Cannondale SystemSix SRAM Red eTap AXS Review

Cannondale have been making high quality racing bikes for a number of years. Ridden by some of the best in the sport, it’s no surprise that the new Cannondale SystemSix is already making waves. We had a closer look at the top end SRAM Red eTap version of the bike.

SystemSix was created with one simple goal in mind – to be the fastest and most efficient UCI-legal road bike in the world. Its unique fully integrated design delivers more speed in more situations than any other bike on the market today. For race day fast. And every day fast. Cannondale claim it to be the worlds fastest bike.

Made of a hi-mod carbon, disc brakes and SRAM Red eTap AXS. This 12-Speed weapon is built entirely for speed and performance. Similarly to a time trial bike this bike can boast that it’s faster than lightweight climbing bikes on climbs below a 6% gradient.

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The Features:

Fitted with the new 12 speed SRAM red you can fully customise your set up. SRAM have taken their wireless technology to the next level by integrating their new AXS technology. The new component integration systems connects the components with the software. Developed after SRAM’s sister company Quarq linked their power meters with in app technology, the AXS app lets you connect your AXS enabled components to build a real party bike.

You can enhance shifting or re-assign shifting actions, without the hassle of swapping wires and changing batteries or any of the other malarkey involved. As well as this you can monitor the performance and make sure everything is running efficiently and not run out of battery.

— SRAM RED ETAP AXS – NEW INNOVATIONS —

On top of this, the whole range of gears has been improved with the addition of the 12th gear. By moving some of the front gears to the back there’s a much more consistent jump through the chain rings while the cassettes carry a much wider range. There’s only 13 teeth difference at the front and a possible 23 at the back. That means that you can stay in the same front ring for a lot longer, which is much more efficient that constantly changing gear on the front. You can make the majority of your jumps at the back.

Coming with a KNØT64 wheel set, the SystemSix really rolls across the tarmac at some pace. A 21mm internal rim width allows 23c tyres to blow up to 26mm easily. These are some of the fasest wheels on the market and its good to see the bike comes as the whole package.

Cannondale’s BallisTec Hi-MOD carbon fibre is incredibly stiff and seriously lightweight. Molded into a very aerodynamic frame this runs right through to the seat post. A Cannondale KNØT carbon seat post adds to the superb aerodynamic performance. A KNØT Systembar provides the low drag and sleek look of a one-piece system. This also has the fit and interchangeability benefits of a two-piece bar and stem. With 8 degrees of pitch adjustment.

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The SystemSix is available as disc only to keep agility and handling at the forefront. This disc specific design allowed for aerodynamic optimization of the frame and fork and a wheel/tyre choice that would not have been possible with rim brakes.

The Verdict:

This really is a fantastic racing machine. Certainly not at the cheap end of the market, but you absolutely get what you pay for. It handles great and is set for all out speed. We can see why so many of the worlds top professionals love the new SystemSix, make sure you give it a go!

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