Cannondale's SuperSlice: Unveiling a Speedster in the Shadows
The Cannondale SuperSlice, long overshadowed by time trial legends like Specialized Shiv and Pinarello Bolide, is finally stepping into the limelight. But here's the twist: it's been a hidden gem all along! This stealthy speed machine has been scarce on the UK time trial scene, making sightings a rare treat.
The SuperSlice Disc, launched in 2017, evolved from its rim-brake-only predecessor. With limited availability in the UK, it remained elusive until its second-generation update in 2021. But the real story begins with the latest iteration, a radical redesign for the WorldTour stage.
Cannondale, under pressure to deliver, crafted a lightweight, aerodynamic marvel for the EF Pro Cycling squads. With a TTT and an individual time trial at the 2026 Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes, the stakes were high. And the new SuperSlice delivered! We caught a glimpse of it at Trofeo Ses Salines, and now we have the inside scoop.
A Seamless, Integrated Design:
Cannondale's focus on steering geometry and future-proofing resulted in a highly adjustable cockpit, offering better control in the TT position. Accommodating up to 32mm tires, it features a UDH rear dropout and BSA threaded bottom bracket. Dr. Nathan Barry, Cannondale's engineer, emphasized speed, stating, "How do we make the SuperSlice and rider as fast as possible?"
Wind-Cheating Aesthetics:
Extensive CFD modeling and wind tunnel testing led to a striking new look. The SuperSlice boasts deep-section tube shapes, a narrower head tube, a beefier fork, and an optimized rear end. The integrated seatpost enhances compliance and aerodynamics, while the seat clamp allows for a wide range of fit adjustments.
Performance Gains:
The redesign achieved a 10w yaw-weighted drag reduction at 50km/h compared to its predecessor. With a total system weight of around 9kg, it's a lightweight speedster. Cannondale claims weight savings in the basebar offset gains in the fork, resulting in a faster bike without compromising mass.
Customization and Compatibility:
While the SuperSlice doesn't accommodate aftermarket basebar systems, it offers limited extension compatibility. Cannondale recommends Vision/FSA single-stack, mono-link TFA Evo configurations for adjustable positioning. Regarding chainrings, it supports 2x (60/46T max) or 1x (64T max) setups, cautioning against larger rings.
Triathlon-Ready:
Unlike previous models, the SuperSlice caters to triathletes, compatible with Vision hydration systems. Its sleek black frame is accented by Cannondale's iconic wordmark and Lab71 insignia, creating a visually striking package.
Electronic Groupsets Only:
The new SuperSlice is exclusively compatible with electronic groupsets, a bold choice.
Global Accessibility:
Cannondale aims to make the SuperSlice accessible worldwide. Despite its premium price tag of $6,999 / £6,995 / €6,999, it's a significant step towards inclusivity for time triallists and triathletes. But with additional components, the full build cost may exceed $12,000 / £10,000 / €12,000.
And this is where it gets controversial—is the SuperSlice's performance worth the investment? Will it dominate the time trial scene, or is it just another high-end contender? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Are you ready to embrace the SuperSlice revolution or stick with the tried and tested classics?
