CANNONDALE SUPERSIX EVO LAB71 DURA-ACE Di2

 

The ultimate version of the ultimate road racing bike; it’s time to take a detailed look at an incredibly special bike from Cannondale! The SuperSix EVO LAB71 Dura-Ace Di2 very recently landed at Wheelbase HQ and we wasted no time in giving it the full ‘fast bike feature’ treatment, with our regular freelance photographer James Vincent capturing all of its best angles to really do this stunning race bike justice.

This special LAB71 model is the ultimate version of Cannondale’s high-performance road bike, the sublime SuperSix EVO.

 

Cannondale’s special LAB71 division was launched earlier in 2023 and represents the best of the best within their large range of premium bikes. When you see any Cannondale with LAB71 in its product name you can consider it the lightest, fastest, most stunning bike in the range, with each and every detail carefully considered. The Cannondale designers start with the most high-performing bikes in their existing range and then refine them even more to achieve higher levels of innovation and aesthetic quality with unique materials, paintwork, componentry and special features all making LAB71 models the most desirable bikes that Cannondale have ever created.

LAB71 is very limited, with Cannondale creating a small selection of bikes which make up this exclusive division; so far they have created special-edition road, gravel, mountain and e-bikes with the SuperSix EVO LAB71 Dura-Ace Di2 representing the very pinnacle of their road bike range. Cannondale LAB71 bikes are limited to selected stores and Wheelbase are very proud stockists of these special bikes.

With limited availability at selected stores, Wheelbase are one of the few U.K. stockists of Cannondale’s ultimate LAB71 bikes.

 

Up until the advent of the LAB71 SuperSix EVO, the full range of EVO bikes were split into two sub-groups of carbon fibre; at the lower end was EVO carbon and at the higher end was EVO Hi-Mod (Hi-modulus carbon fibre), their more premium material which shaved weight during construction by using fewer layers of much stiffer high modulus fibres, taking overall weight down while retaining stiffness and strength.

For this special limited-edition LAB71 model the engineers developed a whole new grade of carbon fibre, stretching the limits of what was possible to create their ‘Series 0’ material. Thanks to an advanced carbon fibre and nano-resin layup they were able to achieve exceptional strength using less materials, thus creating a frame with even less overall weight than their Hi-Mod carbon.

Cannondale developed Ultralight Series 0 Carbon for this very special bike; it’s a whole new grade of carbon which is unique to LAB71.

 

This special edition LAB71 version of the fourth generation SuperSix EVO features exactly the same frame profile as the other EVO’s in the range, meaning that not only is the Cannondale SuperSix EVO LAB71 Dura-Ace Di2 incredibly light it’s also brilliantly aerodynamic. A lightweight road bike that cuts through the air as efficiently as it dances up the climbs is the dream and it’s been made a reality thanks to the clever people at Cannondale!

Each new generation of high-performance road bike is informed from the last and the Cannondale designers and engineers were able to take everything they’d learned from the development of their flagship aero road bike – the SystemSix and apply that knowledge to the SuperSix EVO LAB71 resulting in beautifully sculpted tube profiles and sophisticated truncated aerofoil shaping at key parts of the frame to slice through the air more efficiently than ever before.

Those frame angles and tube profiles are a visual clue to just how aerodynamically efficient the SuperSix LAB71 is at cutting through the air.

 

As you’d expect with a bike at this price point, the ‘Marble Oxblood’ paintjob is a work of art.

 

Even the small details are pretty special, including this smart machined-metal blanking plate on the downtube.

 

The SuperSix EVO LAB71 frame and seatpost have been designed as one complete system, so that they are super-efficient at cutting through the air.

 

The SuperSix EVO LAB71’s aerodynamic prowess is further enhanced by some really well-executed integration. The bike has been designed and engineered as one holistic system with the bike’s frame, fork, handlebars, seat post and even the wheels considered as one; all of this dramatically decreasing drag while giving an aesthetically-pleasing quality.

When it comes to the cockpit it’s worth noting that this latest generation of SuperSix EVO features a re-designed stem, headset and headtube configuration. Cannondale’s Delta steerer tube facilitates the seamless integration of the EVO LAB71’s brake hoses from the cockpit into the frame; there are no gear cables or electronic wires to route into the frame here thanks to the wireless nature of the Shimano Dura-Ace electronic shifters so everything looks super neat and clutter-free. An 1” 1/8th top bearing headset helps to decrease frontal area even more resulting in a slim aero-efficient cockpit with conventional headtube dimensions.

Full integration means that the frame’s headtube, the fork and the headset all come together to form a seamless, slippery aerodynamic front-end. 

