloy rail 
• Price: £1,650

Synapse 3

• Frame/fork: SmartForm C2 alloy frame/Synapse Carbon fork
• Handlebars: Cannondale 4 alloy on Cannondale 3 alloy stem
• Groupset: Shimano Sora 9-speed/FSA Vero Compact crankset, 50/34t, 11-34t
• Power meter: No 
• Wheels: RD3.1 alloy on Formula hubs
• Saddle: Cannondale Stage CX 
• Price: £1,100

Specialized Roubaix SL8 bike range

Both Cannondale and Trek make their endurance bikes in alloy as well as carbon fibre. In contrast, Specialized only sells the Roubaix with a carbon frame. Its alloy framed bike with endurance geometry is the Allez, which is available in two specs; there’s also the Allez Sprint, which has a more aggressive race geometry. 

S-Works Roubaix SL8 SRAM Red AXS

• Frame: S-Works Roubaix SL8 FACT 12r
• Fork: Roubaix SL8 FACT 12r
• Handlebars: S-Works Carbon Hover carbon on S-Works Future Stem and Future Shock 3.3 headset 
• Groupset: SRAM Red AXS 46/33, 10-36t 12-speed
• Power meter: SRAM Red AXS double sided 
• Wheels:  Roval Terra CLX II
• Saddle: S-Works Power with Mirror
• Claimed weight: 7.20kg, size 56
• Price: £12,000

S-Works Roubaix SL8 Di2

• Frame: S-Works Roubaix SL8 FACT 12r
• Fork: Roubaix SL8 FACT 12r
• Handlebars: S-Works Carbon Hover carbon on S-Works Future Stem and Future Shock 3.3 headset 
• Groupset: Shimano Dura-Ace 50/34, 11-34t 12-speed
• Power meter: 4iiii Precision Pro double sided 
• Wheels:  Roval Terra CLX II
• Saddle: S-Works Power with Mirror
• Claimed weight: 7.25kg, size 56
• Price: £12,000

Specialized Roubaix SL8 Pro

• Frame: Roubaix SL8 FACT 10r
• Fork: Roubaix SL8 FACT 10r
• Handlebars:  S-Works Carbon Hover carbon on Future Stem Pro and Future Shock 3.3 headset 
• Groupset: SRAM Force AXS 46/33, 10-36t 12-speed
• Power meter: SRAM Force double sided
• Wheels:  Roval Terra CL II
• Saddle: BG Power Pro
• Claimed weight: 8.10kg, size 56
• Price: £8,000

Specialized Roubaix SL8 Expert

• Frame: Roubaix SL8 FACT 10r
• Fork: Roubaix SL8 FACT 10r
• Handlebars: Specialized Hover Expert alloy on Future Stem Pro and Future Shock 3.2 headset 
• Groupset: SRAM Rival AXS 46/33, 10-36t 12-speed
• Power meter: SRAM Rival single sided
• Wheels:  Roval Terra C carbon
• Saddle: BG Power Expert
• Claimed weight: 8.62kg, size 56
• Price: £5,500

Specialized Roubaix SL8 Comp

• Frame: Roubaix SL8 FACT 10r
• Fork: Roubaix SL8 FACT 10r
• Handlebars: Specialized Hover Comp alloy on Future Stem Comp and Future Shock 3.2 headset 
• Groupset: Shimano 105 50/34, 11-36t 12-speed
• Power meter: None 
• Wheels:  DT Swiss G540 alloy
• Saddle: BG Power Sport
• Claimed weight: 8.97kg, size 56
• Price: £4,250

Specialized Roubaix SL8 Sport Apex

• Frame: Roubaix SL8 FACT 10r
• Fork: Roubaix SL8 FACT 10r
• Handlebars: Specialized Hover Comp alloy on Future Stem Comp and Future Shock 3.1 headset 
• Groupset: SRAM Apex AXS 42, 11-44t 12-speed
• Power meter: No
• Wheels:  DT Swiss G540 alloy
• Saddle: BG Power Sport
• Claimed weight: 8.93kg, size 56
• Price: £3,250

Specialized Roubaix SL8 Sport 105

• Frame: Roubaix SL8 FACT 10r
• Fork: Roubaix SL8 FACT 10r
• Handlebars: Specialized Hover Comp alloy on Future Stem Comp and Future Shock 3.1 headset 
• Groupset: Shimano 105 50/34, 11-36t 12-speed
• Power meter: None 
• Wheels:  DT Swiss G540 alloy
• Saddle: BG Power Sport
• Claimed weight: 9.07kg, size 56
• Price: £3,000

Specialized Roubaix SL8

• Frame: Roubaix SL8 FACT 10r
• Fork: Roubaix SL8 FACT 10r
• Handlebars: Specialized Hover Comp alloy on Future Stem Comp and Future Shock 3.1 headset 
• Groupset: Shimano Tiagra 50/34, 11-34t 12-speed
• Power meter: None 
• Wheels:  Axis Elite alloy
• Saddle: BG Power Sport
• Claimed weight: 9.46kg, size 56
• Price: £2,500

S-Works Roubaix SL8 frameset

You can also buy the S-Works Roubaix SL8 as a FACT 12r carbon frameset with a Future Shock 3.3 headset, priced at £4,750 and with a claimed 2.11kg weight, if you want to build up your own bike.

