A new Cannondale SuperX in 2025? The American brand is bringing back a legendary name into their lineup. But the SuperX is no longer just about cyclocross performance their latest race machine is built first and foremost for uncompromising gravel racing. We had it on review to see whether it delivers on its promises.Cannondale SuperX 2 | Weight 8.53 kg in Size 56 | Price 6,899 | Manufacturers WebsiteFor years, the SuperX was a thoroughbred cyclocross machine. But for the latest iteration, Cannondale had one clear goal: dominating the gravel racing scene. On paper, the SuperX has all the right ingredients to take on the fastest and most advanced gravel race bikes out there an aerodynamic frame, massive tire clearance, and plenty of comfort. Yet despite this shift in focus, Cannondale didnt forget about the SuperXs roots, and are claiming to have created a bike that still feels at home on fast cyclocross courses.We put the new SuperX through its paces tearing across muddy and frozen Black Forest trails, blasting through our local test loops, and even chasing the horizon along the French Riviera and the foothills of the Alps. So, how did it perform? Lets find out.Fully focused on racing, the Cannondale SuperX is a purebred off-road machine.Pure gravel racing the Cannondale SuperXCyclocross in name, gravel racing at heart. Cannondale equipped the new SuperX with everything a modern gravel race bike needs. The generous tyre clearance 48 mm at the rear and 51 mm on the fork speaks volumes about its intended use. Running 45 mm tires is no problem, with plenty of room to spare, ensuring mud and debris wont clog up the frame or grind down the paint finish in tough conditions.With the 40 mm Vittoria Terreno T50 tyres, the SuperX is nowhere near its maximum tyre clearance.Clean yet versatile the top tube cover hides two mounting points for a top tube bag.While compliance isnt a big deal in cyclocross, its essential for long gravel races. Thats why Cannondale equipped the new SuperX with a few clever features to strike an optimal balance between race-ready stiffness and comfort. The rear triangle and seat tube are designed with built-in flex zones an approach we already know from the SuperSix EVO, where it works brilliantly on tarmac. So its no surprise to see this well-engineered tech make its way onto the new SuperX.Despite the inbuilt compliance, the SuperX is no bikepacking or adventure rig. You wont find a Lefty fork or mounting points for racks and panniers. Instead, Cannondale relied on a lean, concept, focusing on theessentials bottle cage mounts in the main frame and a top tube mount for a small bag for energy bars. And for a no-compromise gravel race bike, thats exactly what you need.However, one small cyclocross feature made its way onto the SuperX. The flattened top tube, which makes it easier to grab the bike and sling it over your shoulder an advantage that comes in handy when tackling obstacle-rich cyclocross courses.The Cannondale SuperX rests naturally on your shoulder, and thanks to its flat top tube, its surprisingly comfortable too.Aerodynamics on a gravel bike? Cannondale SuperXNo drop-bar segment has evolved as rapidly as gravel over recent years. With the rise of dedicated gravel races, bikes are becoming increasingly faster and more aerodynamic. Deep-section rims and compact cockpits are just part of the equation frame design plays a crucial role, and where better to take inspiration from than road race bikes that have been aero-optimised for years?At first glance, the SuperX bears a striking resemblance to its road-specific sibling, the SuperSix EVO. And its not just the profile,the similarities run deeper. With a low front end, a chunky downtube, and a seamless transition between the frame and fork, the SuperX follows classic aero principles. One of the standout features is the strikingly slim head tube, which is designed to reduce the bikes frontal area and minimise drag.40 mm deep rims on a gravel bike? Absolutely because aerodynamics matter here too!Road or gravel? The Cannondale SuperXs narrow front end gives this gravel racer an extra dose of speed.Theres room for improvement while the two-piece cockpit allows for easy customisation, it didnt fully convince us in testing.Cannondale achieve this with their unique Delta Steerer, a triangular, pizza-slice-shaped steerer tube. This design allows brake hoses and shift cables to be routed through the headset without requiring a bulkier bearing keeping things sleek and efficient.Of course, no aero-focused bike would be complete without a D-shaped seatpost. Borrowed from the CAAD13 and SuperSix EVO Gen 3, it offers a slight aerodynamic advantage while also adding a touch of compliance. Small but thoughtful details, like the covered dropouts, aero bottles, and specially designed bottle cages,round off the aero concept. Whether these features hold up in real-world gravel conditions remains to be seen.With the aero bottles and matching cages plus a sensor in the front wheel, the Cannondale SuperX is fully equipped.The Cannondale SuperX in detailAt launch, Cannondale offer three SuperX models along with a frameset. As expected, theres a top-tier LAB71version featuring Cannondales premium carbon layup. This frame is not only 100 g lighter but also significantly more expensive. A fully built LAB71 SuperX, equipped with a SRAM Red XPLR groupset, a one-piece cockpit, and Reserve carbon wheelset, retails at a hefty 14,999. The frameset alone costs 5,499.Our SuperX 2 test bike sits in the upper mid-range, and not just in terms of price. At 6,899, it comes equipped with a two-piece cockpit, Shimanos new GRX 825 Di2 (2x setup with a 1134 cassette and 48/31 chainset), Reserve 40|44 carbon