The New Cannondale SystemSix Aero Road Bike | GCN Tech's First Look

First spotted at the Abu Dhabi Tour, the Cannondale SystemSix Aero Road Bike has just been released. Join us as Simon takes a look at this striking new aerodynamic build.
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In association with Cannondale.
This is the SystemSix, a name that Cannondale fans will remember from the mid-noughties, but make no mistake, this is all new. The mission they set themselves was to create the world’s fastest race bike, and admirably they avoided the easy route of just rushing an aero looking frame out to market. Instead, they bolstered their design and engineering team, eventually running to 12 people based across two continents, and worked from the ground up.
Have they hit their target? Yes, they say they have, and they say they have the data to back it up, data showing that this bike is 6w faster than the next fastest bike at 50kph. As well as testing loads bike in the wind tunnel San Diego tunnel, their leading aerodynamicist, Nathan Berry, has also created a super exciting metric which simultaneously analyses and weighs up aero data and condense it into one handy figure. Yes, no more looking at graphs of yaw angles and trying to work out which is faster overall. Yaw weighted drag, more on that later.
Firstly though, why is this bike faster?
Well, the first point to note is that as with most recent aero bikes, this is very much a complete package, as much about the frame and fork as the new range of components on there, called KNOT, as in the wind speed, including new wheels too. Which I’m also particularly excited about, because who doesn’t get excited about wheels?
Let’s start with the frame though. It is disc brake specific, there is no rim brake option, which they say has allowed them to make the bike more aero. There are of course some typical hallmarks of an aerodynamic frame. Dropped seat stays, super wide down tube to make water bottles more aero, and even this little addition under the junction of the top and seat tubes.
Then there is this little aerodynamic device called a chine. This term comes from aeronautics, and it refers to this sharp edge here behind the fork crown. Its job, in this case, is to prevent the forks air flow from mixing with the wake of the headtube and interrupting clean air over the fork crown.
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Photos: © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Bettiniphoto / www.bettiniphoto.net/
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[@gcntech]

Let us know what you think of the new Cannondale SystemSix 👇

[@CaptainShiny5000]

Not a fan of the Day 1 DLC but otherwise it's certainly a nice bike if you really need this sort of thing.

[@thedropcycling]

I think I would choose system 6 over Venge S-works and Aeroad CF SLX

[@colinthompson5881]

GCN Tech looks like Batman’s bike...cool!

[@patrickblake5788]

Somebody get rid of those spacers, makes it look at bit goofy with them in

[@andressaucedo5143]

looks like canyon aeroad.

[@Allard_Klijnstra]

We have reached DLC in bikes with that powermeter...

[@htdtr]

It'd be interesting to see if anyone jailbreaks them ha

[@tonyle7511]

Do I need a season pass ?

[@Allard_Klijnstra]

Tony Le UCI racing license to unlock it haha

[@ozan3076]

Allard Klijnstra it would be good to have summer sale in bikes like steam

[@itarry4]

htdtr bound to happen eventually I reckon, can't see how they can design it to be totally unhackable and as it's there some clever so and so is going to see it as a challenge. They can always claim they were just checking its security and trying to do Cannondale a favour.

[@ddong0102]

I am currently riding Cannondale which worth only $1000. That Cannondale bike is totally another level.... Full matt black colour resembles stealth bike that makes the bike even more exotic!!!!!!! I JUST LOVE IT!!!!!!!

[@ynslife]

Don't get me wrong, but black bikes are anything but exotic these days

[@cyclingchainsawchap9822]

How have I only just found this video?!?

[@elliottharley1386]

never been a massive Cannondale fan but can't help but be REALLY impressed with the work gone into this.

[@carloborromeo5595]

Great video. It's about time Cannondale came up with their own signature aerobike. Awesome!🤘🤘🤘

[@miguelarredondo3481]

Cannondale did an amazing job with this one. Absolute beauty But the fact that the logo isn't fully visible is driving me crazy, who approved the logo placement?!

