US bike maker Cannondale has released a limited edition lightweight version of its flagship SuperSix EVO called the SuperSix EVO Leichtbau (or ‘lightweight’ in German). The Leichtbau uses a new layup and raw finish to jettison a further 90 grams from the brand’s all-round race bike.
The resultant frameset boasts a claimed weight of 750 grams in a size 56cm, including hardware. Just 200 will be available worldwide, priced at £4,250 each.
The same, but different
Using the same mould as the firm’s well-known SuperSix EVO, this fresh version will be known as the Leichtbau, which translates to ‘lightweight’ in German.
Cannondale credits the use of cutting-edge materials and better refined layup scheduling to create the frameset. Carbon composite fabrication is an iterative process, so having another 18 months to develop the original SuperSix EVO recipe has allowed Cannondale to be more efficient in the way it selects and places different materials.
Even the frameset’s hardware has gone under the knife – the SuperSix EVO Leichtbau’s rear derailleur hanger has been more aggressively machined to shed grams.
Good genetics
Based on the all-round race platform the EF Education–EasyPost team uses in the WorldTour, the standard SuperSix EVO uses truncated airfoil tube shapes to reduce drag – by up to a claimed 30% compared to the previous version of the bike – along with dropped seatstays that aim both to smooth airflow and improve comfort.
Designed to mix speed and versatility, it also features space for 30mm tyres and a skinny 27 SL KNØT seatpost.
Besides a secret new carbon layup, the Leichtbau also cuts weight thanks to its minimalist finishing.
With a raw-looking matte finish, details are applied in gloss around the head tube while the sans-serif Cannondale logo is picked out in shiny high-gloss silver.
The bike is available now in four sizes: 51cm, 54cm, 56cm and 58cm.
Read our review of the standard Cannondale SuperSix EVO