CANNONDALE SUPERSIX EVO HI-MOD 2 – PRODUCT FEATURE

 

Cannondale recently launched their all-new 4th generation SuperSix EVO family of road bikes following a couple of months of speculation which saw multiple spy shots of the new model being ridden by EF Education-EasyPost professional cycling team. During that time there was plenty of speculation regarding the details of the new chassis which suggested a number of significant changes and improvements to the out-going 3rd generation EVO.

We put together a detailed product launch feature when the bikes finally went public, highlighting all of the features that helped make the new SuperSix EVO the ‘lightest fastest road bike available’ according to Cannondale. The all-new Gen 4 SuperSix was well received by almost everyone involved with road cycling, from pro racers, to industry insiders, consumers AND retailers. All of our Wheelbase staff were super-keen to see the new SuperSix EVO bikes in the flesh and happily we didn’t have to wait too long. Shortly after the global launch we received our very first drop of EVO’s and quickly got one built ready to be photographed by our Freelancer James Vincent; so let’s take a detailed look at the Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod 2…

The 4th generation SuperSix EVO boasts a magic mix of a low overall weight combined with slippery aerodynamics.

 

The SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod 2 spec’d with an 11-speed Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset sits high up in the new EVO range, just below the Hi-Mod 1. The range of Cannondale SuperSix EVO road bikes and framesets is split into three different sub-groups, categorised by their frame material and construction technique. At the very top of the tree is the stunning LAB71 SuperSix EVO (more on LAB71 at Wheelbase soon), then below that there’s the SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod bikes and finally the SuperSix EVO Carbon bikes.

This newest iteration of the SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod features plenty of improvements including increased comfort, reduced weight and improved aerodynamics.

 

The SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod frame seen here on the Hi-Mod 2 shaves over 100 grams from the conventional Carbon frame lower down the range. Cannondale replace multiple layers of intermediate modulus fibres with fewer layers of much stiffer high modulus fibres, this takes overall weight down while retaining all the stiffness and strength required for a responsive, brilliantly-handling race bike. It’s worth pointing out too, that the Hi-Mod carbon material, the construction technique and frame configuration all contribute to enhanced compliance where it’s needed, providing greater comfort during long hours spent in the saddle.

The seatstays on the new SuperSix EVO have been dropped lower down the seat tube to increase compliance while improving aerodynamics.

 

One of the stand-out stats which came out of the recent launch of the new SuperSix EVO was a significant drop in frame weight which has been achieved at the same time as it becoming more aero. Cannondale made the SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod 400 grams lighter than the previous version while almost matching their specialist aero road bike, the Cannondale SystemSix in terms of aerodynamic capacity, being within 10 watts of their most slippery aero bike. Each and every tube profile and frame angle on the SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod 2 has been born out of careful analysis and tireless prototyping during the product development stage. Every tube profile on the SuperSix EVO is beautifully sculpted, with truncated aerofoil shaping to help cut through the wind more efficiently.

The tube profiles on the SuperSix EVO are all beautifully sculpted, featuring truncated aerofoil shaping.

 

The SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod 2’s super-sleek aerodynamic capabilities are further enhanced by the total integration of the bike’s frame, fork, handlebars, seat post and wheels. Integration has been a bit of a buzzword in road bike design over the last few years, typically referring to a seamless configuration of the bike’s cockpit, including fully concealed internal cables. There’s a real mix of integration solutions out there and a varied success-rate from the industry’s leading bike brands; happily Cannondale have hit the mark with their all-new SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod. Their clever approach to total integration really contributes to the bike’s aero aerodynamic efficiency, engineering the frame, fork, handlebars, wheels and seat post as one holistic system to significantly lower overall drag. Oh, and it looks stunning too, which is no small thing!

The SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod 2 is fully integrated with frame, fork, handlebars, wheels and seat post designed as one holistic system.

 

If you’re familiar with the previous generation SuperSix EVO you’ll know that integration of the stem, headset and head tube along with the internal cables that ran through them relied upon a separate cavity moulded into the front of the headtube; this could look a little messy depending your choice of stem and/or the amount of headset spacers used and it also meant that there was a natural steering stop, meaning the turning circle could be compromised at slow, almost stationary speed.

