2013 Cannondale SuperSix 5 105 Review

The Cannondale SuperSix technology that carried Liquigas-Cannondale to overall victory in the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a Espana is now available to more riders. The same frame design, same hourglass seatstays, same BeatBox BB cluster. A slightly different carbon layup is all that separates this SuperSix from its Grand Tour winning brethren.

Frame and Equipment:

The frame’s outsized proportions all stem from the massive BB30 bottom bracket shell. It’s price memory that BB30 may be a Cannondale innovation, and one they’ve stiffly stuck to – they’re the most effective at extracting a big stiffness increase from the planning. Up front it’s an identical story – the short, outsized head tube keeps things as tight as they’re down below.

We can see the age of the planning showing through with the cable routing – it’s all external, with no provision for integrated electronic drivetrains; one thing price considering if your long-run plans ar to upgrade at some purpose.

As with the bulk of our Bike of the Year models Cannondale have opted for one hundred and five, and we’ve had no problems thereupon alternative. It’s swish and hardwearing, rather like the Shimano RS10 wheels, though the latter do carry a weight penalty over a number of the higher hoops chosen by the competition. We’re fans of the Schwalbe Lugano tyres – they provide sensible unrestricted performance and ar robust enough for day-after-day use.

The 11-28T container combines with FSA’s Gossamer BB30 compact (50/34) to supply nice expert potential, however with the 11-tooth giving very good opportunities for sheer speed.

Cannondale’s C3 vary of metallic element parts completes the package – it’s quality stuff, however the large diameter, 31.6mm seatpost would like being carbon to assist counter the SuperSix’s rigid nature. The slim, snug professionallogo Scratch Pro saddle goes how to keeping you well perked, though.

Ride and Handling:

The SuperSix’s ride is elegant race bike stuff. Instant power transfer is matched to handling that favours sharp direction changes and a completely committed riding vogue. Parallel 73-degree angles, a coffee head tube height and a brief distance create the SuperSix an excellent alternative if you would like to require to the race circuit.

It’s a well-priced alternative for racers too – the equivalent bike last year value £200 additional, and that’s an honest chunk of amendment towards a stronger race-day wheelset. If your riding is additional attuned to endurance or sportives then there ar many higher choices for similar cash.

All in all, the SuperSix chassis still has superbike category. It’s showing its age a trifle on the options front however the handling sharpness is unchanged and nearly as good because it gets. relive on its spectacular list of pro-race victories as testament to it.

Specs SuperSix(6) :

FRAME