2023 Cannondale SuperSix vs SystemSix vs Synapse vs CAAD

Written by : Mr Mamil
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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 modelType of Cannondale bikePrice range (USD)
SuperSix EVOAll-rounder race bike$4,500 to $15,000
SystemSixAero race bike$13,050
SynapseEndurance bike$4,500 to $9,050
CAAD13Mid-range, aluminum bike$3,325 to $3,700
CAAD OptimoEntry-level, aluminum bike$1,025 to $1,625
Cannondale road bikes lineup comparison

Cannondale SuperSix EVO

Cannondale SuperSix EVO LAB71
Cannondale SuperSix EVO LAB71. Photo : Cannondale

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 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; LAB71, Hi-MOD, and standard.

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.

ModelFrame materialGroupsetWheelsetRetail price (USD)
Cannondale SuperSix EVO LAB71LAB71 (Series 0) carbonShimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200)HollowGram R-SL 50$15,000
Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD 1Hi-MOD carbonSRAM Red eTap AXSHollowGram R-SL 50$13,050
Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD 2Hi-MOD carbonShimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100)HollowGram R-SL 50$8,300
Cannondale SuperSix EVO 1CarbonSRAM Force eTap AXSHollowGram R-S 50$6,500
Cannondale SuperSix EVO 2CarbonShimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100)HollowGram R 45$5,500
Cannondale SuperSix EVO 3CarbonShimano 105 Di2 (R7100)DT Swiss R470$4,500
Cannondale SuperSix EVO models lineup
More reading : Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) vs SRAM Red eTap AXS Groupsets

Cannondale SystemSix

Cannondale SystemSix Hi-MOD
Cannondale SystemSix Hi-MOD. Photo : Cannondale

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).

ModelFrame materialGroupsetWheelsetRetail price (USD)
Cannondale SystemSix Hi-MODHi-MOD carbonShimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200)HollowGram 64 SL KNØT$13,050
Cannondale SystemSix retail prices in USD
More reading : 
Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) vs Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) Groupsets
List of Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) Groupset Bikes

Cannondale Synapse

Cannondale Synapse Carbon
Cannondale Synapse Carbon. Photo : Cannondale

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.

ModelFrame materialGroupsetWheelsetRetail price (USD)
Cannondale Synapse Carbon 1 RLECarbonShimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200)HollowGram 45 SL KNØT$9,050
Cannondale Synapse Carbon Ltd RLECarbonShimano GRX Di2 (11s)HollowGram 45 SL KNØT$7,050
Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 LECarbonShimano 105 Di2 (R7100)DT Swiss R470$4,500
Cannondale Synapse models lineup
More reading : Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) vs SRAM Force eTap AXS Groupsets

Cannondale CAAD13

Cannondale CAAD13
Cannondale CAAD13. Photo : Cannondale

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.

ModelFrame materialGroupsetWheelsetRetail price (USD)
Cannondale CAAD13SmartForm C1 aluminumShimano 105 Di2 (R7100)DT Swiss R470$3,700
Cannondale CAAD13SmartForm C1 aluminumSRAM Rival eTap AXSDT Swiss R470$3,325
Cannondale CAAD13 models lineup
More reading : 
Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) vs SRAM Rival eTap AXS Groupsets
List of Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) Groupset Bikes

Cannondale CAAD Optimo

Cannondale CAAD Optimo
Cannondale CAAD Optimo. Photo : Cannondale

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.

ModelFrame materialGroupsetWheelsetRetail price (USD)
Cannondale CAAD Optimo 1SmartForm C2 aluminumShimano 105 (R7000)Cannondale RS 2.0$1,625
Cannondale CAAD Optimo 2SmartForm C2 aluminumShimano Tiagra (R4700)Cannondale RS 3.0$1,375
Cannondale CAAD Optimo 3SmartForm C2 aluminumShimano Sora (R3000)Cannondale RS 3.0$1,300
Cannondale CAAD Optimo 4SmartForm C2 aluminumShimano Claris (R2400)Cannondale RS 3.0$1,025
Cannondale CAAD Optimo models lineup

Cannondale bikes FAQ

The Cannondale SuperSix Evo and SystemSix are both high-performance road bikes, but they cater to different types of riding and preferences.

AttributesCannondale SuperSix EvoCannondale SystemSix
Type of ridingAll-around road racingAero road racing
Riding positionMore aggressive, race-orientedSlightly more relaxed
Bike handlingQuick, agileStable, confident
ComfortExcellent compliance, smootherStiffer, more direct
Power transferVery goodExcellent
AerodynamicsGoodOutstanding, highly efficient
Comparison between Cannondale Supersix Evo and Systemsix

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.

AttributesCannondale SuperSix EvoCannondale Synapse
Type of ridingAll-around road racingEndurance, long-distance
Riding positionAggressive, race-orientedMore upright, relaxed
Bike handlingQuick, responsiveStable, predictable
ComfortGood, race-orientedExcellent, endurance-focused
Power transferVery goodVery good
AerodynamicsGoodModerate
Comparison between Cannondale Supersix Evo 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.

AttributesCannondale CAAD13Cannondale Synapse
Type of ridingRacing and fast group ridesEndurance, long-distance
Riding positionAggressive, race-orientedMore upright, relaxed
Bike handlingQuick, responsiveStable, predictable
ComfortGood, but more race-orientedExcellent, endurance-focused
Power transferExcellentVery good
AerodynamicsGoodModerate
Comparison between Cannondale CAAD13 and Synapse

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.

Cannondale bikes are made in Taiwan.

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?
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