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The Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod 2 in the TOUR test
The start to the current racing season got off to a sensationally good start for EF Education EasyPost. The US team, which had fought against relegation from the World Tour for a long time in 2022, took more victories in just a few weeks than in the whole of last year. Although the "Pink Panthers" were unable to maintain this trend in the spring classics and the Tour de France, the team led by German Jonas Rutsch has looked like a new team in recent months.
The secret of success? According to Rutsch, in addition to a clear division of roles in the team, it's mainly down to the material: the new SuperSix Evo from Cannondale. "It's definitely the best road bike from Cannondale that I've ever ridden," says the classics specialist, who was part of a leading group in the Tour of Flanders on the bike for a long time. TOUR put Cannondale's Hi-Mod 2 racing bike to the test in the wind tunnel, laboratory and on the road.
Cannondale SuperSix - Fast like aero specialists
Like its predecessor, the fourth expansion stage of the SuperSix is designed as a competition all-rounder that takes on various terrains under its tyres and is used as the main work tool at EF Education-EasyPost. However, the new model is one race class faster than the old one. The rider has to produce 12 watts less at an approach speed of 45 km/h to overcome the bike's air resistance.
With 207 watts, the SuperSix is one of the fastest production bikes in the world and catches up with specialists such as the Scott Foil or Stevens Arcalis. Even Cannondale's SystemSix, the fastest aero bike in the TOUR test four years ago with 203 watts, is within reach.
Heavy drive and wheelset
Visually, the SuperSix clearly distinguishes itself from the aero flounders and comes with a moderately optimised frameset that is one of the lightest on the market. The seat tube with its streamlined cross-section and the graceful carbon seat post are particularly striking. In addition, the cables are now partially integrated for the first time.
However, the overall weight of the Hi-Mod 2 is slightly lower. Both the drivetrain with Shimano's Ultegra Di2 and the comparatively heavy Hollowgram wheelset are noticeable on the scales.
This is not really worth criticising, on the contrary. On the road, the Cannondale presents itself as an agile speedster on which it is relatively effortless to gain metres in altitude and can be ridden on flat terrain. As with its predecessor, a big plus point is the impressive comfort, a co-production of the well-sprung aero seat post and the seat tube, which becomes slimmer towards the bottom bracket. With tyres up to 30 millimetres wide, the SuperSix could also be even better equipped for bumpy trails. The comfortable riding impression is rounded off by the relatively upright riding position for a competition bike.
SuperSix or SystemSix?
This means that the SuperSix outperforms the SystemSix. In terms of weight and comfort, the new model clearly outperforms the aero racer from the same stable, while only nuances separate the two models in terms of aerodynamic qualities. However, the lightweight construction reveals a weak point: the stiffness values. The fork in particular only performed averagely on the TOUR test bench and deformed comparatively strongly when lateral force was applied.
Lightweight racers will not notice any of this and will be able to corner the SuperSix with pinpoint accuracy even at high speeds, but heavier riders will probably want a slightly more stable base - if the racer fits their budget at all.
Not a favourable variant
Cannondale offers three quality levels, which differ by up to 160 grams in frame weight and equipment. However, there is no truly affordable version. Even the basic versions with a 930 gram carbon frame and Ultegra Di2 or SRAM Force AXS cost almost 7000 euros; the Hi-Mod 2 with handlebar/stem unit that we tested costs 9000 euros.
The price jump to the two top models is extreme, at well over 10,000 euros and equipped with a one-piece carbon cockpit developed in cooperation with the Italian motorsport specialist Momo Design. According to Cannondale, the professional version called Lab71, a new premium brand from the US manufacturer, is based on a 770 gram lightweight frame - a new record in the peloton. Or as Rutsch would say: "The best road bike from Cannondale."
Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod 2 in detail
- Price8999 Euro >> available here
- Frame/fork/steering bearing weight* 864/450/56 grammes
- Frame sizes** 44, 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61
- Seat/top tube/head tube 535/570/165 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR*** 581/386 millimetres/1.51
- Wheelbase/caster 1005/46 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/Circuit Shimano Ultegra Di2 (2x12; 52/36, 11-30 t.)
- Brakes Shimano Ultegra (160/160 millimetres)
- Wheels/tyres (weights)**** Cannondale Hollowgram 50 R-SL/Continental Grand Prix 5000 25 millimetres (f./h.: 1203/1603 g)
Measured values & individual grades*****
- Weight of complete wheel 7.3 kilos Grade: 2,3
- Steering head stiffness 90 Nm/° Grade: 2,0
- Lateral stiffness fork 40 N/mm Grade: 3,3
- Bottom bracket stiffness 56 N/mm Grade: 1,7
- Seatpost spring stiffness 120 N/mm Grade: 1,3
- Aerodynamics 207 watts Grade: 1,3
>> The Cannondale SuperSix Evo gets an overall TOUR score of 1.7
*Weighed weights.
**Manufacturer information Test size bold.
***Stack/Reach Projected vertical/horizontal dimension from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube;
STR (Stack to Reach) 1.36 means a very stretched sitting position, 1.60 means an upright sitting position.
****Impeller weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if necessary.
*****Single notes, which are weighted differently in the overall grade, are only partially printed for reasons of space. The grades are calculated with all decimal places up to the final grade; however, for the sake of clarity, all grades are shown with rounded decimal places.
******Aerodynamics Theoretical pedalling power required to overcome air resistance at 45 km/h, measured in a wind tunnel with a pedalling leg dummy.
Julian Schultz
Editor