wheels with DT Swiss 370 hubs, and Vittoria Terreno T50 tires in a generous 50 mm width.The entry-level SuperX 3, which retails at 4,499, features a cable-operated Shimano GRX drivetrain and DT Swiss aluminium wheelset a solid setup for those looking to get into gravel racing without breaking the bank.Cannondale SuperX 2 2025 6,899SpecificationsSeatpost Cannondale D-ShapedBrakes Shimano GRX BR-RX820 160 mmDrivetrain Shimano GRX RX825 Di2 2x12Chainring 48/31Stem Cannondale One 110 mmHandlebar FSA K-Force 400 mmWheelset Reserve 40|44 12 x 100 Through-Axle / 12 x 142Tires Vittoria Terreno T50 700 x 40cCranks Shimano GRX FC-RX820-2 172,5 mmCassette Shimano Ultegra CS-R8101 11-34TTechnical DataSize 46 51 54 56 58 61Weight 8,53 kgSpecific Features Aero bottlesGenerous tyre clearanceflex seatpost The geometry of the Cannondale SuperXThe geometry of the Cannondale SuperX still carries traces of its cyclocross heritage but at the same time takes a clear step towards the future, which makes it race-ready for gravel. A short wheelbase combined with a 1.49 stack-to-reach ratio, typical for gravel race bikes, points to a sporty and responsive ride. Add short chainstays and a steep seat angle into the mix, and youll get a centred riding position with plenty of control, direct power transfer, and sharp handling. The high bottom bracket, however, is a nod to the bikes cyclocross roots, and reinforces its dual-purpose design.Size465154565861Reach365 mm371 mm378 mm385 mm392 mm398 mmStack515 mm535 mm555 mm575 mm595 mm615 mmChainstay422 mm422 mm422 mm422 mm422 mm422 mmBB height283 mm288 mm290 mm290 mm293 mm293 mmSeat Tube449 mm488 mm524 mm546 mm566 mm589 mmHead Angle707171717171Seat Angle74.374.373.773.372.972.3Horizontal Top Tube510 mm521 mm540 mm558 mm575 mm594 mmHead Tube86 mm108 mm132 mm153 mm177 mm198 mmWheelbase998 mm1005 mm1020 mm1034 mm1049 mm1062 mmPure racing performance the Cannondale SuperX 2 on reviewAerodynamics, cyclocross heritage, and gravel but how does the Cannondale SuperX 2 actually ride?Surprisingly, the handling is balanced and composed, far from the razor-sharp twitchiness of traditional cyclocross bikes. The SuperX 2 impresses with precise yet intuitive steering, making you feel at ease from the get go. Its agile enough to carve through tight corners, yet stable enough at faster speeds and in rougher terrain the optimal prerequisites for fast, demanding gravel races. The wide tires, stiff wheelset, and optimised fork geometry inspire huge amounts of confidence.When it comes to acceleration, the SuperX 2 delivers in spades. Snappy, explosive sprints highlight the bikes lingering cyclocross DNA, though thats no bad thing its a welcome trait in a gravel race machine. Once up to speed, the aero advantages become clear, helping the bike hold momentum with minimal effort. The only limiting factor? The tires, which sap a bit of that top-end speed.Off the beaten track, the SuperXs brilliant composure makes it a joy to push the pace and let the bike run. However, the 50 mm Vittoria Terreno T50 tires dont quite deliver the grip they should, meaning that the bike reaches its limits sooner than youwant it to. Wed recommend making full use of the generous tire clearance 45 mm rubber would unlock even more off-road capability. Tuning-Tip: Narrower handlebars for an aero boost and wider tires for even more control.Where the SuperX 2 truly shines is in comfort. The frame and D-shaped seatpost harmonise perfectly, soaking up vibrations and smoothing out rough terrain. The only weak point? The cockpit. The FSA K-Force handlebars on our test bike felt slightly outdated in terms of both ergonomics and compliance, and a wider, more modern bar would likely improve comfort and control.Overall, the Cannondale SuperX 2 is a thoroughly modern gravel race bike. While the cockpit leaves room for upgrades, the core concept is rock solidthis bike is built to meet the demands of todays high-speed gravel racing.Who is the Cannondale SuperX for?Cannondales brand-new SuperX 2025 impresses with stable, well-balanced handling and high level of comfort. Combined with excellent efficiency, its the perfect machine for fast-paced gravel races. Whether youre tackling Unbound Gravel or The Traka in Girona, the SuperX is up for it built for racing and designed to keep you feeling fresh even after hours in the saddle. But its not just a race-day weapon. The SuperX also shines outside the race track, proving just as capable for after-work blasts and weekend training rides, effortlessly handling whatever the road or the trail throws at it.Helmet Sweet Protection Falconer 2Vi | Glasses 100% Hypercraft | Jacket Gore Spinshift Thermo | Bib Universal Colors Mono Bib tight | Shoes Scott Gravel Pro | Cap Universal Colors Merino Beanie | Gloves Rckl Villach 2Conclusions about the Cannondale SuperX review a gravel race machine through and throughThe Cannondale SuperX is incredibly versatile. Its gravel race-focused design doesnt limit its appeal in fact, it enhances it! With a rare blend of efficiency, intuitive handling, and impressive compliance, the SuperX delivers a ride quality that few bikes can match. Its not just a fast racing machine, but also a reliable training partner for long days in the saddle. That said, the 6,899 price tag and the somewhat harsh cockpit take a slight edge off the overall experience. But if youre after a no-compromise gravel racer, the SuperX is ready to rip.TopsBalanced and intuitive handlingExcellent compliance from the frame and seatpostSleek, aerodynamic designFlopsStiff cockpitFor more info, visit cannondale.comDer Beitrag Cannondale SuperX 2025 on review from cyclocross legend to gravel race rig? erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.