There are four Cannondale road bike models; SuperSix EVO (all-rounder), SystemSix (aero), Synapse (endurance), and CAAD (aluminum).
Carbon is used for mid to top-of-the-line frames. There is the Hi-MOD and non Hi-MOD versions. Hi-MOD stands for High Modulus, lighter, stiffer, and more responsive carbon.
Example : Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD Dura-Ace Di2
On the other hand, aluminum frames are found in low to mid-tiered frames. The lowest-tiered frames use the heavier SmartForm C2 Alloy, and mid-tiered frames use their premium SmartForm C1 Alloy.
| Cannondale model | Type of Cannondale bike | Price range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| SuperSix EVO | All-rounder race bike | $4,500 to $15,000 |
| SystemSix | Aero race bike | $13,050 |
| Synapse | Endurance bike | $4,500 to $9,050 |
| CAAD13 | Mid-range, aluminum bike | $3,325 to $3,700 |
| CAAD Optimo | Entry-level, aluminum bike | $1,025 to $1,625 |
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
More reading : Cannondale SuperSix EVO Frame Geometry Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) vs SRAM Red eTap AXS Groupsets
Cannondale SystemSix
The Cannondale SystemSix is the latest addition to the road bike lineup. It’s designed as an all-out aero bike with a 100% focus on speed.
The engineers designed the Cannondale SystemSix based on a six-part system (hence the name); the integration of frame, fork, seat post, handlebar, stem, and wheels in a package to maximize aerodynamic advantages. All cables are routed internally via the two-piece carbon Cannondale Knot SystemBar for all Cannondale SystemSix models.
In 2023, Cannondale streamlined its SystemSix offerings from five to only one model with the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) groupset.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cannondale SystemSix Hi-MOD | Hi-MOD carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | HollowGram 64 SL KNØT | $13,050 |
Cannondale System Six vs others
More reading : Cannondale SystemSix Frame Geometry Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) vs Ultegra Di2 (R8100) List of Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) Groupset Bikes
Cannondale Synapse
The Cannondale Synapse is for those looking for endurance bike geometry.
Compared to its elder sibling, the Cannondale SuperSix EVO, the Cannondale Synapse hasn’t had any major design changes in recent years. It still features a traditional frame design with the non dropped seat stays with a maximum tire size of 32c, and disc only.
As an endurance bike, the Cannondale Synapse doesn’t use top-of-the-line Hi-MOD framesets. In 2023, Cannondale streamlined the Synapse model from five to three, all with disc brakes and electronic shifting only.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cannondale Synapse Carbon 1 RLE | BallisTec carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | HollowGram 45 SL KNØT | $9,050 |
| Cannondale Synapse Carbon Ltd RLE | BallisTec carbon | Shimano GRX Di2 (11s) | HollowGram 45 SL KNØT | $7,050 |
| Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 LE | BallisTec carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | DT Swiss R470 | $4,500 |
Cannondale Synapse vs others
More reading : Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) vs SRAM Force eTap AXS Groupsets
Cannondale CAAD13
The Cannondale CAAD13 is an aluminum race bike.
In the past 10 to 15 years, aluminum bikes are slowly fading off the radar with the wider availability of carbon bikes. However, this is not the case for the CAAD, as it continues to be the go-to bike for many, especially criterium racers.
Now in its 13th iteration, it has the same dropped seat stay design as the Cannondale SuperSix EVO, although their frame geometry differs. The Cannondale CAAD geometry is focused on smooth and responsive handling through corners and performs its best on flat criteriums.
From 2023, the Cannondale CAAD13 will be available in electronic shifting only.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cannondale CAAD13 | SmartForm C1 aluminum | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | DT Swiss R470 | $3,700 |
| Cannondale CAAD13 | SmartForm C1 aluminum | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | DT Swiss R470 | $3,325 |
More reading : SRAM Rival eTap AXS vs Shimano 105 Di2 List of Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) Groupset Bike
Cannondale CAAD Optimo
The Cannondale CAAD Optimo is an entry-level road bike.