[@876SIMSTREAMER]

Cannondale did

[@that_which_is_not]

Lovely annondale 😃

[@eoinkelly2674]

I know right and there is space to bring it up a bit

The logo should be fully readable from the non-drive side, but I agree it looks odd from the right.

[@martyjbrown]

It's in the right place, proportionally. For the type size etc. Not like you don't recognise the brand, or see the full thing on the other side.

[@superstrange5369]

It’s so slick!!

[@tfmguitar]

8:55 Did someone through a duck in the water to demonstrate the aero watts gained with this bike?

[@Kingloui10]

Just saw this bike in black And red in person... One of the most stunning bikes I have ever seen!

[@anibaljesusdelgadillo2091]

Incredible😮

[@rr8299]

You enable my addiction to cycling

[@philjones4903]

I am the first person in Sarasota/Manatee Counties of Florida to receive the System Six Ultegra. This morning was the first ride after picking it up at the store yesterday (Villiage Bikes of Sarasota, FL). Great bike. Rides very smooth. Yes a little heavier than my Evo Super Six but faster. Very comforatable. I will have get us to the saddle. I usually have the Fizik. I am glad the video mentioned the turning quotient, not 80 or 90 but 45 degrees or so because of the front end. Great bike. My buddy Rich is waiting for his System Six HI Mod Ultegra with auto shifter and power meter. We will be dangerous out there.

[@luisrosano3510]

Thanks Simon, awesome bike really.

[@gcntech]

Cheers Luis 👍

[@duncancycles]

Great review

[@owenpreece4508]

WOW what a bike

[@maxwellsage7422]

Great video! When I was 12 I got my first road bike and it was a Cannondale with the oversized round tubes, lovely. Since then I have just loved Cannondale in general, but this is a new level. Last winter I got a Tuscany Titanium Lightspeed with medium use,but it is in great condition. It can with 1 month old complete sram, which has been weird because I am used to the double lever Shimano, but the seam is still amazing gear. Also, get this, it was only $500, I really don't think the guy selling it to me knew its value.

[@darrinschwarz7446]

Sweet rig!!!!

[@kennethwise7108]

My 2nd Generation System Six 60cm (Dura Ace Non-Hi Mod) weighs a whopping 23.6 lbs and is a tank but does pretty well in semi rolling hills here in my area of south central Pa. I also have a Cannondale Evo (Hi-Mod) for the bigger hills. I might add that I've had it for a little over a year now and it's got a LOT of miles put on it in that one year timeframe. Seems like a great bike aside from it being extremely heavy but from the pros vs cons you do save on output wattage due to its aerodynamic features.

[@guigmfrota]

Beautiful bike, great review. When will you guys review some Corratec bikes? you could also cover the 2019 lineup that is is being releasing now... :)

[@tuuline12]

Very nice bike indeed!

[@atanasg]

Nice job matching the color of the bottles with that of the frame!

[@gcntech]

Thanks!

[@scottishjohn]

A super cool bike there from Cannondale, shame that its not in the lovely green of team EF Education First Drapac powered by Cannondale... Looks like they have really though it through and if ever you wanted a bike to look totally space age and kind of out there like you used to get back in the 90's then I think that this Cannondale definately does the job... I kind of dread to think what the price would be for this hunk of tech genius! Its a shame that manufacturers aren't so concerned with cyclocross design!! Great video Si... was that taken whilst over in Catalunia?!

[@MrRichardsnj]

what an awesome bike. fast fast fast

[@danielellis2874]

I'm so happy right now ^_^

[@carlosroy7984]

Amazing bike and report! Looove it! When one video of caad12??

[@gcntech]

Cheers Carlos

[@mincehogan9508]

dope bike

[@Inertia888]

I love the mat black finish

[@natekryn9840]

I've been trying to just ride (noobie), but gotta say that looks sick AF. Great vid!

[@caprising4445]

What a beast..

