Cannondale Owners - Super Six ride / comfort help !!

chris217

Deciding on new Cannondale, having previously owned CAAD9 which was a little too firm although like the very responsive feel under power etc.

now looking at new super six but wanted some ride quality / comfort feedback from existing supersix owners.

appreciate the 2011 model not really been out long enough for full reviews but any comments appreciated.

i am assuiming / hoping ride will be a little 'smoother' than the CAAD9 i am not expecting "plush" but am looking to do long ish mileage so need bit of comfort. and i am not currently considering the Synapse although aware also good review.

cheers

TMR

I have one.

It's stiff. In fact, it's stiffer than a stiff thing that's stiff.

It rides very well though.

chris217

Cheers Mad !

so just let me be clear, are you saying it is Stiff ?? .... or just Stiff ??

there is a certain ambigouty !!!

i assume that means it goes forward when you pedal ?

TMR

I mean that it's not a 'comfort' frame, so while some of the road buzz is absorbed, you still feel the bumps.

It's very efficient though, especially on climbs. Each pedal stroke results in a surge forward.

BBH

This is on a list for me too

Hope this helps
http://road.cc/content/review/29511-can ... persix-105

unixnerd

What puts you off the Synapse?

I have a CAAD5 and am looking at a Synapse carbon as it's eventual replacement. I figure than if I'm going carbon anyway I may as well get one that's designed for comfort. I question if anyone other a pro-rider would find a Six to be any quicker in the real world.

Would love to hear from anyone who's ridden the Six13 vs Synapse.

It's very efficient though, especially on climbs. Each pedal stroke results in a surge forward.

From my own experience I'd say the wheelset is the vital factor there.

briantrumpet

Not vastly different from the CAAD9 in comfort terms, though maybe it just takes a slight edge off rough surfaces, but not enough to make a bad surface feel comfortable on 23mm tyres. I love 'em both, BTW, though the SuperSix is getting the bulk of the miles, just because it's that bit lovelier. It's an insanely nice bike to ride.

chris217

Madrapper - cheers again , " every pedal stroke you surge forward " Yes this is what i want to hear and why UNIXNERD i completely disagree with your statement " I question if anyone other a pro-rider would find a Six to be any quicker in the real world" the synapse and the supersix are completely different bikes.the supersix is faster, or shall i say more responsive, period and it aint about the wheels

go and ride a CAAD9 and then a Syapse aluminumim and tell me you dont notice the difference !!

tim_wand

Does it have to be carbon. Why not try the CAAD 10 with the new seat stays.

briantrumpet

Chris217 wrote:

Madrapper - cheers again , " every pedal stroke you surge forward " Yes this is what i want to hear and why UNIXNERD i completely disagree with your statement " I question if anyone other a pro-rider would find a Six to be any quicker in the real world" the synapse and the supersix are completely different bikes.the supersix is faster, or shall i say more responsive, period and it aint about the wheels

go and ride a CAAD9 and then a Syapse aluminumim and tell me you dont notice the difference !!

It does move when you push, for sure, but so does the CAAD9, though you do notice the lighter weight of the Six, as it does respond very quickly. I couldn't comment about the wheels, as I haven't done a comparative test, but I do notice that the 2011 model hasn't got the Ksyrium Elites on the Ultegra version now. I guess that's one way they've kept the price down.

Personally I find the more aggressive set-up of a Six/CAAD9 perfectly comfortable for long rides - I wouldn't want to be any more upright.

TMR

briantrumpet wrote:

I couldn't comment about the wheels, as I haven't done a comparative test, but I do notice that the 2011 model hasn't got the Ksyrium Elites on the Ultegra version now. I guess that's one way they've kept the price down.

This is correct. They have fitted Askium Race wheels, so that's +500g on the Elites.

briantrumpet

The Mad Rapper wrote:

briantrumpet wrote:

I couldn't comment about the wheels, as I haven't done a comparative test, but I do notice that the 2011 model hasn't got the Ksyrium Elites on the Ultegra version now. I guess that's one way they've kept the price down.

This is correct. They have fitted Askium Race wheels, so that's +500g on the Elites.

