Riding Italy on an E-Gravel Bike | Our Tour Bike, the Synapse Neo Allroad 2
Living in Japan and dreaming of cycling in Italy? Cicloposse Japan, based in Okayama, is the Japan-side partner of Cicloposse Italia. Contact us to start planning your tour.
At Cicloposse we're always looking for the best bikes to make our tours more comfortable and more fun. After testing many models thoroughly, we chose our tour bike: the Cannondale Synapse Neo Allroad 2.
Combining cutting-edge technology with outstanding performance, this e-gravel bike is made to enjoy every kind of road. From the gentle hills of Tuscany to the wild coastline of Sardinia, it delivers a smooth, comfortable ride wherever you go.
Why the Synapse Neo Allroad 2?
We use strict criteria to choose the right bike for our tours. These are the reasons this model made the cut:
High-end technology: carbon frame, Bosch Performance Line SX motor and Shimano GRX components. Performance and reliability together.
Ready for any road: true to its All Roads Are Yours concept, it handles asphalt and gravel with ease.
Comfortable on long rides: a vibration-damping carbon structure and an ideal riding position keep fatigue at bay.
Practical for touring: mounts for fenders, a rear rack and a kickstand, perfect from day rides to long tours.
Key specs
Light carbon frame: Series 2 carbon, agile and durable.
Bosch Performance Line SX motor: quiet and powerful, up to 55 Nm of torque and 600 W of power, with a 400 Wh battery for long distances.
Shimano GRX components: gravel-specific 2×12 gearing and reliable braking.
Gravel tyres: Vittoria 700x40c, for both paved and unpaved roads.
Flexible for every tour: a simple tyre change turns it into a road setup.
Which tours is it best for?
Tuscany: roads through hills, vineyards and historic villages. The Synapse Neo climbs with ease and feels rock-solid on the descents.
Sardinia: even on rugged coastlines and mountain routes, the strong motor assist and carbon frame keep the ride smooth.
What is a gravel bike, and what does the E change?
A gravel bike combines road-style drop handlebars with wider tyres, so it can ride both paved and unpaved roads. An e-gravel bike adds Bosch electric assistance: it helps you when you need it, and you barely notice it when you don't.
It's not a bike for taking it easy. It smooths out your rhythm and cuts out unnecessary fatigue, leaving more energy to enjoy the views and your riding companions.
Comfortable on asphalt too
Many people think gravel means dirt roads only, but these bikes are very comfortable on asphalt too. Italy's country roads constantly switch between smooth tarmac, rough asphalt and short gravel sections. The wider tyres add comfort and grip without taking away the fun of a sporty ride.
Who is an e-gravel bike for?
It's ideal if you ride regularly and are used to drop handlebars on a road or gravel bike. If you usually ride a city bike or a hybrid with an upright position, a trekking-style e-bike will feel more comfortable. We'll help you choose the right bike when you book, so just ask.
Battery range and charging
Used wisely, mostly in Eco mode, the battery lasts up to about 100 km on a single charge. There are four assist modes:
Eco: for most of the day. A natural feel and long battery life.
Tour: for rolling terrain, or when you want a little extra help.
Sport: for long climbs, or to hold a steady pace.
Turbo: for short steep ramps, headwinds or the end of a long day.
The battery isn't removable, but our partner hotels are set up for e-bike charging, so there's nothing to worry about. The charger is compact enough to carry in a small bag.
Different fitness levels, same road
At Cicloposse we have deliberately not created e-gravel-only tours. One rider on a regular gravel bike, a partner or friend on an e-gravel bike: same routes, same views, same table at lunch. Couples and friends with different fitness or experience can enjoy a gravel trip together.
E-gravel bikes are also available on our Tuscany Cycling & Cooking tour.
Tours with e-gravel bikes
E-gravel bikes are available on all guided tours and on self-guided tours in Tuscany, Umbria and Sardinia. For gravel tours on the white roads, see our article What Are the Strade Bianche?, and for our other bikes, see the bike lineup page.
Come and experience the comfort of the latest e-gravel bike on a Cicloposse tour!
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