[@sergio895]

That Canyon Aeroad looks good!!!

[@rutgergranberg3225]

Cool bike but the ducks steal the show. 😀

[@maxconnolly4279]

You’ve managed to predict the future here, whats your secret?

[@JS-tb9hu]

I love those wheels. 32mm width is insane!

[@jr.3650]

Simon, your job is amazing. You get to ride a top-notch bike. I'm jealous. Ride on mate!

[@gcntech]

We sure are pretty lucky, thanks Juan!

[@media1981]

It reads “annondale” with “c” covered by the crank wheel. Nicely designed.

[@Kraziken0]

Love the overview. I was hoping to hear your opinion if you felt the bike made you faster. Or a test/comparison.

[@tuuline12]

Very nice bike indeed

[@6ft8incyclist]

Great Video Si knocks it out of the park again!! I do not see a reason why I would want an Aero bike But after watching this vid I want one.

[@gcntech]

6ft8incyclist Glad you enjoyed the video! Exciting!

[@emigrabass]

I got one...and it's AMAZING!!!!!!!

[@CrashyMcSquirrel]

The duck at 9:01 is all "let me show you about aero si"

[@gcntech]

😂🦆

[@BlackMesa322]

This new Annondale looks good ;)

[@marshallemmett3313]

Ah, I love hearing that name... HED... the OG of wheel aerodynamics (and more specially tri aero), there wheels will always be on my bikes.

[@ebigarella]

What a surprisingly package of no surprises. Even the weighted drag is not new.

[@jayshockey5461]

Wow! That’s a beauty! But, move the decal up! Great review !

[@mikefylla]

I am soooo looking forward to the this against the new Cervélo S5 disc when it comes next year! Showdown of the year!

[@michaeljbrennan3728]

You didn’t notice the duck swimming in the water behind you. LOL

[@turbosalsa]

so lovely thats my next ride

[@TheWaxChainFanClub]

Should do another Pimp my Commute ride with this.

[@deans2239]

i'm really excited about this bike. will probably watch this video on repeat for a bit. don't know what'll take longer to figure out - my budget or the 100 watts saving at 60 kph.

[@samuell3512]

If system six is not a disc brake bike, I think I will love it

[@yltsrc]

what an annondale! hope it is as good as supersix

[@MrRichardsnj]

love supersix

[@EvilBambo0]

saw what you did there haha

[@maddoc68]

Liked the ducks in the background ☺️

[@larsvandenbroeck2219]

Hey guys, how did you guys mount up the wahoo elemnt bolt to the bars? Iam searching how to do it on my systemsix! Can anyone help me?

[@HkFinn83]

Like a high end road version of the Bad Boy, awesome looking annondale

[@AJSpinDrift]

Looks nice, albeit on the slightly portly side. I'd love to see a real world head to head with the Canyon Aeroad. The Canyon is lighter, but will the additional aero benefits of the SystemSix be enough to compensate?

[@johnlawrencenanquil367]

Nice vid & nice bike

[@gcntech]

Thanks!

[@rutgergranberg3225]

I'd say supernice!

[@TheRealJP777]

How does this compare in with a time trial bike like the 2018 Trek Speed Concept?

[@kazukimu4281]

I'm a cyclist in Japan. New SystemSix looks like a fighter !

[@zack_120]

Are the bottom and hub bearing ceramic (silicon nitride) or steel?

[@radlesquid]

When are you doing the unboxing? :-P

[@jasoncooper3939]

Hi ya can you help can tooth paste help get rid of scratches? Do you have any suggestions? Thanks

[@El_JayBubby]

Can't wait to see what stages this bike is used in during Le Tour. Also what Vision wheels the pair with with it. #GoRigoGo.

I like the new Bat-Bike. Joke aside, fantastic looking bike.

[@AVROISM]

That bike looks like the real deal. The ducks in the back look quite comfortable being close to Si

[@gcntech]

🦆

[@DesN4IN]

supernice!

[@hl6306]

Still love good old light bikes.

