【The pioneer of all-around road bikes】Cannondale SuperSix EVO | Climbing? Aerodynamics? Why not both! The 4th generation actually reduces XX watts of drag compared to the previous generation!
Posted by Jollymap - 2024-02-14T00:00:00.000+08:00 - 2025 Road Bike recommedation
Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4: The Versatile Road Bike Combining Speed and Comfort
The Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4 is an exceptional choice for those seeking an all-around road bike. It not only delivers outstanding climbing performance but also excels in high-speed sprints. What sets it apart is its remarkable comfort, making it stand out among competitive road bikes. Now, in its fourth generation, let's take a closer look at the innovative technology that Cannondale has introduced with the SuperSix EVO 4.
The All-New Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4: Three Versions to Choose From, One Outstanding Frame
The all-new Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4 is now available in three versions: the top-of-the-line Lab71, the Hi-Mod, and the standard EVO 4. Each of these versions features a fully internal cable routing design, showcasing a sleek and minimalist exterior appearance.
It's worth mentioning that the design of the Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4 has undergone extensive wind tunnel testing. According to Cannondale's data, it has successfully reduced drag by 12 watts compared to the previous generation when riding at a speed of 45 kilometers per hour. This impressive figure puts it on par with Cannondale's aerodynamic frame SystemSix, showcasing its exceptional aerodynamic performance.
Aerodynamic Design: Optimizations in Fork, Tubes, and Bottle Cages
The frame design of the Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4 is filled with aerodynamic elements. Let's start from the beginning.
Firstly, the fork is wide and flat, designed to disturb airflow. Additionally, the down tube, seat tube, and rear stays of the frame feature the popular trend of a Kamm tail design, which is characterized by a truncated rear section and a tapered front section. This design not only reduces drag but also minimizes turbulence while decreasing the weight of the frame.
These aerodynamic optimizations in the front fork and frame tubes contribute to the SuperSix EVO's ability to slice through the wind more efficiently, allowing for improved speed and performance on the road.
In order to further enhance the aerodynamic performance, the Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4 is equipped with a specially designed narrow and flat bottle cage and water bottle. According to the official claims, using this bottle cage alone can reduce drag by 2-3 watts. By optimizing the design of the bottle cage and bottle, Cannondale has taken into account the impact of aerodynamics even on smaller components, ensuring that every detail contributes to the overall aerodynamic efficiency of the bike.
The Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4 features a unique design for the top tube, with a front sloping and rear narrow configuration.
This design is characterized by the top tube extending all the way to the rear of the frame, creating a streamlined appearance.
In the fourth-generation improvements of the SuperSix EVO, one of my personal favorite features is the seat tube. These seat tubes are among the narrowest and most tapered that I have seen, while also serving an aerodynamic purpose. They seamlessly integrate with the overall frame lines, creating a seamless connection and enhancing the bike's aerodynamic efficiency.
The seat tube design and geometry of the Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4 incorporate some features that make it outstanding in terms of handling and comfort.
Firstly, above the seat tube, particularly at the offset position, the SuperSix EVO features a slightly curved design. This design not only provides aerodynamic benefits but also serves as a form of suspension. The seat tube design absorbs road vibrations, providing a smoother and more comfortable riding experience.
Additionally, the overall geometry of the SuperSix EVO 4 contributes to its stable handling. The bike is designed with a balanced and responsive geometry that allows for precise control and confident cornering. This combination of comfort-enhancing features and excellent handling capabilities makes the SuperSix EVO 4 a versatile and high-performing road bike.
Furthermore, the SuperSix EVO 4 features an exceptionally low BB drop, with a height of 74 millimeters. This lower bottom bracket height lowers the bike's center of gravity, providing enhanced stability and handling performance. Additionally, the low-profile design of the rear stays allows for a smaller rear triangle, resulting in improved responsiveness during acceleration and a more agile ride. This combination of a low BB drop and reduced rear triangle size contributes to the SuperSix EVO's nimble and responsive handling characteristics.
These intricate geometry designs allow the Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4 to possess a combination of smooth comfort and agile handling during rides. Riders can enjoy a stable ride while still experiencing the bike's agility and responsiveness.
A comfortable race-oriented bike：Stack and Reach ratio
The Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4 is hailed as a comfortable race-oriented bike, and one of the reasons for this is its Stack and Reach ratio.
Taking a 51cm SuperSix EVO 4 as an example, with a Stack to Reach ratio of 1.41, it indicates a more conservative geometry compared to previous generations. This ratio is designed to allow riders to maintain a more comfortable riding position, making it well-suited for longer duration races or rides.
