Cannondale SuperSix

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Alberto's Cycles

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Flat ones

Bike Setup:
SRAM Red, Cosmic Carbones, SI SL Hollowgrams (ceramic BB)

Summary:
After spending a season or so on a SystemSix that I came to love, I decided to pick up a SuperSix just because it was our new team bike. What I did not expect was the improvement over the SystemSix in every significant parameter. It is a much better bike, and the best bicycle (going on 26 years of racing and training) that I have ever used.

It rolls. You get to destinations faster, with the same amount of effort. It is smooth, and as precise as a scalpel. Descending on this bike must be experienced to be believed. When people say that a bike "goes where you put it," it's usually a misnomer. The SuperSix does in fact go exactly where you put it. This means that corners and everyday riding, where your fellow man might not be as attentive as you, become a lot easier to deal with.

It's also comfortable. My racing weight is about 210. The SystemSix, on long rides, will beat you up a bit. The SuperSix, though it is every bit as stiff as the SystemSix, in no way fatigues you at all. Quite a staggering accomplishment from Cannondale.

Basically, we used to laugh at the idea of a "fast bike." Train harder, we always used to say. You don't need to worry about a faster bike. This is a legitimately fast bike.

Strengths:
You oldsters out there will recall that "motor in the bottom bracket" feeling of great road bikes of the past. This one has it, in spades.

Weaknesses:
None. I don't even think it's that expensive for what you get. Greatness should cost more.

Similar Products Used:
Ye gods, you name it. OCLVs, S-Works, etc, etc.

Price Paid:  $3500.00 at River City Bicycles

Favorite Ride:
Lakes Loop, Ashland

Bike Setup:
Stock Super Six "3" Mavic Ksyrium Elite's, C-Dale's carbon integrated BB30 crankset, Ultegra SL kit, Easton EA70 bars

Summary:
This is a solid performing race bike that utilizes the flexibility of carbon fiber to the fullest. Amazingly stiff BB/crankset combo! A joy to climb out of the saddle - every pedal stroke transfers solidly to the road. But the real pleasure is descending. This bike rocks! Stable at 45+mph (feels like 35mph)... and I'm only beginning to realize its potential for cornering. I don't think I ever will see what this bike is capable of. The combo of a super rigid fork crown, massive downtube/chainstays and neutral steering geometry promote oodles of confidence in this bikes ability to be laid down hard in fast downhill corners. The slender fork tips and seatstays, besides keeping the ride extra smooth, seem to keep the wheels tracking well over mildly rough pavement (no real rough rides yet taken).

An exceptional buy for the best tech at this price point an US construction to boot, I am very please thus far. I even like the "new" compact gear. Bail-out and recovery gears, imagine that?!

I've raced road/mtn/cross for 10+ years, worked in the bike biz for 15, and owned dozens of nice bikes - and I can honestly say this outstanding bike I'm stoked!

Strengths:

Downhill stability, cornering, braking, out-of-saddle climbing, value.

Weaknesses:
Rear brake and derailleur cables were slightly kinked from factory.

Similar Products Used:
Tested: Cervelo R3, Specialized Tarmac Pro, Lemond Victoire

Price Paid:  $3200.00 at LBS

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Lobster Ride and Roll

Bike Setup:
FSA handlebars, ultegra SL, carbon Si crankset, Campy Euro wheels, conti4000 tires. Garmin 705

Summary:
Actually a 2008 model, but it wasn't a selection. My super six is the "3" version with Ultegra SL. The first thing I noticed was a huge jump in acceleration. The bike is very stiff, light, and jumps forward when you get out of the saddle. The bike tracks very well, and it may feel "twitchy" until you get used to it. Compared to my Kestrel, this bike is a hugh leap forward for me. I gained 3-4 mph over my last year's speed and its only Spring.

Strengths:
Quickness, handling, stiffness, ride feel.

Weaknesses:
Its always hard to spend the money on a new bike.

Similar Products Used:
Kestrel 200 SCi, Scott CR1

Price Paid:  $0.00 at LBS - no other way t

Model Year:
2007

Bike Setup:
SRAM Force, USE Alien, 3T Rotunda, controltech stem, CDale crank, Selle Italia SLR, Reynolds DV46UL

Summary:
I upgraded from the CAAD 8 to the SuperSix. Obviously there was a very noticeable different in road feel. Immediately I could feel the dampening effect of the CF vs. the Al. In corners, I feel very comfortable readjusting my line, and the bike tracks through it very well. Extremely lightweight. With my race wheels, I had to add weight to get it UCI legal, which I did by putting on an Aluminum handlebar. I was nervous that this bike wouldn't be stiff compared to the CAAD 8, which, although it's not a top of the line current frame, is still stiffer than most CF frames out there. To my surprise, I actually felt less flex in the SuperSix. I'm a road Cat2, 145#, 1200W in the sprint. Bigger, more powerful folk might want the SystemSix, but I have not had trouble with flex.

Strengths:
Lightweight, awesome feel, stiff enough

Weaknesses:
I sure do hate that FiZik saddle. Not yet sure about the SRAM force brakes -- I find that they stick a little, but this is not a reflection of Cannondale.

Similar Products Used:
CDale CAAD 8

Price Paid:  $2500.00 at Ebay

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
helluvaride

Bike Setup:
Sram Rival, Ksyrium ES wheels, USE Alien Seatpost, IRD B2 carbon bars, Selle SLR Gel Flow Seat.

Summary:
This bike is fantastic. After riding the system six, synapse, and six13 this is by far my favorite. It handles well, and is comfortable on long rides. I purchased this to replace my LeMond Zurich. The SuperSix weighed 15.4 lbs without pedals

Strengths:
Looks, agressive handling yet still comfortable, light weight

Weaknesses:
If your looking for a real compliant ride this isn't it. Kinda expensive new.

Similar Products Used:
System6, Six13, Synapse, LeMond Zurich