Trek Domane bike range

With both carbon and alloy options, the Domane offers a lot of choice: there are six SLR and five SL grade carbon bikes, plus another four alloy ones available. There’s even an entry-level rim brake model in the line-up still.

Domane SLR 9 AXS Gen 4

• Frame: 800 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeed
• Fork: Domane SLR carbon
• Handlebars: Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF carbon on Trek RCS Pro stem
• Groupset: SRAM Red AXS 12-speed, 46/33t, 10-33t
• Power meter: SRAM Red
• Wheels: Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 carbon
• Saddle: Verse Short Pro carbon rail 
• Claimed weight: 7.59kg (size 56) 
• Price: £11,270

Domane SLR 9 Gen 4

• Frame: 800 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeed
• Fork: Domane SLR carbon
• Handlebars: Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF carbon on Trek RCS Pro stem
• Groupset: Shimano Dura-Ace 12-speed, 50/34t, 11-34t
• Power meter: No
• Wheels: Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 carbon
• Saddle: Verse Short Pro carbon rail 
• Claimed weight: 7.25kg (size 56) 
• Price: £10.800

Domane SLR 8 AXS Gen 4

• Frame: 800 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeed
• Fork: Domane SLR carbon
• Handlebars: Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF carbon on Trek RCS Pro stem
• Groupset: SRAM Red eTap AXS 12-speed, 46/33t, 10-33t
• Power meter: SRAM Red
• Wheels: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 carbon
• Saddle: Verse Short Pro carbon rail 
• Claimed weight: Not specified 
• Price: £8,450

Domane SLR 7 AXS Gen 4

• Frame: 800 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeed
• Fork: Domane SLR carbon
• Handlebars: Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF carbon on Trek RCS Pro stem
• Groupset: SRAM Force AXS 12-speed, 46/33t, 10-36t
• Power meter: SRAM Force
• Wheels: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 carbon
• Saddle: Verse Short Pro carbon rail 
• Claimed weight: 8.29kg (size 56) 
• Price: £8,450

Domane SLR 7 Gen 4

• Frame: 800 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeed
• Fork: Domane SLR carbon
• Handlebars: Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF carbon on Trek RCS Pro stem
• Groupset: Shimano Ultegra 12-speed, 50/34t, 11-34t
• Power meter: No
• Wheels: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 carbon
• Saddle: Verse Short Pro carbon rail 
• Claimed weight: 7.89kg (size 56) 
• Price: £7,980

Domane SLR 6 AXS Gen 4

• Frame: 800 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeed
• Fork: Domane SLR carbon
• Handlebars: Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF carbon on Trek RCS Pro stem
• Groupset: SRAM Rival AXS 12-speed, 46/33t, 10-36t
• Power meter: SRAM Rival
• Wheels: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 carbon
• Saddle: Verse Short Elite steel rail 
• Claimed weight: 8.35kg (size 56) 
• Price: £7,400

Domane SLR 6 Gen 4

• Frame: 800 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeed
• Fork: Domane SLR carbon
• Handlebars: Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF carbon on Trek RCS Pro stem
• Groupset: Shimano 105 Di2 12-speed, 50/34t, 11-34t
• Power meter: No
• Wheels: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 carbon
• Saddle: Verse Short Elite steel rail 
• Claimed weight: 8.25kg (size 56) 
• Price: £6,950

Domane SL 7 AXS Gen 4

• Frame: 500 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeed
• Fork: Domane SL carbon
• Handlebars: Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-SF alloy on Trek RCS Pro stem
• Groupset: SRAM Force AXS 12-speed, 46/33t, 10-36t
• Power meter: SRAM Force
• Wheels: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 carbon
• Saddle: Verse Short Comp steel rail 
• Claimed weight: 8.48kg (size 56) 
• Price: £6,475

Domane SL 7 Gen 4

• Frame: 500 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeed
• Fork: Domane SL carbon
• Handlebars: Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-SF alloy on Trek RCS Pro stem
• Groupset: Shimano Ultegra 12-speed, 50/34t, 11-34t
• Power meter: No
• Wheels: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 carbon
• Saddle: Verse Short Comp steel rail 
• Claimed weight: 8.26kg (size 56) 
• Price: £6,025

