Expert Review: Cannondale SuperSix EVO Carbon Disc Ultegra Di2 Road Bike

About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the bike, which I purchased with my own money in March of 2021.

My take

The Cannondale SuperSix Evo HighMod is a serious bike for the cyclist looking for all-out performance. This bike is a wild and fun ride, from the lightweight construction to the dynamic input into power transfer. It is perfect for long climbs and handles with inspired confidence on the descent, yet aero to power away on the flats; this bike can do it all.

About the gear

• Model: 2021 Cannondale SuperSix Evo HighMod
• Build Kit: Shimano Ultegra
• Wheel/Tire Size: 700c
• Frame Size: Medium
• Frame Material: Carbon
• Fork Material: Carbon

About me

• Height: 6’1”
• Weight: 136lbs
• Experience 10 years cycling with three world records

Test conditions

• When I bought it: March 2021
• Number of rides: 10,000+ miles
• Total Mileage: 10,000+ miles
• Approximate Time Ridden: 600+ hours of ride time.
• Type of road conditions ridden: Dry, wet, gravel, dirt, flat roads, and steep climbs. (I’ve put this bike through its paces)
• Where I’ve used it: From California mountains to the flat lands of Florida

How it performs

What I was looking for

I spend most of my time racing on my time trial bike, so I wanted something more versatile — a bike that could handle the hills and flats and hold its own on a fast group ride/race yet be comfortable for long training sessions.

Why I chose this gear

The Cannondale SuperSix Evo HighMod is a total package. It is not a pure climber’s bike or an all-out aero bike. But it does both quite well. The geometry is comfortable enough to take this bike anywhere and feel at home. The Ultegra components are the best price point for performance and keep the bike running smoothly with exact actuation on every shift. I sought out this bike specifically and did not consider any additional options.

What I love about it

• Frame/Geometry: Cannondale’s geometry is almost the standard in the industry. This bike puts the rider in a comfortable position that allows for optimal efficiency and power transfer. Get as relaxed or aggressive as one pleases. The versatility of geometry is a big selling point. The carbon frame is light and stiff, channeling all of my power directly into the pedals for fast accelerations and snap when needed. Plus, the feedback received from the road is all the input needed to direct and respond without being overwhelming and harsh.
• Wheels: The Hollowgram Knot wheels are Cannondale’s in-house brand wheels. They are of great quality and provide great performance on a budget.
• Drivetrain: Shimano’s Ultegra groupset is well known for being one of the best-valued groups on the market. Shifting is precise and adds to the overall performance perception of this bike. The 11-speed drivetrain offers enough of a gear range to tackle the steepest of climbs down to powering away on flats.
• Brakes: The Cannondale SuperSix Evo HighMod came with disc brakes. It’s no surprise, given how the industry is moving, and the Shimano brakes on this bike perform superbly.
• Durability: This bike can handle it all. Over the course of several thousand miles, this bike has outlived tires, chains, and handlebar tape. But that is no surprise, given the number of miles on the bike.
• Adjustability: This bike is very adjustable and can accommodate numerous positions. One of the big selling points of this bike is how easily it can be adjusted for a fit.
• Weight: Compared to similar bikes in the category, the SuperSix Evo HighMod is one of the lighter models. There are opportunities to make the bike lighter, however. But the tradeoff from aero to lightweight may not be worth the weight.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Cockpit: The cockpit was the first exchange I made on the bike. I prefer a narrower handlebar and opted for 38cm bars. When purchasing a high-end bike like this, the cyclist will most certainly have had a bike fit and know what parts are needed for them. Understandably, the handlebars and seat — contact points — are often the first to go.
• Seatpost/Saddle: The Knot Seatpost is proprietary for the bike, but the Fizik saddle just isn’t the right saddle for me. My anatomy does not agree with the design of this seat, and I swapped it for an Infinity Bike Seat.
• Tires: Vittoria Corsa tires are a great pair for riding. However, I prefer riding on their faster Corsa Speed tires, so I opted to swap them out for the more supple, faster ride.

Favorite moment with this gear

My favorite memory is cruising through the French Pyrenees with this bike. Climbing up the mountains, bombing down the descents, 300 miles of epic riding in perfect weather flew by. The bike performed exceptionally well and handled like a dream. This was the best option for a long ride into a great day.

Value for the money vs. other options

One may consider alternatives like the Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Ultimate, and Trek Emonda. The price variances will come down to the components, frame, and components. Out of the box, the Cannondale sits in the middle of the four, with not the lowest price or the highest component level. However, this is the right bike to buy if one is looking for the best value.

Final verdict

If one is looking for a fast, fun bike that can race up hills as well as confidently descend down them, the Cannondale SuperSix Evo HighMod high-performance race bike is recommended.