Cannondale SuperX 2025 on review – from cyclocross legend to gravel race rig?

A new Cannondale SuperX in 2025? The American brand is bringing back a legendary name into their lineup. But the SuperX is no longer just about cyclocross performance– their latest race machine is built first and foremost for uncompromising gravel racing. We had it on review to see whether it delivers on its promises.

For years, the SuperX was a thoroughbred cyclocross machine. But for the latest iteration, Cannondale had one clear goal: dominating the gravel racing scene. On paper, the SuperX has all the right ingredients to take on the fastest and most advanced gravel race bikes out there– an aerodynamic frame, massive tire clearance, and plenty of comfort. Yet despite this shift in focus, Cannondale didn’t forget about the SuperX’s roots, and are claiming to have created a bike that still feels at home on fast cyclocross courses.

We put the new SuperX through its paces– tearing across muddy and frozen Black Forest trails, blasting through our local test loops, and even chasing the horizon along the French Riviera and the foothills of the Alps. So, how did it perform? Let’s find out.

Pure gravel racing – the Cannondale SuperX

Cyclocross in name, gravel racing at heart. Cannondale equipped the new SuperX with everything a modern gravel race bike needs. The generous tyre clearance– 48 mm at the rear and 51 mm on the fork– speaks volumes about its intended use. Running 45 mm tires is no problem, with plenty of room to spare, ensuring mud and debris won’t clog up the frame or grind down the paint finish in tough conditions.

While compliance isn’t a big deal in cyclocross, it’s essential for long gravel races. That’s why Cannondale equipped the new SuperX with a few clever features to strike an optimal balance between race-ready stiffness and comfort. The rear triangle and seat tube are designed with built-in flex zones– an approach we already know from the SuperSix EVO, where it works brilliantly on tarmac. So it’s no surprise to see this well-engineered tech make its way onto the new SuperX.

Despite the inbuilt compliance, the SuperX is no bikepacking or adventure rig. You won’t find a Lefty fork or mounting points for racks and panniers. Instead, Cannondale relied on a lean, concept, focusing on theessentials– bottle cage mounts in the main frame and a top tube mount for a small bag for energy bars. And for a no-compromise gravel race bike, that’s exactly what you need.

However, one small cyclocross feature made its way onto the SuperX. The flattened top tube, which makes it easier to grab the bike and sling it over your shoulder– an advantage that comes in handy when tackling obstacle-rich cyclocross courses.

Aerodynamics on a gravel bike? – Cannondale SuperX

No drop-bar segment has evolved as rapidly as gravel over recent years. With the rise of dedicated gravel races, bikes are becoming increasingly faster and more aerodynamic. Deep-section rims and compact cockpits are just part of the equation– frame design plays a crucial role, and where better to take inspiration from than road race bikes that have been aero-optimised for years?

At first glance, the SuperX bears a striking resemblance to its road-specific sibling, the SuperSix EVO. And it’s not just the profile,the similarities run deeper. With a low front end, a chunky downtube, and a seamless transition between the frame and fork, the SuperX follows classic aero principles. One of the standout features is the strikingly slim head tube, which is designed to reduce the bike’s frontal area and minimise drag.

Cannondale achieve this with their unique Delta Steerer, a triangular, pizza-slice-shaped steerer tube. This design allows brake hoses and shift cables to be routed through the headset without requiring a bulkier bearing– keeping things sleek and efficient.

Of course, no aero-focused bike would be complete without a D-shaped seatpost. Borrowed from the CAAD13 and SuperSix EVO Gen 3, it offers a slight aerodynamic advantage while also adding a touch of compliance. Small but thoughtful details, like the covered dropouts, aero bottles, and specially designed bottle cages,round off the aero concept. Whether these features hold up in real-world gravel conditions remains to be seen.

The Cannondale SuperX in detail

At launch, Cannondale offer three SuperX models along with a frameset. As expected, there’s a top-tier LAB71version featuring Cannondale’s premium carbon layup. This frame is not only 100 g lighter but also significantly more expensive. A fully built LAB71 SuperX, equipped with a SRAM Red XPLR groupset, a one-piece cockpit, and Reserve carbon wheelset, retails at a hefty €14,999. The frameset alone costs €5,499.

Our SuperX 2 test bike sits in the upper mid-range, and not just in terms of price. At €6,899, it comes equipped with a two-piece cockpit, Shimano’s new GRX 825 Di2 (2x setup with a 11–34 cassette and 48/31 chainset), Reserve 40|44 carbon wheels with DT Swiss 370 hubs, and Vittoria Terreno T50 tires in a generous 40 mm width.

The entry-level SuperX 3, which retails at €4,499, features a cable-operated Shimano GRX drivetrain and DT Swiss aluminium wheelset a solid setup for those looking to get into gravel racing without breaking the bank.

