Tadej Pogacar is arguably having his best season thus far but it can get even better, and actually reach historic levels at the Tour de France. The Slovenian, 25 years of age, has launched a big psychological attack ahead of the race as he claims to be in his best ever form ahead of the Grand Depart...

CyclistThe 6 American and Canadian riders at the Tour de France 2024The Tour de France is back and it features a strong selection of North American riders. With established names in form and with expectations surrounding several young riders ready to make the leap into the upper echelons of cyclings best riders, expect the riders from the United States and Canada to be featuring heavily at the business end of stages this July. While sadly Sepp Kuss has been a late withdrawal from the squad due to illness, North America is represented by six riders in this years Tour de France peloton. They will act as teammates for the reigning champion Jonas Vingegaard, breakaway daredevils and potential GC wildcards, and thats all just Matteo Jorgenson. So who are the three Americans and three Canadians looking to salvage their continents reputation in cyclings biggest race? Related Posts 5 things we learnt at the Critrium du Dauphin 2024 How are the favourites preparing for the Tour de France? How to watch the Tour de France 2024 Who are the favourites for the mens Tour de France 2024? Mens Tour de France 2024: Route, how to watch and all you need to know American riders at the Tour de FranceA.S.O./Pauline BalletLast year we saw the first American Grand Tour win for a decade, ushering in a new generation free of ties to cyclings dark age. Sadly, due to Covid, the Vuelta winner Sepp Kuss will miss the Tour. This means that there will be three riders from the USA, which is three fewer than last years tally of six.Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike)A.S.O./Billy CeustersVisma-Lease a Bikes Matteo Jorgenson has taken a huge leap forward in 2024. The California-born, Idaho-raised Jorgenson took a big win earlier this year at Paris-Nice, winning the general classification. And his versatility was on disaply as he also won the spring Classic Dwaars door Vlaanderen.Jorgenson arrived at the Critrium du Dauphin earlier this month as the teams leader and he rose to the occasion with strong rides in the mountains on top of sewing up the young riders classification. The time-trial was the only obstacle between him and another major GC win as he lost out on the yellow jersey by just eight seconds to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohes Primo Rogli.Jorgenson will play a crucial role in Jonas Vingegaards title defence. His versatility and engine will prove problematic for UAE Team Emirates to contain. The hopeful could predict a top-ten for Jorgenson, but in his third Tour de France, it would be a massive step up. Hes previously come close to wins from the breakaway, but he hasnt cracked the GC. Yet.Neilson Powless (EF Education-EasyPost)A.S.O./Charly LopezNevadas Neilson Powless has been scoring some good results for EF Education-EasyPost in the past few years. He took big wins at San Sebastian Klasikoa in 2021 and the Grand Prix La Marseillaise in 2023. He also brushed up his GC legs with an overall win at the toile de Bessges and a top-ten at Paris-Nice last year.In 2023 he held the polka-dot jersey for a number of days before fading in the final week. He will likely try to strike out at more breakaway success and jersey points. The EF rider is a strong puncheur with good Classics legs; hes eager to attack and he can sprint well at the end of a long day of racing.Powless comes from a family of real athletic performers his mother ran for Guam for at the 1992 Olympic Games. Hes also the first Native American to compete in the Grande Boucle.Sean Quinn (EF Education-EasyPost)A.S.O./Billy CeustersFresh from being crowned American road race champion last month, Sean Quinn will make his Tour de France debut this year. Quinns stars and stripes-inspired jersey will be easy to spot in the peloton, and his versatility will make him east to make out too. Quinn is a solid sprinter who can also climb. He is not afraid to go in the break and has a track record against the clock. In short, he can do a bit of everything.Los Angeles-born and raised, Quinn will bring an earnestness to the Tour de France. He grew up watching the Tour de France with his parents, lives in France, and also DJs in his spare time. I guess hell be in charge of the EF team bus playlist.Canadian riders at the Tour de FranceA.S.O./Gautier DemouveauxThanks to the pull of its Canadian sponsor, all three riders from Canada at this years Tour de France rider for Israel-Premier Tech. No prizes for guessing which sponsor is Canadian. The newly crowned Canadian road race champion Michael Woods will not ride the Tour de France this year.Derek Gee (Israel-Premier Tech)A.S.O./Billy CeustersDerek Gee has been