CANNONDALE SUPERSIX EVO 2023 – PRODUCT LAUNCH

 

With ultra-aware road racing fans hooked up to social media 24/7 and with training rides, race results and spy shots of prototype bikes all being shared and going viral instantly it’s now almost impossible to keep a soon-to-be-released road bike secret. Factor in just such a bike winning at the very first World Tour race of the season at the Tour Down Under and you may as well hit ‘publish’ on the carefully crafted marketing material there and then instead of waiting patiently until launch day.

What’s that coming over the hill? It’s the all-new Cannondale SuperSix EVO!

 

This was the scenario Cannondale were faced with as their all-new 4^th generation SuperSix EVO quickly gained the attention of fans, cycling media and bicycle retailers all over the world in January this year, as the bike took multiple early season wins with the EF Education-EasyPost professional cycling team. In the time between then and now there’s been lots of speculation on the details of this new bike, but it’s only now at the time of the official launch that we can take a proper deep dive into the all-new Cannondale SuperSix EVO Gen 4.

It’s time to take aa deep dive into the all-new SuperSix EVO…

 

The SuperSix boats a rich racing history from the very first version in 2008 through to the 3^rd generation SuperSix EVO launched back in 2019 featuring drag-reducing integration for the first time. With Cannondale setting themselves an ambitious design brief for the all-new 4^th generation SuperSix this impressive legacy is set to continue with a whole raft of new innovations and improvements to their most popular road racing platform.

A lightweight climbing machine that also happens to be super-aero, the new SuperSix EVO promises A LOT of performance gains.

 

Development goals:

• Decrease frame weight and increase the capability of the previous generation SuperSix EVO
• Reduce overall system weight while improving integration compared to the previous generation SuperSix EVO. (Focus on reducing weight out of the handlebar, seat post and fork to take overall weight down)
• Reduce drag, matching the aero-efficiency of other brand competitors dedicated aero bike platforms
• An overall goal to have Cannondale’s lightweight race bike beating brand competitors aero bikes

Project Goals:

• A lightweight climbing bike with the aero-efficiency of an aero road bike
• An overall lower system weight
• Next-generation total integration

Aesthetic Goals:

• A break with the generic mould of aero tube frames – bring in more style
• Challenge CMF boundaries (colour, material, finish)
• Flawless component styling – integrate frame, fork, wheels , handlebars and seat post to create a cohesive package when combined

Frame, fork, wheels, handlebars, seat post and even the wheels have all been considered as one for a more integrated overall design.

 

Cannondale Carbon Construction

Today’s product launch sees a small range of 4^th generation Cannondale SuperSix EVO road bikes and framesets split into two different sub-groups, categorised by their frame material and construction technique, with the SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod bikes sitting above the SuperSix EVO Carbon bikes.

Hi-Mod

Cannondale’s SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod frames shave over 100 grams from the conventional Carbon frames by replacing multiple layers of intermediate modulus fibres with fewer layers of much stiffer high modulus fibres, taking overall weight down while retaining all the stiffness and strength required for a responsive, brilliantly-handling race bike.

Carbon

The Cannondale SuperSix EVO Carbon frame delivers a beautifully lightweight chassis at around 915 grams via a carbon layup that consists primarily of intermediate modulus fibers with some higher modulus fibers strategically placed for increased stiffness where it’s required.

Approximate 56cm frame weights:

• Hi-Mod: 810 grams
• Carbon: 930 grams

It’s worth pointing out too that both of the frame options listed are produced using the same mould, with only the carbon materials changing between them. This means that geometry and subsequently the EVO’s key characteristics – ride feel, handling and responsiveness are consistent throughout the range. While we’re on the subject of geometry it’s worth pointing out that there’s no changes to geo from the previous Gen 3 SuperSix EVO, which is a very good thing as its one of the stand-out qualities the bike is famed for.

Regardless of the model and grade of carbon you choose, you’ll get the same geometry and sublime handling characteristics. 

