One of the most revered and celebrated racing orientated road bikes in the world has had a long-awaited update, bringing with it a host of new features, technology and fanfare. With an all-new lightweight yet aero frame shape, a host of integrated components and a choice of rim, or disc brakes join us as we take you through ten things to know about the all-new Cannondale SuperSix Evo.
1. Less Drag, More Speed
The headline statistic surrounding the SuperSix Evo is that it’s not just much faster (a claimed 30 watt saving at 48kph) than its predecessor, it’s also said to be faster than its competition. In third-party wind tunnel testing against the outgoing SuperSix EVO, Cervelo R5, Specialized S-Works SL6 Tarmac Disc, BMC Roadmachine, and the Trek Emonda SLR, the all-new SuperSix Evo is said to save between 9 and 40 watts at 30mph (48.2kph) over its competition. As a matter of fact, Cannondale claims its new steed is on par with the Scott Foil for aerodynamic efficiency, not bad for a lightweight bike focussed on the ups.
Much of this is thanks to all-new “truncated airfoil tube shapes”, which more or less mean the frame is comprised of D-shaped tubes which reduce aerodynamic drag compared to round tube shapes. For more details and testing data on the SuperSix EVO see the [Take Flight Technical Paper.]
2. Still Lightweight
Whilst the aero gains will likely steal the spotlight for most, Cannondale states that the new SuperSix EVO is also the lightest disc-brake road bike frame they’ve ever made. Tipping the scales at a claimed 866 grams for a painted Size 56, when combined with a matching fork (cut to size) and seatpost, the total “system weight”, which includes all small parts and paint, is bang on 1400 grams.
This saving is as a result of the all-new frame shape and a revised HiMod carbon layup that is said to both save weight yet optimise both compliance and stiffness...More on that below.
3. KNØT Additions
Unveiled in conjunction with the SystemSix in 2018, Cannondale has boosted its lineup of aero focussed KNØT components, with a new seatpost and mid-depth wheelset.
After spending the last few years trailing 25.4mm diameter seatposts, Cannondale has once again returned to 27.2mm diameter units with the KNØT 27 seatpost. The new perch is said to tip the scales at a svelte 163grams (carbon), yet offer increased compliance over the current SAVE 25.4mm carbon seatpost. The KNØT 27 post makes use of a single piece wedge assembly, similar to that found on the SystemSix, which equates to a 35gram saving in total compared to the existing external clamp and seatpost design.
Onto rolling stock, and Cannondale has taken its learnings from the KNØT64 wheelset, and developed a mid-depth 45mm version. Dubbed the Hollowgram 45 KNØT wheelset, the new wheels are claimed to be more aerodynamically efficient than a set of ZIPP 303 NSW hoops, and marginally less so than its deeper 64mm stablemates. The wheelset features an internal width of 21mm, is tubeless ready, and feature a spoke count of 20 (front) and 24 (rear) respectively.
4. Refined Geometry
With an all-new frame shape comes a tweaked and refined geometry. Whilst the SuperSix EVO remains a race bike at its heart, the geometry has been tweaked slightly, with the wheelbase extended, the stack slightly higher, and the reach slightly shorter compared to the outgoing model. This should translate into a ride that’s still flat out fast, but a little more upright for longer endurance efforts compared to its predecessor.
5. SAVE Micro-Suspension Expands
While the all-new frame shape complete with its dropped seatstays and truncated aerodynamic tubing is arguably the biggest departure from the outgoing model, Cannondale has still managed to retain and expand on its SAVE micro-suspension technology. Working by offering a marginal amount of vertical compliance, limiting road vibrations that typically reverberate throughout a stiff road bike, Cannondale has waved its SAVE wand over the new seatstays and included its integrated SAVE System bar and stem as introduced with SystemSix. The SAVE System Bar allows for up to 8º of pitch adjustment while Cannondale says the thin profile has been proven to reduce vibrations, increasing comfort.
6. Capable Tyre Clearance
Following the modern trend of versatility and wider rubber, Cannondale claims the SuperSix EVO will swallow tyres up to 30mm wide, with room to spare. Much of this is thanks to the fact that the new bike is largely disc-brake specific, save for two options at the entry-level to the new range. These rim brake models are said to cater for tyres up to 28mm wide.
7. Integrated Features
As the new bike is engineered to be a lightweight race bike with aero features, Cannondale has gone great lengths to integrate a number of components into the frame module, hiding them from the wind and providing and sleek aesthetic. On most mid-range offerings through to the top-end, the System Bar completely conceals all cabling in the bar, with all brake lines, shift cables and electronic shifting junction box wiring fed down through the stem and throughout the bike frame. As was the case with much of the 2019 Cannondale road range Hi-Mod frame models also score a Power2Max NG Eco powermeter from the factory; however, it’s worth noting that these will still require a one-off fee (AU pricing to be advised) to be activated for use.