one of the great discoveries in Canadian cycling. Now set to make his Tour de France debut, Gee has the chance to add his name to an exclusive list of Canadian Tour de France stage winners.Recently at the Critrium du Dauphin Gee proved that he is more than a one tour wonder and climbed up to third place in the overall classification while notching his first professional win outside of North America on Stage 3.Now as a glimmering GC talent, Gee may try to chase a top ten at the Tour de France. However, breakaways could favour him like they did at the 2023 Giro dItalia. In that race, Gee finished second on four stages on differing terrain. The Canadian has a great knack for resisting fatigue in stage races, and I expect him to be chasing a stage win late into the race.Hugo Houle (Israel-Premier Tech)A.S.O./Billy CeustersHugo Houle is a stalwart of the professional peloton having participated in Grand Tours for AG2R La Mondiale, Astana and Israel-Premier Tech over the past decade. That said, Houle was often in the shadows at his previous teams until 2022.The Qubecois took an emotional stage win in Foix that year, dedicating the victory to his late brother who was killed in a drink-driving accident. During 2022, Houle rode through the ranks to become one of Israel-Premier Techs top UCI point scorers after finishing inside the top 20 of GC at Paris-Nice and the Tour de Suisse. Since Houles win in Foix, he has been chasing more breakaway wins.Within an aggressive Israel-Premier Tech squad lined with breakaway hopefuls, Houles place in their Tour roster is well-deserved. He is one of two Qubecois riders at the Tour de France this year.Guillaume Boivin (Israel-Premier Tech)Israel-Premier TechThe other Qubecois rider on the startline is Guillaume Boivin. Now 35 years of age, Boivin played ice hockey to a high level until his teenage years when he turned to cycling aged 15. Since then, the man from Montral has claimed three Canadian national titles on the road and has started six Grand Tours. This will be his fourth consecutive Tour de France.Guillaume Boivin is a natural rouleur. He is a steady engine and has the capability to reach the top 20 in a sprint finish. His career highlights come from the Classics though, including ninth at the wet Paris-Roubaix in 2021 and podiums at Tro-Bro Lon and Ronde van Drenthe in 2012. Expect Israel-Premier Tech to send Boivin in the breaks or act as part of the lead-out for German Pascal Ackermann.Meet the 11 British riders starting the 2024 Tour de France Related Posts 5 things we learnt at the Critrium du Dauphin 2024 How are the favourites preparing for the Tour de France? How to watch the Tour de France 2024 Who are the favourites for the mens Tour de France 2024? Mens Tour de France 2024: Route, how to watch and all you need to know The post The 6 American and Canadian riders at the Tour de France 2024 appeared first on Cyclist.

The year progresses, August is approaching and few rumors of the cycling market have to do with Movistar Team. Let's remember that in 2023 there was a lot of talk about Carlos Rodriguez, who in the end decided to back out, giving the Spanish team the boot and stay with INEOS. Now, with no big names...

Building a drop-bar gravel rig on a budget? Big news! As an unanticipated follow-up to the value-packed mechanical 10-speed Sword group released last year, microSHIFT just launched an even more economical 9-speed spin-off, Sword Black. Find our two-in-one microSHIFT Sword Review and video look at the new microSHIFT Sword Black here...The post Microshift Sword Review + New Microshift Sword Black appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Cambridge topped the UK list of best cycling cities but sits 11th in Europe, while Greater Manchester and the West Midlands scored almost half the points of their European equivalents, People for Bikes global survey revealed this week

For Remco Evenepoel, his much anticipated Tour de France debut is now mere days away and the lineup of the Soudal - Quick-Step team built around the Belgian has been officially confirmed.Mikel Landa, Jan Hirt, Ilan Van Wilder, Louis Vervaeke, Casper Pedersen, Gianni Moscon and Yves Lampaert will all...

CyclistCannondale SuperSix Evo vs SystemSix vs Synapse: Which is the best Cannondale road bike for you?Cannondale has a deserved reputation for the quality of its road race bikes. The original SuperSix was a classic round tubed road bike renowned for its ride quality and low weight and before that Cannondales alloy bikes were prominent in the pro peloton.Cannondale introduced the SystemSix in 2019 to fill a gap for an aero road bike in its range. But in the intervening period since, the SuperSix Evo has had a radical makeover, sprouting its own aero features. The current fourth generation SuperSix Evo is raced by the EF Education pro teams and claimed to have aerodynamics close to those of the SystemSix.Cannondale was also an early