The geometry of the Cannondale SuperX

The geometry of the Cannondale SuperX still carries traces of its cyclocross heritage but at the same time takes a clear step towards the future, which makes it race-ready for gravel. A short wheelbase combined with a 1.49 stack-to-reach ratio, typical for gravel race bikes, points to a sporty and responsive ride. Add short chainstays and a steep seat angle into the mix, and you’ll get a centred riding position with plenty of control, direct power transfer, and sharp handling. The high bottom bracket, however, is a nod to the bike’s cyclocross roots, and reinforces its dual-purpose design.

Size	46	51	54	56	58	61
Reach	365 mm	371 mm	378 mm	385 mm	392 mm	398 mm
Stack	515 mm	535 mm	555 mm	575 mm	595 mm	615 mm
Chainstay	422 mm	422 mm	422 mm	422 mm	422 mm	422 mm
BB height	283 mm	288 mm	290 mm	290 mm	293 mm	293 mm
Seat Tube	449 mm	488 mm	524 mm	546 mm	566 mm	589 mm
Head Angle	70°	71°	71°	71°	71°	71°
Seat Angle	74.3°	74.3°	73.7°	73.3°	72.9°	72.3°
Horizontal Top Tube	510 mm	521 mm	540 mm	558 mm	575 mm	594 mm
Head Tube	86 mm	108 mm	132 mm	153 mm	177 mm	198 mm
Wheelbase	998 mm	1005 mm	1020 mm	1034 mm	1049 mm	1062 mm

Pure racing performance – the Cannondale SuperX 2 on review

Aerodynamics, cyclocross heritage, and gravel – but how does the Cannondale SuperX 2 actually ride?

Surprisingly, the handling is balanced and composed, far from the razor-sharp twitchiness of traditional cyclocross bikes. The SuperX 2 impresses with precise yet intuitive steering, making you feel at ease from the get go. It’s agile enough to carve through tight corners, yet stable enough at faster speeds and in rougher terrain – the optimal prerequisites for fast, demanding gravel races. The wide tires, stiff wheelset, and optimised fork geometry inspire huge amounts of confidence.

When it comes to acceleration, the SuperX 2 delivers in spades. Snappy, explosive sprints highlight the bike’s lingering cyclocross DNA, though that’s no bad thing– it’s a welcome trait in a gravel race machine. Once up to speed, the aero advantages become clear, helping the bike hold momentum with minimal effort. The only limiting factor? The tires, which sap a bit of that top-end speed.

Off the beaten track, the SuperX’s brilliant composure makes it a joy to push the pace and let the bike run. However, the 40 mm Vittoria Terreno T50 tires don’t quite deliver the grip they should, meaning that the bike reaches its limits sooner than youwant it to. We’d recommend making full use of the generous tire clearance– 45 mm rubber would unlock even more off-road capability.

Tuning-Tip: Narrower handlebars for an aero boost and wider tires for even more control.

Where the SuperX 2 truly shines is in comfort. The frame and D-shaped seatpost harmonise perfectly, soaking up vibrations and smoothing out rough terrain. The only weak point? The cockpit. The FSA K-Force handlebars on our test bike felt slightly outdated in terms of both ergonomics and compliance, and a wider, more modern bar would likely improve comfort and control.

Overall, the Cannondale SuperX 2 is a thoroughly modern gravel race bike. While the cockpit leaves room for upgrades, the core concept is rock solid—this bike is built to meet the demands of today’s high-speed gravel racing.

Who is the Cannondale SuperX for?

Cannondale’s brand-new SuperX 2025 impresses with stable, well-balanced handling and high level of comfort. Combined with excellent efficiency, it’s the perfect machine for fast-paced gravel races. Whether you’re tackling Unbound Gravel or The Traka in Girona, the SuperX is up for it – built for racing and designed to keep you feeling fresh even after hours in the saddle. But it’s not just a race-day weapon. The SuperX also shines outside the race track, proving just as capable for after-work blasts and weekend training rides, effortlessly handling whatever the road or the trail throws at it.

Conclusions about the Cannondale SuperX review – a gravel race machine through and through

The Cannondale SuperX is incredibly versatile. Its gravel race-focused design doesn’t limit its appeal– in fact, it enhances it! With a rare blend of efficiency, intuitive handling, and impressive compliance, the SuperX delivers a ride quality that few bikes can match. It’s not just a fast racing machine, but also a reliable training partner for long days in the saddle. That said, the €6,899 price tag and the somewhat harsh cockpit take a slight edge off the overall experience. But if you’re after a no-compromise gravel racer, the SuperX is ready to rip.

For more info, visit cannondale.com

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Words: Calvin Zajac Photos: Jan Fock