BB creaking is a showstopper for me. If Cannondale can’t send a creak free bike to a media review, what chance do we consumers have of getting a nice creak free BB?
I've been looking forward to your review of this bike ever since you mentioned it in your Ferrazi Shafer review published in late September. I appreciate the way you and Mike present these reviews with such a straight forward, no nonsense approach. The two of you make a good team and make it easy for consumers like me to determine which bike best fits our needs/wants. Keep up the good work.
Bikes are generally delivered with too long hoses, as they use fixed prefilled lengths to save time on the factory floor and use "one size fits all". They also often use those bulky single-use quick connectors for the hydraulics for the same reason. I had the same problem for my own bike, but finally re-bled the brakes, got rid of the connectors and put in hoses of proper length. Looks cleaner, and hoses no longer in the way.
I have the superx with Ai, and run different wheels, the dish is 6mm, which is small enough that you don't need to replace parts and can get any wheel dished. Cost me £15 at the LBS! The geometry is what makes the bike though, its so confidence inspiring but also super chuckable!
2:22 Can we please stop collectively calling these "DT SWISS wheels"? It's just a CHEAP DT SWISS RIM laced to CHEAP FORMULA HUBS with unbranded spokes and nipples. Manufacturers figured that the DT SWISS logo on the rims makes consumers think the whole wheel would be DT SWISS but it's just not. Same logic goes for higher-tier rear derailleur spec'd with lower-tier cassette and shifters. That XT rear derailleur looks tasty on the product pictures and nobody can tell the difference between and XT/SLX/Deore cassette and shifter from a glance at a side shot of a bike. Could this maybe be a topic for the Nerd Alert Podcast I wonder?
I’d love to see you guys do a review of the Felt Breed- it’s an aluminum gravel race bike, with similar geometry, longer front end, slacker head tube angle, and short 420mm chain stays, with clearance for up to a 45mm 700c. Great option for a more accessible gravel racer. Love to get your expert review on them.
Creaking Cannondale BB... who'da thunk? But in defence of the longish cables: if you go for more shims+longer stem+wider bars you may even appreciate the added length [ for Mikey that would then be "tighter"] : In my experience it is also much easier to shorten rather, than lengthen cables. I won't get one. I don't like chasing down Cannondale proprietary components nor dealing with their 'quality control'.
I do wish they had put a threaded BB on it if it was possible. I have always had Cannondales since 1991 and I have not had any issues with the BB on my road bikes. But, gravel ridding is just hard on the bottom brackets. Lots of fine sand works its way in. My gravel bike isn't a Cannondale and does have a threaded BB.
Hey guys, what's your take on this vs the new Crux? Great review as always! Your reviews are nicely unbiased which I highly appreciate in this flood of influencers and sponsored media outlets.
I wish Cannondale would just use on piece BBs like what BB Infinite makes. I have had to add them to all my Cannondales. Also every Cannondale I Have bought has had cables that are way too long and had to get the bike shop to shorten them. Like the reviewer said, its the little things. Once you get the little things squared away, very nice bikes.
Have owned a few Cannondales... What always put me off is their "proprietary" items. Was really considering buying this bike but the weird wheel dish means I cannot use my other wheels. For a bike that does both CX and gravel having multiple sets of wheels is a must.
Creaking bottom bracket is a deal breaker. While it can probably be fixed with loctite or similar products, the bottom bracket alignment is still poor, maybe non-round, not good for bearing life. The main reason it's a deal breaker though is that I just can't stand the idea of making Cannondale think that they can continue to get away with ignoring quality in manufacturing year after year as they have done so far. Either up the standards in the manufacturing to the level a press fit interface actually requires, or if they can't do that, switch to the more forgiving threaded bottom brackets, like some other brands already did.
I've never had any issues with press fit BBs on my Cannondales. My problem with it on a gravel bike is that ridding gravel is rough on the BB. Fine sand works its way in. They require more frequent service and replacement. Fortunately, my gravel bike does have a threaded BB.