proponent of the endurance bike class. The Synapse was launched 15 years ago, designed to offer a more comfortable ride for those who were not competing, but also used to good effect by the pros during cobbled races.The latest generation Synapse comes in both carbon and aluminium options, with the latter offering the most affordable entry into Cannondales disc brake road bike range. Cannondale continues to sell its CAAD alloy bikes too weve more on the CAAD13 and CAAD Optimo below.So how do the current generation Cannondale SuperSix Evo, SystemSix and Synapse ranges stack up, what specs are available and at what prices?Read on for a complete breakdown of Cannondales UK road bike offering and our recommendations on how to choose the best Cannondale road bike for you. Related Posts The complete history of the Cannondale SuperSix Best all-road bikes 2024 reviewed Heres every nerdy detail on Cannondales fourth generation SuperSix Evo frameset Best endurance road bikes 2024 ridden and reviewed Best road bikes: Best bikes from under 1,000 to over 10,000 Cannondale SuperSix Evo vs SystemSix vs Synapse: Key features at a glanceCannondale SuperSix EvoAero/lightweight race bikeThree frame grades: Lab71, Hi-Mod, standardBSA threaded bottom bracket30mm tyre clearance Cannondale SystemSixAggressively aeroTwo frame grades: Hi-Mod, standardPF30a bottom bracketMore limited spec options than the SuperSix30mm tyre clearanceCannondale SynapseEndurance road bikeTwo frame materials: carbon, alloyRLE carbon bike specs with lights and radar powered by a central batteryExternal cabling from handlebars into frame35mm tyre clearance (carbon)/32mm (alloy)Cannondale SuperSix vs SystemSix vs Synapse: aerodynamicsLizzie CrabbCannondale says that the latest 2023 generation of the SuperSix Evo is 12 watts more efficient than its predecessor at 45kph, despite the visual similarities, and that its more aero than many of the best aero bikes.The SuperSix Evo has Cannondales Delta Steerer design, which allows for internal cable routing and also results in a narrow head tube to reduce drag. The rear of the bike is skinny too, so much so that the Shimano Di2 battery has to be housed inside the down tube, as it wont fit in the seat tube or seatpost. Cannondale offers aero bottles and cages on the bike, which it says actually make the SuperSix Evo more aero, although the cages can also accept a standard round bottle.The SuperSix Evo has a one piece carbon bar and stem on higher specs, in contrast to the SystemSix, which has a separate proprietary HollowGram Knot bar and stem, allowing you to adjust the bar pitch through eight degrees.The SystemSix has deep aero tube sections throughout. Its a design feature that newer aero road bikes, such as the Giant Propel, are moving away from in favour of a thinner seat tube thats potentially more compliant. When reviewed, we reckoned that the SystemSixs ride comfort was adequate rather than class-leading, even back in 2019, and aero bike design has moved on since then.Carbon Synapse bikes have aero tube profiles as well. The top spec Synapse has a separate handlebar and stem design called the Save bar that, like the SystemSixs design, allows you to adjust the bar pitch. Cannondale says that it also helps absorb vibration. It doesnt integrate the cables though and they run externally into the downtube. Other specs have a more standard separate alloy bar and stem.Cannondale SuperSix vs SystemSix vs Synapse: standardsLizzie CrabbCannondale isnt a brand to stick with the status quo and has over time used a number of proprietary designs in its bikes, from the Ai rear triangle and symmetrically dished rear wheel on its original Topstone gravel bike to the 650b wheels and Lefty suspension fork on the Slate. Both of these are gravel bikes and Cannondale was an early adopter of the gravel genre too.It developed the BB30 bottom bracket standard and was a big proponent of the advantages of a pressfit bottom bracket, making the BB30 standard openly available to its competitors, to help encourage its take-up.So its something of a surprise that the fourth generation SuperSix Evo has reverted to a threaded BSA bottom bracket shell, which Cannondale says is both simple and reliable. It shouldnt creak either.The Synapse also has a BSA threaded bottom bracket. The SystemSix retains a pressfit bottom bracket though, following the PF30a standard.Another area where Cannondale has played with a variant then reverted to a more standard design is thru-axles. The SystemSix has the Mavic Speed Release system, while both the SuperSix and Synapse now use a standard thru-axle design.It also flirted with an ultra-narrow 25.4mm seatpost on the previous version of the Synapse, while the current design has a standard width 27.2mm post.In general, the trend with the current generation of Cannondale bikes is to swap back to established industry standards, which improves interchangeability and increases