 

 

A magic mix of light weight and aerodynamics

Cannondale have invested a lot of time and money into product development and testing, with this process playing a massively important role in the final design and construction of the SuperSix EVO Gen 4. Constant lab and real-world testing have informed the team at Cannondale throughout and have left them with some impressive stats to boast at the SuperSix EVO’s launch.

The all-new SuperSix EVO is considerably more aerodynamic that its predecessor. 

 

Cannondale’s ultimate speed machine, the SystemSix is their dedicated aero road bike and they’ve used this bike in their comparison with the new SuperSix EVO to give us a better understanding of what they’ve achieved. Cannondale say they have been able to make the new SuperSix EVO 400 grams lighter than the Gen 3 version AND at the same time make it more aerodynamic than its predecessor; at 45km/h the EVO Gen 4 has a reduction of 12 watts over the Gen 3 EVO, getting you within 10 watts of Cannondale’s full-on SystemSix aero road bike. Oh and it’s worth mentioning too that the SuperSix EVO is almost a whole kilo lighter than the SystemSix too. If that all sounded a little complicated, the headline is simple – Cannondale have created the LIGHTEST fastest road bike available.

Cannondale are calling the Gen 4 SuperSix EVO the ‘lightest fastest road bike available’, in a nod to its aero-efficiency and its extremely light weight.

 

All of that aerodynamic efficiency isn’t just down to those beautifully sculpted frame tube profiles. It’s Cannondale’s clever approach to total integration that also helps to make the SuperSix EVO so good at slicing through the air; by engineering the frame, fork, handlebars, wheels and seat post as one holistic system Cannondale have been able to significantly lower drag. In another nod to aesthetics the designers have partnered up with MOMO Design in Italy to create an all-new one-piece integrated handlebar found on the Hi-Mod bikes, which not only looks stunning but is super-aero thanks to its thin aero profile.

Cannondale partnered up with Italian brand MOMO Design from the motor industry to develop their new one-piece integrated handlebar.

 

Part of the success of this new cockpit is down to a significant re-think to how Cannondale integrate the frame, fork, headset, stem and handlebars into one system with no exposed cables. Their all-new Delta steerer tube design allows for seamless integration of the bike’s cables from the cockpit down into the frameset with an 1” 1/8^th top bearing helping to decrease frontal area. The overall look is a nice, slim cockpit with integrated cables and conventional headtube dimensions; there’s no steering stop on this configuration, unlike the previous Gen 3 version meaning you’ll be able to maneuver the bike more safely and securely at slow speeds.

The new Delta steerer tube design allows for seamless integration of the bike’s cables while keeping the frontal area slim and aerodynamic.

 

The final piece of the ‘aerodynamic, fully-integrated, one-complete-system’ jigsaw is the specification of the all-new SuperSix EVO’s wheelsets. Both of the two Hi-Mod bikes feature Cannondale’s HollowGram 50 R-SL wheelsets developed alongside the SuperSix EVO and shaped by their DRAFT aero design philosophy. These super-aero wheels feature a 50mm deep, low-drag rim, bladed spokes and DT-Swiss 240 EXP rear hub internals, making it the perfect wheel for the EVO’s modus operandi – superlight to fly up the hills but with undisputable velocity-maintaining aerodynamics.

The Cannondale HollowGram 50 R-SL wheelsets have been designed in combination with the SuperSix EVO’s chassis to further enhance aerodynamics.

 

Oh, and one significant aspect which Cannondale were keen to reinforce with us at launch is that the wheels and the new SuperSix EVO frame NO LONGER follow their previous AI Offset (Asymmetric Integration) principle which utilised an offset rear triangle and drivetrain. The offset shifted the rear hub and drivetrain 6mm to the right, with the benefits said to enable short chainstays and a rear wheel which was stiffer and stronger thanks to spoke tension and angles being equal on both sides. The downside of this principle? Wheelsets weren’t immediately interchangeable, with any after-market rear wheels having to be re-dished before they would fit in the frame. Cannondale have been slowly phasing out their AI principle as each new model of bike is launched and the new Gen 4 SuperSix EVO has joined the conventional rear wheel party.

