Cannondale SuperSix 105 review

Last year’s Cycling Plus Bike of the Year was the Cannondale Six, so it should come as no surprise that its successor is another top quality performer with a refined ride. While £1,799 isn’t exactly cheap, you're getting an awful lot of bike for your dosh. A jack-of-all-trades? Perhaps, but the SuperSix has managed to master most of them. Super? We certainly think so.

As usual with Cannondale, stiffness and efficiency are the watchwords, from the SuperSix’s oversized ‘BeatBox’ BB30 bottom bracket to its tapered head tube and super-size down tube. This might make it sound like a ruthless race bike that’ll beat you up on the road, but the stiffness is tempered by the fairly svelte seatstays, and the use of different layups of carbon fibre in particular areas.

The ProLogo saddle was a comfortable choice for most, and the carbon seatpost also helps to ease road buzz. The result is not only a high speed machine with ultra-precise handling, but one you really can ride all day without suffering. It’s not quite on a par with the elastomer-enhanced Specialized Roubaix maybe, but nudges out much of the competition where plushness is concerned.

One of the factors that sets the SuperSix apart is its ability to appeal to so many different riders, and indeed so many different types of cyclist. Fitness riders, racers and mile-eaters all appreciated the bike in equal measure. Racers liked its climbing, descending and sprinting abilities; long distance riders admired its comfort; and just about everybody reckoned it was one of the best looking bikes on test.

Its jack-of-all-trade credentials are clear from just a few of our testers’ comments: “a great all-rounder”… “ideal for all-day riding and racing”… “very fast and comfortable”… “smooth but racy”. The SuperSix’s frame is available with Shimano Ultegra or Dura-Ace groupsets if your budget will stretch, but with 105 it’s a fantastic package for the price.

We’d consider upgrading the tyres, Schwalbe’s Lugano suffering a little in comparison with the Durano and Ultremo tyres on a number of bikes at this price, but that’s about it. So whether you’re an aspiring racer, you’re about to tackle your first sportive or you just want a bike with a sublime balance of speed and comfort, the Cannondale could be the bike for you.

Credit: BikeRadar.com Road Bikes & Gear