Cannondale’s recent offerings have made a strong impression in the Bike office over the past couple of years. First we reviewed the US brand’s aluminium offering, the CAAD 10. That bike was good. It was lively. It transmitted nuances of the road in explicit detail like an old-school racing bike and was very temptingly priced. But then it should, because Cannondale built its reputation on aluminium frames in the early 1980s. In the Autumn 2014 issue we sampled the carbon Synapse, an endurance-focused steed that provided Rolls Royce Phantom-like ride comfort but which could also get up and dance when called upon. It was, as our reviewer said, like two bikes in one.
The latest to hit our test garage is the SuperSix EVO, specifically the affordable version of Cannondale’s top-level racing machine, while retaining the aggressive geometry to give you the stretched out position that the pros experience.
On paper things look rather good. For $5k you get a sub-950-gram frame that uses a high percentage of intermediate-modulus fibres for all-round performance, Mavic Ksyrium Equipe S hoops and the cherry on top, SRAM Red. Overall weight is a very respectable 7.1kg for our size 58.
It has appealingly minimalist styling. Our test rig frame was resplendent in matte black and red with matching Fi’zi:k Arione saddle. The Mavic rims have a machined look and contrast nicely with the frame detailing, while the Cannondale HollowGram Si crank also seems to complement the visual package beautifully.
Sure, the ’Dale might not steal attention away from some of the flashier Italian offerings with their fluoro graphics at the café, but it matters little when beneath that understated styling lies a bike of so many talents.
A silky smooth, compliant ride is the most significant impression upon lift off. It has what Cannondale calls SPEED SAVE in the rear triangle, a type of micro suspension system weaved into the carbon that reduces road shock and vibration without sapping power transfer. So, while the SuperSix EVO might have you positioned aggressively, the frame keeps the worst road buzz from transmitting through your spine and sensitive parts.
But, fear not, you’ll still go fast, because this bike is also extremely responsive. Feed decent power through the pedals and you’ll be rewarded with rapid forward progress, whether surging for the line or unleashing an attack on steep inclines. The overall low weight means you can throw the bike from side to side with ease and the short wheelbase and narrow handlebars makes it a nimble handler.
SRAM Red provides high quality, satisfying shifting that rarely goes out of tune. There’s no electronic intervention here – just a meaty, satisfying mechanical ‘clack’ as you work through the cogs.
The SuperSix EVO is another fine achievement from Cannondale that underlines the brand’s ability to create a machine that offers an enviable balance of compliance and stiffness. Grab yourself a Synapse if you want to sit more upright and take part in Gran Fondos or weekend endurance rides. But choose the SuperSix EVO if you want to get low and attack the bunch in the local criterium. – Nick Raman
Groupset
SRAM Red
Wheels
Mavic Ksyrium Equipe S
Weight
7.1kg (size 58cm)
Price
$4999