the number of options if you want to change components.Cannondale SuperSix vs SystemSix vs Synapse: weightLizzie CrabbCannondale doesnt in general quote complete bike weights, except for the Synapse Carbon models, which weve noted below for each bike.There are some claimed frame weights for the SuperSix Evo. Here, it claims a 770g weight for the SuperSix Evo Lab71 frame, 810g for the Hi-Mod frame and 915g for the standard modulus frameset, all fully painted and in size 56, giving you an idea of weight saving from the higher spec carbon fibre.Weve reviewed at least one spec of each Cannondale bike. We weighed the top spec SystemSix at 7.7kg back in 2019 and the SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod 1 at 7.2kg in 2023. The top spec Synapse, meanwhile, tipped our scales at 8.2kg, although around 500g of that is the SmartSense system more on that later. So the weights of the bikes which we reviewed were competitive, although not class-leading.Cannondale SuperSix vs SystemSix vs Synapse: geometryTheres actually not much to differentiate the geometries of Cannondales three bike ranges. The SystemSixs reach is slightly longer across the range, by up to 9mm, than the SuperSix Evos. The stack is comparable between the two bikes though. As youd expect for an endurance bike, the Synapse is taller, although its reach is not dissimilar to the other two bikes. There are slight differences between the alloy and carbon Synapse frames geometry too.There are subtle differences in other measurements too, such as the wheelbase, although these dont consistently point to a difference in ride characteristics. Instead, the Synapses endurance focus is likely to come more from its in-built compliance zones.The differences in tyre clearance between Cannondales race and endurance bikes is more marked though.The SuperSix Evos 30mm clearance is a little narrow by the standards of modern road race bikes. While some higher spec SuperSix Evo bikes make use of this with 28mm or 29mm tyres, many specs are equipped with 25mm tyres. All the SystemSix specs include 25mm tyres.A few years ago, that would have been considered on the wide side, but many bikes are equipped with 28s now, while Canyon road race bikes, for example, have a mixed 25mm front/28mm rear set-up.The Synapse Carbon goes wider, with 35mm tyre clearance and includes mudguard mounts, while the alloy Synapses tyre clearance is 32mm. Chainstay length is 5mm longer on the Synapse to accommodate the wider tyres and it should also give the bike a more planted ride feel than the SuperSix Evo and the SystemSix.The Synapse range is equipped with 30mm tyres throughout. Giant fits 32mm tyres to its Defy, although the Canyon Endurace is equipped with 30mms.Cannondale SuperSix vs SystemSix vs Synapse: frame gradesCannondale offers three carbon frame grades, plus alloy, although not all carbon grades are available for each bike model.The SuperSix Evo is the only Cannondale road bike to get the top Lab71 frame. This uses higher grade carbon fibre and resin to reduce weight. Below that, both the SuperSix Evo and the SystemSix can be bought either in Hi-Mod or standard modulus carbon. As noted above, the Hi-Mod frames offer lower weight than the standard modulus option.With compliance its calling card, the Synapse frame is offered in one carbon grade, designed to provide ride smoothing rather than stiffness. The frame incorporates flex zones in the rear triangle, which increase vertical compliance and vibration damping.Cannondale SuperSix vs SystemSix vs Synapse: sizingThe Cannondale SuperSix Evo Lab71 is available in six sizes: 48, 51, 54, 56, 58 and 61. The SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod adds a size 44.There are just five sizes available in the UK for the SystemSix Hi-Mod aero bike: 51, 54, 56, 58 and 60, although the standard modulus frame adds 47 and 62 frame sizes.The Synapse Carbon has even fewer sizes on offer: 51, 54, 56 and 58, while the Synapse alloy is available in sizes 44, 48, 51, 54, 56, 58 and 61.Cannondale SuperSix vs SystemSix vs Synapse: groupsetsLizzie CrabbCannondales UK specs are quite Shimano-heavy with relatively few SRAM specs sold. It offers the full range of Shimano groupsets from 12-speed electronic Dura-Ace right down to 9-speed mechanical Sora across its range.There are SRAM Red specs available for the SuperSix Evo and SystemSix and a Force spec for the SuperSix Evo though. While many brands offer SRAM Rival as a lowest spec with electronic shifting, there are no Rival-equipped bikes in Cannondales UK line-up.Its increasingly common for bike makers to offer a power meter on their higher spec bikes. Power meters are trickling down to mid-spec bikes too, particularly since SRAM offers single sided power meters at Rival and Apex level which are comparatively inexpensive. But in Cannondales range its only the Lab71 grade SuperSix Evo that has power meter options, and only in the Team