According to the information provided by Cannondale, the SystemSix is “the fastest road bike in the world. Period.” How so?
After extensive testing in wind tunnels and the road, here’s what Cannondale claims: On a 5-percent descent, the rider on the average road bike would need an effort of 300 watts to maintain the same pace as a SystemSix rider with a recovery effort. In a 200 meter sprint, with both riders cranking out 1000 watts, the SystemSix rider would be four bike lengths ahead at the finish line. Riding at 30mph, the SystemSix saves you 50 watts compared to other bikes. The SystemSix requires an average of 10-percent less power to maintain pace in a group ride environment.
Simply put, it takes less energy to go the same speed as other bikes. That means after riding the same distance in the same conditions as the rest of the people in your peloton, you’ll have more matches left in the book to burn on the final sprint.
That’s how science works. If your personal matchbook needs fewer strikes than the next guy, you’re going to light him up in a sprint.
Other Cannondale road models – ranging from the CAAD to the SuperSix to the Synapse and the time trial dominating Slice – each boast similar aerodynamic energy saving effects.
The SuperSix EVO, for example, claims a 21-percent reduction in drag compared to the previous models. When you cut the amount of air you’re fighting against on the road, you go faster and have more energy left in the tank. Science, man.
Of course, not everyone riding a road bicycle is obsessed with setting land speed records and aerodynamic wind tunnel experiments. Some of us just want a good, fun and enjoyable ride on a bike that’s not going to fall apart after a thousand miles.
Cannondale’s dependability is off the charts, too, with high-quality carbon fiber or alloy frames, top-notch components and specifically engineered geometry to ensure a comfortable ride. After all, if your ride leaves you with aches and pains, you’ll be less likely to ride frequently.
For true speed freaks, the SuperSlice triathlon/time trial bike cuts through the wind to give you the best bike splits your body can dial up.
Gravel and cyclocross bikes are also part of the line, because not every road is paved, and offer the Topstone gravel bike set up for backroad adventures while the CAADX and SuperX are tremendous choices for cyclocross racing where speed and course handling are needed at a premium.
Science: It’ll blow your mind and blow away the competition.