In 2008 Cannondale added a full-carbon model to their "elite road" line-up. The Super Six is Cannondale's first all-carbon made-in-the-US frame. The full monocoque front triangle is co-molded to the rear triangle resulting in high lateral rigidity while maintaining vertical compliance.
Strengths: Stiff, efficient, comfortable.
Pricepoint and specs are decent. Best value would be the supersix with rival.
Weaknesses: Short head tube. Cannondale should think about a more sloping compact with a little more headtube length. My saddle to bar drop is about 2 inches, and that's with max spacers.
Bottom Line:
This is my first carbon bike after riding a titanium litespeed for 8 years and a custom steel landshark for 10+ years. I was shocked to feel the difference. Aside from dropping about 5 pounds of weight, the supersix is both stiffer and more comfortable than either my ti or steel bikes. It was really surprising. I've ridden 3 centuries this past summer, and was 100% comfortable on not so smooth roads. More importantly, this bike is so stiff and efficient. No energy wasted, no upshifts on hills, no noticeable flex whatsoever. At the same time, bumps and road chatter are fairly cushioned. This may also be due to my Hed wheels. The bike also feels lively and responsive. Very stable and neutral in the corners and fast downhills too. All in all, this is a great all around bike.
Weaknesses: I thought a better wheel could have been used from the start. otherwise I knew what I was getting when i signed up for the 105 setup.
Bottom Line:
Love this bike! Went in thinking about a Caad10 or Synapse apex but When Alan brought this bad boy he made me an offer I could not refuse. With July and August still ahead of me i knew it was time to upgrade from m 05 Lemond.
The bike is very responsive even with the basic setup and wheelset. I noticed a difference right away. I was thinking about upgrading from the RS10 that were standard to Mavic Ksyrum or Easton EA50 after riding her a few times. Then i had a little accident and need to replace the wheels. with a little help from American Express and Roy's i now have Rolf Prima Echelon wheels. They are amazing felt a difference right away.
Very happy with this ride and Cannondale offeres many variations based on budget. Cant wait for my first century.
Strengths: Frame is rigid where it counts, yet more compliant than ancient steel.
Weaknesses: It'll cost the farm to replace the frame should it ever crack. Mavics are heavy and don't like to spin compared to current wheels.
Bottom Line:
Bought this bike second hand off Ebay after about 3 months of research. I weight 150 lbs, 51 years old, 5 ft 10 inches. Last bike was (don't laugh) a 1980 Raleigh Grand Prix. I went for the 56 cm frame, which was indicated by several bike fit websites, but would probably be more comfortable on a 54 - its a bit of stretch out to the drops. I've ridden it 3,500 km in the year I've owned it.
I can't get over the direct sense of force->acceleration the frame provides. It is amazing. This bike is too good for me, but I hope to do it proud. Mavic Krysium Elite wheels (circa 2007-08) are heavy at 1800 gms, and not particularly resistant to flex, but are solid and haven't required any tuning. Even Specialized's marketing shows this bike as one of the stiffest frames available in 2008, yet the ride is certainly less harsh that the good ol' Raleigh. Haven't had any problems w quality of the carbon/finish. I couldn't stand the stock Fizik Arione saddle, replaced it with Aliante.
Great bike for going very fast on, stable yet quick response in corners and on descents. Certainly not 'aero' but it's not a TT bike. Indescribable when the rear tire breaks loose/front pops up under acceleration!
Gave it a "4" overall rating, as I'm sure there is now something "better" out there, if you can justify that kind of expense.
Similar Products Used: Lemond Versailles (2007) - offers similarly compliant ride, may not be as stiff.
Bike Setup: Ultrega 6600 groupset, Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels, Fizik Aliante saddle, Conti 4000s tyres. Stock FSA crank, carbon Easton handlebar, carbon Chinese stem & bottle holders.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
kcroadrider
a Recreational Rider
from
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2011
Strengths: Nice finish
strong, audible click noting entry/exit
very secure
Weaknesses: Perhaps a little too much force required for disengaging?
painted aluminum body will show dings soon
Bottom Line:
In buying a new ride recently, I had to make a decision regarding pedals. I'd long ridden Look pedals, and had no complaints. But our club has Mavic as a sponsor, and it made sense to consider their product. It meant buying two sets of pedals, because I also needed to replace my badly beat up old Looks on my old, trusty steed. After a bit of back-and-forth, the Mavic Race pedals came to adorn my new Scott Addict R2. Design and function of the Mavic Race pedals are quite similar to the Look Keo pedals. Instead of two smaller springs providing the resistance for clip-in/clip-out, Mavic uses one larger spring. The Race pedals are easily adjusted with a 3mm hex on the base of the pedal.
On initial use, I was concerned that the force required to engage and disengage was too great, but on subsequent rides I've concluded that while it may take a slightly greater force than on my old Looks, it's still reasonable, and my foot is probably more secure, to boot. (Couldn't resist pun--sorry!) Float is 7 degrees as standard, though there is an option with other cleats to have no float (something I do not recommend). The main body is aluminum, with carbon composite interface plates. The cleats have a grippier set of points where they meet the ground, a nice touch available on Look Keo cleats, but as an option. I've already noticed much less "skating" when having to walk around in my cycling shoes. The foot action required to clip in or clip out of the pedal is very similar to what I am long used to with the Looks. Very slightly different angle of entry and motion required, but not so much that I cannot clip in as I leave a stoplight without looking down to find the pedal, etc. Weight of one pedal is the same as the Look Keo 2 Max--130g. Look reports that the K2M, cleats, screws, and all, comes in at 328g. I got 321g when I weighed the Mavics as a complete set-up pair. (But don't count that weight as gospel; the scale I used hails from a previous century and according to my wife isn't entirely accurate.)
No hot spots, no difficulties getting cleats positioned on shoes.
They seem more than adequate as comparable pedals to mid-road Look Keo 2 Max, at a slightly lower cost. Suitable for racers or hard rec riders, though serious racers will likely look for a lighter pedal.
Strengths: All in all, great all-around bike. Light at 16lbs, comfortable, efficient.
Weaknesses: Stock specs were kind of lame. It came with ksyrium equipe wheels. At that price, it should come with elite or SL's. I replaced them with Hed Ardennes.
Bottom Line:
This is my first carbon bike after riding a titanium litespeed for 10 years and a custom steel Landshark for another 10 years. I have to say that the supersix is several steps above my litespeed. It's just as comfortable, and it is way stiffer, lighter, and more efficient. Standing on a steep 12% hill, I can't even get a creak out of the supersix. It's solid. Comfort wise, I don't really notice a difference other than the sound it makes on big potholes. Sounds like thumping a big wood block. I've done several 50-60 mile rides on it, and no complaints about the comfort. Feel wise, the bike feels punchy and energetic. And handling is very neutral and predictable. I've done some fast downhills, and don't think I've really pushed it to it's cornering limits.
Hello All!
After test riding many bikes, I've decided that the Supersix is the bike for me. My LBS has given me a couple options I am pondering and was wondering what your thoug Read More »
Hi there.
Perhaps a slightly odd question but will the Supersix take a 700 x 25 Durano anti-puncture tyre or will one have to settle for the 700 x 23?
Thanks in advance. Read More »
Hi folks,
I am a newb to real road biking, coming off 5 years of recreational biking on a low-end mountain bike (Trek 3700).
I am training for the AIDS Lifecycle from S Read More »
