Cannondale dropped the covers off its fifth-generation SuperSix Evo to mixed reception, with many pundits calling out the American brand for a lack of design creativity and progression. Cannondale says it’s not a mistake that its best road bike resembles its predecessor – after all, the SuperSix Evo version four was ridden to great success, bagging top honours at the World Championships, Olympic Games, and Grand Tour stages during its tenure, but there was still room for improvement.
To capitalise on an already superb formula, the Connecticut-based firm elected to refine rather than revolutionise the SuperSix Evo platform by improving aerodynamics through subtle changes to the tube shapes and new layups. There’s nothing intrinsically wrong with this trend, and the lack of radical design progression suggests Cannondale might have other plans to renew the SystemSix platform down the line.
The SuperSix Evo portfolio is comprehensive enough to offer something for every budget, including the range-topping Lab71 models, but it’s no surprise that the best value is found further down the range – the SuperSix Evo 2 we’ve managed to get our hands on is a case in point.
The SuperSix Evo portfolio is comprehensive enough to offer something for every budget, including the range-topping Lab71 models
(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Technical details
The new SuperSix Evo bears a striking resemblance to its predecessor, and every shape save for the upper seat tube cross-section has been reworked. Closer examination reveals a deeper head tube and reprofiled fork legs and crown, introduced to improve aerodynamics. As it’s compatible only with electronic groupsets, all ports and holes from the previous model have been removed. There’s even a new dust cover on the headtube, a new integrated seatpost grommet, and a redesigned Di2 battery holder to improve the fit and finish.
This particular model is available in two colourways – Raw (grey) or Tungsten Blue, as pictured here. I quite like this paint scheme as it adds a premium look and feel to the package. As a more affordable model in the range, the SuperSix Evo 2 is constructed from lower-grade, standard-modulus carbon fibre but retains the same proportional-response philosophy as the Hi-Mod and Series 0 carbon layups. This ensures the stiffness indexing of the head tube and bottom bracket is progressive across frame sizes, delivering optimal mechanical properties scaled to rider size.
The geometry numbers are, for the most part, the same as before, with the chainstay length and head tube angles unchanged. However, due to a 10mm reduction in stack height, there are variations in the top tube, seat tube angle, standover height, wheelbase, and reach compared to the model it replaces. The frame sizing philosophy has also been tweaked, with the 51cm model of the previous generation replaced by two new sizes – 50 cm and 52cm – bringing the total number of frameset options to eight (44, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61cm).
It’s built around a Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset, complete with a 52/36T, 11-30T chainset driven by 170mm crankarms
(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Specifications
Despite lacking the posher specification sheets of its siblings, the SuperSix Evo 2 is outfitted with some decent componentry, including a Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset, complete with a 52/36T, 11-30T chainset driven by 170mm crankarms. While you could upgrade the stock cockpit with the integrated SystemBar Road or SL cockpit from Lab71 and Hi-Mod models, the standard Vision Trimax Aero Carbon bar and Cannondale C1 Conceal alloy stem make it easier to swap parts. The bike rolls on 45mm DT Swiss ERC Log carbon wheels and 28mm Schwalbe One TLE tyres. Completing the build is a Cannondale C1 Aero carbon post and Fizik Vento Antares R5 saddle.
The only omission and something that isn’t always expected at this price point is a power meter – it’s not a dealbreaker, though, and there are many aftermarket options if it’s a major requirement.
Despite the third-tier carbon and second-tier components, the SuperSix Evo 2 is still a fairly feathery thing, coming in at 7.75kg without pedals – 150g heavier than claimed in size medium.
Two-piece Vision Trimax Aero bar and Conceal stem combo does the trick but lacks the refinement and stiffness of the integrated SystemBar Road
(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Performance
As mentioned in my February launch report, the new SuperSix Evo is quite sublime in the handling stakes – not that there was anything glaringly wrong with the dynamic prowess of its predecessor. If anything, the previous model lacked the front-end precision and speed of its rivals, but this appears to have been addressed. The lower stack height, reprofiled headtube, fork, and crown have bolstered the feel and communication from the front end, notably during high-speed cornering and descending. Granted, this change will have made it a little less attractive to riders who prefer the ‘more relaxed’ geometry of the outgoing.
