This article compares the differences between the BMC Teammachine SLR and Cannondale Supersix EVO.
The comparison covers the model lineups, specifications, and retail pricing. It compares the carbon fiber technology (BMC ACE+ vs Cannondale BallisTec) and frameset technologies on each bike.
The objective is to provide you with a clearer understanding of BMC Teammachine SLR vs Cannondale Supersix EVO before making the purchasing decision.
| BMC Teammachine SLR | Cannondale Supersix EVO | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | Lightweight, all-rounder | Lightweight, all-rounder |
| Frame material | Premium 01 carbon Premium carbon | BallisTec LAB71 carbon BallisTec Hi-Mod carbon BallisTec carbon |
| Frame sizes | 47, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 | 44, 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 |
| Groupset | Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo (12-speed) | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Price (USD) | $3,199 to $15,999 | $4,500 to $15,000 |
BMC Teammachine SLR
The BMC Teammachine SLR is an all-rounder, pure-breed race bike.
Cadel Evans won the Tour de France in 2011 on the same BMC Teammachine SLR01 model, albeit an older generation model. At first glance, the naming convention of the Teammachine SLR01 can be confusing and looks to be all over.
There are two versions available; BMC Teammachine SLR01 (higher grade) vs BMC Teammachine SLR (standard).
Both models have the same frame geometry but differ in carbon fiber grade (Premium 01 Carbon vs Premium Carbon vs ), internal vs external cable routing, and components.
The range-topping model is the BMC Teammachine SLR01 Ltd, the same bike the AG2R Citroën Team rode at the 2023 Tour de France. It’s followed by the One, Two Three, Four, and Five models. Top-of-the-line BMC Teammachine SLR01 models are equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 or SRAM Red AXS. Mid-range models are equipped with Shimano Ultegra Di2 or SRAM Force AXS.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMC Teammachine SLR01 Ltd | Premium 01 carbon | Campagnolo Super Record EPS | Campagnolo Bora Ultra Disc WTO | $15,999 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR01 One | Premium 01 carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | Zipp 353 NSW | $14,999 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR01 Two | Premium 01 carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | DT Swiss ARC 1100 DICUT | $12,999 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR01 Three | Premium 01 carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | DT Swiss ARC 1650 | $9,299 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR01 Four | Premium 01 carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | CRD-351 SL | $8,499 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR01 Five | Premium 01 carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | CRD-351 SL | $7,499 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR One | Premium carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | CRD-351 | $6,499 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR Two | Premium carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | DT SWISS P1800 | $5,999 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR Three | Premium carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | XRD-522 | $5,599 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR Four | Premium carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | XRD-522 | $5,199 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR Five | Premium carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Mavic Open Disc | $4,599 |
BMC Teammachine SLR vs others
Cannondale Supersix EVO
The Cannondale SuperSix EVO is an all-rounder race bike.
For years, the Cannondale SuperSix EVO been known for being light, fast, and stiff on the climbs. At one point, many weight weenies were building sub-6kg bikes with the Cannondale SuperSix EVO.
In 2023, Cannondale launched the ultra-premium LAB71 version featuring their latest Series 0 (LAB71) carbon, taking over from the Hi-MOD version as the top-of-the-line offering. Three carbon grades are now used for the SuperSix EVO; BallisTec LAB71, BallisTec Hi-MOD, and BallisTec.
All Cannondale SuperSix EVO models are now electronic shifting and disc brake only. The flagship LAB71 models are equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 only.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cannondale SuperSix EVO LAB71 | LAB71 (Series 0) carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | HollowGram R-SL 50 | $15,000 |
| Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD 1 | Hi-MOD carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | HollowGram R-SL 50 | $13,050 |
| Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD 2 | Hi-MOD carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | HollowGram R-SL 50 | $8,300 |
| Cannondale SuperSix EVO 1 | Carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | HollowGram R-S 50 | $6,500 |
| Cannondale SuperSix EVO 2 | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | HollowGram R 45 | $5,500 |
| Cannondale SuperSix EVO 3 | Carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | DT Swiss R470 | $4,500 |
Cannondale SuperSix Evo vs others
BMC vs Cannondale carbon fiber
BMC ACE+
The BMC ACE+ (Accelerated Composites Evolution Technology +) is the latest carbon fiber layup technology used on all BMC road bikes.
ACE+ operates by determining the cross-sections of the frame, the arrangement of the carbon layers, and the geometric structure based on targeted performance values. Subsequently, it generates thousands of virtual models to pinpoint the ideal equilibrium of performance, focusing on three fundamental aspects; Stiffness, Weight, and Compliance.
