Cannondale SuperSix EVO Red

When constructing their carbon frames, Cannondale uses high strength, high impact resins similar to those used in carbon baseball bats. The fibers and resins are put in a layup designed to maximize the anisotropic (direction specific) qualities, making for a bike that is light and stiff, and capable of absorbing impact without damaging the structural integrity. Once the frame has passed quality testing, Cannondale adds stiffer, higher-modulus fibers in safe areas to increase stiffness and tune the ride to perfection.

For increased stiffness and improved steering precision, tapered head tubes (see image, on left) and forks pair an oversize lower steerer tube (usually 1 1/2-inch, see image, on right) with a standard diameter upper steerer tube (usually 1 1/8-inch). This combination sheds weight compared to straight 1 1/2-inch systems, and adds stability and stiffness when compared to straight 1 1/8-inch systems. The result is a bike that tracks better through corners while allowing for the use of standard stems.

BB30 is an oversize bottom bracket standard that boosts stiffness and decreases weight. BB30 bottom bracket bearings are pressed directly into compatible frames, meaning there are no heavy external cups to thread in. And, BB30 cranksets feature 30mm-diameter spindles (standard spindles are smaller) for greater pedaling efficiency and increased power transfer.