Do gravel gears work for road? Cannondale Synapse Sandia Crest test

The top-end Cannondale Synapse LAB71 SmartSense packs a number of remarkable things into its endurance-road offering. But I have questions! -Is SRAM's 1x13spd XPLR gravel gearing adequate for road riding? -Is an integrated system of lights, radar, drivetrain, battery and speed sensor a good thing? -Can Vittoria's supple Corsa Pro Control tires handle New Mexico riding conditions? -How does this integrated cockpit compare to others? -And... how does it feel to ride a $16,500 bike?! I went to the top of the Sandias to find out... Wind-tunnel testing bare aero bars: https://www.bikeradar.com/features/how-slippery-should-your-aero-road-bars-be Save 10% on anything you buy at BikeTiresDirect with the code THERIDE: https://tinyurl.com/yc7vxujh Around the Mountain route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3422240798093976454 -- Want to see what I'm testing and where? Follow me on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/ben-delaney on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_delaney -- The Ride is supported in 2025 by: Castelli clothing: https://www.castelli-cycling.com/US/en/ HOVERAir self-flying cameras: https://amzn.to/3ZCzb9V Perc coffee: https://tinyurl.com/fjr7nurr (save 15% with code 'ride15') Saris racks: https://saris.com/collections/racks# (save 15% with code 'ben15') Silca maintenance: https://silca.cc/ (save 10% with code 'theridewithbenjune2025') BikeTiresDirect: https://tinyurl.com/yc7vxujh (save 10% with code 'THERIDE') The Cyclist Lawyer: https://www.thecyclist-lawyer.com/ Shimano shoes & glasses: http://tinyurl.com/ye274tep Feedback Sports stands & tools: https://bit.ly/3S9Dq8r -- 0:00 intro 1:41 around the mountain 11:43 questions answered