@@DaveCM actually I have not had problems with mine either. But I know a few friends that had, and some that had not. It's very clear that the quality out of the factory is varying, and has been that for years, and they just don't care. The problem is well documented among reviewers and users as well. It's a good point though that pressfit into laminated carbon probably isn't the best interface if you need to make frequent service.
It’s really very simple, you SHOULD NOT have to make any changes to a brand new bike (unless YOU want to). It is not your responsibility as the customer to be inconvenienced for a new product because the company producing that bicycle does not have the appropriate levels of quality controls to prevent the BB from creaking from NEW! Too often as cyclists I feel we are pardoning shoddy build quality because we love the brand and the status it supposedly provides. When bicycles are only going up in price, its more important than ever that the bicycle manufacturers are on their game with build quality. Super disappointing to hear and definitely will look elsewhere for my CX/Gravel bike. In a market which is so competitive these are simply school boy errors by a company as well established as Cannondale. Rant over :P
its cool but the old superx (supercross) looked better, and had the greatest name is all of cycling. I also would much rather see new cyclocross bikes around $1200. you know, like the kind cyclocross racers can actually afford.
It’s just not possible to deliver a bike at that price point these days with the kinds of frames and components that buyers demand. It’d be running AL frame, Sora components, and it would be left ok the shelf and buyers would simply ignore it
James, I can't help but compare this to the Revolt 2022 that you reviewed on the cyclingtips website the other day. They seem surprisingly similar - with a longer wheelbase and a twitchy roadie-like front end. Any thoughts on how the two compare?
@@andypaul999 Completely agree. Where I live seems Giant is the no brainer option for every bike category. They're better value for money, no stupid integrated handlebar and press fit BBs that actually work as intended. The cherry on top is that they're usually lighter than the competition too.
the AI thing is not a big deal at all... if you are going to upgrade the wheels, just have your bike shop re-dish them by 6mm. Easy job. 20 bucks cost. The only problem is if you have a pair of wheel that you share between different bikes that don't have the AI offset, other than that, you will never know about it.
The SuperX is a very popular race bike and has AI for years, as well as the Topstone Carbon and Lefty. That said it, since I also have an Exploro that shares wheelsets, I picked up the Topstone Alloy instead which doesn’t use AI, and also surprisingly has a threaded BB. I’m not sure why AI is necessary since the alloy version fits easily 45c Pirelli Cinturato tires that I use currently.
It’s difficult to know but what percentage of the forecast market/buyers have a “stable of wheels”? Personally, as someone looking at a new CX bike including this and the inflite, I have no “stable of wheels”, I have two bikes each of which has exactly one pair of (fitted) wheels.
@@XX-is7ps I currently have two sets for my Topstone: one with the original wheelset that has Terreno Zeros on it for everyday pavement riding and a second, lighter wheelset that has Terreno Drys for gravel racing. I'm now getting in to CX racing, and I'd honestly like a third wheelset that I could run some sort of even grippier tires. I was super excited about the SE version of this bike, but now I'm not so sure (plus my local shop can't get one in my size until late spring...).
I'd probably go straight out and buy this bike as it sounds like it rides exactly the way I'd want a gravel/CX bike to ride, but that creaking BB puts me right off. I own a F29 with similar SiSL2 crank setup. There is nothing that can be done to make that setup stop creaking, trust me I've tried everything... just too many metal to metal interfaces. Someone please convince me that this can be made silent as then it may go to the top of the list...otherwise, the Crux has BSA...
it was probably the seat post though in this video. they are known to creak if not installed properly. mine did too, but iwas an easy fix (more carbon paste) the way he said it, "every half pedal stroke" is a good indicator super late reply for smt that does not matter anymore hahah
@@HCMORGI ha ha thanks, still haven't pulled the trigger on something like this... partially because the F29 is the best bike I've owned and it covers many bases, still creaks though.....
Demoing a friend's wheelset, or letting a friend try out you wheels is a niggle I have with the AI spacing. Might not be a consideration for some, but it irks me with my Cannondale.
Decent review. Being the pros you are, not detailing all the kit in the details is amateur. Liking the handlebar bag. Noted in the details? Nope. Ludicrous shirt? Nope. Dumb as hat? Nope. Joking aside, the bag looked ace. Details please.