Built using Cannondale’s lower-grade SmartForm C2 Alloy, the Cannondale Optimo is only available in rim brake versions. The Cannondale Optimo is specced with either Shimano Claris (8-speed), Sora (9-speed), Tiagra (10-speed), or an 11-speed Shimano 105 groupset.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cannondale CAAD Optimo 1 | SmartForm C2 aluminum | Shimano 105 (R7000) | Cannondale RS 2.0 | $1,625 |
| Cannondale CAAD Optimo 2 | SmartForm C2 aluminum | Shimano Tiagra (R4700) | Cannondale RS 3.0 | $1,375 |
| Cannondale CAAD Optimo 3 | SmartForm C2 aluminum | Shimano Sora (R3000) | Cannondale RS 3.0 | $1,300 |
| Cannondale CAAD Optimo 4 | SmartForm C2 aluminum | Shimano Claris (R2400) | Cannondale RS 3.0 | $1,025 |
Cannondale bikes FAQ
What is the difference between Cannondale Supersix Evo and Systemsix?
The Cannondale SuperSix Evo and SystemSix are both high-performance road bikes, but they cater to different types of riding and preferences.
| Attributes | Cannondale SuperSix Evo | Cannondale SystemSix |
|---|---|---|
| Type of riding | All-around road racing | Aero road racing |
| Riding position | More aggressive, race-oriented | Slightly more relaxed |
| Bike handling | Quick, agile | Stable, confident |
| Comfort | Excellent compliance, smoother | Stiffer, more direct |
| Power transfer | Very good | Excellent |
| Aerodynamics | Good | Outstanding, highly efficient |
What is the difference between Cannondale Supersix EVO and Synapse?
The Cannondale SuperSix Evo and Synapse are two distinct road bikes designed for different riding styles and preferences. The Cannondale SuperSix Evo is a high-performance, all-around road racing bike, while the Cannondale Synapse is focused on providing comfort and stability for endurance riding and long distances.
| Attributes | Cannondale SuperSix Evo | Cannondale Synapse |
|---|---|---|
| Type of riding | All-around road racing | Endurance, long-distance |
| Riding position | Aggressive, race-oriented | More upright, relaxed |
| Bike handling | Quick, responsive | Stable, predictable |
| Comfort | Good, race-oriented | Excellent, endurance-focused |
| Power transfer | Very good | Very good |
| Aerodynamics | Good | Moderate |
What is the difference between Cannondale CAAD13 and Synapse?
The Cannondale CAAD13 is an aluminum road bike aimed at racers looking for an affordable, high-performance machine, while the Cannondale Synapse is tailored for endurance riding, with a focus on comfort and stability over long distances.
| Attributes | Cannondale CAAD13 | Cannondale Synapse |
|---|---|---|
| Type of riding | Racing and fast group rides | Endurance, long-distance |
| Riding position | Aggressive, race-oriented | More upright, relaxed |
| Bike handling | Quick, responsive | Stable, predictable |
| Comfort | Good, but more race-oriented | Excellent, endurance-focused |
| Power transfer | Excellent | Very good |
| Aerodynamics | Good | Moderate |
How long is Cannondale’s warranty?
Cannondale road bike frames have a lifetime warranty for the original owner. Paint and decals and Cannondale branded components are covered under warranty for the first year.
More about Cannondale’s warranty policy.
Where are Cannondale bikes made?
Cannondale bikes are made in Taiwan.
Which professional cycling team does Cannondale sponsors?
Cannondale bikes have been in the pro peloton for a long time dating back to the early 2000s. In recent years, Cannondale bikes started to make headlines when a young Peter Sagan started winning bunch sprints and the first three of his seven Tour de France green jerseys on a Cannondale Super Six EVO Hi-MOD.
Rigoberto Uran finished second in the 2017 Tour de France, and Alberto Bettiol won the 2019 Tour of Flanders riding the Cannondale Super Six Hi-MOD.
In 2023, team EF Education-Easypost riders will be riding Cannondale bikes.
More reading : Which Bike Brand Won the Most Tour de France?
Alex Lee is the founder and editor-at-large of Mr. Mamil. Coming from a professional engineering background, he breaks down technical cycling nuances into an easy-to-understand and digestible format here.
He has been riding road bikes actively for the past 12 years and started racing competitively in the senior category during the summer recently.