The all-new SuperSix EVO sees the return of conventional rear wheel spacing.

 

A few more nice details

Continuing the ‘aero is everything’ mantra Cannondale took a fresh look at bottle and bottle cage integration on the new SuperSix EVO, seeing an opportunity to enhance the aerodynamics of the bike even further. The new ReGrip Aero cages paired with Cannondale’s Gripper Aero water bottles actually help make the bike faster; these new bottles and cages create a more streamlined profile in combination with the SuperSix EVO’s chassis and improve aerodynamic efficiency thanks in no small part to the Gripper Aero bottle’s flat sides. There’s no worries when it comes to compatibility though; conventional water bottles fit the cages too, so if you’re taking mid-race hand-ups in the feed zone there won’t be any issues.

The Hi-Mod models include Cannondale Gripper Aero Bottles & ReGrip Aero Cages.

 

It’s amazing how quick wider tyres on road bikes have become the norm. With disc brakes now the standard braking configuration on all race bikes and rim profiles becoming wider, pro racers around the world have established 28mm racing tyres as their go-to choice, enjoying all the benefits of increased comfort and greater control thanks to a larger surface-area always being in contact with the road. With this in mind Cannondale have ensured that there’s ample clearance to fit up to 30mm wide tyres (with still over 6mm of clearance on either side).

The new SuperSix EVO includes ample clearance to fit up to 30mm wide tyres.

 

In another move that is going to be popular with professional workshop technicians and home mechanics alike we see the disappearance of Cannondale’s infamous Pressfit BB30 bottom bracket configuration (which in some cases could be prone to creaking), replaced with a conventional BSA 68mm threaded bottom bracket. The new SuperSix EVO’s threaded BSA bottom bracket standard creates a rock-solid mounting point for the crankset for ultimate simplicity and reliability, letting you change your bottom bracket at home without the need for specialist tools or having to take time off the bike while you wait for your bike to be serviced at your local workshop.

The BSA 68mm threaded bottom bracket makes a welcome return, replacing the out-going BB30 bottom bracket.

 

With the all-new SuperSix EVO featuring a super-slim aerodynamic seatpost there’s no room to fit an internal Shimano Di2 battery to power the electronic drivetrain of Shimano Dura-Ace, Ultegra, and 105 Di2 groupsets. Cannondale’s solution is very neat with the battery now located just in front of the bottom bracket, accessed by removing a small cover. This is another nice feature that makes battery replacement and/or removal much quicker and easier. Another small but pleasingly aesthetic change is the new ‘blind’ on the fork, with a smooth finish to the fork end instead of having the axle end visible on the drive-side of the bike.

Shimano Di2 batteries are now neatly stowed neatly just in front of the bottom bracket.

 

Sophisticated high-end bicycle design and manufacturing waits for no man. It’s a fast-moving world of continuous innovation and refinement. The all-new 4^th generation SuperSix EVO clearly reflects that industry ethos; taking valuable feedback from their professional road racers and undertaking rigorous real-world testing has led them to push the boundaries of what is possible when it comes to creating a bike that is able to boast a magic combination of lightweight climbing capability AND aerodynamic efficiency. These stunning-looking SuperSix EVO road bikes have already proven themselves on the world stage, winning multiple early season race even before its official launch! The SuperSix EVO already has a rich legacy within the world of cutting-edge road bikes and from all the aspects we’ve highlighted in this launch feature it’s pretty obvious that the newest 4^th generation version will continue that trend with the addition of some significant improvements to performance. Scroll through below to see the full range of Cannondale SuperSix EVO bikes and their full specifications…

 

SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD 1 RRP £10,500.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD Carbon, integrated cable routing w/ Switchplate, 12×142 Syntace thru-axle, BSA 68mm threaded BB, flat mount disc, integrated seat binder, SmartSense compatible
• Fork: SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD Carbon, integrated crown race, 12x100mm Syntace thru-axle, flat mount disc, internal routing, 1-1/8″ to 1-1/4″ Delta steerer, 55mm offset (51-54cm), 45mm offset (56-58cm)
• Rims: HollowGram 50 R-SL, Carbon, 20h front, 24h rear, 50mm deep, 21mm IW, tubeless ready
• Hubs: (F) HollowGram, sealed bearing 12x100mm centerlock / (R) HollowGram, 12x142mm centerlock w/ DT Swiss 240 internals
• Spokes: DT Swiss Aerolite, straight-pull
• Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 5000, 700 x 25c
• Crank: SRAM RED AXS Carbon, 48/35
• Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB BSA
• Chain: SRAM RED, 12-speed
• Rear Cassette: SRAM XG-1290, 10-28, 12-speed
• Front Derailleur: SRAM RED AXS
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM RED AXS
• Shifters: SRAM RED eTap AXS HRD, 2×12
• Handlebar: Cannondale SystemBar R-One – low drag, full carbon integrated bar/stem, internal routing
• Handlebar Tape: Cannondale Bar Tape, 3.5mm
• Stem: Cannondale SystemBar R-One – low drag, full carbon integrated bar/stem, internal routing
• Headset: Integrated, 1-1/8″ – 1-1/4″
• Brakes: SRAM RED eTap AXS HRD, 160/160mm Centerline-X rotors
• Brake Levers: SRAM RED eTap AXS HRD
• Saddle: Prologo Dimension NACK NDR, Carbon Rails
• Seatpost: Cannondale C1 Aero 40 Carbon, 20mm offset
• Connectivity: Cannondale Wheel Sensor
• Sizes: 51, 54, 56, 58
• Colour: Mercury w/ Raw Carbon, Brushed Chrome, and Smoke Black (MRC)
• Extras: Cannondale Gripper Aero Bottles & ReGrip Aero Cages, SRAM AXS charger

 

SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod 2 RRP £8,250.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD Carbon, integrated cable routing w/ Switchplate, 12×142 Syntace thru-axle, BSA 68mm threaded BB, flat mount disc, integrated seat binder, SmartSense compatible
• Fork: SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD Carbon, integrated crown race, 12x100mm Syntace thru-axle, flat mount disc, internal routing, 1-1/8″ to 1-1/4″ Delta steerer, 55mm offset (51-54cm), 45mm offset (56-58cm)
• Rims: HollowGram 50 R-SL, Carbon, 20h front, 24h rear, 50mm deep, 21mm IW, tubeless ready
• Hubs: (F) HollowGram, sealed bearing 12x100mm centerlock / (R) HollowGram, 12x142mm centerlock w/ DT Swiss 240 internals
• Spokes: DT Swiss Aerolite, straight-pull
• Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 5000, 700 x 25c
• Crank: Shimano Ultegra R8200, 52/36
• Bottom Bracket: Shimano BSA 68
• Chain: Shimano Ultegra, 12-speed
• Rear Cassette: Shimano Ultegra R8200, 11-30, 12-speed
• Front Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8150
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8150
• Shifters: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8170, wireless, 2×12
• Handlebar: Vision Trimax Carbon Aero, 31.8mm
• Handlebar Tape: Cannondale Bar Tape, 3.5mm
• Stem: Cannondale C1 Conceal, Alloy, 31.8, -6°
• Headset: Integrated, 1-1/8″ – 1-1/4″
• Brakes: Shimano Ultegra R8170, 160/140mm MT800 rotors
• Brake Levers: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8170 hydraulic disc
• Saddle: Prologo Dimension TiRox NDR, Titanium Rails
• Seatpost: Cannondale C1 Aero 40 Carbon, 20mm offset
• Connectivity: Cannondale Wheel Sensor
• Sizes: 51, 54, 56, 58
• Colour 1: Sonic Blue w/ Jet Black, Smoke Brushed Chrome, and Rally Red (SNB)
• Colour 2: Jet Black w/ Smoke Black and Smoke Brushed Chrome (BBQ)
• Extras: Cannondale Gripper Aero Bottles & ReGrip Aero Cages, Shimano EC300 charging connector