"5-min job to replace the stem" it's 5 min to undo bolts, remove old stem, put old stem, tighten new stem bolts; it's 5 hours to get the damn thing aligned with the frame
What's up with the thick stack of stem spacers? I was under the impression the expander plug needs to support all the way down to the bottom of the stem?
With so many different options available in the market, why is anyone buying this junk? The AI placement of the rear wheel is just a joke with no benefits.
I rode this bike 3 days ago in purple haze color. Wow ! It’s so easy to ride..I was blown away.
BB creaking is a showstopper for me. If Cannondale can’t send a creak free bike to a media review, what chance do we consumers have of getting a nice creak free BB?
I've been looking forward to your review of this bike ever since you mentioned it in your Ferrazi Shafer review published in late September. I appreciate the way you and Mike present these reviews with such a straight forward, no nonsense approach. The two of you make a good team and make it easy for consumers like me to determine which bike best fits our needs/wants. Keep up the good work.
Bikes are generally delivered with too long hoses, as they use fixed prefilled lengths to save time on the factory floor and use "one size fits all". They also often use those bulky single-use quick connectors for the hydraulics for the same reason. I had the same problem for my own bike, but finally re-bled the brakes, got rid of the connectors and put in hoses of proper length. Looks cleaner, and hoses no longer in the way.
I have the superx with Ai, and run different wheels, the dish is 6mm, which is small enough that you don't need to replace parts and can get any wheel dished. Cost me £15 at the LBS! The geometry is what makes the bike though, its so confidence inspiring but also super chuckable!
Cannondale: BB Creaking
Some guy in the internet: HELLO HAMBINI FANS!
I have one and let me tell you my people, it’s incredible
Was about to buy one of these, but after watching these reviews regarding the 6mm proprietary issues, I decided to get something else.
2:22 Can we please stop collectively calling these "DT SWISS wheels"? It's just a CHEAP DT SWISS RIM laced to CHEAP FORMULA HUBS with unbranded spokes and nipples. Manufacturers figured that the DT SWISS logo on the rims makes consumers think the whole wheel would be DT SWISS but it's just not. Same logic goes for higher-tier rear derailleur spec'd with lower-tier cassette and shifters. That XT rear derailleur looks tasty on the product pictures and nobody can tell the difference between and XT/SLX/Deore cassette and shifter from a glance at a side shot of a bike.
Could this maybe be a topic for the Nerd Alert Podcast I wonder?
The dt swiss rim costs around 30€ so it's not even an expensive dt swiss rim
I’d love to see you guys do a review of the Felt Breed- it’s an aluminum gravel race bike, with similar geometry, longer front end, slacker head tube angle, and short 420mm chain stays, with clearance for up to a 45mm 700c. Great option for a more accessible gravel racer. Love to get your expert review on them.
Awesome review guys! Thank you =)
Creaking Cannondale BB... who'da thunk? But in defence of the longish cables: if you go for more shims+longer stem+wider bars you may even appreciate the added length [ for Mikey that would then be "tighter"] : In my experience it is also much easier to shorten rather, than lengthen cables.
I won't get one. I don't like chasing down Cannondale proprietary components nor dealing with their 'quality control'.
I love Mikey's voice. Very soothing quirky. You should have him as a presenter more often. He's a natural.
More James please - your honest reviews are very helpful and informative. The social media angle isn't additive.
I do wish they had put a threaded BB on it if it was possible. I have always had Cannondales since 1991 and I have not had any issues with the BB on my road bikes. But, gravel ridding is just hard on the bottom brackets. Lots of fine sand works its way in. My gravel bike isn't a Cannondale and does have a threaded BB.
Hey guys, what's your take on this vs the new Crux? Great review as always! Your reviews are nicely unbiased which I highly appreciate in this flood of influencers and sponsored media outlets.
Coming soon!
@@adinbaird2076 excited about that!
I wish Cannondale would just use on piece BBs like what BB Infinite makes. I have had to add them to all my Cannondales. Also every Cannondale I Have bought has had cables that are way too long and had to get the bike shop to shorten them. Like the reviewer said, its the little things. Once you get the little things squared away, very nice bikes.
