The Cannondale SuperSix EVO, a legendary lightweight WorldTour contender. A stalwart amongst the professionals. It’s been a long time between updates and this one’s undoubtedly the biggest yet.
It was 12 months ago, nearing Le Tour when the SystemSix dropped. Cannondale’s answer to the world’s fastest production bicycle, but rejecting any claims to the ‘aero bike’ category. It was still no match for the rider’s favourite, the SuperSix EVO.
The previous incarnations of the SuperSix have been piloted to countless wins by the likes of Ivan Basso, Vicenzo Nibali, and Rigoberto Uran. Thought of as a ‘climber’s bike’, the SuperSix saw even more victories under Peter Sagan and Elia Viviani. Already nudging the legal weight limit, Cannondale has sought the only improvement possible: make the SuperSix faster.
30 at 30
Fully assembled the new SuperSix EVO reportedly saves 30 watts at 30 mph (48.3km/h isn’t as catchy and the brand is very much American – despite its Canadian owners). The fastest lightweight bike amongst the major manufacturers according to its own tests, the windtunnel tests came out on top, besting the Cervelo R5, Specialized Tarmac, Trek Emonda, etc. Featuring a truncated airfoil – think D shaped – tubing, it’s a small but rewarding departure from the SuperSix’s traditional frame and tube shapes.
The D-shape not only breaks wind a little easier, but provides more comfort too, flexing where it’s needed. The new frame shape with lowered seat stays, and the KNØT 27 D-shaped seat post increases compliance by 18% according to Canno’s claims while additional comfort comes in the form of clearance for up to 30mm tyres.
Like the SystemSix, Cannondale’s utilising the 45mm deep KNØT wheels and integrated bar setups for the higher specifications which are needed to get the fully claimed maximum gains. These models also benefit from Hi-Mod frame layups, totally hidden cable setups, and disc brakes. Although Cyclist spotted EF Education First on a rim brake version, we wonder if they were lower spec frames or a custom WorldTour builds?
Hidden extras
Outside of the aero savings, the real watts can be measured with an inbuilt Power2Max power meter using Cannondale’s integrated wheel sensor. A Cannondale and Garmin branded wireless sensor on the front hub sends info back to the Cannondale Connect App where it records and shares ride data, stores settings, and can even send service reminders. Again these additions are only included in the top-tier models.
The launch of the SuperSix EVO includes six disc and two rim brake men’s models, and three disc and one rim brake women’s model. To get all the gains and the fastest lightweight bike in production, costs $12,999, complete with: Hi-Mod frame, Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, Power2Max power meter and 45mm KNØT rims. The variations along the line include a SRAM Force eTap AXS equipped model, right down to a Shimano 105 rim brake model starting from $3,399.
