In this comparison, I’ll dissect two popular bike models; the Cannondale System Six vs Orbea Orca Aero(2023).
I’ll compare their lineups, bike specifications, and suggested retail prices in USD, then discuss the carbon fiber technology (Cannondale BallisTec and Orbea Monocoque (TorayCa) Carbon) and frameset technologies.
The goal is to give you a better understanding of Cannondale System Six and Orbea Orca Aero(2023) to help in your decision-making.
| Cannondale System Six | Orbea Orca Aero(2023) | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | Aero | Aero |
| Frame material | BallisTec Hi-Mod carbon | OMX (Toray T1100) carbon |
| Frame sizes | 47, 51, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 | 47, 49, 51, 53, 55, 57, 60 |
| Groupset | Shimano (12-speed) | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Cabling | Internal | Internal |
| Price (USD) | $13,050 | $4,899 to $10,899 |
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
Orbea Orca Aero(2023)
The Orbea Orca Aero combines the design principles of the Orca Orca road and the Ordu time trial bike. It uses Toray’s T1100 monocoque carbon, which Orbea refers to as OMX carbon.
The most obvious and standout feature of the Orca Aero is the aero water bottle and storage box beneath the down tube. They are optional and can be removed, depending on your preferences.
The Orbea Orca Aero offers you a lot of customization options from frame color, groupset, wheelset, tires, and saddle using the MyO configurator. There are 6 models available with either Shimano or SRAM electronic shifting groupsets.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orbea Orca Aero M10iLTD | OMX (Toray T1100) carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | Shimano Dura-Ace C50 | $10,899 |
| Orbea Orca Aero M11eLTD | OMX (Toray T1100) carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | Vision 55 SC | $9,899 |
| Orbea Orca Aero M20iLTD | OMX (Toray T1100) carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Vision 55 SC | $6,799 |
| Orbea Orca Aero M21eLTD | OMX (Toray T1100) carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Vision 55 SC | $6,799 |
| Orbea Orca Aero M31eLTD | OMX (Toray T1100) carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Vision 40 SC | $5,699 |
| Orbea Orca Aero M30iLTD | OMX (Toray T1100) carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Vision 40 SC | $4,899 |
Orbea Orca Aero vs others
Cannondale vs Orbea 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.
Orbea Monocoque (TorayCa) Carbon
Orbea uses carbon fiber from TorayCa in their bikes. It’s one of the handful of bike manufacturers that uses a monocoque carbon fiber construction, resulting in a lighter and stiffer frameset. The two most prominent types of carbon used in Orbea’s bike frames are OMX (T1100K) and OMR (T800) carbon.
- OMX (Orbea Monocoque X) carbon is Orbea’s top-grade carbon fiber, with the ultimate blend of stiffness, lightness, and strength. Monocoque refers to a type of construction technique where the external skin supports the structural load, which, when applied to bike frames, results in a balance of strength and weight. Due to its high manufacturing cost, OMX carbon is typically reserved for Orbea’s top-tier models.
- OMR (Orbea Monocoque Race) is the standard carbon composite used by Orbea. While OMR doesn’t match the absolute performance capabilities of OMX, it offers a fantastic performance-to-value ratio. This makes it a great choice for riders looking for top-notch performance without the premium price tag of the top-grade OMX carbon.
Frameset technologies and innovations
Cannondale System Six and Orbea Orca Aero(2023) 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. |
Orbea Orca Aero
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Monocoque Carbon Construction | Monocoque carbon construction is a process that uses the most advanced carbon technology to create the most sophisticated bike frames possible. Monocoque means that the frame is made of a single piece of carbon fiber, rather than multiple pieces joined together. This ensures that the frame is lighter, stiffer, and stronger, as there are no weak points or excess material. Orbea has two grades of carbon fibers; OMX (Orbea Monocoque X-Light) and OMR (Orbea Monocoque Race). Orbea also uses a bladder molding technique with EPS (expanded polystyrene) forms and PU (polyurethane) inserts to prevent wrinkles and gaps in the carbon layers, which can compromise the quality and durability of the frame. |
| TrueAero | TrueAero is a combination of shapes, sizes, and materials that optimize airflow across the entire bike. TrueAero carbon is used to construct the Orca frame, which is designed to reduce drag and increase speed. TrueAero also includes features such as an integrated stem and handlebar, hidden cables, and an aero seatpost. |
| ICR | This stands for Internal Cable Routing, which is a system that routes all the cables neatly through the bar, stem, and headset for a clean look and improved aerodynamics. ICR also makes it easier to maintain and service the bike compare to other bike brands’ solutions. |
Where to buy
Cannondale retailers
- Cannondale retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Cannondale retailers.
Orbea retailers
- Orbea retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Orbea dealers.
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.