 

SuperSix EVO Carbon 1 RRP £6,750.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: SuperSix EVO Carbon, integrated cable routing w/ Switchplate, 12×142 Syntace thru-axle, BSA 68mm threaded BB, flat mount disc, integrated seat binder, SmartSense compatible
• Fork: SuperSix EVO Carbon, integrated crown race, 12x100mm Syntace thru-axle, flat mount disc, internal routing, 1-1/8″ to 1-1/4″ Delta steerer, 55mm offset (51-54cm), 45mm offset (56-61cm)
• Rims: HollowGram 50 R-S, Carbon, 20h front, 24h rear, 50mm deep, 21mm IW, tubeless ready
• Hubs: (F) HollowGram, sealed bearing 12x100mm centerlock / (R) HollowGram, 12x142mm centerlock w/ DT Swiss 350 internals
• Spokes: Formula Grand Forza, Double Butted, straight-pull
• Tyres: Vittoria Rubino Pro Bright Black, 700 x 25c, reflective strip
• Crank: SRAM Force, DUB, 48/35
• Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB BSA
• Chain: SRAM Force, 12-speed
• Rear Cassette: SRAM XG-1270, 10-33, 12-speed
• Front Derailleur: SRAM Force AXS, braze-on
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM Force AXS
• Shifters: SRAM Force AXS, 12-speed
• Handlebar: Vision Trimax Carbon Aero
• Handlebar Tape: Cannondale Bar Tape, 3.5mm
• Stem: Cannondale C1 Conceal, Alloy, 31.8, -6°
• Headset: Integrated, 1-1/8″ – 1-1/4″
• Brakes: SRAM Force AXS Hydraulic Disc, 160/160mm PaceLine Rotors
• Brake Levers: SRAM Force AXS hydraulic disc
• Saddle: Prologo Dimension TiRox NDR, Titanium Rails
• Seatpost: Cannondale C1 Aero 40 Carbon, 20mm offset
• Connectivity: Cannondale Wheel Sensor
• Sizes: 51, 54, 56, 58, 61
• Colour: Mystique Gray (Tint) w/ Midnight Blue and Brushed Chrome (MYG)
• Extras: SRAM AXS charger

 

SuperSix EVO Carbon 2 RRP £6,250.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: SuperSix EVO Carbon, integrated cable routing w/ Switchplate, 12×142 Syntace thru-axle, BSA 68mm threaded BB, flat mount disc, integrated seat binder, SmartSense compatible
• Fork: SuperSix EVO Carbon, integrated crown race, 12x100mm Syntace thru-axle, flat mount disc, internal routing, 1-1/8″ to 1-1/4″ Delta steerer, 55mm offset (48-54cm), 45mm offset (56-61cm)
• Rims: HollowGram 45 R, Carbon, 20h front, 24h rear, 50mm deep, 21mm IW, tubeless ready
• Hubs: (F) HollowGram, sealed bearing 12x100mm centerlock / (R) HollowGram 3-pawl, sealed bearing, 12x142mm centerlock
• Spokes: Formula Grand Forza, Double Butted, straight-pull
• Tyres: Vittoria Rubino Pro Bright Black, 700 x 25c, reflective strip
• Crank: Shimano Ultegra R8100, 52/36
• Bottom Bracket: Shimano BBRS500, BSA
• Chain: Shimano Ultegra, 12-speed
• Rear Cassette: Shimano Ultegra R8100, 11-30, 12-speed
• Front Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8150
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8150
• Shifters: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8170, wireless, 2×12-speed
• Handlebar: Vision Trimax Carbon Aero
• Handlebar Tape: Cannondale Bar Tape, 3.5mm
• Stem: Cannondale C1 Conceal, Alloy, 31.8, -6°
• Headset: Integrated, 1-1/8″ – 1-1/4″
• Brakes: Shimano Ultegra R8170, 160/140mm MT800 rotors
• Brake Levers: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8170 hydraulic disc
• Saddle: Prologo Dimension STN NDR, Stainless Steel Rails
• Seatpost: Cannondale C1 Aero 40 Carbon, 0mm offset (48cm), 20mm offset (51-61cm)
• Connectivity: Cannondale Wheel Sensor
• Sizes: 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61
• Colour 1: Deep Teal w/ Orchid, Goldfinger, Turquoise (DTE)
• Colour 2: Raw carbon w/ Disco Black and Fine Silver (RAW)
• Extras: Shimano EC300 charging connector

