The SuperX is done- Cannondale discloses SuperSix Evo SE and CX bikes
Today Cannondale has divulged two new performance-focused bikes that supersede its popular SuperX cyclocross and SuperX SE gravel provides.
Named the SuperSix Evo CX and SuperSix Evo SE, the brand-new motorcycles mix the aerodynamic tube shapes, stiffness profile, and low-grade load of the road-going SuperSix Evo with the geometry and off-road racing purpose of the SuperX.
Cannondale will continue to offer its various Topstone bikes for more adventure-style gravel riding, while the brand-new SuperSix Evo CX and Evo SE are all about performance in cyclocross and gravel respectively. Yep, the names of these new bikes are disorient, but here’s the breakdown.
Two bicycles, one frameset
Much like the outgoing SuperX and SuperX SE, the new Supersix Evo CX and Evo SE share a matching full carbon frameset with the only changes is located within the encompassing paint and components bolted onto them. The Evo CX is equipped and UCI-ready for cyclocross racing, while the Evo SE gets a vastly wider gearing assortment, wider rims, and 700 x40 mm tyres in anticipation of gravel. But while these two modelings may start off as somewhat different bikes, you can always customise them to meet the individual needs of the differ self-disciplines.
The frames now aspect truncated airfoil aerodynamic tube profiles closely matched to those used on the SuperSix Evo road bike. And according to Cannondale, the new off-road-going frame is nearly as fast the pre-existing road-focussed version, too. Cannondale isn’t making any exact claims about what the brand-new tube profiles will mean, but it’s safe to assume they’ll count for something compared to the oversized round shapes of the SuperX. And with the recently revised UCI governs, you can now legally use an approved cyclocross frame for road events if you so select.
One major difference between the SuperSix Evo SE( privilege) and CX( left) is the tyre size. The CX is UCI-compliant with 33 mm-wide tyres, while the SE comes with 40 s. Both can fit tyres up to 45 mm-wide.
Unlike the road-focused SuperSix Evo, the new Evo CX and Evo SE don’t hide the cables through the handlebar, stem or headset- rather they stick with a more traditional disclosed cable course via a modular down tube port. This is no doubt a win for easy upkeep and post alters.
Compared to the SuperX, the new frameset is not just a matter aero, but is said to be stiffer at the bottom bracket and more comfortable in the saddle( thanks predominantly to Cannondale’s Hollowgram 27 SL seatpost ). According to David Devine, Cannondale’s Senior Product Director, the new SuperSix Evo CX/ SE frames weigh approximately the same as the previous SuperX, with the approximately 1,000 g( 56 cm) frame being a little lighter. The 400 g( ish) fork is a few grams heavier due to an increase in lateral stiffness.
That Hollowgram 27 SL seatpost is identical to the D-shaped number is set out in the SuperSix Evo road bikes and is designed to aid in ride comfort. Cannondale offers the post in 0 and 15 mm offsets, and there’s an alloy version of the post, too. The frame is not compatible with dropper seatposts.
The geometry is matched to the SuperX which had instead progressive numbers when it was last updated. This includes Cannondale’s OutFront concept which equals a subtly slacker brain angle( 71 o) with a huge 55 mm fork rake. Here, all except the smallest 46 cm frame sizing offer a consistent 62 mm road figure. It’s worth noting though that Cannondale hasn’t gone down the increasingly popular path of adjustable geometry- something I’m more than fine with.
The geometry chart belonging to the brand-new SuperSix Evo CX and SE speaks a whole lot like the SuperX.
At the back of the frame, you’ll find an impressively short 422 mm chainstay section. What’s most impressive is that Cannondale has matched that short duration with permission for 700 x45 mm rubber and the ability to run a 2x crank. It’s an impressive combining, but Cannondale has only achieved it by staying with the same proprietary Ai offset concept as found on the SuperX.
