Those who know old carbon road bikes should really try out today's carbon road bikes.

Hello, this is Ikeda from Grumpy.
First, regarding the reasons why you might have taken a break from carbon road bikes, have you had any of these experiences?
  • "It's stiff and tiring": Vibrations from the road surface were directly transmitted, making my hands numb on long rides.
  • "I feel like I have to ride fast": There's a severe image associated with road racers.
  • "Thin tires require extra care": I feel anxious on small bumps or gravel roads.
If you have a similar impression that "old road bikes used to be like that," then I hope this blog will help you discover the evolution of modern carbon road bikes.

Past Road Bikes and Why I Leaned Towards Steel Bikes

In the busy daily lives of modern people,

we want to ride as far as possible comfortably in limited time,

and enjoy various sceneries.

Considering this, I still believe that road bikes are the best choice.


When I became a working adult, I myself bought my dream carbon road bike, the 2011 "Cannondale SuperSix Hi-Mod TEAM."

At the time, it was one of the fastest and best bikes available.

The acceleration from a standstill was truly intense, and even with little racing experience, I immediately felt, "This is a racer!"

However, frankly speaking, theride comfort was quite stiff.

At that time, road racers were at the peak of a design philosophy that "the stiffer, the better,"

and for me, who mainly used it for commuting and everyday rides including mountain roads and gravel paths, that stiffness felt like a considerable burden.

 

As a result, I was strongly drawn to the "supple and reassuring ride comfort" of the steel bikes I was riding at the same time (Surly Cross-Check and Panasonic chromoly road bikes),

and I became deeply immersed in the appeal of steel bikes.

I believe there are quite a few people who have distanced themselves from road bikes due to the image of stiff carbon road bikes from the past.

The "Dramatic Evolution" of Modern Carbon Road Bikes

It's been over a decade since then. That SuperSix has evolved to the point where it can be called a completely different machine..

I feel that modern road bikes are no longer just machines that pursue speed, but "high-performance touring bikes" that are lightweight while also offering comfort.

Recently, I've been test-riding the SuperSix EVO as a demo bike at the store, and

I'm surprised at "how much it has changed, even though it's the same model?"

I believe the current SuperSix EVOfirmly incorporates the elements of "wanting to ride more, comfort, and speed."

This evolution is a point that I strongly encourage "those who know old carbon" to experience for themselves.


New Value Perceived from Modern Carbon Road Bikes
Modern carbon road bikes have overcome the negative aspects of the past and offer comfort comparable to steel bikes.

1. "Comfort" and "Peace of Mind" to Go AnywhereThe current SuperSix EVO can accommodate wider tires of 700x32c.
Furthermore, when combined with tubeless tires, unpleasant micro-vibrations from the road surface are absorbed,

significantly reducing the hand and back numbness I used to experience.

Another welcome aspect is that with wider tires, I can now ride with confidence over bumps on my commute or on slightly rough country roads.

You'll surely feel that the impression of carbon being "stiff and tiring" is a thing of the past.


2. "High Versatility" for Daily Life and TravelBrake and shift cables are completely routed inside the frame, making the handlebar area very clean.

With more space around the handlebars, it's now easier to attach bikepacking handlebar bags.

As a lightweight touring bike, its versatility, capable of handling everything from daily commutes to weekend long rides and even light touring, is another attractive feature.

 

3. The "Lightness" and "Speed" Inherent to Carbon

Even with improved comfort, carbon's greatest advantage, "lightness," remains.

A lighter weight is very helpful when climbing hills or during the latter half of a long ride when fatigue sets in.

The keywords are "easier, faster, farther."

 The comfortable ride reduces physical exertion, meaning it's now "easier, faster, and farther" than with old carbon road bikes.

The adoption of some proprietary standards is also a result of Cannondale's thorough pursuit of this high comfort and aerodynamic performance.

However, the handlebars, saddle, wheels, components, BB, and brakes are all standard, which is a big plus for those who like to customize.

First, please experience this evolution.

Put aside preconceptions like "it's for racing" or "it's for fast riders," andexperience "how comfortable modern carbon road bikes have become."

I strongly hope that those who have moved away from road bikes in the past will experience the wonder of modern carbon.

We have Super Six EVO demo bikes available at the store, so please feel free to try them out.

 


Available Lineup

Now, Grumpy currently has SuperSix stock that can be delivered relatively quickly.

Some models are eligible for our Christmas Sale.

If you want to enjoy it early next year, please check it out.

 

SuperSix EVO Complete Bikes

SuperSix EVO 4

  • Size: 48cm (recommended for riders 160cm to early 170cm tall)

  • Color: Black

  • Christmas Sale Price: ¥379,050 (tax included) (Regular Price ¥399,000)

Recommended point: This is the most affordable Super Six to get started with. Start riding it, and gradually customize what you're interested in. That's the perfect way to use it.

Of course, using it as is until it's worn out is also a great option.

 

SuperSix EVO 3

  • Size: 54cm (recommended for riders 170cm to early 180cm tall)

  • Color: Chalk, Viper Green

  • Christmas Sale Price: ¥522,500 (tax included) (Regular Price ¥550,000)

Recommended point: Comes with Shimano 105 electronic shifting as standard. It has the potential to transform dramatically by changing the wheels in future customizations.

 


SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD 2 RAW

  • Size: 48cm (recommended for riders 160cm to early 170cm tall)

  • Size: 51cm (recommended for riders 165cm to 175cm tall)

  • Color: RAW

  • Christmas Sale Price: ¥1,121,000 (tax included) (Regular Price ¥1,180,000)

Recommended point: This all-in-one set comes with Shimano Ultegra electronic shifting and HollowGram carbon wheels as standard. If you want to enjoy it in its best condition from the start, this is for you!


SuperSix EVO Frameset

■ SuperSix EVO Frameset Hi-MOD Silver

  • Size: 48cm (recommended for riders 160cm to early 170cm tall)

  • Color: Silver

  • Christmas Sale Price: ¥589,000 (tax included) (Regular Price ¥620,000)

Recommended point: This is for those who want to build it with their favorite parts from scratch. Or, if you already own a road bike, you could swap out the frame.

Please consider this option as well.


For more information on the Cannondale Super Six EVO, please refer to the YouTube videos below.

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