This article compares the differences between all the Cannondale System Six and Canyon Aeroad models in terms of their carbon fiber technology (Cannondale BallisTec vs Canyon Carbon Fiber), frameset features, technologies, and characteristics to help you better understand them before buying.
In this article, I’ll guide you through a comparison between the Cannondale System Six and Canyon Aeroad; both popular road bikes among cyclists.
I’ll walk through the Cannondale System Six and Canyon Aeroad models lineup, their specifications, and retail pricing (USD). I’ll explain the carbon fiber technology used (Cannondale BallisTec vs Canyon Carbon Fiber), 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 System Six | Canyon Aeroad | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | Aero | Aero |
| Frame material | BallisTec Hi-Mod carbon | CFR carbon CF SLX carbon |
| Frame sizes | 47, 51, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 | XXS, S, M, L, XL, XXL |
| Groupset | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Cabling | Internal | Internal |
| Price (USD) | $13,050 | $4,499 to $9,499 |
Cannondale System Six
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
Canyon Aeroad
The Canyon Aeroad is an aero bike designed for pure speed. This is seen from the new cockpit design, which is very clean with hidden cables and steeped with innovative thinking.
The Aeroad is Canyon’s flagship bike, ridden by Matthew van der Poel to stage wins at the Tour de France.
Generally, a one-piece handlebar is very expensive to swap if you need a different dimension to achieve the right fit. Canyon overcomes this problem by having a handlebar that is both height and width adjustable from 390 to 430mm. They can also be folded and packed inside a bike bag for traveling. This new handlebar is used in the CFR and CF SLX models only.
The CFR model sits atop the Aeroad lineup with a weight of 7.3kg, followed by SLX (7.7kg) and SL (7.8kg).
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon Aeroad CFR Tokyo Ed. | CFR carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 | DT Swiss ARC 1100 | $9,499 |
| Canyon Aeroad CFR | CFR carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 | DT Swiss ARC 1100 | $8,999 |
| Canyon Aeroad CFR | CFR carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | DT Swiss ARC 1100 | $7,999 |
| Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 8 | CF SLX carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | DT Swiss ARC 1400 | $5,999 |
| Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 8 | CF SLX carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 | DT Swiss ARC 1400 | $5,999 |
| Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 | CF SLX carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | DT Swiss ARC 1600 | $4,499 |
Cannondale vs Canyon 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.
Canyon Carbon Fiber (CF)
Canyon’s innovative approach to bike design includes the utilization of advanced carbon fiber technology, resulting in performance-oriented bicycles that offer remarkable strength, reduced weight, and improved ride quality.
Canyon employs three main types of carbon fiber in their range of bikes; CFR, CF SLX, and CF SL, each offering unique benefits to cater to your needs and budgets.
- Canyon CFR (Canyon Factory Racing) Carbon is the top-tier carbon fiber used by Canyon, designed for maximum performance. Bikes built with CFR carbon are the lightest and stiffest in the Canyon line-up, favored by professional racers and serious enthusiasts alike. The CFR series represents the pinnacle of Canyon’s engineering prowess and innovation, employing state-of-the-art materials and advanced manufacturing techniques.
- Canyon CF SLX Carbon is a step below CFR, but it still offers exceptional performance characteristics. It used to be the highest-grade carbon in Canyon’s arsenal until the introduction of the CFR series. Bikes with CF SLX carbon frames provide a perfect balance of weight, stiffness, and comfort, making them highly versatile for a range of riding conditions.
- Canyon CF SL Carbon is the entry-level carbon fiber in Canyon’s range, but it still offers excellent performance. While it doesn’t quite match the extreme weight savings and stiffness of the CFR and CF SLX grades, CF SL frames are still impressively light and stiff, providing excellent performance for the value. Ideal for cyclists who desire a high-quality, performance-oriented bike without breaking the bank, the CF SL series is a testament to Canyon’s commitment to delivering value and performance.
Frameset technologies and innovations
Cannondale System Six and Canyon Aeroad 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 System Six
| 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 |
| Speed of Six | A comprehensive system consisting of frame, fork, seatpost, handlebar, stem, and wheels to minimize drag. |
| Customized airfoils | Tailored airfoil shapes for each frame section to reduce drag across various wind angles and increase aerodynamic efficiency. |
Canyon Endurace
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| CF SLX Carbon | Canyon’s CF SLX Carbon is an optimized carbon fiber that strikes the perfect balance between weight, stiffness, and compliance. It’s used to construct the high-performance models in the Endurace range, offering excellent ride quality and power transfer. |
| Sport Geometry | Unlike Pro Geometry, Sport Geometry caters more towards long-distance comfort rather than aggressive race position. It’s designed for the riders who are seeking both performance and comfort for longer rides. |
| Endurace System Complete | Following a similar design principle to the Ultimate, the Endurace is also developed as a complete system, incorporating all elements, from frame to fork, seat post, stem, handlebars, and spacers, during the design process. This integrated approach enhances performance and rider comfort, making the Endurace an ideal companion for endurance riders. |
| Aero Testing | Canyon uses sophisticated tools and technologies like wind tunnel testing and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to optimize the aerodynamics of the Endurace. By simulating air flow over the bike and fine-tuning the design based on these insights, Canyon ensures that the Endurace combines speed with long-distance comfort. |
Where to buy
Cannondale retailers
- Cannondale retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Cannondale retailers.
Canyon shops
- Canyon online shop. Available to ship to most countries worldwide.
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.