2014 looks set to be a big year for Cannondale road bikes, with the impressive new Synapse hitting the shops in a wide range of options, and the sub-kilo EVO trickling down to £1,699.99 (US pricing TBA) and replacing the outgoing SuperSix. Other highlights include new Black Inc bikes and a limited edition Peter Sagan SuperSix EVO signature run.
Read on or see our image gallery, right, for more details on the company’s 2014 road range. As for the new EVO, US pricing and availability for all the bikes is to be announced.
SuperSix EVO trickles down in price
Cannondale’s epic SuperSix EVO has wowed us every time we’ve had a chance to ride it, the only downside being a price range that starts at £3,999. For 2014, the big news is that the SuperSix EVO will replace the regular SuperSix, meaning you’ll be able to get your hands on one for £1,699.99.
Cannondale SuperSix EVO 2014
The frame uses the same BallisTec carbon technology as the range-topping bikes, but Cannondale have had to make a small change to get under the £2,000 price tag – the rear brake cable now runs externally along the top tube rather than sitting internally. To buy a SuperSix EVO for under £2,000, we reckon we can live with that.
Synapse pricing and details
Despite the 2014 Synapse being a recent announcement, Cannondale have priced the range sensibly. The new Power Pyramid carbon frame impressed us when we rode the Synapse for a first ride review in Tuscany earlier this year, and we expected it to take at least a season or so before the cutting-edge design dropped into the sub-£2,000 category.
However, Cannondale have produced a Synapse driven by Shimano 105 gearing, mixed with Tiagra brakes, and retailing for £1,699. Next in line is an Ultegra model at £2,499.
If you want a slightly lighter Hi-Mod model, pricing starts with the £3,299.99 Ultegra bike, with a SRAM Red model at £4,749.99 and a Black Inc build at £6,999.99. Riders in the US are expected to be offered a few more options.
The alloy Cannondale Synapse will be offered in two disc brake models for 2014
The alloy Synapse has also been updated for 2014, to follow the same design principles and geometry as the carbon platform. The range starts with a £649.99 bike with Shimano’s new Claris groupset. Next comes a Sora build at £749.99, and a Tiagra model at £949.99. It’s then that the range shifts to disc brakes, with a Shimano 105-equipped bike with Render Promax mechanical discs at £1,099.99, and an Ultegra model at £1,399.99.
SuperSix EVO Black Inc
Cannondale are continuing with their Black Inc line for 2014, featuring ultra-light, ultra-limited versions of their standard bikes. The new SuperSix EVO Black Inc features a matte carbon and gold finish. With a custom matte/natural ENVE bar, stem and seatpost and matching gold graphics, it’s a classy looking machine.
A new wheelset based around custom Smart ENVE 3.4 rims and custom-finished Chris King hubs also features. The Cannondale-designed SiSL2 chainset comes complete with two spider rings, giving you a choice of 53/39 for flatter days and 50/34 for the hills. At £8,499.99 the SuperSix EVO Black Inc doesn’t come cheap, but we doubt you’d run into many other people riding one.
Stunning and understated – the Cannondale SuperSix EVO Black Inc
A Synapse Black Inc also exists, with a matte carbon FSA SL-K bar, stem and seatpost, new Vision Metron 40 wheels (also in a custom matte black finish), and Shimano’s mechanical Dura-Ace 9000 11-speed group. The bike will retail for £6,999.99
Peter Sagan signature bike
Peter Sagan rode a custom ‘100’ SuperSix EVO at the 2013 Tour de France, made to celebrate the 100th edition of the race. Cannondale told us that this bike will be available in a limited edition run soon. If you look closely, you’ll notice the Peter Sagan signature Kenda tyres – rumour has it these will also be available soon.
Hooligan returns
Cannondale’s iconic small-wheeled street bike, the Hooligan, returns for 2014 with a funky new cream/lime and sky blue //check// paint scheme. It has a price tag of £749.99 and street-optimised gearing for the BMX-sized wheels.
For more information on Cannondale road bikes see www.cannondale.com.
