In this article, I’ll guide you through a comparison between the Cannondale Supersix EVO and Giant TCR Advanced; both popular road bikes among cyclists.
I’ll walk through the Cannondale Supersix EVO and Giant TCR Advanced models lineup, their specifications, and retail pricing (USD). I’ll explain the carbon fiber technology used (Cannondale BallisTec vs Giant Advanced Composite), and unique frameset features for each bike.
The goal is to help you get a better understanding before you make your final purchasing decision.
| Cannondale Supersix EVO | Giant TCR Advanced | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | All-rounder | All-rounder |
| Frame material | LAB71 carbon BallisTec Hi-Mod carbon BallisTec carbon | Advanced-SL carbon Advanced carbon |
| Frame sizes | 44, 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 | XS, S, M, ML, L, XL |
| Groupset | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Price (USD) | $4,500 to $15,000 | $6,500 to $12,200 |
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
Giant TCR Advanced
The top-tiered Giant TCR Advanced SL uses the super light Advanced-SL carbon, has an integrated seat post, and is specced with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) or SRAM Force eTap AXS. The Giant TCR Advanced Pro sits in the mid-range, uses a lower-grade carbon fiber (Advanced carbon), and is slightly heavier.
The framesets are available in the Advanced SL and Advanced Pro versions for those looking to custom-build their bikes.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giant TCR Advanced SL 0 | Advanced SL carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | CADEX 36 | $12,200 |
| Giant TCR Advanced SL 1 | Advanced SL carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Giant SLR 1 36 | $9,200 |
| Giant TCR Advanced Pro 0 AR | Advanced carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Giant SLR 1 36 | $6,700 |
| Giant TCR Advanced Pro 0 | Advanced carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Giant SLR 1 36 | $6,500 |
Giant TCR Advanced vs others
Cannondale vs Giant carbon fiber
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.
Giant Advanced Composite Carbon
Giant’s Advanced Composite Carbon is a proprietary carbon fiber technology used in constructing bicycle frames. It’s a high-quality composite material with carbon fibers embedded in a resin matrix.
Using Advanced Composite Carbon, Giant can design frames with specific performance characteristics tailored to different riding disciplines. The material offers excellent vibration-damping properties, enhancing comfort and reducing fatigue on long rides. It also provides efficient power transfer, enabling riders to maximize their pedaling efficiency and accelerate easily.
The Giant Advanced Composite Carbon is available in standard and SL (Super Light) versions.
- Advanced SL represents the pinnacle of Giant’s carbon fiber engineering and construction. Advanced SL frames undergo additional optimization, utilizing a higher grade of carbon fiber and meticulous layup techniques. It’s found in Giant’s top-of-the-line bikes.
- Advanced is a step down from the top-tier Advanced SL carbon fiber, but it still offers an impressive balance of performance and value for money.
Frameset technologies and innovations
Cannondale Supersix EVO and Giant TCR Advanced framesets incorporate advanced technologies to enhance their bikes’ performance and ride characteristics.
Here’s an overview of the technologies used in each bike model.
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. |
Giant TCR Advanced
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Advanced Composite Technology | Utilizes Giant’s High Performance Grade raw carbon material and Modified Monocoque Construction technique to create a custom frame material. This carbon composite offers a high stiffness-to-weight ratio, balancing lightweight performance and strength. |
| OverDrive 2 | Features advanced steerer tube technology with oversized headset bearings and a tapered steerer tube (1 1/2″ lower, 1 1/4″ upper). This design optimizes the front-end steering performance, resulting in superior steering stiffness, enhanced control, and precise handling. |
| Compact Road Design | Originating with the professional Team ONCE in the 1990s, Compact Road Design revolutionized high-performance road bikes. It involves a downward-sloping top tube, creating smaller front and rear triangles for a lighter, stiffer bike. The design also enables riders of all sizes to find a perfect fit and maintain optimal power transfer. |
| PowerCore | Incorporates a massively oversized bottom bracket/chainstay area with a fully integrated 86mm wide bottom bracket design (92mm wide for off-road bikes). The asymmetrical chainstays provide additional stiffness on the drive side and stability on the non-drive side, ensuring efficient power transfer and precise handling. |
Where to buy
Cannondale retailers
- Cannondale retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Cannondale retailers.
Giant retailers
- Giant retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Giant 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.