The design philosophy of a comfortable race-oriented bike like the SuperSix EVO 4 means that it not only focuses on delivering high-performance for racing but also prioritizes the comfort of the rider. This allows riders to maintain comfort over long durations, reducing fatigue and enabling efficient pedaling.
Frame Weight: Optimization for Lightweight Design
Despite undergoing various aerodynamic optimizations, the weight of the Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4 frame has not significantly increased. According to official data from Cannondale, for a 56cm frame size, the top-of-the-line Lab 71 frame weighs only 770 grams, while the Hi Mod series frame weighs 815 grams. The standard version of the frame weighs approximately 915 grams.
A newly designed triangular headset that offers both aerodynamic benefits and a clea
The triangular shape of the headset is optimized for reducing wind resistance, allowing air to flow smoothly over the front end of the bike. This design element helps to minimize drag, enabling riders to achieve higher speeds with less effort.
This design allows the cables to pass through the middle of the bearings and then thread through the two-piece goose neck, which is specifically designed by Cannondale. This design enables the cables to enter the frame from either the middle or the bottom of the goose neck, depending on the handlebar setup. This flexible cable routing design not only provides more options for cable routing but also contributes to a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing overall appearance of the bike.
In addition to its aesthetically pleasing appearance, this design also offers aerodynamic benefits. The triangular shape of the headset reduces drag and improves aerodynamic performance, which is a significant advantage for riders who seek high-speed racing and riding.
Equipped with the latest Shimano 105 12-speed mechanical groupset
The cassette configuration of this groupset is 11-36T, meaning it has a range of 11 teeth to 36 teeth on the largest and smallest cogs respectively. This wide gear range allows riders to tackle a variety of terrains, from steep climbs to fast descents, ensuring they have the appropriate gear ratio for optimal pedaling efficiency.
In the design of the drivetrain, the SuperSix EVO 4 features a BSA threaded bottom bracket (BB), which follows the traditional square taper design. This design not only enhances strength but also meets the riders' needs for installation and future maintenance. Such a design ensures the reliability and durability of the drivetrain.
Although the SuperSix EVO 4 currently utilizes a mechanical drivetrain system, it has reserved space for potential upgrades to an electronic shifting system in the future. This provides riders with flexibility, allowing them to upgrade according to their needs and preferences.
Design of the fork stands out & intelligent safety system
Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4 incorporates some notable design highlights.
Firstly, the design of the fork stands out. On the drive-side of the fork, you'll notice the absence of any screw holes, resulting in a cleaner and more streamlined appearance. This design takes into account the aesthetic details, adding a touch of simplicity and elegance to the frame.
SuperSix EVO 4 indeed features a surprising design element with the inclusion of a Speed Sensor. It's relatively uncommon to find a speed sensor in mid-range bicycles. What makes it even more unique is that this Speed Sensor is not just an ordinary sensor, but a collaboration between Cannondale and Garmin. It can be used in conjunction with Cannondale's exclusive SmartSense safety system and works in tandem with the radar of smart headlights and taillights. This combination enhances the overall safety of the riding experience.
Hydraulic disc brake system & Wheelset
Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4 is equipped with a hydraulic disc brake system with 160mm rotors, both in the front and rear wheels. This disc brake system provides powerful and reliable braking performance, allowing riders to effectively control their speed.
The Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4 is equipped with DT Swiss R460 aluminum alloy rims in the wheelset. These rims offer a balance of stiffness and lightweight characteristics, providing stable performance and excellent handling during rides.
This bike is equipped with Victoria 25C tires, which are of medium width. However, the frame design of the SuperSix EVO 4 allows for the installation of tires as wide as 34mm. This design allows riders to choose narrower or wider tires based on their personal preferences and needs. Wider tires provide better comfort and grip, while narrower tires offer a greater sense of speed.
Other components
Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4 features some notable design elements in other components as well.
Firstly, the handlebars are equipped with Vision aluminum alloy handlebars. These handlebars provide a comfortable grip and excellent control, allowing riders to easily steer the bike.
SuperSix EVO 4 features a saddle from the Italian brand Prologo. Prologo saddles are renowned for their comfort and excellent support, providing a comfortable seating position during long rides.
For the SuperSix EVO 4 with a frame size of 51, the approximate weight is 8.6 kilograms. This weight is relatively light and contributes to the overall riding performance.
