

The SuperSix is Cannondale's
primary full-carbon road race frame. Cannondale molds the massive BB30 Super
Six bottom bracket shell and both chainstays in one piece. This results in
exceptional lateral stiffness at the center of the drive train, to optimize
power transfer. The tapered head tube accommodates a fork steerer that
tapers from 1.5" at the fork crown to 1.125" at the top of the
steerer. The resulting lateral stiffness at the front of the bike
translates into an extremely stable ride, even in a 100kph descent. This concept was pioneered several years ago by Time, the French company which
manufactures the SuperSix forks for Cannondale. Cannondale's BB30 bottom
bracket provides stiffness and stability at frame's center. Wider = stiffer, so a bigger
diameter bottom
bracket shell means better power transfer. Other big players on the road
racing scene, notably Specialized, are now using the BB30 for their top models.
At 30mm, the axle of Cannondale's SI (System
Integrated) crankset is 25 percent wider than
the current industry standard used by Shimano, Campy, and SRAM. Wider also
means stronger, so Cannondale is able to use an aluminum crank axle, instead of
steel.
What about lightness?
The SuperSix HI-Modulus, combined with the very light, very stiff SI
cranksets, is one of the lightest designs on the market.
Super Six
Wheel Upgrades Winter Special
Do riders with deep rim carbon wheels coast by
you on descents, while you pedal your butt off? Do you lust for a set of
these wheels on your next bike, but bemoan a price tag that could lead to
divorce (or to the spouse taking a sledge hammer to the bike)?
If you're willing to forego high modulus and
Dura-Ace or Red, this rig may not be so out-of-reach. From now until March
30, get a Super
Six 3 with the strongest, stiffest, and lightest deep rim carbon wheels on
the market: