Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE Review
- Price: $5200
- Category: Gravel Bicycle
- Frame: Carbon
- Gears: 2 x 12
- Tires: 700x40c
What we like about it: SuperSix EVO CX carbon frame, internal alignment with switch plates, 2×12 electronic shifting system, and Vittoria Terreno Dry TNT vacuum tires, super high-end components provide you with excellent performance and experience an extraordinary journey.
What we don’t like about it: The handlebars don’t fit everyone.
Rating: (4.8/5.0)
Introduction
Gravel tracks, gravel trails, and complex forest roads – are these areas you want to try? If so, then I think you owe it to yourself to have an all-around bike that will satisfy you to go on more terrain adventures.
So Cannondale designed a gravel bike just for us, the SuperSix EVO SE, a carbon gravel bike with ultra-high-end components and hydraulic disc brakes.
Even if you need to wait for several months, but still can not resist the enthusiasm of people who want to take it into the bag.
We spent more than two months running a wide variety of terrain, including gravel roads uphill, dirt roads uphill, and forest trails. Its excellent design and superb performance are the main reasons for its popularity.
Next, we will test it on gravel uphill, and forest road downhill, with main features, components, specifications, and comparison. If you like it, follow us!
Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE Gravel Uphill Review
Once we got our hands on the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE, its highly aesthetic exterior styling made me start to look forward to its performance.
Where I live is in a hilly area, the trees won’t be very tall and there will be gravel routes and level roads in some of the surrounding bike parks. Even all around, there are some rolling hills and some maintained fences.
After our all-around review, we found that the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE handled some gravel roads with steep inclines. Its lightweight carbon frame and fork made it a lot easier to ride.
First of all, the 71° head angle with a 73.1° seat tube angle is neither too aggressive nor too slack. When I hit a long, slightly steep section, I could simply keep the speed steady and didn’t need to pedal too hard.
However, on some of the steeper uphill surfaces, my butt would leave the saddle and get up and stand up to climb. Luckily, I had the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE’s stable crankset to quickly transfer power to the gears, making my advance much easier.
Secondly, thanks to the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE’s electronic shifting, which is quiet and smooth, I finally had the energy to enjoy the beautiful scenery this time. I flicked the drive lever and switched to the big gears with ease and no delay.
The wind blew the small flowers on the roadside, swaying gently. Looking into the distance, the golden sunlight sprinkled on the large hills, and the grass was reflected in different colors, both dark and light. The vast natural scenery made me linger.
Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE Downhill Forest Road Review
In these days of reviews, I think what highlights the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE’s good performance the most are the winding road descents. There are no intricate tree roots or hard rocks to intertwine with. There are only open vistas and tall trees on the side of the road. However, the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE made me smile on the way down with its excellent strength.
Indeed, the SRAM Rival hydraulic brakes are so responsive to toggle that I can hook my finger slightly and brake just in time around corners. And with the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE two-piston design, it has plenty of strong braking. This provides me with more confidence going forward.
Of course, the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE’s large 40c size tires also brought out its strength and became smoother on my descents. The strong grip of the tires made me smoother on the near-vertical inclines. As a result, I had more focus on route judgment instead of going straight into the rock pile next to me.
Overall, I had a very good experience with the speed on the downhill. Moreover, I was very satisfied with the flexibility of its steering, the grip of the tires, and the overall comfort.
Main Features
Frame Group
For starters, the overall look of the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE is less aggressive than that of a cross-country bike. It features a lightweight, durable carbon frame with proven progressive geometry to give us faster speeds.
Secondly, the bike is paired with a shorter rear dropout fork and a carbon fork. Not only is it lighter, but it also provides us with better acceleration and grip.
Moreover, we won’t see any other mismatched cable runs, thanks to the internal cable routing design of the SuperSix EVO SE. It is worth mentioning that it has a switchboard for internal routing. This makes it easier for us to maintain or view the circuitry.
Finally, the SuperSix EVO SE has clearance compatible with 45mm wide tires. You can go for the tire that works best for you, depending on your situation.
In short, the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE combines the progressive treatment of off-road racing geometry with the comfort of gravel racing, and it is capable of making our rides more than mediocre in every way.
Geometry
The geometry of the bike is designed to provide a very good balance between aerodynamics and comfort.
The 71.0° head tube angle is not too steep, the front tire will be a little closer to us and we will get a more stable ride on steep slopes. And the steering is not slack, just right for us, making our handling better.
At the same time, it has a seat tube angle of 73.1°. This seat tube angle allows us to ride without having to stand too upright and enables the rider to get more comfort while riding.
Also, the wheelbase of the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE is 102cm, which I think is a moderate length for a gravel bike.
It ensures both flexibility and a solid ride.
Components and Specifications
SRAM Rival eTap AXS Drivetrain
The wireless electronic eTap shift logic of this drivetrain utilizes wireless shifting, advanced battery power management, and mechatronic integration to provide us with the most intuitive and precise shifting. Its chain paddle shifts to the desired gear with great sensitivity and accuracy.
Moreover, the newly designed cassette SRAM Rival XG-1250 of SuperSix EVO SE has 12-speed shifters front and rear. Not only is it light and durable, but it is equipped with SRAM’s ultra-wide gear range to meet our riding speed on any terrain.
In addition, it features FULL PIN technology, which makes our drive train easier to clean and the life of each component is extended.
SRAM Rival Hydraulic Disc Braking System
The Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE uses a more ergonomic brake lever for braking compared to other versions of the same type of bike. First of all, longer brake levers and shifting levers with individually adjustable ranges allow each of our riders to have comfortable and easy control.
Secondly, the two-piston hydraulic calipers are light and sensitive, strong and durable. It is enough for us to cope with the rough terrain.
And, SRAM’s Reach Ajust helps us easily adjust the lever to give us the maximum single charge lever.
Finally, this hydraulic disc brake is flush-mounted. This is a welcome setup for us. I don’t think there is a rider who wouldn’t want their components to be very easy to install.
Vittoria Terreno Dry TNT Tires
On its tread, the angled “fish scale” design is unique. This allows the center tread to roll faster and, at the same time, provides the rider with traction during cornering and braking.
Moreover, the progressive depth tread design ensures a smooth transition for the Vittoria Terreno Dry TNT.
In addition, the SuperSix EVO SE rim is the DT Swiss CR-1600 SPLINE, which combines wide straight spokes with a high-quality thorn tire system tire for a tighter fit. This undoubtedly increases the durability of the tires and provides us with a good experience day in and day out.
One thing we should note, however, is that this tire on the Vittoria Terreno Dry TNT is better suited for riding on dry surfaces. In wet conditions, it may not perform particularly satisfactorily.
Other versions of Cannondale SuperSix EVO
With the detailed introduction above, you should be impressed with the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE. However, to give you a more comprehensive understanding, we have reviewed its other versions. Here, we compare it to the Cannondale SuperSix EVO Carbon Disc 105, and the Cannondale SuperSix EVO Carbon Disc Women’s Ultegra respectively. If you are interested, you can choose to learn more about it.
Cannondale SuperSix EVO Carbon Disc 105
This bike also follows the SuperSix EVO carbon frame, however, it is a road racer. So, it has standard 700 x 25c tires, which allows the rider to better get the best speed while riding on the road.
However, they differ in that the Cannondale SuperSix EVO Carbon Disc 105 has a Shimano 105 GS drivetrain with 2×11 speed gearing. This is a perfectly adequate, even good, speed range.
However, there is no comparison with the ultra-high-end components of the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE.
All things considered, the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE is indeed better.
Cannondale SuperSix EVO Carbon Disc Women’s Ultegra
This is a carbon race bike for women, and it has the same carbon frame as the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE. The tires on the Cannondale SuperSix EVO Carbon Disc Women’s Ultegra are made of carbon. The overall body is lighter than the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE.
Not only that, but it also has the Prologo Kappa Dea RS saddle, designed for women to better suit the riding needs of female riders.
In addition, it has a Shimano Ultegra drivetrain that offers a 2×11 speed gear range. With good heat dissipation and agile and precise control, it is a road racer worthy of a girl’s hand.
However, I think the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE’s all-around performance is more suitable for advanced riders. Moreover, it is an excellent gravel bike with a combination of road and mountain bike features. It is better suited for multi-terrain exploration.
There are many other versions of the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE, and if you want to know more about them, you can click on the links below to learn more.
What we like about it
- SuperSix EVO carbon frame
- Integrated cable wiring with switchboard
- SRAM Rival eTap AXS drivetrain
- SRAM Rival hydraulic braking system
- Vittoria Terreno Dry TNT Tires
What we don’t like about it
- Slightly heavier body
- Longer waiting time for goods
FAQ
1. What is the frame material of the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE?
The frame material of the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE is carbon
2. What is the drivetrain of the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE?
The drivetrain of the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE is the SRAM Rival eTap AXS
3. What sizes are available for the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE?
| Size | 46cm | 51cm | 54cm | 56cm | 58cm |
| Rider height | 5’0″ – 5’5″ | 5’5″ – 5’10” | 5’7″ – 5’11” | 5’10” – 6’1″ | 6’0″ – 6’4″ |
Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE Specs
Build
| Frame | SuperSix EVO CX Carbon, internal cable routing w/ Switchplate, 12x142mm Speed Release thru-axle, SAVE, PF30-83 Ai, flat mount disc, integrated seat post binder BB Standard: PF30a, 83mm, Press Fit Colors: Cool Mint; Meteor Gray |
| Fork | SuperSix EVO CX Carbon, SAVE, integrated crown race, 12x100mm Speed Release thru-axle, flat mount disc, internal routing, 1-1/8″ to 1-1/2″, 55mm offset |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB PF30A Road 83mm, Cannondale Ai |
| Headset | Integrated, 1-1/8″ – 1-1/2″ |
| Stem | Cannondale 2, 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 7° |
| Handlebar | Cannondale 2, 6061 Alloy, Compact |
| Saddle | Prologo Dimension AGX, Tirox |
| Seatpost | HollowGram 27 SL KNØT, Carbon, 2 bolt clamp, 330mm, 0mm offset (46cm), 15mm offset (51-58cm) |
| Pedals | Not included |
| Grips | Cannondale Bar Tape, 3.5mm |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM Rival eTap AXS |
| Front Derailleur | SRAM Rival eTap AXS, braze-on |
| Crank | SRAM Rival DUB X-Range, 46/33 |
| Shifters | SRAM Rival eTap AXS HRD |
| Cassette | SRAM Rival XG-1250, 12-speed 10-36 |
| Chain | SRAM Rival 12-speed |
| Brakes | SRAM Rival hydraulic disc, 160/160mm Paceline rotors |
| Brake Levers | SRAM Rival eTap AXS HRD |
Wheels
| Rims | DT Swiss CR-1600 SPLINE, 25h, tubeless ready |
| Spokes | DT Swiss Aero Comp straight-pull (Ai Offset Dish – Rear) |
| Front Hub | (F) DT Swiss 350, straight pull, 12x100mm center lock / (R) DT Swiss 350 with Ratchet System 18, straight pull, 12x142mm Ai center lock |
| Rear Hub | (F) DT Swiss 350, straight pull, 12x100mm center lock / (R) DT Swiss 350 with Ratchet System 18, straight pull, 12x142mm Ai center lock |
| Tires | Vittoria Terreno Dry TNT, 700 x 40c, tubeless ready |
Video
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Price | Drivetrain | Brakes | Tires | Click view |
| Trek Checkpoint SL 7 eTap | $6,699 | 2×12-speed electronic | SRAM CenterLine X Hydraulic Disc | 700x40C | Click view |
| Bianchi Arcadex – GRX 810 Di2 | $5800 | 1×11 speed electronic | Shimano BR-RX810 Hydraulic Disc | 700x37c | Click view |
| Ibis Hakka MX GRX | $4,899 | 2×11 speed | Shimano GRX RX810 Hydraulic Disc | 700x40c | Click view |
| Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 Di2 | $5,999 | 2×11 speed | Shimano Flat Mount Adapter Hydraulic Disc | 700x40C | Click view |
Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE vs Trek Checkpoint SL 7 eTa
The difference in price between these two bikes is nearly $1,500. What makes them different, also as ultra-high-end gravel bikes?
For starters, the Trek Checkpoint SL 7 eTap features exclusive IsoSpeed technology on the carbon fiber frame, allowing the bike to ride with greater ease and remain efficient.
Secondly, it has an SRAM Force eTap AXS drivetrain, which is superior to the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE’s SRAM Rival eTap AXS in terms of performance.
Moreover, it has Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V carbon tires, which are lighter in weight. Undoubtedly, its puncture resistance and traction are very top-notch.
That said, I don’t think I’d need to spend more money on a Trek Checkpoint SL 7 eTap if I wasn’t going to be racing at a high level, as the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE is well-equipped to handle the complex terrain.
learn more :Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Review – The King Of The Adventure
Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE VS Bianchi Arcadex – GRX 810 Di2
This is a Bianchi Arcadex – GRX 810 Di2 from Italy, with a 1×11 electronically shifted Shimano GRX RX 817 Di2 drivetrain and Shimano BR-RX810 braking system with Bianchi full carbon disc brakes and WTB Riddler Race tires.
In terms of speed, the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE has a wider range of gearing and can give us a few more options.
From the point of view of handling, they are smooth shifting, and the steering is also very flexible and stable. The brakes on both are also sensitive enough.
In terms of comfort, I think the Bianchi Arcadex – GRX 810 Di2 is superior in terms of physical feel. Because it has a La Spirale ribbon cork grip and the saddle is a Fi’zi:k Argo Tempo R5. This allows the rider to have a longer ride.
However, the Cannondale SuperSix EVO S has a wider tire size, and it will be more stable against rough terrain again.
Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE vs Ibis Hakka MX GRX
The Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE will be a little more expensive compared to the Ibis Hakka MX GRX, but it’s worth it.
The Ibis Hakka MX GRX uses Shimano products in the drivetrain and braking system. Compared to the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE set, its gearing is not as smooth as the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE. Moreover, its braking is not as quiet as the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE in terms of noise.
In addition, the Ibis Hakka MX GRX has a slightly steeper geometry build, giving the rider a less-than-ideal level of comfort.
If the budget is not enough, you can also choose the Ibis Hakka MX GRX, but I think the best first choice is the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE.
learn more:Ibis Hakka MX Rival Review – Would You Choose This Bike?
Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE VS Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 Di2
The Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 Di2 is a carbon-framed gravel bike that I have seen perform very well.
Without the $5,200 Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE, I would recommend the Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 Di2.
First, it has a two-layer cockpit design that allows us to use the upper layer for the shock absorption comfort needed on gravel and forest tracks. During descent, the lower layer then provides maximum stiffness for rapid descent and full sprint.
Secondly, the Shimano GRX815 Di2 drivetrain gives us excellent shifting, as good as the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE. Moreover, it has a very balanced geometry design.
I think it would be more attractive to me if it could be the same price as the Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE.
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Learn more : Is Canyon Grail 7 Worth Buying? [Canyon Grail 7 Review]
