|
|
BIKE TESTS: RBA REVIEW: CANNONDALE SUPERSIX 3
Road Bike Action
July 1, 2010
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
The SuperSix begins, as they say, with the Cannondale-designed, BB30, oversized bottom bracket. Matching radius overwraps grace the bottom bracket area and the chainstays. Asymmetrical chainstays (taller on the drive side at 54 millimeters, while wider on the non-drive side) and shapely seatstays are designed to dampen road chatter and increase ride efficiency. A deep radius headtube completes the design of the SuperSix 3. The carbon choice is different on the SuperSix 3 than on the higher-end versions of the SuperSix, but the function, racing and riding benefits of the frame design remain the same.
THE PARTS
Our SuperSix arrived with a Shimano Ultegra drivetrain coupled with an FSA SL-K BB30 crank (we like the new FSA graphics), an FSA SL-K compact bar, stem and seatpost. The wheels are handled by Shimano RS Eighty rims with Schwalbe Ultremo R tires. A Fizik Arione saddle is a nice touch at this price point.
THE RIDE
The SuperSix has a huge cult following. It has stiff attributes but a lively ride quality that doesn’t discourage the less-than-racer-types among us, which makes it a popular choice for RBA readers. We put the SuperSix through the regular test loops and were impressed with the overall ride of the bike, the power transfer, the noticeable stability and responsive feel. The frame is stiff and, therefore, leans more toward speed than comfort, and more toward crits than long days in the saddle. Kudos to Cannondale for bringing the design and race-tested geometry from the untouchable racing world down to Earth where an aspiring racer can benefit.
PRICE: $3749
WEIGHT: 16.1 pounds
INFO: www.cannondale.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|