Domane SL 6 AXS Gen 4

• Frame: 500 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeed
• Fork: Domane SL carbon
• Handlebars: Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-SF alloy on Trek RCS Pro stem
• Groupset: SRAM Rival AXS 12-speed, 46/33t, 10-36t
• Power meter: No
• Wheels: Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25 alloy
• Saddle: Verse Short Comp steel rail 
• Claimed weight: 8.89kg (size 56) 
• Price: £4,625

Domane SL 6 Gen 4

• Frame: 500 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeed
• Fork: Domane SL carbon
• Handlebars: Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-SF alloy on Trek RCS Pro stem
• Groupset: Shimano 105 Di2 12-speed, 50/34t, 11-34t
• Power meter: No
• Wheels: Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25 alloy
• Saddle: Verse Short Comp steel rail 
• Claimed weight: 8.90kg (size 56) 
• Price: £4,175

Domane SL 5 Gen 4

• Frame: 500 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeed
• Fork: Domane SL carbon
• Handlebars: Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-SF alloy on Trek RCS Pro stem
• Groupset: Shimano 105 mechanical 12-speed, 50/34t, 11-34t
• Power meter: No
• Wheels: Bontrager Paradigm SL alloy
• Saddle: Verse Short Comp steel rail 
• Claimed weight: 9.02kg (size 56) 
• Price: £3,000

Domane AL 5 Gen 4

• Frame: 100 Series Alpha Aluminium 
• Fork: Domane AL carbon
• Handlebars: Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-SF alloy on Bontrager Elite stem
• Groupset: Shimano 105 mechanical 12-speed, 50/34t, 11-34t
• Power meter: No
• Wheels: Bontrager Paradigm SL alloy
• Saddle: Verse Short steel rail 
• Claimed weight: 9.85kg (size 56) 
• Price: £2,000

Domane AL 4 Gen 4

• Frame: 100 Series Alpha Aluminium 
• Fork: Domane AL carbon
• Handlebars: Bontrager Comp alloy on Bontrager Elite stem
• Groupset: Shimano Tiagra 10-speed, 50/34t, 11-32t
• Power meter: No
• Wheels: Bontrager Paradigm SL alloy
• Saddle: Verse Short steel rail 
• Claimed weight: 10.35kg (size 56) 
• Price: £1,700

Domane AL 2 Gen 4

• Frame: 100 Series Alpha Aluminium 
• Fork: Domane AL carbon
• Handlebars: Bontrager Comp alloy on Bontrager Elite stem
• Groupset: Shimano Claris 8-speed, RS200 crankset, 50/34t, 11-32t
• Power meter: No
• Wheels: Bontrager Paradigm SL alloy
• Saddle: Verse Short steel rail 
• Claimed weight: 10.55kg (size 56) 
• Price: £1,050

Domane AL 2 Rim

• Frame: 100 Series Alpha Aluminium 
• Fork: Domane AL carbon 
• Handlebars: Bontrager Comp VR-C alloy on Bontrager Elite stem
• Groupset: Shimano Claris 8-speed, RS200 crankset, 50/34t, 11-32t
• Power meter: No
• Wheels: Bontrager alloy
• Saddle: Verse Comp steel rail 
• Claimed weight: 9.57kg (size 56) 
• Price: £750

Trek Domane Gen 4 frameset

Trek offers the Domane frameset-only, with the 800 Series OCLV frame sold as either RSL (Trek’s poshest branding) or SLR priced at £4,900. There’s also an SL grade frame built with 500 Series OCLV carbon available at £2,975.

Cannondale Synapse vs Specialized Roubaix vs Trek Domane: which should you choose?

The choice between the Cannondale Synapse, Specialized Roubaix and Trek Domane isn’t easy. All three bike ranges win plaudits for their ride comfort, making them among the best endurance bike choices.

The Roubaix was the original endurance bike and Specialized’s updates over the years have kept it at the forefront of the bike class. The bike’s combination of front and rear microsuspension ensures excellent comfort and the option to fit 40mm tyres now starts to overlap with the all-road bike class, providing the competence to handle less extreme off-road conditions when kitted out with the right tyres.

The Trek Domane too has the capability to take you onto lighter gravel territory as well as providing excellent road smoothing on tarmac. The Domane’s in-frame storage is unique among the three bikes. It’s handy to know that you have the tools with you to fix many roadside repairs and frees your jersey pockets for more food, a jacket or just a more comfortable ride.

The Synapse goes further than the other two bikes to prepare you for longer rides though. It’s comfortable without incorporating the extra complications that can be tricky and expensive to keep fine-tuned down the road. SmartSense may blunt the proposition for some riders, but it’s relatively easy to remove and it’s confined to higher spec bikes.

If you’re looking further down the bike ranges, it’s only Trek and Cannondale that provide truly affordable options below the £2,000 mark with their alloy framed bikes. Trek’s entry-level Domane is the only bike to come in under £1,000. 

Read our full reviews of the Cannondale Synapse Carbon, Specialized Roubaix and Trek Domane to help you choose.

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