Cannondale SuperX 2 on Review – In our 2025 Gravel Race Bike Comparison Test

The all-new Cannondale SuperX 2 aims for the gravel throne. With its race-focused geometry, refined aerodynamics, and generous tire clearance, the brand-new Cannondale SuperX 2 is built to be a modern race gravel bike. But can it hold its own against the competition in our gravel race bike test? We put it to the test to find out.

Arriving fresh and unreleased at the GRAN FONDO gravel race bike test on the French Riviera, the Cannondale SuperX 2 was a bit of a mystery– even for our testers. But according to Cannondale, this bike has plenty to offer. Compliance, aero efficiency, and race gravel performance are said to be its key strengths. Add in some unique features, like the aero-optimised water bottles, and the SuperX 2 certainly looks promising. But can this €8,899 carbon machine hold its own against the competition?

Cannondale SuperX 2 – Pure off-road racing?

Wow– how sleek is this? With the SuperX 2, Cannondale go all-in on aerodynamics, with an ultra-slim design and a sharp, tapered head tube. The goal? Minimise frontal area to reduce drag. One of the standout features is the Delta Steerer, a pizza-slice-shaped steerer tube that enables internal cable routing without the need for oversized bearings– a clever and elegant solution. Paired with a deep down tube, seamlessly integrated fork, and aero-optimised water bottles and cages, the aero concept is taken to the extreme. In our race gravel test, no other bike pushes aerodynamics as far as the SuperX 2.

At the rear, compliance is the name of the game. The super-thin seat tube, combined with flex zones in the seat- and chainstays, is designed to absorb not just minor vibrations but also bigger hits. The D-shaped seatpost adds even more compliance while maintaining aero efficiency. And no race gravel bike would be complete without a generous tire clearance– something the SuperX 2 delivers in spades. With clearance for up to 51 mm in the fork and 48 mm at the rear, it’s one of the most forward-thinking bikes in this test. Only the 3T Extrema Italia offers more on paper.

The result? A beautifully cohesive design that looks as fast as it rides. The white-grey paintwork, combined with sleek frame lines and carefully considered details, makes the SuperX 2 one of the best-looking and most race-focused bikes in this group test, unanimously winning over our test team.

Something different – the spec of the Cannondale SuperX 2

As a modern race gravel bike, the Cannondale SuperX 2 ticks all the trend boxes– but when it comes to the spec, this €6,899, 8.53 kg machine takes an unconventional approach. While it’s €2,500 cheaper than the test field average, it’s also 550 g heavier, which makes it the third-heaviest bike in the entire test field after the Merida and 3T. And the choice of groupset is a real surprise. The Shimano GRX Di2 with a 48/31 chainset and 11–43 cassette offers solid shifting and good ergonomics, but in a race gravel setting, the SRAM Red XPLR– which most competitors use– has the edge. The 1x drivetrain is not only simpler and more reliable, but SRAM’s brakes also deliver noticeably more brake torque than Shimano’s.

The cockpit is slightly behind the curve too. With Cannondale’s own stem and an FSA’s K-Force handlebars measuring 40 cm on the hoods and 42 cm in the drops, they’re rather narrow and have minimal flare– not exactly cutting-edge for modern gravel racing. Despite costing up to €2,000 less, competitors like ROSE and even Superiors, offer more refined setups at a similar price point. The wheels and tires, however, are far more up to date. The Reserve 40|44 carbon wheelset is built for aerodynamic performance and durability on rough gravel, while the 40 mm Vittoria Terreno T50 tires aim to be a versatile all-rounder for both fast gravel and technical trails, at least in theory. In practice, though, the Terreno T50s struggled to keep up– with the test team clearly preferring the Schwalbe tires used elsewhere in the test.

So, at 8.53 kg and just under €7,000, the Cannondale SuperX 2 is one of the heaviest bikes in this test. Compared to the ROSE BACKROAD FF, which weighs nearly 500 g less for just €100 more, the SuperX 2 feels more like a luxury item than a value-packed performance machine.