As before, the SuperSix Evo has clearance for 32mm tyres, but some manufacturers reckon this width is no longer the upper limit for race tyres, with many citing 35mm as the new standard. Much like the new Specialized Tarmac SL9, which has also stuck with 32mm, you can shoehorn 34mm into both ends provided there’s 4mm of clearance. I feel 32mm is ample for UK roads, and from what I’ve been seeing on local rides, chaingangs, and races, 28mm is still the most common size across the board.
Our SuperSix Evo 2 test bike came fitted with 28mm Schwalbe One TLR tyres set up with inner tubes
(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
The SuperSix Evo 2 test bike came fitted with 28mm Schwalbe One TLR tyres set up with inner tubes. While I was craving the softer tyre pressures afforded by a tubeless configuration, the stock setup did a decent enough job of balancing comfort with communication and grip – granted, you’ll need to experiment a bit with a tyre pressure that complements your weight.
The ergonomics are excellent, both in terms of the Fizik Vento Antares R5 saddle and Vision Trimax Aero bar (the latter, however, is not perfect). My only bugbear was the stack of spacers under the stem, which lifted the front end and skewed my weight distribution over the front axle, and the two-piece Vision Trimax Aero bar and Conceal stem, which neither look as refined nor possess the same level of stiffness as the integrated SystemBar Road assembly I sampled at the launch. Other than that, I have nothing negative to report about how the bike rides and behaves.
As expected, it climbs well, too, and sails up inclines and rolling terrain with ease. While it doesn’t stand out in any one area, as an all-rounder, it does a good job of dismissing anything that comes its way.
This model is constructed from lower-grade, standard-modulus carbon fibre but retains the same proportional-response philosophy as the Hi-Mod and Series 0 carbon layups
(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Value
Cannondale has done a good job with the fifth-generation SuperSix Evo. While some might see it more as a facelift than a genuine new model, the structural tweaks are more than meets the eye and have notably made a great bike even better – perhaps even perfected the all-rounder recipe in the process. Sure, the Vision Trimax Carbon Aero and Conceal stem lack the ergonomics and stiffness of the integrated SystemBar Road used on the premium model, but this is merely nitpicking on what is essentially a solid package.
While the SuperSix Evo 2 is one of the most affordable models in the range at £5,995 / $6,499 / €6,299, the SuperSix Evo 5 is another option that is hard to ignore based on all-round value. For £4,495 / $4,999 / €4,499, you get electronic shifting, carbon wheels, and a similar cockpit and saddle arrangement to the Evo 2. It is heavier, though, but the geometry and overall rider connection are unchanged.
If these options are still out of your price range, some markets – including the UK and US – still offer the previous-generation 105 Di2-equipped SuperSix Evo 3 for £4,000 / $4,499 (this model is currently discontinued across Europe).
(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Tech spec
- Price: £5,995 / $6,499 / €6,299
- Brand: Cannondale
- Frame: SuperSix Evo, carbon
- Fork: SuperSix Evo, carbon
- Weight: 7.75kg (actual, 54cm)
- Sizes: 44, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61cm
- Levers: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8170
- Brakes: Shimano Ultegra RT-CL800, 160/140mm front/rear
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8150
- Front derailleur: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8150
- Crankset: Shimano Ultegra R8100 52/36T
- Bottom bracket: Shimano BB-RS500, BSA 68
- Cassette: Shimano Ultegra CS-R8100 11-34T
- Chain: Shimano Ultegra CN-M8100
- Wheels: DT Swiss ERC LOG 45 Carbon
- Tyres: Schwalbe One TLR 28mm
- Bar/stem: Vision Trimax Carbon Aero, Cannondale C1 Conceal
- Seatpost: Cannondale C1 Aero 40 Carbon V2
- Saddle: Fizik Vento Antares R5
