On test: Cannondale Six Carbon 3 Compact, June 10, 2009

A sheep in wolf's clothing

The Cannondale Six Carbon 3 definitely has the look

Cannondale's Six Carbon 3 Compact definitely has the look to be a capable all-around racer but perhaps a little too much substance to go with it, according to Cyclingnews technical editor James Huang.

At first glance, the Cannondale Six Carbon 3 frameset is a near clone of the company's top-end SuperSix what with its similarly rounded-triangular profile down tube and top tube, giant asymmetrical chain stays, whisper-thin hourglass seat stays and chunky fork. Moreover, Cannondale even gives it a similarly racy red-and-white paint job and the exact same geometry as the SuperSix.

Thankfully the resultant performance is also a close copy in many ways as a result: front triangle torsional stiffness is spot-on with the far more expensive flagship (and Cannondale engineers confirmed our impressions as such) and drivetrain rigidity is just a few ticks behind (just nine percent according to Cannondale) - in both cases putting it amongst the stoutest examples out there.

As such, the Six Carbon exhibits just the slightest hint of noticeable twist up front when out of the saddle or muscling the bike through corners and there's little sway down below when you really lay it down - budget-minded quadzillas that have found other comparable bikes too soft either up front or down below, step right up.

Front triangle stiffness benefits from the beefy down tube.

Likewise, handling is exactly what we've experienced on the SuperSix with appropriately race bike-quick turn-in that confidently settles an arc in the curves and yet is still reasonably stable at high speed - we even surreptitiously motorpaced behind a landscaping truck (not recommended behavior!) for about 8km at well over 80km/h and never once felt uneasy.

Comfort-wise, the Six Carbon is again just barely a half step behind its far more expensive cousin. In addition to the usual road buzz, bigger bumps are also duly muted and severely washboarded dirt roads are made surprisingly tolerable as well. Even with the superb front end and drivetrain stiffness, we were still impressively fresh even after rides approaching the five-hour mark.

Give and take

So the Six Carbon is everything that the SuperSix is but with a cheaper price tag, right? Not quite.

The Six Carbon frame adheres to the 'big chain stay - little seat stay' philosophy.

At US$2,999 for the complete bike, something's got to give and the humbler Six Carbon has to make do with a lot more weight in order to reach the SuperSix's performance targets - a substantial 1,380g for our bare 52cm tester to be precise, which is more than we would expect for a reasonably high-end full-carbon machine.

Credit the Six Carbon's lower grade of carbon relative to the SuperSix - meaning more of it is needed - and its more typical modular monocoque construction for the extra mass: both have one-piece front triangles but the Six Carbon's stays are plugged and bonded into more conventional sockets and then overwrapped with carbon, thus leaving more redundant material.

Unfortunately, the fork is an even worse offender as its massive aluminum crown and steerer make for an equally massive 700g on the scale - about the same as a Colnago Precisa steel fork. On the plus side, the burly construction is at least exceedingly robust, making for excellent steering precision and a solid feel under hard braking.

And while the Six Carbon is nearly as comfortable as the SuperSix, its ride quality is more wooden and notably less lively - the test numbers may suggest one thing but the Six Carbon just doesn't speak to the senses in the same way.

Build kit - more of the same

Our test bike came with a threaded bottom bracket shell adapter

Much of that superb chassis rigidity is further muddled by the complete bike's 8.5kg (18.74lb) total weight - without pedals - though at least the mixed bag of parts works well together.

Shimano Ultegra SL STI Dual Control levers are connected to an Ultegra SL front derailleur, Dura-Ace 7800 rear derailleur and 105 cassette for smooth and quiet shifts even with the mismatching KMC chain. Our test bike's Ultegra SL brake calipers provide their usual high-powered and controllable stopping ability though unfortunately production units apparently come with lesser Tektro clampers instead.

FSA provides the competent Gossamer crankset - in either compact or standard depending on your preference - but early production models (like our tester) are unfortunately saddled with the MegaExo version instead of lighter and stiffer BB30 one. Tack on another 67g plus the weight of the adapter cups as a result but Cannondale report that later samples were properly BB30-equipped so shop carefully.

