Model Name: Cannondale SuperSix Evo 105
Weight: 7.89kg (54cm)
Use: Road race
Frame material: Carbon
Brakes: Rim
Sizes available: 44, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 63cm

Road-race bikes come in many flavours and prices, from World Tour–level replicas to models that are better suited for club rides, long meandering kilometres, and, yes, racing. The Cannondale SuperSix Evo 105 is a budget-priced offering that is good for all these exploits. It’s built around a BallisTec carbon fibre (Cannondale’s military-grade material) frame and fork the Connecticut company uses for 11 models, and is hung with Shimano’s durable and affordable 105 components. Outfitted with wide gears (36/52 x 11-28) and 25mm Mavic Yksion Elite tyres on Mavic Aksium wheels, the SuperSix Evo sports components that are light enough for its intended race-oriented use and durable enough to stand the test of time – and tons of mileage.

SuperSix Evo Family

There are 11 models in the SuperSix Evo family. The Evo 105 reviewed here is the entry point to the line. All of them share the same geometry and ride characteristics, but with different levels of components. At the high end, there are four SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod models that receive a frame and fork crafted of a lighter-weight carbon fibre and resin combo. Models are available at all price ranges, and three are available with disc brakes.

Racy Geometry + Smart Construction = Strong, Fast, and Light

As a race-oriented bike, the Evo 105 eschews rack and fender mounts in favour of a straight-ahead lightweight chassis. Cable routing is external, and Cannondale sticks with a PressFit bottom bracket to hold the brand’s Si (System Integration) alloy, three-piece crankset.

The frameset fits tyres up to 28mm wide (disc models fit slightly larger rubber). The frame and fork feature continuous – strand construction – carbon fibre material laid up in uninterrupted sections from the tip of the fork legs to the top of the steerer tube and, on the frame, in continuous strands from the bottom bracket around the dropouts to the seat cluster. Cannondale says this adds strength and durability to the material and allows its engineers to target comfort and ride quality.

Component Highlights

The SuperSix Evo 105 is built with a reliable Shimano 105 component group driven by a Cannondale house-brand three-piece Si crank. Gearing is wide, but still speed oriented, with mid-compact 36/52t chainrings and a Shimano 11-28t cassette.

The bike comes with a Selle Royal Seta S1 saddle and house-brand C3 alloy seat post, stem, and handlebar to round out the build.

Mavic supplies Aksium Elite alloy wheels and Yksion Elite tyres in 25mm. This is a common wheel set on bikes in this price range and we’ve found them to be a solid choice with excellent braking (even in wet weather) and above average durability.

Riding the SuperSix Evo 105

In some ways, the guiding principle behind go-fast bikes is simple – they’re made to cover ground as fast as possible. But the better ones are efficient to maximise your energy, comfortable to keep you fresh (and cranking out the watts) longer, and handle reliably so you can trust them them in any situation. The Supersix Evo 105 does all that to a some degree and at a reasonable price.

It has typical race geometry – not as upright as an endurance bike, or so short that you’re forced to hunch over like a sprinter). Handling is neutral; you don’t need to muscle the bike through corners expending energy better spent putting out watts, neither do you have to pre-think the road to set up for turns and grade changes.

The ride is comfortable, softer than what you find on some road bikes that can feel overly stiff. Yet it can handle a surge of watts without flexing under the strain. In sprints and fast gallops all the force goes just where you want it to: right to the tires propelling your forward.

Weight is also a consideration, and the SuperSix Evo 105 doesn’t disappoint. At 7.89kg, the SuperSix falls in line with many bikes in its price range. Racers who want to shave a few grams can upgrade to a set of faster, lightweight dedicated race wheels and still having a great set of wheels for non-competition days.

For non-racers looking for a comfortable bike to put the mileage in, take part in a fondo, or just putter about on an efficient, comfortable bike, the SuperSix Evo 105 is an excellent option. Those same traits that make it race worthy work well for that type of riding too.

This article originally appeared on bicycling.com.

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