Cannondale SystemSix

It's a long time since I was really excited about testing a new bike. Having been in the industry for 28 years, building frames in the old days of Reynolds 531 and Columbus SLX, later for 16 years producing Australian made Alchemy aluminium and Carbon frames there isn't much that I haven't seen before. So why did I get such a buzz at just the thought of test riding the System Six?

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I suppose I understand more than most the amount of research and development that goes in to making a bike company innovative, so to see the big Carbon head tube using the 1½" lower bearing, the Carbon Synapse head stem (a work of art!), the big fat carbon down tube, extra wide top tube and the transition into the aluminium rear half that doesn't have a blemish, all something for any bike enthusiast to behold!!!!

The first morning, the bikes debut, not a morning that I would normally go out in. Thermometer on three degrees, wind howling and at 4.30am easy to go back to bed. One reason to get up, test the Cannondale and see whether it was all that I expected it to be. In my first 100 metres I just had to smile. I just felt so at home with this bike from the instant I clipped in and took off to do the 20k warm up to join the 5.45am group in Brighton.

The bike is so stiff that every bit of power at the pedal is instantly transmitted to the rear wheel. My immediate thought was that if the bike was so stiff it would surely transmit every bit of road vibration, transmitting it into a harsh ride, especially with a Ksyrium ES wheelset on board. Not so. I was surprised by the compliance and comfort of the bike and as the ride turned the roundabout at Mordialloc and the sprint along Beach Road started, the only critisism I had were that my heels occasionally tapped the chainstays. The crosswind was fierce for the trip into St Kilda and I started to wonder whether I was being blown about by the big bladed spokes of the Ksyrium ES's or whether the huge tubing used in the frame was the guilty party (I jotted a mental note to try some Dura-ace wheels to feel the difference, at a later date).

The bike was due to go back to Cannondale on the Tuesday after our manager's meeting where all stores got to have a "Question and Answer" session to review the System Six and the range of Cannondale for the new season. Needless to say that I really didn't want to give the bike back and with plenty of persuasion I finally managed to keep the bike for the State Titles which were held in Paraparap near Geelong the following weekend. Unfortunately I didn't do the bike justice, missing a break with 5 k's to go and finishing in the second group of 4 riders.

If you've read this far I don't need to tell you how much I enjoyed this bike. The test bike was fitted with Dura ace componentry which ergonomically works for me the best. It is also available with the new SRAM component group or Campy Record for the Euro devotees. As tested the bike sells for $7995, I would make minor changes to suit my personal needs but these would not affect the price dramatically and all said and done I think the bike is a bargain for those that truly enjoy the finer things in life!