and SRAM Red builds.Cannondale SmartSense systemThe majority of bikes in the Cannondale Synapse Carbon range are sold equipped with SmartSense. This is Cannondales system that includes a front and rear light that adapt to the ambient light level. Most specs also include a rearview radar developed in association with Garmin. Theyre all powered by a single battery, which is mounted towards the base of the down tube.Its fair to say that the jury is still out on SmartSense. On the one hand, it improves riders safety by making them more visible and providing an alert when vehicles approach from behind. On the other, it adds around 500g to the bikes weight.When he reviewed the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 1 RLE with SmartSense, tech editor Sam Challis said, I couldnt help feeling that the extra half a kilo neutered the bike uphill somewhat, toning down a ride feel that has always before felt pleasantly lively.If you like the idea of having an integrated light system, the SuperSix Evo and alloy Synapse frames are also compatible with SmartSense, although its not offered as standard.Cannondale equips its bikes with its own front wheel sensor, which measures the bikes speed and distance travelled independently from a cycling computer. It links to the Cannondale phone app to remind you of service intervals too. On SmartSense-equipped bikes, it also turns on the lights and radar automatically once you start to move.Cannondale CAAD alloy bike rangeDont discount Cannondales alloy CAAD bikes. Before carbon fibre took over as the material of choice for performance road bikes, Cannondale was an early mover from steel to alloy and its CAAD range was one of the foremost pro-level race bikes, ridden by sprinter Mario Cipollini.Now incremented to CAAD13, Cannondales alloy bikes are still among the best aluminium road bikes available. With prices from 2,250 up to 3,400, the CAAD13 range has aero profiles and is competing with carbon on price as well as performance. Theres a more affordable rim brake CAAD Optimo range that sits below the CAAD13 and is priced from 900 to 1,300. Related Posts The complete history of the Cannondale SuperSix Best all-road bikes 2024 reviewed Heres every nerdy detail on Cannondales fourth generation SuperSix Evo frameset Best endurance road bikes 2024 ridden and reviewed Best road bikes: Best bikes from under 1,000 to over 10,000 Cannondale SuperSix vs SystemSix vs Synapse: ranges comparedCannondales road bikes are available in a good spread of specs. While you can pay over 10,000 for the highest spec road race bikes and the SystemSix aero bike doesnt dip below 5,000, the SuperSix Evo costs 3,000 in its most affordable spec.The Synapse endurance bike has even more affordable options, with the lowest spec carbon model priced at 2,400 and alloy bikes ranging in price from 1,900 to 1,100.Cannondale SuperSix bike rangeThe SuperSix Evo is available with three grades of carbon frame: standard, Hi-Mod and the newest, lightest Lab71.SuperSix Evo Lab71 TeamThe Lab71 Team spec of the SuperSix Evo is an EF Pro Cycling team replica bike and equipped with the same components as the team rides, including an FSA power meter.Frame/fork: SuperSix Evo Lab71 Series 0 CarbonHandlebars: Cannondale SystemBar R-One one-pieceGroupset: Shimano Dura-Ace 12-speed/FSA Powerbox K-Force Team Edition, 52/36t, 11-30tPower meter: FSA Powerbox double sidedWheels: Vision Metron 60 SL carbonSaddle: Prologo Dimension Nack NDR carbon railPrice: 12,500SuperSix Evo Lab71 (SRAM Red)As well as the Team spec, the top spec SuperSix Evo is also available equipped with SRAM Red AXS or Shimano Dura-Ace, both at the same price.Frame/fork: SuperSix Evo Lab71 Series 0 CarbonHandlebars: Cannondale SystemBar R-One one-pieceGroupset: SRAM Red AXS 12-speed, 48/34t, 10-28tPower meter: SRAM Red double sidedWheels: Reserve Turbulent Aero 42/49 carbon on DT Swiss 180 hubsSaddle: Fizik Vento Antares 00 carbonPrice: 12,500SuperSix Evo Lab71 (Shimano Dura-Ace)The final Lab71 spec SuperSix Evo is equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace and Cannondales in-house HollowGram carbon wheels, but without a power meter.Frame/fork: SuperSix Evo Lab71 Series 0 CarbonHandlebars: Cannondale SystemBar R-One one-pieceGroupset: Shimano Dura-Ace 12-speed, 52/36t, 11-30tPower meter: NoWheels: HollowGram R-SL 50 carbonSaddle: Fizik Vento Argo 00 carbonPrice: 12,500SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod 1Swap down to the Hi-Mod frameset and Cannondale still gives you a high spec, with a SRAM Red AXS groupset, although without a power meter.Frame/fork: SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod CarbonHandlebars: Cannondale SystemBar R-One one-pieceGroupset: SRAM Red AXS 12-speed, 48/35t, 10-28tPower meter: NoWheels: HollowGram R-SL 50 carbonSaddle: Prologo Dimension Nack NDR carbon railPrice: 10,500SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod 2Alongside