Cannondale today unveiled the latest version of its SuperSix Evo, but instead of a complete redesign as many had hoped for this year, it is a limited edition lightweight frameset. Cannondale calls it the "SuperSix Evo Leichtbau," which in German translates to "lightweight construction," and Cannondale claims it is "the most sophisticated interpretation of the SuperSix Evo to date."

According to the brand, the Leichtbau frame is 90 grams lighter than the SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod, down to 750 grams for the raw frame including hardware. It is unconfirmed which size this relates to, but given that Cannondale typically quotes frame weights for the 56cm size, it is safe to assume that it is the same here. For comparison, at the time of release, the painted 56cm Super Six Evo Hi-Mod was listed at 866 grams.

There are only four sizes available, 51, 54, 56, and 58 cm, and only 200 will be sold worldwide, each with its own serial number. The price including frame, fork, headset, seat post, saddle clamp and derailleur hanger is £4,250 / €5,200 / €4,999.

Three years after Cannondale updated its all-around race bike, fans of the Super Six platform were probably hoping for a refresh in summer 2022. However, despite the metaphor of the floodgates opening ahead of this year's Tour de France, free from the pressure of delays caused by pandemics and global supply chain issues, Cannondale's Super Six Evo did not stand out.

To be sure, the bike did not have longevity: 30mm tire clearance, disc brake and tubeless compatibility, aero considerations in the frame tubes, and integrated cockpit wiring are all still in vogue today and are They are part of the marketing statement of the bikes being released today. Cannondale was an early adopter of all these technologies, and many brands have spent the last three years playing catch-up. Cannondale's Super Six Evo Leichtbau is an attempt to prove to other brands in the industry that they are still moving forward, and unlike BMC's recently launched Masterpiece series, the "look what we can do" flex It feels like.

But now that bike inventory seems nonexistent, waiting lists for new bikes are months (sometimes years) long, and the cost of living is inflating faster than flash-charged tubeless tires, the plus side of proving your technical prowess and putting a huge price tag on it is just I can't help but wonder if it simply outweighs alienating customers who just want to buy a bike.