 

SuperSix EVO Carbon 3 RRP £4,000.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: SuperSix EVO Carbon, integrated cable routing w/ Switchplate, 12×142 Syntace thru-axle, BSA 68mm threaded BB, flat mount disc, integrated seat binder, SmartSense compatible
• Fork: SuperSix EVO Carbon, integrated crown race, 12x100mm Syntace thru-axle, flat mount disc, internal routing, 1-1/8″ to 1-1/4″ Delta steerer, 55mm offset (48-54cm), 45mm offset (56-61cm)
• Wheels: DT Swiss R470 DB
• Crank: Shimano 105 R7100 50/34
• Bottom Bracket: Shimano BBRS500, BSA
• Chain: Shimano 105, 12-speed
• Rear Cassette: Shimano 105 R7100, 11-34, 12-speed
• Front Derailleur: Shimano 105 Di2 R7150
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105 Di2 R7150
• Shifters: Shimano 105 Di2 R7150, wireless, 2×12-speed
• Handlebar: Vision Trimax Carbon Aero
• Handlebar Tape: Cannondale Bar Tape, 3.5mm
• Stem: Cannondale C1 Conceal, Alloy, 31.8, -6°
• Headset: Integrated, 1-1/8″ – 1-1/4″
• Brake Levers: Shimano 105 Di2 ST-R7170 hydraulic disc
• Brakes: Shimano 105 Di2 BR-R7170 Flat Mount
• Brake Rotors: 160/140mm RT64 rotors
• Saddle: Prologo Nago RS Pro STN
• Seatpost: Cannondale C1 Aero 40 Carbon, 0mm offset (48cm), 20mm offset (51-61cm)
• Connectivity: Cannondale Wheel Sensor
• Sizes: 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61
• Colour 1: Chalk (CHK)
• Colour 2: Viper Green (VGN)
• Extras: Shimano EC300 charging connector

 

SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod Frameset RRP £3,750.00

• Frame: SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD Carbon, integrated cable routing w/ Switchplate, 12×142 Syntace thru-axle, BSA 68mm threaded BB, flat mount disc, integrated seat binder, SmartSense compatible
• Fork: SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD Carbon, integrated crown race, 12x100mm Syntace thru-axle, flat mount disc, internal routing, 1-1/8″ to 1-1/4″ Delta steerer, 55mm offset (48-54cm), 45mm offset (56-61cm)
• Headset: Integrated, 1-1/8″ – 1-1/4″
• Seatpost: Cannondale C1 Aero 40 Carbon, 0mm offset (48cm), 20mm offset (51-61cm)
• Sizes: 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61
• Colour 1: Jet Black w/ Smoke Black and Fine Silver (SBK)
• Colour 2: Laguna Yellow w/ Smoke Black and Olive Green (LYW)
• Extras: Cannondale Gripper Aero Bottles & ReGrip Aero Cages

 

Cannondale SuperSix EVO Geometry

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by Cannondale

 

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