Cannondale Supersix Apex - 1st impressions
essjaydee
Posts: 917
Managed to get out for an hour earlier and just thought I'd share my initial thoughts.
I've had a Boardman Road Race for over a year, which has been great and is now my winter hack and general commuter. Initially had Shimano sora, but slowly upgraded to 105.
When looking for a new bike, I ummmmd and arrrrrrd for a good while, before deciding on the supersix. Decision based on reputation of the frame really. Fancied trying SRAM as like the idea of a single lever, but bit nervous that Apex may be a step down from 105. Was also a bit nervous that the supersix might be too race focused for me, but after trying the CAAD 10 in a couple of sizes (no supersixes available locally) felt good on a 58cm (I'm 6'2", inside leg 33").
Having received the bike, it went together dead easy and looks really great in the black/white livery. Going to be a bugger to keep clean though! Gears didn't need any adjustment and changes seem positive and smooth. Brakes only needed slight adjustment to centre, blocks set up perfect out the box. Carbon paste put on the seatpost, and set to same height as my Boardman and torqued as per instructions.
So out on the road. Immediately the bike feels light, fast and responsive. I was expecting it to feel harsh, but it didn't. Seat height feels good and seat feels comfy, but only a long run will tell. Position on the bike feels racier, but not uncomfortable. The bars, hoods and hood shape feel excellent, and the SRAM gears feel more natural in use (to me) than the Shimano. Gear changes are positive and precise and in no way does it feel inferior to 105. Again time will tell. Rear cassette is an 11-32 (I'm an old fat git!) and the ratios may be a bit wide between gears, but again more time on the bike will show if this is the case. Didn't notice it on ride earlier though.
Overall first impressions are very good. I'm delighted that I bought this and it really feels light and fast. I wanted to go harder and faster on it
Be interesting to see how my Boardman feels on the commute tomorrow 
I've had a Boardman Road Race for over a year, which has been great and is now my winter hack and general commuter. Initially had Shimano sora, but slowly upgraded to 105.
When looking for a new bike, I ummmmd and arrrrrrd for a good while, before deciding on the supersix. Decision based on reputation of the frame really. Fancied trying SRAM as like the idea of a single lever, but bit nervous that Apex may be a step down from 105. Was also a bit nervous that the supersix might be too race focused for me, but after trying the CAAD 10 in a couple of sizes (no supersixes available locally) felt good on a 58cm (I'm 6'2", inside leg 33").
Having received the bike, it went together dead easy and looks really great in the black/white livery. Going to be a bugger to keep clean though! Gears didn't need any adjustment and changes seem positive and smooth. Brakes only needed slight adjustment to centre, blocks set up perfect out the box. Carbon paste put on the seatpost, and set to same height as my Boardman and torqued as per instructions.
So out on the road. Immediately the bike feels light, fast and responsive. I was expecting it to feel harsh, but it didn't. Seat height feels good and seat feels comfy, but only a long run will tell. Position on the bike feels racier, but not uncomfortable. The bars, hoods and hood shape feel excellent, and the SRAM gears feel more natural in use (to me) than the Shimano. Gear changes are positive and precise and in no way does it feel inferior to 105. Again time will tell. Rear cassette is an 11-32 (I'm an old fat git!) and the ratios may be a bit wide between gears, but again more time on the bike will show if this is the case. Didn't notice it on ride earlier though.
Overall first impressions are very good. I'm delighted that I bought this and it really feels light and fast. I wanted to go harder and faster on it
Be interesting to see how my Boardman feels on the commute tomorrow Share The Road Event http://www.sharetheroadride.co.uk
Lancashire Cycle Link Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/126682247491640/
Lancashire Cycle Link Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/126682247491640/
0
Comments
-
Lovely bike - enjoy it.
SteveCanyon Ultimate CF SLX 7.0
Cube Crossteam Hybrid0 -
I've got a Cannondale Six with 105 and a Boardman CX with Apex and given the choice I'd have 105, really don't get on with double tap. If you like Apex so much, I'll swap you my Apex setup, six months old, perfect condition (never dropped) for your 105 if it's in similar condition? Only deviation is a microshift FD which I'll make an cash adjustment for and of course the CX has disc brakes? Let me know if you're interested?0
-
Hey, underneath the large cone spacer is a hidden, neater 5mm spacer. I'm only mentioning this because it came as a nice, totally unexpected surprise for me.
Cool bike tick - tick - tick0 -
Really. really nice bike. I'd be tempted by one of those myself. Enjoy it.0
