5 Reasons to Buy the Cannondale Supersix Evo Hi-Mod (and Why I'm Selling It)

The 2020 Cannondale Supersix Evo Ultegra Di2 is the best bike I have ever ridden. It's fast, it's light, it handles well, and it isn't fussy over-engineered. It looks good. The paint has a real sense of occasion to it. The wheels are fast, light, and reliable. It really is the original "One Bike to Rule Them All" (remember how Cannondale released the Supersix ahead of the SL7? Me too). And that's exactly why I'm selling it. 

But first, here are five reasons to buy the 2020 Cannondale Supersix Evo Ultegra Di2.

All photos by Dylan Davies photography. Book this guy!

Five Reasons to Buy the 2020 Cannondale Supersix Evo Ultegra Di2

Number 1: The Completeness of the Package 

This is, without a doubt, the most "complete" bike I have ever ridden out of the box. As sold stock, it is 100% race-ready. Not a single component needs to be upgraded. That's a big deal—especially at this price point. Because while I wouldn't say the 2020 Cannondale Supersix Ultegra Di2 Hi-Mod is a bargain, it's surprisingly affordable in comparison to its rivals (I'm looking at you Specialized Tarmac SL7 and Cervelo R5). From the tires to the wheels, this is an absolute race weapon out of the box. That's a huge plus. 

Number 2: The Wheels

This point is related to point number 1, but deserves a nod of its own. The Hollowgram KNOT 45 wheels are an understated triumph. I say understated because Cannondale doesn't brag *nearly* enough about these wheels as they should. The depth is perfect for pretty much any kind of riding. Fast flats? Done. Sprints? Done. Climbing? Done. They really do hit that "ride anything fast" sweet spot. They're deep enough to give satisfying feedback (you know what I mean—whoosh-whoosh!), but aren't so deep to blew ye off the road in gusty conditions. Attention Cannondale: make more noise about these wheels! They really are special. 

Number 3: Cost Cutting Done Right

This is an expensive bike, but it's not the range topping Supersix Hi-Mod. So, where did they save cash? Yes, it has Ultegra Di2 and not Dura-Ace. But look beyond that, and you'll have to look very hard to find where they saved a few bucks. Spot it yet? Yep—the rotors, cassette, and chain. The Shimano RT70 rotors get the job done, as does the 105 cassette and chain. This is cost-cutting done right. They make no discernible difference to the quality of ride, or aesthetics. Plus, these are parts folks replace often. So, it gives you something to look forward to—a few shaved grams with some fancy new rotors. Smart. 

Number 4: The Stem + Handlebar

Personally, I love the look and the feel. The stout, distinctive stem is a cross between a whale shark and the NCC-1701-D Enterprise. The tops of the bar remind me of the steering wheel of an old school Porsche. The drops curve perfectly, and nothing feels off. And, compared to other systems, it's relatively simple to setup and maintain. A few folks have grumbled about weight, but to me, the combo makes the aesthetic of the bike. Leave it stock! 

Number 5: The Character

Cannondale has pulled off a special kind of magic trick here. They've created an aero-adjacent bike that retains the character of that magic Supersix of yore. It feels as nimble, alive, and fluid as it always has, but has also achieved a new benchmark of stability, solidity, and absolute pace above the 40 km/hr mark (this, I feel, is where the bike really feels distinct from what came before). 

So, why am I selling it? 

Because, sadly, I don't need it. Currently, my quiver consists of two other Cannondale steeds: the super classic Cannondale CAAD12 Ultegra, and the recently brilliant Cannondale CAAD13. 

And if you've read my review of the Cannondale CAAD13, you'll know that this is a very different animal from the CAAD12. They both do different things brilliantly. And that's why I'm selling my Supersix. 

Is the CAAD13 better than the Supersix Evo Ultegra Di2 Hi-Mod? Absolutely not! The Supersix is lighter, faster, stiff, more comfortable, better looking. And yet, the CAAD13 is more similar to the Supersix than you might imagine. The geometry is borderline identical. The way it holds and builds speed above the 40 km/hr mark is similar. And, incredibly, I think it's about as comfortable as the Supersix. It's heavier, yes, and despite being a nice build, it doesn't have that same formidable completeness that the Supersix has. But for flat courses and crits, it ticks *many* of the same boxes. It's a testament to just how good the CAAD13 is—even in its humble, 105 disc form. 

But is it a good climbing bike? It's okay, but it's nowhere even close to the Supersix. But that's where my CAAD12 comes in. The CAAD12 still stands as my favourite bike of all time, and I'll never depart with it. As an all-around race and climbing bike, it still feels special. It shines. Sure, the top tube is dented but, damn—few bikes retain their sheen over the years like this bike does. Whereas the Supersix and the CAAD13 showcase just how far Cannondale have come, the CAAD12 showcases where they've been. There's a janus-faced appeal to having both in the quiver, and I kind of love it. 

The Cannondale Supersix Evo Ultegra Di2 Hi-Mod is the best bike I have ever ridden for all around competence, pace, comfort, character, and sheer appeal. It really is the original "One Bike to Rule Them All" (again, I'm granting Cannondale that distinction). 

But, I couldn't justify having three bikes with such overlap. The Evo climbs as good if better than the CAAD12, and is a faster aero bike than the CAAD13 (by how much, who knows). The decision was tough—sell the 12 and the 13 and keep the Evo? Or sell the Evo? Maybe I'll regret it weeks from now, but I stuck with the system that's worked for me the past year. 

Verdict

The Cannondale Supersix Evo Ultega Di2 Hi-Mod is a triumph. If you're looking for one bike to do pretty much everything, it is absolutely the bike to do it (incredibly, some folks are running it with 32s, so if you're bold enough, it ticks the gravel box as well). 

The problem? Well, the problem is me—I already have two bikes that already tick all the right boxes for what I'm up to. The Supersix is absolutely the right bike for anything and everything—it just came to me at the wrong time. Goodnight, sweet Prince. Who knows, maybe I'll be back in a year or two...