Rolling stock comes courtesy of a Mavic Aksium wheels and Maxxis Xenith clinchers - not much to complain about here as the former are smooth-rolling and stout while the latter offer excellent cornering grip. The wheels' 1,855g-claimed weight doesn't help matters though and swapping in a lighter set of hoops breathes noticeable life into the package.

Finishing things off are a Control Tech aluminum stem, comfy aluminum anatomic bar and carbon-wrapped seatpost topped with a fi'zi:k Arione saddle. Again, all perfectly functional stuff.

Comfy cruiser

The Mavic Aksiums are smooth rolling

Overall, we'd say the Cannondale Six Carbon 3 is a comfy way to eat up lots of distance but it's best not to expect lightning-fast changes in speed - 'deliberate' is the name of the game. For those looking for a refined ride at a reasonable price this is a decent way to go but we can't help but suggest that potential buyers wait for the '10 version, which will reportedly come with a carbon steerer (lopping off several hundred grams by our estimates) and a lighter frame.

Privateer racers, on the other hand, should seriously consider sticking to Cannondale's aluminum CAAD 9 frame, which is both lighter and cheaper than the Six Carbon. In fact, we'll soon be building up our own and price will definitely be a major factor in the build - stay tuned.

Price: US$2,999
Weight: 8.5kg (18.74lb) (52cm complete bike w/o pedals); 1,380g (frame only w/ hanger and collar); 700g (fork only, cut to 225mm)
Pros: SuperSix-like front triangle stiffness and frame geometry, racy looks, solid parts pick, smooth ride
Cons: Heavy frame, very heavy fork, no BB30 bottom bracket on early samples, wooden ride quality
Cyclingnews rating:
More information: www.cannondale.com

Photography

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Marty Caivano

• The Cannondale Six Carbon 3 definitely has the look and is a capable cruiser but needs to go on a diet.

Images by James Huang/Cyclingnews.com

• The Cannondale Six Carbon 3 is a close visual cousin to its SuperSix Hi-Mod big brother with comparable stiffness and comfort but also a lot more weight.
• Front triangle stiffness benefits from the beefy down tube. and front triangle stiffness benefits as a result.
• The down tube measures just shy of 68mm across nearly through its entire length.
• Thin seat stays and a flattened top tube are good ingredients for a smooth ride.
• The wide and thin top tube keeps the Six Carbon 3 fairly comfy.
• The Six Carbon frame adheres to the 'big chain stay - little seat stay' philosophy.
• The Six Carbon 3 frame uses a more conventional lug-and-overwrap construction method to attach the stays so they're not quite as stiff, smooth-riding, or light as the higher-end SuperSix.
• Our test bike came with a threaded bottom bracket shell adapter instead of the lighter and stiffer pure BB30 system but later production models are reportedly properly equipped so be careful when shopping.
• Mid-range status or not the Cannondale Six Carbon still gets carbon dropouts.
• The included fork uses carbon fiber legs but a massive alloy crown and steerer tube add up to a whopping 700g.
• The steerer measures 1 1/8" throughout its length - sorry, no tapered front end here.
• The Ultegra STI Dual Control levers continue to be a good value but the supplemental Jagwire adjusters have an annoying tendency to drop cable tension during a ride.
• The FSA Gossamer MegaExo crankset runs smoothly and shifts well but buyers should make sure to get a later model, which comes with the lighter and stiffer BB30 version.
• The rear derailleur gets upgraded to Shimano's Dura-Ace 7800 model.
• Shimano's current Ultegra SL package is about to be eclipsed by the new 6700 version but still works remarkably well - true trickle-down technology at its finest.
• No complaints on the performance of the Ultegra SL brake calipers as they provide gobs of easily controllable power - except that production bikes are supposed to come with lesser Tektro clampers instead.
• The Mavic Aksiums are smooth rolling but heavy at nearly 1900g per pair - good for cruising around and training but definitely upgrade if you plan to race.
• The Aksium wheels have a stiff ride and the Maxxis Xenith clinchers are a solid all-around option.
• The included Control Tech anatomic bars provide plenty of room in the drops.
• The Control Tech Estro stem uses uniquely offset steerer clamp bolts.
• The fi'zi:k Arione saddle sports a nicely matching red-and-white finish.