 

Cannondale took things to the next level when it came to the development of the SuperSix EVO LAB71’s handlebar. Reflecting the ‘ultimate road bike’ design approach they teamed up with world-renowned Italian design brand MOMODesign from Milan to create the SystemBar R-One full carbon integrated bar and stem. Equal parts form and function, the SystemBar R-One is stunning to look at AND is great at cutting through the air, utilising drag-reducing profiling and super-sleek cable integration; this collaboration between MOMODesign and Cannondale has brought a whole new level to ergonomic styling.

Cannondale partnered with the iconic Italian designers MOMODesign to create this stunning cockpit featuring a drag-reducing profile.

 

Cannondale’s MOMODesign collaboration brings enhanced dynamics and stunning aesthetics to the LAB71’s cockpit.

 

As the Cannondale SuperSix EVO LAB71 Dura-Ace Di2’s model name suggests this premium road bike comes fitted with Shimano’s top tier Dura-Ace Di2 semi-wireless electronic 12-speed groupset. This ‘semi-wireless’ configuration is a sort of ‘best of both worlds’ approach which sees all the benefits of having wireless shifter units that don’t require wires to be routed from the handlebar, stem and frame which is then paired with an internally wired portion linking the front and rear derailleur, powered by and internal battery.

Cannondale’s ultimate road bike deserves the ultimate drivetrain; Shimano’s Dura-Ace Di2 12-speed groupset ticks that box.

 

The Shimano Dura Ace Di2 shift levers send their wireless commands directly to the rear derailleur which is the designated ‘connectivity unit’ or brains of the system, those signals from the lever either move the 12-speed rear derailleur as required or instantly send a message via the wired portion of the system to activate the front derailleur. This latest version of the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset includes a front derailleur which has dramatically reduced in weight compared to the previous version, now tipping the scales at under 100 grams.

The Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 electronic rear derailleur provides super-fast, precise gear shifts each and every time it’s activated.

 

The electronic Dura-Ace Di2 front derailleur gives you the confidence to shift from one ring to the other even when you’re out of the saddle.

 

Not only have Shimano been able to create a more convenient semi-wireless configuration they’ve also been able to speed things up too, with the signal between shifter and derailleur now four times faster than its wired predecessor. When the groupset was launched Shimano stated that shifting signals to the rear derailleur were 58% faster and shifting signals to the front derailleur were 45% faster making the whole system even more user-friendly, particularly during particularly chaotic racing scenarios. Sound too fast for you? No problem, Shimano’s smartphone app lets you fine-tune the shift speed to suit you and your style of riding.

Every gear selection, activated from the ergonomic wireless shifters is instantaneous, providing lightening fast shifts at the front and rear derailleurs.

 

When you cast your eyes over the Cannondale SuperSix EVO LAB71 the Dura-Ace chainset really catches your eye; that gloss black contrasting nicely with the bike’s matt black finish while all of those beautifully sculpted angles catch the light. Beyond those strikingly good looks the chainset benefits from years of refinement and is informed from all of the previous generation Dura-Ace chainsets. Years of development mean that this latest version benefits from all of the science and testing that went into previous versions, including hollow arms and chainrings that keep weight to a minimum while enhancing stiffness and shifting precision.

Shimano’s brilliantly functional Dura-Ace chainset is visually stunning too, with its gloss black finish contrasting nicely with the bike’s matt black finish.

 

When it comes to the Dura-Ace’s brake set Shimano have increased rigidity and enhanced pad clearance for a quieter ride with no potential for any disc rub, addressing common complaints about the previous versions. In fact this latest iteration sees a complete overhaul of their hydraulic braking system, with the new BR-R9270 versions being noticeably more compact and significantly lighter, thanks in no small part to their one-piece ‘Mono-Body’ construction technique.

A hydraulic brake caliper is only as good as the rotor it’s designed to bind with and with this in mind Shimano have paired the Dura-Ace BR-R9270 hydraulic brake calipers with their existing Shimano XTR RT-MT900 disc rotors. Taken directly from their top-tier mountain bike groupset, these disc brake rotors are actually a little lighter than the road-specific rotors they are replacing and have proven to better withstand temporary deformation caused by overheating on long alpine descents.

Shimano’s powerful Shimano Dura-Ace R9270 hydraulic brake calipers help you stay in control on unpredictable roads and in difficult conditions.

 

Following the theme of the SuperSix EVO LAB71 being considered as one holistic, fully-integrated unit made up of frame, fork, cockpit and seatpost, the designers at Cannondale were also in agreement that the bike’s wheelset should be an integral part of that overall aerodynamic package.

The Cannondale HollowGram R-SL 50 wheelset with 50mm deep low-drag rims is designed to enhance the aerodynamics of the complete bike.

 

The Cannondale Hollowgram R-SL 50 carbon fibre wheelset completes the brief, being lightweight and aerodynamic meaning they skip effortlessly up the climbs while helping you hold your speed on the flat thanks to those 50mm deep, super low-drag carbon rims, bladed spokes and smooth, fast-rolling HollowGram hubs.

