Last year at Press Camp, representatives from Cannondale presented product practically giddy about what was coming for this season across all categories. It turns out, there is a lot to be excited about. For this year the brand has rolled out a collection of well-thought out offerings across the road and city line with engaging details that we’re glad made it past the conceptual stage for models like the new SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod disc…
The debut of SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD Disc was clearly the main statement by Cannondale reinforcing their commitment to disc brakes across categories (though, all bikes in the road line shown at Press Camp were disc brake). The fork was entirely re-designed to be full carbon with an integrate crown race, 100 x 12mm thru-axle, and flat-mount capability. The frame itself shares a mold with the rim brake model, and the full frameset was redesigned with a mere 150g weight gain with disc addition. In total you’re looking at 829g for the frame in a 56cm, and about 360g for the fork.
One of the subtly interesting points of the Ultegra Di2 build shown was the addition of carbon rims to Cannondale’s house component line, HollowGram. The brand is now able to leverage an even fuller component line (with the exception of drivetrain or brakes) with which to fully realize their design. With the exception of Schwalbe Pro ONE Tubeless tires, Fizik Microtex Superlight Classic tape, and Fizik Arione R5 saddle, everything on the bike is branded either Shimano or Cannondale.
Available in two men’s and one women’s models, the Evo Hi-Mod Disc will sell along side the rim brake version with Ultegra Di2 and Mechanical builds for the men and Ultegra Di2 only for the ladies.
But disc brakes are not exclusive to elite product. The all-new CAAD Optimo comes in both rim and disc brake flavors (though, only disc was shown). The geometry is taken directly from the CAAD12 so consumers can be assured that they have a performance oriented fit.
The alloy frame is constructed from tubing designed through the brand’s Tube Flow Modeling process. Cannondale claims the resulting SmartForm C2 Aluminum tubing construction is at the same time light-weight and has a tuned feel to make the riding experience better than similarly priced aluminum frames in the category. The complete bike has other attributes that make it a solid “gateway” point performance model, such as flat mount calipers (mechanical), internal routing, a tapered head tube, carbon fork, and BB30 crank. The model as shown was spec’d with Shimano 105.
As a gateway product, it was important to also factor in versatility to the frame. The dropouts are outfitted with mounts for fenders. There is also a bolt-on bridge to facilitate fender mounting at stays.
The CAAD Optimo will be available in six models, two in disc brake, and will retail sub $1500 MSRP (final pricing TBA).
Following on what was probably the brand’s most talked about releases last year with the Slate, the controversial 650B minimal suspension fun bike, Cannondale is releasing two Apex level models, with the Apex Women’s model shown. Differentiators for the women’s model include narrower bars and different touchpoints than those used for the regular model.
To keep the price point down, one of the major characteristics of the model, the 30mm travel Lefty Oliver was traded for a rigid solo. Despite this concession, representatives from Cannondale claim the rigid model is, “One of the best descending bikes I’ve ever ridden.”
The Apex women’s model comes spec’d 1×10 with hydraulic Apex flat mount calipers and will be available in only Small and Medium sizing.
Last but not least, we were able to see Cannondale’s new Quick, a model they launched this May for the fitness consumer wanting an ultra-functional and fun flat-bar bike right off the shop floor. Another beneficiary of Cannondale’s Outfront Steering Geometry, the Quick is designed for a self-centering and stable ride.
The complete build is covered in reflective graphics for high visibility both the frame and components. Also, fender and rack mounts for ultra utility as well as reflective, puncture resistant tires to keep riders on the road. For an extra $30 MSRP, a Cannondale kickstand can be installed to a mount integrated in to the frame.
In person, the remarkable characteristics were both the internal routing and the bowed seat stays (perhaps to allow the brand to utilize the same stays across all sizes). At an rate, the Quick comes in eight models (three of those disc) in both men’s and women’s types.