Have owned a few Cannondales... What always put me off is their "proprietary" items. Was really considering buying this bike but the weird wheel dish means I cannot use my other wheels. For a bike that does both CX and gravel having multiple sets of wheels is a must.
Re dishing for the 6mm offset was simple. Bike shop did 2 sets of wheels in 20 mins.
bring back the original SUPERSIX EVO GEOMETRYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
Waiting James to compare Crux and S6 EVO SE
As far as I know, the Q-Factor is not affected bei the ai geometry, because only the chainring is moved outwards, not the whole crank arm.
They seem to be shipping bikes with cheap bearings. I had this with a SuperSix Evo. Replaced bearings… not a problem since.
Creaking bottom bracket is a deal breaker. While it can probably be fixed with loctite or similar products, the bottom bracket alignment is still poor, maybe non-round, not good for bearing life. The main reason it's a deal breaker though is that I just can't stand the idea of making Cannondale think that they can continue to get away with ignoring quality in manufacturing year after year as they have done so far. Either up the standards in the manufacturing to the level a press fit interface actually requires, or if they can't do that, switch to the more forgiving threaded bottom brackets, like some other brands already did.
I've never had any issues with press fit BBs on my Cannondales. My problem with it on a gravel bike is that ridding gravel is rough on the BB. Fine sand works its way in. They require more frequent service and replacement. Fortunately, my gravel bike does have a threaded BB.
@@DaveCM actually I have not had problems with mine either. But I know a few friends that had, and some that had not. It's very clear that the quality out of the factory is varying, and has been that for years, and they just don't care. The problem is well documented among reviewers and users as well.
It's a good point though that pressfit into laminated carbon probably isn't the best interface if you need to make frequent service.
@@anderstorger3211 I just bought a Supersix CX and no bb creaking. I must be lucky!
It’s really very simple, you SHOULD NOT have to make any changes to a brand new bike (unless YOU want to). It is not your responsibility as the customer to be inconvenienced for a new product because the company producing that bicycle does not have the appropriate levels of quality controls to prevent the BB from creaking from NEW! Too often as cyclists I feel we are pardoning shoddy build quality because we love the brand and the status it supposedly provides. When bicycles are only going up in price, its more important than ever that the bicycle manufacturers are on their game with build quality. Super disappointing to hear and definitely will look elsewhere for my CX/Gravel bike. In a market which is so competitive these are simply school boy errors by a company as well established as Cannondale. Rant over :P
Well said , and arguably a cool story, 👏😉
Please do a review on the SuperSix SE if you can.
its cool but the old superx (supercross) looked better, and had the greatest name is all of cycling.
I also would much rather see new cyclocross bikes around $1200. you know, like the kind cyclocross racers can actually afford.
It’s just not possible to deliver a bike at that price point these days with the kinds of frames and components that buyers demand. It’d be running AL frame, Sora components, and it would be left ok the shelf and buyers would simply ignore it
James, I can't help but compare this to the Revolt 2022 that you reviewed on the cyclingtips website the other day. They seem surprisingly similar - with a longer wheelbase and a twitchy roadie-like front end. Any thoughts on how the two compare?
There is one very important difference between the two. The Giant wont creak.
@@andypaul999 Completely agree. Where I live seems Giant is the no brainer option for every bike category. They're better value for money, no stupid integrated handlebar and press fit BBs that actually work as intended. The cherry on top is that they're usually lighter than the competition too.
the AI thing is not a big deal at all... if you are going to upgrade the wheels, just have your bike shop re-dish them by 6mm. Easy job. 20 bucks cost. The only problem is if you have a pair of wheel that you share between different bikes that don't have the AI offset, other than that, you will never know about it.
AI is such a dealbreaker idea on a bike -named- "CX". Most racers have multiple wheels and don't want to rebuild all of them.
The SuperX is a very popular race bike and has AI for years, as well as the Topstone Carbon and Lefty.
That said it, since I also have an Exploro that shares wheelsets, I picked up the Topstone Alloy instead which doesn’t use AI, and also surprisingly has a threaded BB. I’m not sure why AI is necessary since the alloy version fits easily 45c Pirelli Cinturato tires that I use currently.
