Cannondale SystemSix Si 3 Ultegra

“The SystemSix bucks the stiffness to weight paradigm,” says Steve Metz, VP Product at Cannondale. “Ordinarily, to achieve the ultimate race-desired stiffness, a bike must add material in critical areas. The SystemSix, uncharacteristically adds stiffness using less material through our knowledge based, laminate design process.” While many carbon fiber designs are engineered to replace aluminum, the entire front end ‘system’ of the SystemSix is optimized around the anisotropic characteristics of carbon.

“This bike is both laterally and torsionally, the stiffest bike we’ve ever built,” says Chris Peck, Cannondale VP of R&D. “However, our composites team has engineered a certain level of compliance into the layup—resulting in a ride that is almost unbelievable.” And, while the front end of the bike is carbon fiber, the rear triangle remains Cannondale aluminum. “We still feel that the CAAD platform best meets racers performance demands. The Liquigas riders are really excited about the ride feel”