[@jilltrigg9984]

OMG so pretty!!! 😍😍😍

[@miguelsaez340]

And yes Mr. Wayne it does come in black.

[@SerinUcer]

7:00 I really do not get this power meter thing. It is physically on the bike but you have to pay to enable?

[@daydreaming_aristocrat]

Time for a Cannondale-giveaway!

[@jimmythefish]

That’s Banyoles isn’t it? Lovely spot.

[@leoania]

Please do a head to head with the SystemSix vs the new Venge vs the new Timemachine - please!

[@jermz123able]

Santa.... I have been a VERY good boy this year

[@rrobotman]

So the angle of the dangle times four is equal to the yaw of the draw? Not sure I completely understand how this works. In any case this bike looks awesome fast or not and I want one. 👍

[@U20101954]

ok now i am interested...according to cannodale wind tunnel test, what is the second, third, forth... fastest bike?

[@philjones4903]

Oh, and remember they come in different colors. Mine is gray/black with a red stripe. Quite cool.

[@jonlebeau1963]

Where did you shoot this video?

[@karvinsunny4199]

DUDE THIS IS HOOOOT, THE BIKE IS NOT BAD TOOOO

[@zakswan4644]

It’s nice

[@paulinfrancis]

Not only nice, it’s SUPER nice! 🎺

[@samuellambert8919]

hows ya new prologo dimension saddle Si?

[@nehemiahmbayamatende8109]

Coolest road bike ever

[@unda25]

i bough a BOARDMAN COMP 2014 AND is a little bit small is like m SIZE AND I AM 175 CM , what bike size i need

[@samtownshend]

Looks so good! But are they rebranding as Annondale? Weird logo placement.

[@w4yland3r27]

Great tech video and detail analysis. The power meter activation is clever marketing

[@gcntech]

Cheers Andrethetiny

[@xylou83400]

Can we plug some aerobar on the KNOT handelbar ?

[@oliquides]

I like the fact that at 9:02 when Si is talking about saving watts downhill; this duck is showing us is sprint capacity. I wonder how many watts per kilo a duck can produce? @gcntech can you science that?

[@tonixpto1]

Nice video, but anyone saws that duck at 9:02 🦆it's seems he have disc brakes too.

[@willian.direction6740]

He was a docile duck hey

[@carnicer78]

I guess the ducks are from Banyoles

[@dothat15]

Great info but you made it even harder for me to decide between the Canyon aeroad and the system 6

[@jfkirwan]

are you at Banyoles?

[@thenotoriousrvh6091]

It won't be long until someone hacks the powermeter, and makes a KZbin video 😀.

[@bradwjensen]

Not that aero when the wind is blowing from the side. haha I definitely like Peter Sagan's new Specialized Venge a lot more!

[@TheUsername1302]

What Wahoo mount is that?

[@MikeFelding]

What a beast💪💪💪!!! But the head unite mount doesn’t look very aero 😖

[@theylivewesee1674]

why is FELT missing in all major cycling websites??

[@champ2237]

7:39 what is that floating in the water behind the rear wheel? Some scary stuff!

[@Juan0003]

What I find interesting, beyond the beauty and the wanting of a nice bike, is that engineers are stretching the possibilities with carbon fiber. I’m guessing we’re not close to seeing the end of it. What is peculiar is that they seem to be converging the possibilities of the bike they design. So, maybe one day we’ll have a endurance aero climbing bike!

[@remitournier2526]

I'm wondering about the 23 tires, isn't there supposed to be safety standards regarding rim internal width and tire combination? I thought putting 23 tires on anything wider (internally) than 16 was dangerous... However, I'm a big fan it looks super cool!

[@TheMadman457]

Is that a Scott foil disc?

[@alexfulton375]

Has anyone looked into the effects of bar tape on aerodynamics? I'm sure some roughly wrapped tape would significantly increase drag

[@denisdrc5836]

SPAAAACCEEERRSSS