Makes my end-of-2010 £1999 SuperSix Ultegra seem even more of a bargain. Sorry, I hope I haven't made anyone jealous...

unixnerd

Madrapper - cheers again , " every pedal stroke you surge forward " Yes this is what i want to hear and why UNIXNERD i completely disagree with your statement " I question if anyone other a pro-rider would find a Six to be any quicker in the real world" the synapse and the supersix are completely different bikes.the supersix is faster, or shall i say more responsive, period and it aint about the wheels

All I want is to hear from someone who's ridden a similar spec Six13 and Synapse. My impression is the ride quality is the main difference, the front end height can be set by the stem and stack height to your preference on either bike. I'm sure both are great bikes, but I'm keen to know exactly how they differ as I'm a potential buyer of both.

every pedal stroke you surge forward

Since I put 1500g wheels on my CAAD5 it feels exactly like that in comparison to the original 2kg set. But it's transmits a lot of vibration on bad roads that I imagine a carbon bike would damp out.

winton

Never put any miles on a CAAD9 but i have had a 2011 Hi-Mod Supersix for about three months now. It is a super thing, it really is - I have to say that the two things I was most surprised by were the compliancy of the ride and the stiffness when climbing. I think the furthest i have done on it is 110kms and I didn't have a single ache when I got off - which is some achievement given the fairly committed position.

I can't praise the bike enough really.

Winton

chris217

Thanks Winton, useful stuff. i feel the Hi-Mod will probably be a slighly smoother / better quality ride ? than the standard maybe ....

TMR

Winton wrote:

Never put any miles on a CAAD9 but i have had a 2011 Hi-Mod Supersix for about three months now. It is a super thing, it really is - I have to say that the two things I was most surprised by were the compliancy of the ride and the stiffness when climbing. I think the furthest i have done on it is 110kms and I didn't have a single ache when I got off - which is some achievement given the fairly committed position.

I can't praise the bike enough really.

Winton

Our perception must be different then, because I don't think the ride is compliant. I was expecting 'magic carpet' given the way everyone raves about carbon frames, and it's really nothing like that absorbent.

briantrumpet

The Mad Rapper wrote:

Our perception must be different then, because I don't think the ride is compliant. I was expecting 'magic carpet' given the way everyone raves about carbon frames, and it's really nothing like that absorbent.

Agreed - my feeling is that there's a balance to be found between stiffness and smoothness, and you can't have a high degree of both, whatever the frame material. Spending an extra £2000 won't give you a smooth ride if the road surfaces are dodgy.

Evil Laugh

Can offer a few points that may be relevant.

I've owned a synapse carbon and now have a six carbon. The synapse (2009) felt stiffer at the bb, lighter to ride and was a different class in terms of ride quality and road feel. The six is harsher and more dead feeling, feels less planted too. Both have slightly unstable feeling front ends at high speed. I much prefer the synapse and I could still get a fairly low front end re saddle height but due to a shorter torso that would be normal for me on most bikes as my saddle height is greater proportionally to my reach. Yes I used the same wheels/tyres on both.

Wrt the balance of stiffness and road buzz/comfort, yes you can have both, try a top end colnago like a c59 or eps/q. Perfect. Can't wait to take delivery of my EPQ and get rid of the six!

chris217

Evil, cheers for that i understand the Six carbon ( now obsolete ) is slightly different than the supersix but useful comparison.

i had thought of the Synapse and am actually going to test ride both but was attracted by the rapid acceleration / climbing ability of the supersix.

cheers

TMR

Chris217 wrote:

Evil, cheers for that i understand the Six carbon ( now obsolete ) is slightly different than the supersix but useful comparison.

i had thought of the Synapse and am actually going to test ride both but was attracted by the rapid acceleration / climbing ability of the supersix.

cheers

Good luck trying to get a test ride. I had no luck at all, and had to buy blind in the end. Evans may let you have a go if they ever get some.

gingernash

Buying my SS 105 blind too.

winton

[quote="The Mad Rapper Our perception must be different then, because I don't think the ride is compliant. I was expecting 'magic carpet' given the way everyone raves about carbon frames, and it's really nothing like that absorbent.[/quote]

Sorry, I perhaps didn't make my point clearly - it's not ULTIMATELY compliant but, considering the relatively committed nature and focus of the frame (compared with, say, the Synapse line) I am surprised at how compliant it is. It's no magic carpet ride but it is better than a lot of other bikes I have ridden.