BMC has two different carbon grades, 01 Premium Carbon and Premium Carbon, in their road bike frames. The choice between the two carbon grades depends on the rider’s preferences, budget, and desired level of performance.
- 01 Premium Carbon is a high-grade carbon fiber material with superior performance, stiffness, and weight savings. It provides enhanced ride quality with improved power transfer and responsiveness. Premium 01 carbon is used on all BMC models with 01, such as Teammachine SLR01 and Roadmachine 01.
- Premium Carbon is a mid-range carbon fiber material that balances performance, weight, and affordability. It is used on all BMC models without the 01.
Cannondale BallisTec Carbon
Cannondale BallisTec is a proprietary carbon fiber construction technique used to manufacture Cannondale bicycle frames.
The BallisTec carbon technology utilizes advanced engineering and construction methods to create frames that balance strength, stiffness, and weight. It involves the precise layering and placement of carbon fiber sheets, which are impregnated with epoxy resin and then molded under high pressure and temperature.
The BallisTec carbon is available in three grades.
- BallisTec LAB71 is Cannondale’s latest advancement in carbon construction. Also known as the Series 0 carbon, LAB71 is designed to be the lightest and most advanced, taking over from the Hi-MOD carbon. LAB71 frameset delivers exceptional performance, weight reduction, and overall ride quality.
- BallisTec Hi-MOD stands for High-Modulus, which refers to using high-modulus carbon fibers in the frame. This results in a stiffer and lighter structure, providing enhanced power transfer and a more responsive ride feel. Hi-MOD carbon frames are designed for riders who prioritize performance, stiffness, and weight savings.
- BallisTec is the standard carbon in Cannondale’s frames, which offers a balance of weight, stiffness, and durability at more affordable prices.
Frameset technologies and innovations
BMC Teammachine SLR and Cannondale Supersix EVO framesets incorporate advanced technologies to enhance their bikes’ performance and ride characteristics.
Here’s an overview of the technologies used in each bike model.
BMC Teammachine SLR
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Accelerated Composites Evolution Plus (ACE+) | ACE+ utilizes advanced computer algorithms and simulation techniques to optimize the layup and design of carbon fiber frames and components. With BMC ACE+, engineers can explore various design possibilities and fine-tune the carbon layup to achieve specific performance objectives. This technology allows precise control over stiffness, compliance, weight, and aerodynamics. ACE+ enables BMC to create frames that offer optimal balance and performance characteristics by analyzing numerous virtual prototypes and conducting virtual testing. |
| Aerocore Design System | An advanced aerodynamic design approach used by BMC to optimize the aerodynamic performance of their road bikes. It is a holistic system that integrates multiple bike elements, including frame shapes, tube profiles, component integration, and overall bike geometry, to minimize aerodynamic drag and maximize efficiency. |
| Integrated Cockpit System (ICS) | Seamlessly integrates the handlebar, stem, and fork to improve aerodynamics, enhance stiffness, and provide a clean, integrated look. The elimination of external cables reduces drag and improves handling responsiveness. |
| Tuned Compliance Concept (TCC) | TCC optimizes vertical compliance by strategically tuning the carbon layup and tube shapes. This technology improves the frame’s ability to absorb road vibrations and bumps, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride without sacrificing performance or power transfer. |
| D-Shaped Seatpost | BMC’s D-Shaped Seatpost features a flattened shape that enhances vertical compliance and comfort by absorbing road vibrations. This design provides a smoother ride experience, particularly during long-distance or rougher road surfaces, while maintaining aerodynamic performance. |
Cannondale Supersix EVO
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| BallisTec carbon construction | A proprietary manufacturing technology that uses meticulously woven carbon fiber material to create strong and lightweight bike frames. The goal is to maximize the stiffness-to-weight ratio, providing riders with a responsive and efficient ride experience. Available in three grades; BallisTec LAB71, BallisTec Hi-MOD, and BallisTec. |
| Delta steerer | A unique steerer tube design for seamless cable integration to, reduce frontal area and drag. |
| Bottle integration | Integrated bottle cages and bottles designed for improved aerodynamics and streamlining. |
Where to buy
BMC retailers
- BMC retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest BMC retailers.
Cannondale retailers
- Cannondale retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Cannondale retailers.
Bernard Lu has 7+ years of experience working in a bicycle shop, overseeing the retail and workshop operations. He’s a qualified bicycle mechanic who understands a cyclist’s needs and speaks the same cycling lingo.
If you meet him at the cafe, he will happily talk to you for hours about all the intricacies of bikes and cycling tech. Just buy him a coffee next time you see him.