A new generation race bike that breaks the mold of modern aero bikes – this is how Cannondale imagined the new SuperSix EVO 4 2023 and went on to launch the first LAB71 product in the same breath. Find out what it’s all about and what has been changed on the SuperSix EVO 4 2023.

Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4 |
7.32 kg in size 56 | € 13.499,00 | Manufacturer’s website

When you look at it, you can see the new Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4 2023 is a new bike. In terms of handling and its reputation as the most comfortable race bike in the peloton, however, it remains true to its roots. Cannondale offer a clever solution to combine compliance with streamlining, scraping at the UCI weight limit at the same time. The EF Education pros have been riding the new bikes since the beginning of the year and have already scored a few victories, so the launch of the new SuperSix wasn’t a big surprise. For the first time, Cannondale are taking a holistic approach to development, which is getting more and more common in the road bike sector nowadays. But according to the Americans, they have gone one step further and integrated the look and design of the finished bike in the process from the very beginning. The new SuperSix EVO convinces us with an exciting design cooperation in the cockpit area and an interesting finish on the upper tube. But more about that later. In addition to the new components, the race bike comes with lighter wheels and other exciting features. According to Cannondale, the new SuperSix even competes with the SystemSix aero racer in terms of air resistance and makes quick work of the direct competition. So, let’s find out more about the new features and whether the SuperSix EVO 4 lives up to its claims.

Cannondale SuperSix EVO 2023 – all novelties at a glance

Apart from the completely redesigned look, the Cannondale relies on the proven geometry of the predecessor. Nothing much needs changing in terms of handling. What immediately catches the eye are the novel shapes made possible by new UCI rules for 2023. In the front, Cannondale went with a fork that seems less aerodynamically integrated than the one on the previous SuperSix EVO, at least to look at. Quite a few changes have been made to the steerer tube, though. Cannondale call their new development the Delta Steerer to describe the triangular, pizza slice shaped steerer tube. The innovation ensures a clean integration at the head tube and keeps the front narrow. The bike tapers towards the rear and flows into the wafer-thin seat tube and the slim seat stays. The new seat post is so delicate that the battery used for electric shifters of Shimano and Campagnolo has to be hidden in the down tube. Here, too, Cannondale have done a clean job and integrated a mount directly into the frame. In the bottom bracket area, the departure from pressed bearings and the change to the BSA standard is immediately noticeable. Even though technically inferior, threaded bottom brackets may be the better solution here, given the difficulties of the bike industry in maintaining manufacturing tolerances and quality controls. At the same time, they are easier to work on for DIYers.

Racorsharp seat post banishing the Di2 battery into the down tube.
Delta steerer with the bespoke expander in pizza-slice shape.

Comfort, compliance and everyday handling of the new Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4 2023

Continuing from the bottom bracket towards the saddle, the extremely thin lower section of the seat tube is apparent. This is where Cannondale finds the most compliance in the frame – and where the SuperSix earns its reputation as a comfortable bike. The extra compliance can already be felt at a standstill, and is also convincing on the road. Compared to the flex in the seat post found on the Canyon Aeroad and Scott Foil, Cannondale seem to have found a cleaner and simpler solution. The integration of the Smart Sense system is exciting and unique in a race bike. Small recesses for the cable routing for the lights are embedded under the front bottle cage as well as on the seat post and the handlebar. It’s not only super clean but also functional when you need it. The competition should take a leaf out of that book. The tire clearance of up to 34 mm also fits in with this concept, and underlines the idea of an uncompromising race bike that is convincing in everyday use and on training rides. Another exciting point is that the new Cannondale SuperSix EVO is the first LAB71 product from the US company. Here, we’re talking about a lighter frame with a different carbon layup and absolute high-end equipment. Cannondale has devised LAB71 as an equivalent to Specialized’s S-Works products. They plan to extend it to other models in the future. We can’t wait to see what’s in store.

Flexing seat tube for more compliance…
…and SmartSense integration into the cockpit.

Motor sports and forged carbon on the Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4 2023

In addition to the mentioned aero optimisation, Cannondale are making progress with the components. While the old model came with a rather peculiar handlebar and stem combination, this time MOMO Design, a manufacturer of tuning accessories known from the motorsports sector, has joined in. The new one-piece cockpit is clearly less daring but pleasing to the eye with its simple form. Unprecedented is the final layer of Forged Carbon fibre, which continues on the upper tube of Hi-Mod range models. This feature, as well as the typical Cannondale paint finish, produces a unique bike that stands out among the uniformity of other manufacturers. Visually inconspicuous are the new HollowGram R SL 50 wheels. They are a further development of the already known R 45 version of the predecessor. In direct comparison, the new rims are 5 mm deeper, slightly less bulbous, and 50 g lighter. With a width of 32 mm, they are optimally suited for 28 mm tires. Complete wheels are delivered with matching Conti Grand Prix 5000 rubber – according to Cannondale the most aerodynamic tires on the market. With the new handlebar and matching wheels, the new SuperSix EVO 4 – again according to the manufacturer – comes within a whisker of its aero-optimised big brother SystemSix in the wind tunnel, and outperforms the direct competition à la Specialized and Trek hands down. Whether this information is true outside Cannondale’s own laboratory remains to be seen. What can be said, though, is that visually the bike is a league of its own.