the current generation Hi-Mod 2, Cannondale also sells the previous years bike, with a slightly different spec, also equipped with Ultegra and priced at 7,250, although availability may be limited.Frame/fork: SuperSix Evo Hi-ModHandlebars: Vision Trimax Carbon Aero on Cannondale C1 Conceal stemGroupset: Shimano Ultegra 12-speed, 52/36t, 11-30tPower meter: NoWheels: HollowGram R-SL 50 carbonSaddle: Prologo Dimension TiRox NDR titanium railPrice: 8,250SuperSix Evo 1Stepping down to the standard modulus carbon frame, the SuperSix Evo 1 has a SRAM Force groupset and slightly lower spec HollowGram wheels. Claimed frame weight increases to 915g.Frame/fork: SuperSix EvoHandlebars: Vision Trimax Carbon Aero on Cannondale C1 Conceal stemGroupset: SRAM Force AXS 12-speed, 48/35, 10-33tPower meter: NoWheels: HollowGram R-S 50 carbonSaddle: Prologo Dimension TiRox NDR titanium railPrice: 6,750SuperSix Evo 2Theres a small spec downgrade for the 2 spec from the 1 spec bike, with a wheelset change and Shimano Ultegra replacing SRAM Force AXS. Theres a run-off bike with a previous spec, priced at 5,500.Frame/fork: SuperSix EvoHandlebars: Vision Trimax Carbon Aero on Cannondale C1 Conceal stemGroupset: Shimano Ultegra 12-speed, 52/36, 11-30tPower meter: NoWheels: HollowGram R 45 carbonSaddle: Prologo Dimension TiRox NDR titanium railPrice: 6,250SuperSix Evo 3The 3 spec bike swaps to a Shimano 105 Di2 compact crankset with wider range 11-34t cassette, along with alloy bars and wheel rims and a stainless steel rail Prologo saddle.Frame/fork: SuperSix EvoHandlebars: Vision Trimax Aero on Cannondale C1 Conceal stemGroupset: Shimano 105 Di2 12-speed, 50/34, 11-34tPower meter: NoWheels: DT Swiss R470 alloy rims on Formula hubsSaddle: Prologo Nago RS STN steel railPrice: 4,000SuperSix Evo 4The final SuperSix Evo spec is the 4, which has mechanical Shimano 105 shifting with the 11-36t cassette option and another slight wheelset downgrade.Frame/fork: SuperSix EvoHandlebars: Vision Trimax Compact on Cannondale C1 Conceal stemGroupset: Shimano 105 12-speed, 50/34, 11-36tPower meter: NoWheels: Maddux 3.0 alloy rims on Formula hubsSaddle: Prologo Nago RS STN steel railPrice: 3,000SuperSix Evo framesetCannondale also sells the SuperSix Evo as a frameset only. In Lab71 spec carbon, this is priced at 4,750 and offers five colourways including two team finishes, while in Hi-Mod carbon the price is 3,750, with two colour options.Cannondale SystemSix bike rangeThe SystemSix aero bike range isnt quite as deep as the SuperSix Evo, with just four specs, plus two previous years specs, available across standard modulus and hi-mod frames.SystemSix Hi-Mod Dura-Ace Di2The top SystemSix spec is equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace, along with Cannondale HollowGram Knot 64mm deep carbon wheels and HollowGram Knot bar and stem with integrated cabling. Theres also a run-off spec with 11-speed Dura-Ace, priced at 10,000.Frame/fork: SystemSix Hi-ModHandlebars: HollowGram Knot SystemBar carbon on HollowGram Knot alloy stemGroupset: Shimano Dura-Ace 12-speed, 52/36t, 11-30tPower meter: NoWheels: HollowGram 64 SL Knot carbonSaddle: Fizik Tempo Argo R3 Kium railPrice: 11,500SystemSix Hi-Mod Red eTap AXSCannondale is currently showing the SRAM-equipped Hi-Mod bike with first generation SRAM Red eTap AXS, rather than the updated Red AXS groupset. A lower list price than the Dura-Ace bike reflects this.Frame/fork: SystemSix Hi-ModHandlebars: HollowGram Knot SystemBar carbon on HollowGram Knot alloy stemGroupset: SRAM Red eTap AXS 12-speed, 48/35, 10-28tPower meter: NoWheels: HollowGram 64 SL Knot carbonSaddle: Fizik Tempo Argo R3 Kium railPrice: 10,500SystemSix Hi-Mod Ultegra Di2The final Hi-Mod spec has Shimano Ultegra electronic 12-speed shifting. As with the Dura-Ace bike, theres a run-off spec with 11-speed Ultegra Di2, priced at 7,500.Frame/fork: SystemSix Hi-ModHandlebars: HollowGram Knot SystemBar carbon on HollowGram Knot alloy stemGroupset: Shimano Ultegra 12-speed, 52/36t, 11-30tPower meter: NoWheels: HollowGram 64 Knot carbonSaddle: Fizik Tempo Argo R5 S-Alloy railPrice: 8,500SystemSix UltegraFinally, you can purchase the SystemSix with a standard modulus frame and equipped with mechanical 11-speed Shimano Ultegra and Vision carbon wheels. Theres a wider range of bike sizes shown, which stretches from 47 up to 62.Frame/fork: SystemSixHandlebars: HollowGram Knot SystemBar carbon on HollowGram Knot alloy stemGroupset: Shimano Ultegra 11-speed, 52/36t, 11-30tPower meter: NoWheels: Vision SC55 carbonSaddle: Fizik Aliante Delta S-Alloy railPrice: 5,250Cannondale Synapse bike rangeMoving on to the Synapse endurance bike, there are carbon and alloy frame bikes sold. The higher spec carbon bikes include SmartSense, while lower spec bikes are compatible with the system. Both also provide mounting points for a top tube bag and a third under-downtube bottle cage.Synapse Carbon 1 RLEThe flagship Synapse