Why you'd make a cyclocross race bike that requires the buyer to re-dish all their current stable of wheels is an odd decision indeed...
Yep...was seriously considering this bike for an ultra light CX build (5.8Kg). The weird dish, killed it of my list.
It’s difficult to know but what percentage of the forecast market/buyers have a “stable of wheels”? Personally, as someone looking at a new CX bike including this and the inflite, I have no “stable of wheels”, I have two bikes each of which has exactly one pair of (fitted) wheels.
@@XX-is7ps I currently have two sets for my Topstone: one with the original wheelset that has Terreno Zeros on it for everyday pavement riding and a second, lighter wheelset that has Terreno Drys for gravel racing. I'm now getting in to CX racing, and I'd honestly like a third wheelset that I could run some sort of even grippier tires. I was super excited about the SE version of this bike, but now I'm not so sure (plus my local shop can't get one in my size until late spring...).
I'd probably go straight out and buy this bike as it sounds like it rides exactly the way I'd want a gravel/CX bike to ride, but that creaking BB puts me right off. I own a F29 with similar SiSL2 crank setup. There is nothing that can be done to make that setup stop creaking, trust me I've tried everything... just too many metal to metal interfaces. Someone please convince me that this can be made silent as then it may go to the top of the list...otherwise, the Crux has BSA...
it was probably the seat post though in this video. they are known to creak if not installed properly. mine did too, but iwas an easy fix (more carbon paste)
the way he said it, "every half pedal stroke" is a good indicator
super late reply for smt that does not matter anymore hahah
@@HCMORGI ha ha thanks, still haven't pulled the trigger on something like this... partially because the F29 is the best bike I've owned and it covers many bases, still creaks though.....
@@nellyx1x493 old stock of these can be found quite cheaply atm. but as long as you're happy you don't need another bike :) have a great time mate
Demoing a friend's wheelset, or letting a friend try out you wheels is a niggle I have with the AI spacing. Might not be a consideration for some, but it irks me with my Cannondale.
What size was the test bike? how tall was the test rider ? Thx
The one boa red spez budget recon shoes and the CX guy who speaks like Serpico lol 😂
livestrong bracelets are making a comeback?
Can I hear a squeaky cat 🐈?
I thought it was a cheeky reference to the bottom bracket.
A shame they've dropped the Super X, can't warm to this.
What is the width of the tires?
They took a bite from Pinarello
Decent review. Being the pros you are, not detailing all the kit in the details is amateur. Liking the handlebar bag. Noted in the details? Nope. Ludicrous shirt? Nope. Dumb as hat? Nope. Joking aside, the bag looked ace. Details please.
"5-min job to replace the stem"
it's 5 min to undo bolts, remove old stem, put old stem, tighten new stem bolts; it's 5 hours to get the damn thing aligned with the frame
Who would bother, creaking bottom bracket? My 83 tourer does not creak, never has, BSA everytime.
52cm????
What's up with the thick stack of stem spacers? I was under the impression the expander plug needs to support all the way down to the bottom of the stem?
It's a loaner bike. They can't cut the steerer.
@@edrcozonoking Yea obviously, but you risk cracking the steerer instead. The stem could be mounted with less spacers above it.
51cm, how tall are you?
Doesn't it bring bad luck to combine spz and c'dale products in the same ride?
Super "CROSS", not Super "EX"
Also worth noting that the outgoing SuperX already had the asym rear end for a few years, so that's not new...
jesus the other guy should take up voice acting. His oice is so unaturally natural in that world.
Cannondale has the worse names
Let's see, creaking bottom bracket on a $4k bike right out of the box, ugly paint scheme, heavy wheel set, and Force 1x mechanical. What a bargain
$4,000 and you get crap wheels, crap bar and stem, crap saddle and a creaky bottom bracket.
I think you might need to recalibrate for current road/gravel bike pricing, $4000 isn’t exactly premium/top end pricing these days
With so many different options available in the market, why is anyone buying this junk? The AI placement of the rear wheel is just a joke with no benefits.
Who’s the weird little man introduced at 5:30 ??