CANNONDALE SUPERSIX EVO CARBON 105
£2299.99 The Evo is (almost) dead, long live the Evo
When the latest SuperSix Evo launched earlier in the year it meant saying farewell to one of the most-loved framesets of recent years (although it is still available) as Cannondale’s premier road bike. In contrast with its name, the new SuperSix Evo is more revolution than evolution and a complete root and branch overhaul of the model.
Some commentators were dismayed to see the new Evo gain dropped seatstays, a sloping top tube and aero tube profiles, just like any number of the current crop of leading road bikes. Others embraced the design recognising that, although it’s admirable to stand out from the crowd, there’s a very good reason that so many designs look so similar. And with the many subtleties built in to each brand’s offerings, if you’re prepared to look beyond the silhouette, they’re quite different.
There are four Hi-Mod (high modulus) carbon versions of the SuperSix Evo: one with rim brakes, plus five BallisTec Carbon models, of which two have rim brakes. Four of those are also available as women’s models. Our SuperSix Evo Carbon Disc 105 is the least expensive BallisTec Carbon Disc bike, and comes with a Shimano 105 disc groupset with the only deviation being its Cannondale 1 crankset with FSA 52/36 rings.
Cannondale provides the alloy bar and stem, plus the slim, truncated airfoil-shaped seatpost (1). You’d expect carbon fibre here but this is aluminium alloy. The wheels are Fulcrum Racing 900 DB and are shod with Vittoria Zaffiro Pro Slick 25mm tyres, which measure 27mm wide on these rims.
The old Evo’s external cable routing has been replaced by an all-internal system with the gear cables passing close on either side of the head tube (2), then diving in to the upper face of the down tube. The flexible brake hoses are
routed tightly beneath the stem, then drop through an opening in the extended front of the headset top cap. From here, they can move freely inside the uncluttered forward portion of the head tube within the fork’s permitted range of rotation on their way to the respective calipers.
There’s an instant familiarity and connection with the new Evo, helped by its conventional 73-degree head angle, 73.3-degree seat tube angle, generous top tube and taller head tube (3), which, for us, meant no spacers, unlike on the equivalent-sized old Evo. Cannondale wanted to retain the Evo’s excellent ride quality and handling, and although elements of its ride are undoubtedly different, they have only improved.
Hacking around my local country lanes after weeks of sustained rain meant new potholes and more damaged tarmac, plus the need for lots of evasive action. With 75 to 80psi in the Vittorias, the Evo felt beautifully composed, whether gliding along on the flat or weaving around obstructions. Over truly corrugated surfaces, the bump absorption from the front end is superb, even humbling the Domane, despite its lesser tyre volume. Seated comfort from the Prologo saddle, that aluminium seatpost and the dropped stays are impressive, too, and puts the new Evo right up there with the best current road bikes.
It’s a cultured ride and the increased grip it produces enhances everything else. Line choices are easier, cornering more composed and pushing hard feels less stressful. Shimano’s faithful 105 is as slick as ever and works well with the Cannondale/ FSA chainset, while the discs have all the modulated power you could need.
It’s a willing ride, with great torsional rigidity evident when standing on the pedals and that translates into a decent turn of speed. With the Fulcrums supplied, it’s by no means blistering, but it is positive and easily sustainable. Through incessantly rolling roads, I carried more speed than on most of the bikes here and revelled in the Evo’s efficiency. Whether that’s the claimed aero gains, better power transfer or that smooth ride, I can’t say, but the new Evo is a class act that I expect to enjoy for some time to come.
Its ability to waft over broken surfaces will keep you feeling fresher for longer