Carbon 1 spec is equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace 12-speed with a compact crankset. Wheels are carbon HollowGram 45 SL Knot and the spec includes the SmartSense system, complete with radar.Frame/fork: Synapse CarbonHandlebars: HollowGram Save SystemBar carbon on HollowGram Save alloy stemGroupset: Shimano Dura-Ace 12-speed, 50/34t, 11-34tPower meter: NoWheels: HollowGram 45 SL Knot carbonSaddle: Fizik Tempo Argo R3 Kium railClaimed weight: 8.3kgPrice: 9,000Synapse Carbon 2 RLEThe Synapse Carbon 2 has a Shimano Ultegra electronic groupset, while it swaps the carbon bars and wheels for alloy. It includes the full SmartSense system though, including the radar.Frame/fork: Synapse CarbonHandlebars: FSA Gossamer alloy on Cannondale 2 alloy stemGroupset: Shimano Ultegra 12-speed, 50/34t, 11-34tPower meter: NoWheels: Fulcrum Rapid Red 500 alloySaddle: Fizik Tempo Argo R5 S-Alloy railClaimed weight: 8.9kgPrice: 5,800Synapse Carbon 3 LThe Synapse Carbon 3 spec currently shows an 11-speed Shimano 105 groupset in the UK, but 12-speed in the US and Europe. It too incorporates the SmartSense lights and central battery, but omits the rearview radar.Frame/fork: Synapse CarbonHandlebars: Cannondale 3 alloy on Cannondale 3 alloy stemGroupset: Shimano 105 11-speed, 50/34t, 11-34tPower meter: NoWheels: RD2.1 alloy on Formula hubsSaddle: Fizik Aliante Delta S-Alloy railClaimed weight: 9.6kgPrice: 3,200Synapse Carbon 4The final Synapse Carbon spec is not equipped with SmartSense, although it is compatible with the system. Without the battery and lights, Cannondale claims a slightly lower weight than for the 3 spec.Frame/fork: Synapse CarbonHandlebars: Cannondale 3 alloy on Cannondale 3 alloy stemGroupset: Shimano Tiagra 10-speed, 50/34t, 11-34tPower meter: NoWheels: RD3.1 alloy on Formula hubsSaddle: Fizik Aliante Delta S-Alloy railClaimed weight: 9.5kgPrice: 2,400Synapse 1Moving on to the alloy Synapse bikes, the 1 spec is shown in the UK with 11-speed Shimano 105, while the US spec shows 12-speed 105. SmartSense isnt included, although the frame is compatible. There is a top tube bag sold with the bike though.Frame/fork: SmartForm C2 alloy frame/Synapse Carbon forkHandlebars: Cannondale 3 alloy on Cannondale 3 alloy stemGroupset: Shimano 105 11-speed, 50/34t, 11-34tPower meter: NoWheels: DT Swiss R470 DB alloySaddle: Fizik Aliante Delta S-Alloy railPrice: 1,900Synapse 2The Synapse alloy 2 spec is similar to the 1 spec, except for a change to 10-speed Shimano Tiagra shifting. The top tube bag is also included.Frame/fork: SmartForm C2 alloy frame/Synapse Carbon forkHandlebars: Cannondale 3 alloy on Cannondale 3 alloy stemGroupset: Shimano Tiagra 10-speed, 50/34t, 11-34tPower meter: NoWheels: DT Swiss R470 DB alloySaddle: Fizik Aliante Delta S-Alloy railPrice: 1,650Synapse 3The swap to 9-speed Shimano Sora on the Synapse 3 is accompanied by a change to Promax mechanical disc brakes rather than hydraulic, as theres no Sora in-series hydraulic option. Theres no top tube bag included.Frame/fork: SmartForm C2 alloy frame/Synapse Carbon forkHandlebars: Cannondale 4 alloy on Cannondale 3 alloy stemGroupset: Shimano Sora 9-speed/FSA Vero Compact crankset, 50/34t, 11-34tPower meter: NoWheels: RD3.1 alloy on Formula hubsSaddle: Cannondale Stage CXPrice: 1,100Cannondale SuperSix vs SystemSix vs Synapse: which should you choose?Lizzie CrabbIf you want to look fast, theres really only one choice: the SystemSix. If you want to go fast, the SuperSix Evo rivals Cannondales aero bike though and makes fewer compromises to achieve its speed.As Sam Challis said in his SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod 1 review: If Cannondales aero claims about the bike are to be believed, Im struggling to see a case now for the brands SystemSix, which isnt much faster and is over a kilo heavier.The SystemSix is showing its age too, while the SuperSix Evos recent refresh has kept it reasonably up to date, although not cutting-edge in design.For the majority of riders on UK roads, the Synapse makes a good claim to be the Cannondale bike of choice though. Its smoother and is more likely to suit the average non-racer. The 35mm tyre clearance gives the bike all-road capabilities. The SmartSense system does add weight, but if you ride with lights thats extra mass that youll probably be clamping to your bike in any case.Read our full reviews of the Cannondale SuperSix Evo, SystemSix and Synapse Carbon to help you choose, and check out the full range at cannondale.com Related Posts The complete history of the Cannondale SuperSix Best all-road bikes 2024 reviewed Heres every nerdy detail on Cannondales fourth generation SuperSix Evo frameset Best endurance road bikes 2024 ridden and reviewed Best road bikes: Best bikes from under 1,000 to over 10,000 The post Cannondale SuperSix Evo vs SystemSix vs Synapse: Which is the best Cannondale road bike for you? appeared first on Cyclist.

