The 2008 Cannondale SuperSix 1 is one of the American company's all-carbon road bikes. We've recently landed one in for testing.
The frame contains high modulus unidirectional carbon fibres, with svelte seatstays flowing into a massive front triangle, buoyed by a large-bellied downtube. The chainstays and bottom bracket shell are one-piece and the front triangle and seat tube assemblies are then attached from there.
The spec includes Cannondale's 580g Hollowgram SL crankset, which is claimed to be the lightest and stiffest production crankset available. The derailleurs, chain and brake/shift levers are Shimano Dura-Ace, which are combined with Cannondale's Tektro-made carbon brake callipers. Mavic Ksyrium SL wheels with Maxxis Xenith Hors Categorie tyres, FSA K-Force Carbon Compact handlebars and a fi'zi:k Arione saddle are all top notch components that sit well on this bike.
The curious part of the spec are the Control Tech Scandium stem and carbon seatpost. Curious because most people won't remember the popular brand from the early 1990s. No matter, though, because the parts made the cut on this model.
All up, our 58cm tester with pedals weighed under 7.3kg (16lbs) and can be had for US$5,500.
My first impressions of the ride were crisp and clean, with no negative after affects. My neck, shoulders and wrists didn't rebel afterwards, and I scooted up a 16 percent grade climb out of the saddle and with a little more energy left over than normal.
Look for a complete review on BikeRadar.com in the coming weeks.