The Geometry of the SuperX 2

The Cannondale SuperX 2 aims to strike a clever balance between agility and composure – but is that the perfect formula for fast gravel racing? With short 42.2 cm chainstays, the bike delivers snappy handling, while the 70–71° head angle provides good control without making the front end feel twitchy. A moderate trail (6.5–7.2 cm) suggests a sporty but not overly sharp steering response, while the relatively high bottom bracket drop (up to 7.7 cm) ensures a high centre of gravity, adding stability through corners and extra control. Overall, the geometry promises a SuperX 2 that thrives on speed but stays composed even on long-distance efforts.

Size	46	51	54	56	58	61
Seat Tube	449 mm	488 mm	524 mm	546 mm	566 mm	589 mm
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
Head Angle	70°	71°	71°	71°	71°	71°
Seat Angle	74.3°	74.3°	73.7°	73.3°	72.9°	72.3°
Chainstay	422 mm	422 mm	422 mm	422 mm	422 mm	422 mm
BB Drop	77 mm	72 mm	69 mm	69 mm	67 mm	67 mm
Wheelbase	998 mm	1005 mm	1020 mm	1034 mm	1049 mm	1062 mm
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

Cannondale SuperX 2 – Gravel racing at its fines

How does the Cannondale SuperX 2 stack up against the competition in our gravel race bike comparison test? When it comes to steering agility, the SuperX 2 feels a bit sluggish compared to the ultra-playful SCOTT Addict Gravel RC. However, it always remains stable and precise, which makes it a solid choice for fast, rough descents– even if it lacks the quick-reacting nature needed for tight switchbacks and rapid direction changes.

Smooth, timeless, clean! – The cashmere paint finish is a perfect match for this bike.

Stability, on the other hand, is outstanding. No other bike in the test feels as planted– except for the 3T Extrema Italia with its 50 mm tires. That makes the SuperX 2 a rock-solid choice for rough terrain and loose gravel. With wider, grippier tires, it could easily become the ultimate off-road machine, confidently holding a straight race line through chunky rock gardens. Handling is intuitive but not playful, which suits a serious race gravel bike. And when it comes to hard accelerations, the SuperX 2 wastes no watts– power transfer is direct, and every pedal stroke turns into forward momentum. The only downside? The relatively high system weight, which slightly holds back acceleration on steep climbs.

The frame’s compliance features seem to work well too. While it can’t match the ultra-smooth ride of the 3T Extrema Italia with its 50 mm tires, the SuperX 2 does a great job of filtering out vibrations and smoothing out smaller impacts. With its confidence-inspiring handling, the SuperX 2 is well-suited for long, demanding gravel races, but it’s also a strong option for extended adventures and rougher terrain.

Tuning tip: Wider tires and a sleek, integrated cockpit.

What kind of race is the Cannondale SuperX 2 built for?

Versatile, composed, and race-ready – With its high stability, massive tire clearance, and excellent compliance, the Cannondale SuperX 2 is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re riding on gravel, hardpack, or venturing off the beaten track, this bike is a reliable companion in any situation. Thanks to the intuitive, confidence-inspiring handling, it’s a great choice for both gravel newcomers and seasoned racers alike. The SuperX 2 is a cutting-edge, do-it-all race gravel bike– ready for any adventure, whether you’re pinning on a race number or just exploring new routes.

Conclusions about the Cannondale SuperX 2

With the SuperX 2, Cannondale entered our comparison test with a truly modern, versatile gravel race bike. When it comes to aerodynamics, tire clearance, and compliance, it’s one of the strongest contenders in this test. Paired with its stable and intuitive handling, the SuperX 2 stands out as one of the most exciting options for rougher race courses. The only downside? The spec choice and relatively high price don’t quite hit the mark.

More info at cannondale.com.

The test field

This bike was tested as part of the 2025 Race Gravel Bike comparison test – you can find an overview of this group test and all other tested race gravel bikes here:

All bikes in review: 3T Extrema Italia | Cannondale SuperX 2 | Canyon Grail CFR XPLR | Falkenjagd Aristos SL | Merida Silex 8000 | Parapera Anemos² | Rose Backroad FF RED XPLR AXS | Scott Addict Gravel RC | Superior XR 9.7 GF | Specialized S-Works Crux | Trek Checkmate SLR 9 AXS | Wilier Rave SLR

---

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of GRAN FONDO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.

Words: Calvin Zajac Photos: Jan Richter