Gearing up for one last dance, the final Tour de France of the legendary career of Mark Cavendish is now just a matter of days away. With Project 35 sure to be one of the stories of the upcoming Grand Tour, excitement is growing within the Astana Qazaqstan Team.Having initially planned for the 2023...

The new eyewear bridges the gap between sunglasses and gogglesFox Purevue Fox Racing has launched its new eyewear the Purvue. Its technically a goggle, but without the sometimes cumbersome design Continue reading

Did you say freeride? Knolly had no doubts about using the term when describing their new Warden 170 MX. A quick look at the geometry, travel, and MX wheels and its obvious this bike is designed for riders who like to go big or those who like to shred the roughest terrain they can find.The Warden is the third bike Knolly has updated with their Gen 6 frame revisions this year. Smaller riders will appreciate that the Warden 170 MX lineup now includes an S1 (XS) frame size. With head tube angles leaning out to 62.5 and rear travel bumped to 170mm, theres no doubt this bike was designed with freeriding or downhill charging as the priority. Knolly Warden 170MX Frame Features:The new Warden frame is made from 6066 aluminum. It now offers 170mms of rear travel, and all models come stock with 170mm forks. However, if you want to go longer up front thats not a problem. The Warden 170 MX can handle longer single-crown forks or dual-crown DH forks.The Warden carries on with Knollys Fourby4 suspension linkage, and this frames kinematics are optimized for downhill riding and maximum traction. All stock models will be sold with an MX wheel setup, but putting a 27.5 front wheel on the bike is an option.Alongside Knollys other recently released Gen 6 frames, the Warden 170 MX gets several updates. The most visually obvious is the straightened top tube, which Knolly says has been well received. Another key update thats not so blatant to the eye are the new size-specific chainstay lengths. While the S1 (XS) and S2 (S) frames share the same rear end, every larger size gets its own length. See the geometry chart below for the numbers.Knolly has added an accessory mount on the underside of the Wardens top tube and includes a water bottle mount on the down tube. The Gen 6 frames offer improved bottle clearance, so any size except the S1 should be able to fit a full-sized bottle easily. A smaller bottle may be required on S1 frames.Photo (and title photo): Michelle PittamAnother functional update is the new one-piece monoblock rocker link. This link is stiffer than Knollys outgoing two-piece design, and it reduces lateral stress on the shock mount. The lower shock mount is now a 30mm mount thats compatible with roller-bearing shock hardware. On the topic of bearings, Knolly now stocks Enduro bearings in all the Wardens pivots.Thanks to Knollys OSD straight seat mast design, S1 frames can run 175mm dropper posts, S2 frames can run most 200mm+ droppers, and S3-5 sizes can run most 220mm+ models. The frame accepts 31.6mm diameter posts.Photo: Michelle PittamThe Warden 170 MX frame is now also UDH compatible, and it comes with a CNC-machined aluminum hanger. The bike continues to run Knollys preferred 157 Trail rear axle spacing, which helps provide rear tire clearance up to 2.6.Other fittings include a removable ISCG-05 mount, a 73mm threaded BB shell, and a 180mm brake post mount. The frame offers internal cable routing and comes with a chainstay protector.Geometry:The new Warden 170 MX will be available in five frame sizes: S1 (XS), S2 (S), S3 (M), S4 (L), and S5 (XL). Two lower shock mount holes provide your choice of neutral or slack geometry positions.The Wardens head tube angles are definitely leaning into the freeride realm at a slack 63.25 or a super slack 62.5! Effective seat tube angles are steep at 77.75 or 77.Knolly has gone very long with their reach numbers, as their S3 frame stretches out to 482mm, and an S4 measures 508mm. We are at a point where some brands medium bikes are longer than other brands larges, and in my case at 510 Im torn between whether I would ride an S2 or an S3.The Wardens rear ends remain in a pretty normal range; theyre not super long but not too stubby either. Knolly generally keeps stack heights low, but not equal across the size range. As the chart shows, stack height increases with every larger frame size.Model Lineup:(Photo/ Michelle Pittam)Knolly is offering four build kits for the new Warden 170 MX. I noticed the builds dont get into super high-end territory, which makes sense for a huck-and-thrash kind of bike. There are no wireless drivetrains, carbon wheels or cranks, or range-topping XTR or XX1 component groups in the lineup. Without getting excessively fancy, there isnt a huge price range between the four models. See the chart below for complete build specs.XT $5,999GX (with Fox Factory fork) $5,599GX (with Fox Performance Series fork) $5,499Deore $5,199The new Warden 170 MX will be available in four frame colors: Blueberry, Orange Black Fade, Defender Green or Raw.To kick off the Warden 170 MXs release, Knolly is offering a 10% discount to the first 50 customers who purchase one before July 15th. See Knollys website or your local Knolly dealer for further details. knollybikes.comThe post Knolly Goes Big and Slack With the New Warden 170 MX appeared first on Bikerumor.