CANNONDALE SUPERSIX EVO 2016
Original price £3999.99
OUT OF THE BOX WEIGHT 6.50kg (56cm) FRAME SuperSix EVO BallisTec Hi-Mod carbon FORK SuperSix EVO Speed Save BallisTec Hi-Mod carbon GEARS Shimano Dura-Ace 9000, 172.5mm Cannondale HollowGram SiSL2 SpideRing SL cranks, 52/36 rings & 11-28 Dura-Ace cassette BRAKES Shimano Dura-Ace WHEELS Mavic Ksyrium Pro FINISHING KIT Cannondale C2 110mm alloy stem, Cannondale Escape Hanger carbon bar, SAVE 25.4mm carbon seatpost, Fizik Arione R3 Kium saddle, 25mm Mavic Yksion Pro Powerlink and Griplink tyres 2016 has been an up and down year thanks to a pair of new arrivals. Cannondale’s new SuperSix Evo ensured that I’d be heading for the hills with a bigger than usual smile, and my first child meant that riding time has been curtailed over the last five months.
The old Evo was such a capable bike that I was sceptical whether the new model could improve on what was a great handling machine. Its frame is a few grams heavier, but the slimmer fork is lighter, making an overall saving. The Speed Save stays improve comfort with no loss of stiffness, and the new model embraces Cannondale’s 25.4mm diameter SAVE carbon seatpost, for more saddle deflection and an impressively silky ride quality for something so rapid.
Shimano’s Dura-Ace mechanical drivetrain is a personal favourite, but I’ve swapped the original Cannondale SiSL2 crank for Quarq’s Elsa RS power meter [1], and matching Dura-Ace rings with a minor but justifiable weight penalty. Another change made before July’s Ride London 100miler was a return to ENVE’s SES 3.4 carbon clinchers [2] fitted with Michelin Power 25mm tyres, adding planted stability and superb road feel.
Astute’s Skylite VT saddle is an uncanny colour match for the frame, and the most comfortable cutout saddle I’ve tried. The Cannondale cockpit is very good, but due to be upgraded next, when I’ll shorten the overlong cables. The Evo’s chassis remains a stunning blend of electric performance and outstanding comfort with predictable handling and new-dad ride satisfaction.