8. A Choice of Frames
Cannondale will offer the SuperSix EVO in two different frame and fork options; Hi-Mod, lighter, and more expensive, and a more affordable version simply referred to as SMod. Hi-Mod models are claimed to tip the scales at around 130~ grams lighter at the frame than the more affordable models with a Size 56 Hi-Mod frame weighing in at a claimed 866 grams compared to 999 grams for the same sized SMod frame. Rim brake models are only offered in the more affordable specification and tip the scales at 100grams heavier at the frame than disc specific Hi-mod.
9. Connected Cannondales
An integrated wheel sensor delivers co-developed with Garmin is included with all MY20 Cannondale model. The wheel sensor is said to store the ride data from up to 30 rides before requiring syncing to a device, deliver hyper-accurate speed, route and distance info to your bike computer of choice and to the Cannondale App. The App itself can be used to register your bike, reminds you of needed service and more.
10. Pricing and Availability
Cannondale expects the SupserSix EVO to hit local shores in the coming weeks. Check with your nearest bike shop for local availability.
Models, Pricing and Specifications for the local range is as follows;
SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod Dura-Ace Disc Di2 – AU$12,999: BallisTec Hi-Mod carbon frame, Shimano Dura-Ace 9170 Di2 groupset, HollowGram SiSL2 cranks, Power2Max NG Eco powermeter (not activated), FSA Vision 52/36 chainrings, HollowGram SAVE System Bar, HollowGram KNØT alloy stem, HollowGram KNØT SL 27 carbon seatpost, HollowGram 45 SL KNØT wheelset, Vittoria Corsa 25c tyres.
SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod Ultegra Disc Di2 – AU$9,999: BallisTec Hi-Mod carbon frame, Shimano Ultegra 8070 Di2 groupset, HollowGram cranks, Power2Max NG Eco powermeter (not activated), FSA 52/36 chainrings, HollowGram SAVE System Bar, HollowGram KNØT alloy stem, HollowGram KNØT SL 27 carbon seatpost, HollowGram 45 SL KNØT wheelset, Vittoria Corsa 25c tyres.
SuperSix EVO Carbon Force eTap AXS Disc – AU$7,499: BallisTec carbon frame, SRAM Force eTap AXS groupset, Force eTap crankset, HollowGram SAVE System Bar, HollowGram KNØT alloy stem, HollowGram KNØT SL 27 carbon seatpost, HollowGram 35 wheelset, Vittoria Rubino Pro 25c tyres.
SuperSix EVO Carbon Ultegra Disc – AU$4,999: BallisTec carbon frame, Shimano Ultegra 8020 groupset, Cannondale 1 alloy cranks, FSA 52/36 chainrings, Cannondale 2 alloy Bar, Cannondale 2 alloy stem, HollowGram KNØT 27 alloy seatpost, HollowGram 35 wheelset, Vittoria Rubino Pro 25c tyres.
SuperSix EVO Carbon Ultegra 2 – AU$3,999: BallisTec carbon frame, Shimano Ultegra 8000 groupset, Cannondale 1 alloy cranks, FSA 52/36 chainrings, Cannondale 3 alloy Bar, Cannondale 3 alloy stem, HollowGram KNØT 27 alloy seatpost, Fulcrum Racing 500 wheelset, Vittoria Zafiro Pro Slick 25c tyres.
SuperSix EVO Carbon 105 Disc – AU$3,899: BallisTec carbon frame, Shimano 105 7020 groupset, Cannondale 1 alloy cranks, FSA 52/36 chainrings, Cannondale 3 alloy Bar, Cannondale 3 alloy stem, HollowGram KNØT 27 alloy seatpost, Fulcrum Racing 900DB wheelset, Vittoria Zafiro Pro Slick 25c tyres.
SuperSix EVO Carbon 105 – AU$3,399: BallisTec carbon frame, Shimano 105 7000 groupset, Cannondale 1 alloy cranks, FSA 52/36 chainrings, Cannondale 3 alloy Bar, Cannondale 3 alloy stem, HollowGram KNØT 27 alloy seatpost, Fulcrum Racing 900 wheelset, Vittoria Zafiro Pro Slick 25c tyres.
With the all-new SuperSix EVO hitting showroom floors, right now is a great time to score a fantastic deal on previous generation SuperSix EVO models, all available from leading independent retailers across the country.