As for the question of how much difference the Hi-Mod carbon makes, I'm afraid I couldn't say. I would imagine that it endows the bike with greater stiffness relative to weight but not sure on the effect it has on the ride.

winton

The Mad Rapper wrote:

Chris217 wrote:

Evil, cheers for that i understand the Six carbon ( now obsolete ) is slightly different than the supersix but useful comparison.

i had thought of the Synapse and am actually going to test ride both but was attracted by the rapid acceleration / climbing ability of the supersix.

cheers

Good luck trying to get a test ride. I had no luck at all, and had to buy blind in the end. Evans may let you have a go if they ever get some.

I'm no fan of Evans but if you appear serious (and put a fifty quid refundable deposit down) they will order you one in and you can test ride it before you buy.

The very next thing you will have to do is take it down thr LBS to get set up properly but at least you'll have got a test ride....

TMR

Winton wrote:

I'm no fan of Evans but if you appear serious (and put a fifty quid refundable deposit down) they will order you one in and you can test ride it before you buy.

The very next thing you will have to do is take it down thr LBS to get set up properly but at least you'll have got a test ride....

I know. I have done this twice since Christmas and the delivery dates keep getting pushed back. Evans can't get Cannondale stock for some reason.

Barteos

Chris217 wrote:

Deciding on new Cannondale, having previously owned CAAD9 which was a little too firm although like the very responsive feel under power etc.

now looking at new super six but wanted some ride quality / comfort feedback from existing supersix owners.

appreciate the 2011 model not really been out long enough for full reviews but any comments appreciated.

i am assuiming / hoping ride will be a little 'smoother' than the CAAD9 i am not expecting "plush" but am looking to do long ish mileage so need bit of comfort. and i am not currently considering the Synapse although aware also good review.

cheers

Tyre choice (width) and a +/- 5-10PSI will make more difference to your comfort than the frame.
In terms of suspension, a properly inflated racing tyre will give you up to 15-20mm of useable travel (that's what pneumatic tyres are designed for), while the frame may flex by a milimiter or two.

Put some quality 25mm's on and enjoy more comfort and speed.

Barteos

Barteos wrote:

Chris217 wrote:

Deciding on new Cannondale, having previously owned CAAD9 which was a little too firm although like the very responsive feel under power etc.

now looking at new super six but wanted some ride quality / comfort feedback from existing supersix owners.

appreciate the 2011 model not really been out long enough for full reviews but any comments appreciated.

i am assuiming / hoping ride will be a little 'smoother' than the CAAD9 i am not expecting "plush" but am looking to do long ish mileage so need bit of comfort. and i am not currently considering the Synapse although aware also good review.

cheers

Tyre choice (width) and a +/- 5-10PSI will make more difference to your comfort than the frame.
In terms of suspension, a properly inflated racing tyre will give you up to 15-20mm of useable travel (that's what pneumatic tyres are designed for), while the frame may flex by a millimeter or two.

Put some quality 25mm's on, get the pressure right and enjoy more comfort and speed.

galatzo

I had a Supersix HiMod for a short while (knocked it over and put a hole in the toptube hence the short ownership) and thought it pretty comfy.
It had Spinergy xaero lites on which are comfy themselves.
Agree with the above re tyre choice and pressure though.
Nice bikes wish I'd got another instead of the Addict I've just sold after 3 months :roll:

rjh299

I've got 2010 Hi mod Super Six and it's a quality bike. Very stiff, with great handling and still comfortable. Done a few 100s on it and no problems with aches or pains.
When my brother was after a new bike recommened it to him so he's just got the 2011 model. Same build but £500 cheaper!
The wheels seem to be where they keep the cost down a bit, they aren't really up to the standard of the rest of the bike imo. Decent enough and use the elites regularly but bought others since for best.
Cannondale delivery is famous for being slow. I waited 3 months, not too bad, brother had to wait 5.

simckenn

Still waiting on my SuperSix from Evans- ordered in November last year! Will let you know if it ever appears.

chris217

Yep, i sympathise mad rapper and simckenn, Evans have just put back delivery date of SS 105 from end of May 2011 to first week in July !!! Bummer

are cannondale coming to the UK ??

esdavey

I am also looking at buying my 1st road bike (been MTB for the last 29 years !). Cannondale rocked the MTB world a few times with Alloy, suspension, etc so my heart is saying buy Cannondale for the road.

Looking at a Synapse or SuperSix so the above posts are interesting. I'm also looking to ride both bikes back-to-back but guess thats a logistics challenge few bike shops are up for !

Coming from a full sus MTB, all road bikes appear uncomfortable !!