Aero everywhere, R SL 50 wheels with Conti GP 5000 and…
…clever new bottles with matching bottle cages. Hi Chris,

As an additional goodie, Cannondale are launching new bottles with cropped sides and matching bottle holders. Initially designed as a joke, the engineering team couldn’t resist testing their idea in the wind tunnel. According to Cannondale, 3–4 W can be saved. These marginal gains have to be dearly bought with difficulties in inserting the bottles into the holders, which takes some getting used to.

Range of models and prices of the Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4 2023

Initially, the new SuperSix EVO 4 will be available in three different frame versions. All versions are available with fully integrated cable routing. Cannondale leaves the choice of stem and handlebar entirely up to the buyer; with matching spacers, any stem with 1 1/8″ clamping fits into the overall picture. The top model with LAB71 frame and high-end equipment, DURA ACE Di2, MOMO handlebars and R SL 50 wheels is available for € 14,999. According to Cannondale, the bike reaches the low UCI weight limit of 6.8 kg in RH 56 . The frameset sells for € 5,499 and is available in three colours, including a replica of the EF team bike. The Hi-Mod models are divided into Hi-Mod 1 and Hi-Mod 2 and are slightly heavier than the LAB71 range. Hi-Mod 2 does without the one-piece MOMO Design cockpit and uses other groupsets. The Hi-Mod 2 is available from € 8,999. The frame with fork and seat post is already available for € 4,199. We weighed a size 56 version of the Hi-Mod 1 with SRAM Red AXS and came up with a weight of 7.35 kg. Admittedly, with mounted bottle holders including bottles, but without pedals. The entry-level versions Carbon 1 and 2 also rely on a classic, separated stem and handlebar, but also sport internal cable routing. The new R SL 50 wheels are replaced by a heavier version or by the previous generation R 45 . The bikes are priced at up to € 6,999. Here, too, we had the opportunity to put a bike of the Carbon 1 variant with ULTEGRA Di2 on the scales and came up with 7.74 kg, again with bottles and bottle holders, no pedals. Pricewise, the new Cannondale bikes are no bargain, but they represent the spearhead of current race bikes and are the latest thing on the market.

Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4 2023

€ 13,499

Specifications

Seatpost Cannondale D-Shape
Brakes SRAM RED eTap AXS HRD 160/160 mm
Drivetrain SRAM RED eTap AXS 1x12
Chainring 48/35
Stem Cannondale C1 Conceal 110 mm
Handlebar Vision Trimax Carbon Aero 420 mm
Wheelset Cannondale Hollowgram 50 R-SL 12 x 100/12 x 142 mm Through Axle
Tires Continental GP 5000 700 x 28C
Cranks SRAM RED AXS 172.5 mm
Cassette SRAM XG-1290 10–28T

Technical Data

Size 44 48 51 54 56 58 61

Specific Features

Super slim seatpost
Flexing seat tube for extra compliance
Aero bottles and bespoke bottle cages

Geometry of the new Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4 2023

The Cannondale in its fourth evolution stage remains true to the previous SuperSix EVO in terms of handling and geometry. In direct comparison, some dimensions are a few millimetres longer or shorter. However, since the Americans rely on similar stiffness values, we do not expect the handling to differ in any significant way from its predecessor. Tall riders might have difficulties finding the right bike, though. In the EVO 4, Cannondale have combined sizes 60 and 62 and so created a size 61. For everyone else, there are familiar sizes from 48 to 58.

Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4

Size 44 48 51 54 56 58 61
Seat tube 400 mm 438 mm 477 mm 515 mm 534 mm 567 mm 600 mm
Top tube 512 mm 520 mm 528 mm 546 mm 562 mm 578 mm 603 mm
Head tube 100 mm 114 mm 130 mm 154 mm 165 mm 188 mm 220 mm
Head angle 70.9° 71.2° 71.2° 71.2° 73° 73° 73°
Seat angle 74.3° 74.3° 74.3° 73.7° 73.3° 73.9° 72.3°
Chainstay 410 mm 410 mm 410 mm 410 mm 410 mm 410 mm 410 mm
BB Drop 74 mm 74 mm 74 mm 72 mm 72 mm 69 mm 69 mm
Reach 370 mm 374 mm 378 mm 384 mm 389 mm 395 mm 403 mm
Stack 505 mm 520 mm 535 mm 555 mm 575 mm 595 mm 625 mm

How is the Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4 2023 to ride?

Unfortunately, we only had time for a rather short ride in the road bike loving city of Girona and the surrounding hilly countryside. But even so, the handling so characteristic of the SuperSix becomes apparent. The bike accelerates willingly, conquers climbs effortlessly, and sticks to the rear wheel of the local guide on the descent without having to use all six lives (or is it nine as with cats?). On the flat, the bike maintains speed very efficiently and convinced us with the aggressive and direct steering race bikes are known for. At the same time, it remains predictable in every situation and is forgiving in case of small mistakes. A more detailed assessment will follow shortly after we get the chance to give it a good run for its money on our home terrain.

Helmet Giro Eclipse Spherical Helmet | Glasses Oakley Sutro Lite | Jersey Maap Form Pro Hex LS Jersey | Pants Maap Team Bib Evo

Conclusion about the Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4 2023

The Cannondale SuperSix EVO 4 2023 is an incredibly exciting bike – the first of a new generation of lightweight race bikes. It focuses on new possibilities, builds on proven handling, and combines aerodynamics with low weight. At the same time, the bike manages to break through the uniformity of modern aero race bikes and ditches the competition in one swoop. With LAB71, Cannondale have also announced a series of top models that makes us look forward to what’s to come.

More information at cannondale.com


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Words: Calvin Zajac Photos: Calvin Zajac, Cannondale