In this article, I’ll guide you through a comparison between the Cannondale System Six and Giant Propel Advanced; both popular road bikes among cyclists.
I’ll walk through the Cannondale System Six and Giant Propel 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 System Six | Giant Propel Advanced | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | Aero | Aero |
| Frame material | BallisTec Hi-Mod carbon | Advanced-SL carbon Advanced carbon |
| Frame sizes | 47, 51, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 | XS, S, M, ML, L, XL |
| Groupset | Shimano (12-speed) | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Cabling | Internal | Internal |
| Price (USD) | $13,050 | $6,000 to $12,500 |
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
Giant Propel Advanced
The Giant Propel Advanced is an aero road bike designed for speed.
At first glance, it’s evident that this bike is fast and stiff with its slim frontal end and deep-dish wheels. All Giant Propel models are disc-only and have hidden cables for a clean aero profile.
The Giant Propel Advanced SL is the lightest among them, with an integrated seat post, and uses Giant’s highest-grade carbon fiber, the Advanced SL. The Advanced is one step down and heavier due to the different carbon fiber used and non-integrated seat posts.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giant Propel Advanced SL | Advanced SL carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | CADEX 50 | $12,500 |
| Giant Propel Advanced Pro 0 | Advanced carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Giant SLR 1 50 | $8,000 |
| Giant Propel Advanced Pro 0 AXS | Advanced carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Giant SLR 1 50 | $8,000 |
| Giant Propel Advanced 1 | Advanced carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Giant SLR 2 50 | $6,000 |
Giant Propel 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 System Six and Giant Propel 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 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. |
Giant Propel 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 Aero | Incorporates a D-shaped fork steerer tube and internal cable routing for an extremely aerodynamic system. The design reduces air drag and provides an efficient, sleek profile. The internal cable routing enhances the bike’s overall aesthetics and ease of maintenance. |
| Vector Integrated Seatpost | Features an integrated seatpost design that saves weight compared to standard composite posts. This aerodynamic seatpost adds compliance, improving rider comfort and reducing road vibrations for a smoother ride. |
| 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. |
| AeroSystem Shaping Technology | Utilizes Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and wind-tunnel data to optimize each tube shape for superior aerodynamic performance. The precise shaping reduces air drag and increases the bike’s efficiency, allowing riders to achieve higher speeds with less effort. |
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.