Cannondale will be introducing five new frame platforms for the Elite and Performance rider in 2009, using high-modulus carbon fiber in its SuperSix, Slice and selected Synapse models.
Leading the charge in the “Elite” category is the SuperSix that for 2009 utilize 95 percent Hi-Mod carbon shaving even more weight and adding stiffness in all the right places. The Bedford, Pennsylvania-made SuperSix uses seamless construction (eliminating the “steps” in the seat tube) of the monocoque front triangle mated to the one-piece asymmetrical chainstays and BB30. Cannondale will offer 11 SuperSix Hi-Mod models starting with a Campagnolo record 11 speed and SRAM Red at US$6,900, Shimano Dura-Ace at US$6,400, and Shimano Ultegra SL groups at US$4,200. You can also get a SRM version of the Campy Record and Dura-Ace models as well as a compact version of the Red, Dura-Ace and Ultegra SL models.
SuperSix Hi-MOD 1 shown is US$6,400
Next in the Elite category is the all new Six Carbon. Learning from its big brother the Six Carbon’s monocoque front triangle features a trapezoidal head tube that tapers from 46mm-52mm housing a full carbon fork with alloy drop outs. The top tube, while being tuned for lateral stiffness with a 44mm horizontal cross section also adds style points.
Known for quick acceleration inherent in oversized down tubes, the Six Carbon sports a large 57mm down tube at the BB30 bottom bracket. Rounding out the full carbon frame are 15mm independent left and right hourglass seat stays aiding in the comfort department while optimized chain stays handle axle loads putting power to the ground. Each of the eight frame sizes has a size specific rear carbon drop out eliminating heavy unwanted rivets. You’ll find the line of Six Carbon models spec’d with Shimano Dura-Ace at US$4,000, Shimano Ultegra SL at US$3,000, Shimano 105 at US$2,100, and a mix of Shimano 105/Tiagra at US$1,900.
Six Carbon 3 shown is US $3,000
Not a carbon lover? Try aluminium
For the aluminium lover Cannondale will offer the Six which features all the same frame technologies of the “Six Carbon”, only made of an optimized aluminium front triangle with carbon fork blades and a full carbon rear end.
The new Six features a 1cm taller head tube and the combination of the thin hourglass seat stays and asymmetrical chain stays…both in carbon. Two models will be available starting with the Six-5 outfitted with Shimano Ultegra/105 with standard/compact drives at US$1,750 or the Six-6 with Shimano Tiagra double/triple at US$1,550. Six frames will be available in 48, 51, 54, 56, 58 and 61cm sizes.
Six 5 shown is US$1,750
Multi-sport
Rounding out the Elite category is the Cannondale Slice Hi-Mod, the same bike Mirinda Carfrae has been lighting up the 70.3 race scene. This full carbon machine features a UCI-legal 7.9mm down tube, a speed shadow seat tube adjustable from 73 – 78 degrees and S.A.V.E (Slice Aero Vibration Elimination) rear stays for long days in the saddle keeping those legs fresh for the run. Slice Hi-Mod bikes will be available in four models starting with the Ultimate (shown below) with a SRAM Red group and Zipp Zed Tech wheels at US$10,000, Slice Hi-Mod 1 with Shimano Dura-Ace at US$6,000, Slice Hi-Mod 3 with Shimano Ultegra SL at US$4,000, and the Slice Hi-Mod 5 with Shimano 105 at US$3,000.
Slice Hi-MOD Ultimate shown is US$10,000
Performance
Cannondale has added upgrades to the Synapse line, adding two Hi-Modulus versions on the high-end designed for the century rider or any rider who demands comfort/performance out of their bike. A full carbon monocoque frame with a 1cm taller head tube, and 1cm longer wheel base than the Elite line of bikes. Cannondale proprietary features are triaxial shaped seat stays, S.A.V.E. (Synapse Active Vibration Elimination) chain stays, and new for 2009 S.A.V.E technology has been added to the back side of the carbon fork.
Frame design of the Synapse is stylish with a new aero seat post and integrated seat binder. One of the lightest frames in the Cannondale line, with the BB30 oversized bottom bracket. Models range from the Synapse Hi-Mod with SRAM Red at US$6,900, Synapse Hi-Mod 1 with Shimano Dura-Ace at US$4,900, Synapse Carbon 3 with Shimano Ultegra SL/Dura-Ace at US$3,100, Synapse Carbon 4 with Shimano SRAM Rival at US$2,450, Synapse Carbon 5 with Shimano 105 at US$2,130 or the Synapse Carbon 6 with Shimano Tiagra at US$1,800.
Synapse Carbon 4 shown is US$2,450