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

 

Cannondale have now introduced their Delta steerer tube design for the new Gen 4 SuperSix EVO allowing for seamless integration of the bike’s cables from the cockpit down into the frameset with an 1” 1/8th top bearing helping to decrease frontal area. The overall look is a nice, slim cockpit with integrated cables and conventional headtube dimensions AND there’s no steering stop on this configuration so you’ll be able to manoeuvre the bike more safely at slow speeds.

Viewed from the front the Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod 2’s aero proficiency is clear to see.

 

The all-new integrated cockpit is more aesthetically pleasing and better executed than its predecessor thanks to Cannondale’s new Delta steerer tube design.

 

While the top of the range SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod 1 features a one-piece carbon bar and stem the EVO Hi-Mod 2 we’re focused on here features an alloy Cannondale C1 Conceal stem, which is still a propriety part created specifically to work with the cockpit of the bike. The stem is matched with a Vision Trimax Carbon Aero handlebar; the internal brake hoses are neatly routed from the bar, to the underside of the stem and down into the specially designed headset spacers and headtube for a seamless, fully integrated cockpit. This is a nice setup and gives the advantage of a separate bar and stem allowing you to fine-tune your riding position even more.

The propriety Cannondale C1 Conceal stem and Vision Trimax Carbon Aero bar offer plenty of adjustment allowing you to fine tune your riding position.

 

The SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod 2’s carbon Vision Trimax handlebar is profiled to cut through the air while being comfortable too.

 

There are so many nice details to consider on the new SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod 1 with each one reflecting Cannondale’s laser-focus on designing and developing the lightest, most aerodynamic road bike possible. In an effort to make the bike even more aerodynamically efficient they created the new ReGrip Aero bottle cages paired and Gripper Aero water bottles; these new bottles and cages create a more streamlined profile in combination with the SuperSix EVO’s frame, improving aerodynamic efficiency thanks in no small part to the Gripper Aero bottle’s flat sides. Don’t panic 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 compatibility issues.

The Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod 2 includes a pair of Cannondale Gripper Aero Bottles & ReGrip Aero Cages.

 

The specially-profiled Gripper Aero Bottles work in combination with the SuperSix EVO frame to provide even more wind-cheating capabilities.

 

Another change from the previous generation SuperSix EVO is the threaded bottom bracket found on the all-new Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod 2. The previous Pressfit BB30 bottom bracket configuration (which in some cases could be prone to creaking) has gone, replaced with a conventional BSA 68mm threaded bottom bracket; so you’ll now be able to 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. This is a trend we’re seeing across all leading bike brands on their high-end bikes and it’s certainly a welcome one with us.

This 4th-generation SuperSix boasts a BSA 68mm threaded bottom bracket, replacing the out-going pressfit BB30 bottom bracket. 

 

Previous generation SuperSix EVO’s spec’d with a Shimano Di2 electronic groupset saw the system’s stored in the seatpost. That gen 3 seatpost was cylindrical in profile while the new gen 4 seatpost is a super-slim aerodynamic design meaning there’s no room for the Di2 battery. Cannondale have now located a new separate battery area just in front of the bottom bracket, accessed by removing a small, neat cover; this is another nice feature that makes battery replacement and/or removal much quicker and easier.

There’s a new location for the Shimano Di2 battery, underneath the bottom bracket, easily accessed via this discrete plug.

 

The Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod 2 is spec’d with Shimano’s brilliant Ultegra Di2 12-speed drivetrain. The configuration of the Ultegra Di2 groupset is semi-wireless; what this means in practice is that the shifter units are wireless sending a signal to the front and rear derailleurs which are wired together inside the frame, with both drawing power from the battery stored just in front of the bottom bracket. This set up eliminates the need for any electronic gear wires or traditional gear cables having to be routed through the bar, stem, headset and frame, leaving only the hydraulic brake hoses. This wireless cockpit looks so clean and simple on the SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod 2 and the wired portion of the Shimano Di2 electronic gear system, connected to the internal battery actually means longer run times thanks to a more efficient central source of power.

Cannondale have spec’d the SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod 2 with a cutting-edge Shimano Di2 12-speed electronic groupset.

 

Shimano’s Ultegra Di2 rear derailleur provides crisp, precise gear selection every time you shift.

 

The 12-speed wireless Shimano Di2 electronic shifters send a signal to the front and rear derailleurs in an instant for rapid shifting.

 

Shimano have squeezed 12 cogs into the rear cassette with an 11-30T range providing all the ratios you’ll need.