That Ai offset concept is something we covered in depth in our SuperX SE review, but simply it aims to give more clearance between the chainrings and chainstay by moving the drivetrain outward by 6 mm. The rim then needs to be offset over the standard 142 x12 mm hub to keep things centred. In belief, it’s not too different to Boost on mountain bikes, newer SRAM Wide, or Shimano GRX, but this method does mean you can’t simply switch disc brake road and gravel wheels between other bicycles.
The Ai design likewise entails Cannondale has continued its 83 mm-wide PF30 sole bracket eggshell. Thankfully such a system is no longer as limited on crank options as it formerly was. For lesson, the Evo SE comes equipped with a SRAM Rival DUB 46/33 T crankset.
It stirs sense that Cannondale would devote its new cyclocross motorcycle the same ” SuperSix ” base moniker as its aero road bike having regard to the similar tubing shaping and overall look.
Other frame features include the use of Speed Release thru-axles in an effort to offer faster wheel varies. A removable front derailleur braze-on mount likewise features. What you won’t find are any provisions for fenders, bento pouches, or similar. According to Devine,” this one is stripped down, straight forward and without additional mounts. Our Topstone simulates are designed for equestrians looking to mount and carry large pieces while they race .”
Just two spec alternatives
For now, Cannondale is only offering a single spec option for the SuperSix Evo CX and a single option for the SuperSix Evo SE. A frameset may be available in the future but there’s no word on when that will be or at what cost.
Priced at US $5,000/ PS4, 600/ AU $6,000, the Evo SE offers a SRAM Rival AXS wireless 2×12 groupset, DT Swiss CR-1 600 Spline tubeless-ready wheels, Vittoria Terreno Dry 700 x40 mm tyres and Cannondale’s own cockpit. This model will be available in either “Cool Mint” or “Meteor Gray” colours.
Spending US $4,000/ PS3, 800/ AU $5,600 will got to get the Evo CX with a spec listing that reads like it’s 2016. There’s a SRAM Force 1 drivetrain with an 11 -speed 11 -3 6T cassette in the back( but the derailleur will happily treat a 11 -4 2T combo ). The wheels are a combination of DT Swiss R4 70 rims with Formula hubs. This example may not scream wow, but the “Purple Haze” paint does.
A evaluation is on the way
Cannondale has called this bicycle to stir you believe it’s a tweaked geometry and wider tyred version of its SuperSix Evo road bike. Personally, I find this new naming unbelievably embarrassing as this bicycle searches to still retain plenty of what constructed the SuperX so great. And while the call may now be the same, the partly exposed cable routing, tyre permission, progressive geometry, and Ai rear end make this quite a different machine to the company’s all-around roadster.
James Huang recently took delivery of the brand-new SuperSix Evo CX and will be testing the bike as part of an upcoming Field test. Stay tuned for that full review.
The tube profiles are wholly hoisted from the SuperSix Evo road racer.
This colour combining with minimal branding is quite appealing.
Cannondale is pegging the SuperSix Evo SE as a go-fast gravel bike.
SRAM’s new Rival eTap AXS wireless electronic groupset is proving to be excellent stuff.
One key discrepancies between the SE and CX variants is the build kit. Whereas Cannondale is going the simpler and more reliable route with single chainrings on the cyclocross-focused CX, the more gravel-oriented SE goes with a far-wider-range 2x setup.
See any Cannondale logos here? That’s the point.
Cables are fed into the frame at the top of the down tube, and the port can accommodate a range of drivetrain sorts. Kudos to Cannondale for withstanding the amply internal setup.
Yep, plunged seatstays. But at least Cannondale has done an excellent job of truly obscuring and integrating the concealed wedge-type seatpost binder.
The new flat-backed tubing is said to give the brand-new SuperSix Evo frameset more of an aero advantage than the old-fashioned SuperX.
Cannondale is using the same frame for cyclocross, simply flinging some UCI-legal Vittoria clinchers and a race-proven SRAM Force 1 single-chainring drivetrain on it.
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