The HollowGram R-SL 50’s are superlight too, allowing you to fly up the hills and dance away from the competition.

 

Cannondale’s HollowGram hubs are smooth and fast-rolling, featuring durable sealed bearings.

 

Cannondale have spec’d the SuperSix EVO LAB71 Dura-Ace Di2 road bike with 25mm wide tyres, but it’s worth noting that due to the Hollowgram R-SL 50’s considerable internal rim width, the overall width of the Conti tyre comes out more like a 28mm tyre, increasing the contact patch with the ground for greater control as well as enhancing rider comfort. Cannondale state that the SuperSix EVO can comfortably accommodate a 30mm wide tyre with 6mm clearance if you’re already thinking about fitting wider tyres.

The Cannondale SuperSix EVO LAB71 comes spec’d with a pair of grippy 25c Continental Grand Prix 5000 tyres.

 

It’s all about the small details with a high-performance premium road bike like the SuperSix EVO LAB71; every design element is carefully considered in the pursuit of excellence. After refining every element of the bike in an effort to make it as aerodynamically efficient as possible there was one factor still troubling the Cannondale designers – traditionally shaped water bottles and cages were causing unwanted turbulence. In an effort to make the bike even more aerodynamically efficient they created their 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 LAB71’s frame, improving aerodynamic efficiency thanks in no small part to the Gripper Aero bottle’s flat sides.

Even the aerodynamics of the bottles and cages has been considered , with Cannondale’s own contributing to the overall aero-efficiency of the bike.

 

The birth of the LAB71 division has taken Cannondale’s ‘ultimate bikes’ to the next level, making this all-new SuperSix EVO LAB71 Dura-Ace Di2 road bike the ‘ULTIMATE ultimate road bike’. With every functional and aesthetic factor carefully considered, developed and analysed in the design and manufacturing process the finished result is a visually stunning road bike which is fantastically lightweight, responsive and brilliantly aerodynamic. Versatile is an often over-used word within the cycling industry, but it’s an appropriate one in this instance with the SuperSix EVO LAB71 capable of flying up the climbs and holding its speed on flatter terrain thanks to all of those slippery aerodynamic design features.

So would you race it if you owned it? Or simply ride it sparingly on the nicest days of the year? Cannondale say it’s not for hanging on the wall and is ready for competition; whatever you decide the SuperSix EVO LAB71 Dura-Ace Di2 is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and enhance your enjoyment of each and every ride.

The SuperSix EVO LAB71 is Cannondale’s ultimate road racing bike with a dream spec and stunningly good looks.

 

Cannondale SuperSix EVO LAB71 Dura-Ace Di2 RRP £12,500

Full Specification:

• Frame: LAB71 SuperSix EVO, Ultralight Series 0 Carbon, integrated cable routing w/ Switchplate, 12×142 Syntace thru-axle, BSA 68mm threaded BB, flat mount disc, integrated seat binder, SmartSense compatible
• Fork: LAB71 SuperSix EVO, Ultralight Series 0 Carbon, integrated crown race, 12x100mm Syntace thru-axle, flat mount disc, internal routing, 1-1/8″ to 1-1/4″ Delta steerer, 55mm offset (44-54cm), 45mm offset (56-61cm)
• Headset: Integrated, 1-1/8″ – 1-1/4″
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9250
• Front Derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9250
• Shifters: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9270, wireless, 2×12
• Chain: Shimano Dura-Ace, 12-speed
• Crank: Shimano Dura-Ace R9200, 52/36
• Rear Cassette: Shimano Dura-Ace R9200, 11-30, 12-speed
• Bottom Bracket: CeramicSpeed BSA for Shimano Road, Coated Version
• Brake Levers: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9270 hydraulic disc
• Brakes Calipers: Shimano Dura-Ace R9270,
• Brake Rotors: 160/140mm MT900
• Rims: HollowGram R-SL 50, Carbon, 20h front, 24h rear, 50mm deep, 21mm inner width, tubeless ready
• Spokes: DT Swiss Aerolite, straight-pull
• Hubs: (F) HollowGram, sealed bearing 12x100mm centerlock / (R) HollowGram, 12x142mm centerlock w/ DT Swiss 240 internals
• Tyres : Continental Grand Prix 5000, 700x25c
• Handlebars: Cannondale SystemBar R-One – low drag, full carbon integrated bar/stem, internal routing
• Stem: Cannondale SystemBar R-One – low drag, full carbon integrated bar/stem, internal routing
• Handlebar Tape: Fizik Tempo Bondcush Soft, 3mm
• Saddle: Fizik Vento Argo 00 Carbon
• Seatpost: Cannondale C1 Aero 40 Carbon, 0mm offset (frame size 44-48cm), 20mm offset (frame size 51-61cm)
• Bottles: Cannondale Gripper Aero Bottles
• Bottle Cages: ReGrip Aero Cages

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by James Vincent

 

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