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The SuperSix model was recently omnipresent at Cannondale, with three platforms bearing the name: for road, cross-country and gravel. The only difference between the two off-road variants was the equipment. Confusing. The US manufacturer has now recognised this and reacted: the hybrid of cyclocross and gravel bike will disappear from the range and be replaced by the SuperX - as a completely new platform for off-road use.
Cannondale SuperX: Differentiation from its predecessor
Cross-country riders may now be ringing a bell, as Cannondale's cross specialist once traded under this name. However, apart from the name, the new SuperX has little in common with the previous model. Instead, Cannondale is responding to the growing popularity of gravel racing with the SuperX, especially overseas. At first glance, the chassis looks like a copy of the road-ready SuperSix Evo. The aerodynamically optimised carbon tubes have been adopted almost one-to-one. The new model has also been slightly slimmed down, with Cannondale claiming a saving of 100 grams for the exclusive top model compared to its predecessor.
At a rumoured 7.4 kilograms, the luxury version would be behind the Specialized S-Works Crux ranks as a light gravel bike in the TOUR test. For our test bike, the Cannondale SuperX 2, we determined a complete weight of 8.4 kilograms. This even undercuts the manufacturer's specification by 200 grams. Cannondale itself provides a partial explanation, because shortly before the release of the new platform, the narrow carbon handlebars from FSA (380 millimetres) were replaced by a simpler aluminium version from Vision (420 millimetres). In addition to heavier add-on parts, the additional weight compared to the high-end version results from the simpler carbon quality of the frameset. Cannondale specifies 9.1 kilograms for the basic model in the smaller frame size.
Cannondale does not provide any concrete information on the extent to which the aerodynamic borrowings from the SuperSix Evo will pay off. The SuperX is said to require just under two watts less at 35 km/h, but the manufacturer does not provide exact values. Nevertheless, the SuperX 2 left a fast impression during our test rides. Comparable bikes such as the Canyon CF SLX 8 AXS or Rose Backroad FF XPLR AXS are a little lighter, but the Cannondale is still easy on the throttle and ploughs along the gravel track as if pulled by a string.
Suspension and tyres of the Cannondale SuperX
The riding position is comparatively sporty, but long tours on the bike are no torture for the neck and back. However, it is not the racing character that convinces us the most, but the enormous suspension comfort. Only a few race bikes can keep up in this discipline and iron out bumps even better than the Cannondale. The Cannondale SuperX benefits from its proximity to the road bike by adopting its tapered seat tube and, in combination with the filigree carbon fibre seat post, providing significant suspension.
The impressive chassis is supported by the tubeless tyres from Vittoria, which are 42 millimetres wide on the aerodynamically optimised carbon rims from Reserve. Even wider tyres are therefore obsolete for typical gravel terrain, but the generous tyre clearance of 48/51 millimetres (front/rear) means that the bike could also be equipped for even rougher terrain.
According to Cannondale, the platform with 33-millimetre rubber should still be suitable for cyclocross races. However, the bike is less fond of tight, twisty courses than straight gravel motorways. Overall, the SuperX cannot deny its US roots. Thanks to the long wheelbase, plenty of fork travel and slack steering angle, the bike is predestined for long gravel races à la Unbound. Comparable race gravel bikes steer more directly.
Excellent overall impression leads to top marks
However, this should not detract from the excellent overall impression of the new Cannondale. On the contrary: We have only ever awarded the TOUR grade of 1.6 to a gravel bike (BMC Kaius 01 LTD). Although the tested SuperX 2 with carbon handlebars is around 100 grams lighter than the standard model with aluminium cockpit, this should hardly detract from the great performance of the bike, especially as the test bike does not yet mark the end of the line.
As mentioned, the top version significantly reduces the weight - the Americans are probably building the best gravel bike at the moment in terms of grades. However, this comes at a price: Cannondale charges €14,999 for the high-end Lab71 model. It is therefore likely to be reserved for the majority of gravel professionals, who generally do not have to pay for their own equipment. In comparison, the SuperX 2 seems almost like a bargain, costing less than half as much at € 6899.
The 2x12 drivetrain from Shimano provides enough gears for different requirements. There is no cheaper version (yet). However, the addition of "carbon" in the model name allows speculation as to whether Cannondale will be adding cheaper aluminium versions in the near future. Currently, these are only available for the adventure-ready Topstone.
Cannondale SuperX Carbon 2: Info & test grade
- Price: 6899 Euro >> available here
- Weight of complete wheel: 8.4 kilos
- Frame sizes: 46, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 (test size bolded)
- TOUR grade: 1,6
Geometry data
- Seat/top/head tube: 547/560/154 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR: 582/380 millimetres/1.53
- Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 643/571 millimetres/1.13
- Wheelbase/caster: 1035/72 millimetres
Equipment of the gravel bike
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX Di2 (2x12; 48/31, 11-34 t.) | Grade: 1.0
- Brakes: Shimano GRX (160/160) | Grade: 1.0
- Tyres: Vittoria Terreno T50 40 mm (eff.: 42 mm) | Grade: 1.5
- Impellers: Reserve 40/44 GR
- Impeller weights: 1433/1984 grams (front/rear)
Measured values of the Cannondale SuperX
- Weight of complete wheel: 8390 grammes | Grade: 2.0
- Driving stability: 8.0 N/mm | Grade: 1.7
- Rear comfort: 86 N/mm | Grade: 1.3
- Comfort front: 89 N/mm | Grade: 2.3
- Ride/ bottom bracket stiffness: 60 N/mm | Grade: 1.0
Advantages and disadvantages of the record bike
- Plus: Excellent rear comfort, high-quality equipment, smooth running
- Minus: Comparatively high price
Julian Schultz
Editor
