Test 2016 Alu contre carbone: Cannondale - Cannondale CAAD12 Disc Dura-Ace vs. SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod

Cannondale CAAD12 Disc Dura-Ace (photo above)

At 1,238 grams, the very light and extremely stable frame of the CAAD12 Disc is a promising basis for an attractive bike. But it's not just the different shades of yellow on the fork and frame that spoil the good first impression. The relatively heavy Mavic wheels are not an incentive to buy given the proud price. The slow-rolling Mavic tyres also prove to be a brake on riding enjoyment. Another poorly concealed cost-cutting measure is the thin, wide aluminium handlebar, which means that little of the fork's actually very good suspension value reaches the rider. The joy of the Dura-Ace lettering on the rear derailleur and front derailleur therefore quickly evaporates; with 105 gears, better tyres and contemporary handlebars, this would be a better bike. The hydraulic disc brakes are not much fun either. After a long, steep descent, the front 140-millimetre brake disc had become so warped that the pads were rubbing. We recommend upgrading to more heat-resistant 160-millimetre discs, and not just for heavy riders.

CONCLUSION Very stable, lightweight aluminium frame. Many sizes. Less harmonious mix of high-quality and simple components. Small brake discs, slow rolling tyres, handlebars not up to date

OVERALL GRADE 2.0

Price 3,999 Euro
Weight 8.0 kilos
Info www.cannondale.com
Available in specialised shops

Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 1,238/496/76 grammes
Frame sizes** 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 63 cm
Seat/top tube/head tube 590/560/158 mm
Stack/Reach*** 568/390 mm/1.46

Equipment

Drive Cannondale Hollowgram SI (52/36 t.; BB30)
Brakes Shimano ST-RS685 (140/140 mm)
Circuit Shimano Dura-Ace
Wheels/Tyres**** Mavic Ksyrium Disc/Mavic Yksion Elite 25C (v/h: 1,329/1,745 grams)

Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod

The SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod and CAAD12 Disc share two points of criticism: The wide, thin handlebars and the noisy, sticky tyres. Otherwise, the carbon bike is much more harmonious. Of course, € 4,000 is a lot of money for a bike that "only" has a mechanical Ultegra groupset and solid training wheels. But in view of the high-quality base, the calculation can still work out. The super-light, stable frame set deserves the title "high-end" without reservation. If you already own top wheels, you may be able to overlook the ageing Ksyrium wheels. The Ultegra works no worse than a Dura-Ace groupset with the stylish SI-SL2 crankset, which looks much higher quality than the crankset on the aluminium model. Although the rim brakes are less easy to modulate than their disc counterparts, they are less susceptible to heat collapse. The testers were surprised that the carbon frame gave a noticeably more cushioned riding impression in direct comparison, despite almost identical comfort values.

CONCLUSION Comparatively expensive despite the super-lightweight high-end frame, wheels and handlebars don't keep up. Race-orientated position. Frame with good damping, many sizes.

OVERALL GRADE 1.5

Price 3,999 Euro
Weight 6.9 kilos
Info www.cannondale.com
Available in specialised shops

Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 808/293/71 grammes
Frame sizes** 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 63 cm
Seat/top tube/head tube 580/565/156 mm
Stack/Reach 568/395 mm/1.44

Equipment

Drive Cannondale Hollowgram SI SL2 (52/36 t; BB30)
Brakes/gears Shimano Ultegra
Wheels/tyres Mavic Ksyrium/Mavic Yksion Elite 25C (v/h: 1,169/1,584 grams)

*Weighed weights.
**Manufacturer's specification, test size bold.
***Stack/reach projected vertical/horizontal measurement from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube; STR (Stack to Reach): 1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 a very upright riding position.
****Wheel weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if applicable.

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