Yes there are. I only sync mail, I make sure contacts and calender are unchecked. Setting up GMail is a bit different.
After adding the account to your device, you will be asked to sign in on Google's Password Page. After signing in, it will state that you can;
View and manage your mail
Manage your calenders
View and manage your contacts using the CardDAV protocol. Accept and save.
You will be shown a screen like this
Should be set to this
You should be done after this...