 

With racing and performance in mind Cannondale have selected the sort of gear ratios you’d expect to find on a race-ready road bike like the SuperSix EVO. Upfront there’s the great-looking Ultegra chainset featuring 52-36T chainrings combined with a close-ratio 12-speed cassette out back with ratios going from 11 teeth to 30 teeth, giving plenty of useful gear ratios at either end of the block. The 12-speed cassette helps to make the jumps from each available ratio smoother with a less drastic jump between them feeling good when you’re racing and want to stay on top of your gears.

Upfront there’s a great-looking Shimano Ultegra R8200 chainset with 52/36T chainrings.

 

Shimano spent some considerable time developing the latest version of their Ultegra hydraulic disc brakes. The R8170’s are more compact than their predecessors as well as being lighter and more rigid; while the Ultegra R8170 brakes are equally as powerful as the previous versions and feature just the right amount of lever-pull there’s actually more pad clearance, so you’ll enjoy a quieter ride with no potential for annoying brake rub. Cannondale have spec’d a slightly larger 160mm diameter rotor on the front and a smaller, lighter 140mm rotor on the back to save a little bit of weight without affecting braking performance.

A powerful Shimano Ultegra R8170 hydraulic brake caliper combined with a 160mm rotor upfront will keep in control on fast descents.

 

On the rear a Shimano Ultegra R8170 hydraulic caliper combined with a slightly smaller 140mm rotor provides reliable braking in all conditions.

 

Completing the ‘aerodynamic, fully-integrated, one-complete-system’ design approach to the SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod 2 is Cannondale’s new HollowGram 50 R-SL wheelset; these superlight carbon wheels were developed in unison with the new 4^th generation SuperSix EVO to provide enhanced aerodynamics. The super-aero HollowGram 50 R-SL wheels feature a 50mm deep, low-drag rim, bladed spokes and DT-Swiss 240 EXP rear hub internals and are built to fly up the hills while efficiently cutting through the air thanks to their undisputable velocity-maintaining aerodynamics.

Cannondale’s own propriety HollowGram 50 R-SL carbon wheelset is designed to work in unison with the SuperSix EVO frameset as one super-aero package.

 

When the range of 4^th generation SuperSix EVO’s launched recently Cannondale were keen to highlight that this newest iteration no longer featured 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 wheel needing to be re-dished before they could fit in the frame. Cannondale have been slowly phasing out their AI principle as each new model of bike is launched and happily for us all this SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod 2 features conventional rear wheel spacing.

The Cannondale HollowGram rear hub features smooth-rolling DT Swiss 240 internals.

 

The HollowGram 50 R-SL wheels with sealed hubs are superlight as well as aerodynamic.

 

The new SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod 2 boasts plenty of clearance for wider road tyres; with rims becoming wider, thanks to the now-firmly-established disc brake, rim profiles have changed, growing in width and allowing for wider tyres that increase their contact patch with the tarmac. Pro racers seem to have now settled on 28mm wide tyres as the standard, however the SuperSix EVO can comfortably accommodate a 30mm tyre with 6mm of tyre clearance making this bike even more versatile.

The SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod 2 boasts plenty of tyre clearance, allowing you to fit tyres up to 30mm wide.

 

In its short life, since it was first raced by the pros in January 2023 the all-new 4th generation SuperSix EVO has quickly established itself as a super-versatile race-winning weapon which is equally capable of flying up the climbs or holding its speed on flatter terrain thanks to all of those brilliant aerodynamic design features.

Our very own road racing team Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli, (now the longest-running elite road racing team in the U.K.) have competed onboard multiple versions of the Cannondale SuperSix throughout the years. The team have really benefitted from a race bike which can handle anything the busy racing calendar can throw at them, such is the versatility and confidence-inspiring nature of the SuperSix. The all-new SuperSix EVO is clearly set to continue that trend with the addition of some significant improvements to performance. It’s a cliché to say it, but with its fully-integrated aero profile, cutting-edge Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic groupset and superlight aero carbon wheels the Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod 2 really is ‘ready to race right out of the box’.

Cannondale’s SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod 2 is functionally brilliant and aesthetically beautiful, boasting all of the qualities we’d expect from a race-ready road bike.

 

Cannondale 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 (Photographed): Jet Black w/ Smoke Black and Smoke Brushed Chrome (BBQ)
• Extras: Cannondale Gripper Aero Bottles & ReGrip Aero Cages, Shimano EC300 charging connector

 

Cannondale SuperSix EVO Geometry

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by James Vincent

 

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