Is the Cannondale Super Six Lab71 the Best Road Bike for Cyclists?
With the arrival of the fourth-generation Cannondale SuperSix, a new frame material called Lab71 made its debut. The initial release showcased a striking gray and pink colorway, crafted in collaboration with Rapha. This duo-tone palette is one of Rapha’s most iconic combinations—back in the day, spotting a gray-and-pink cycling jersey meant it was an exclusive piece reserved for members of the Rapha Cycling Club (RCC).
It’s a fresh and sophisticated look that carries a certain charm—a wink to elegance.
The fourth-gen SuperSix marks a significant shift for Cannondale, moving away from their long-standing BB30 and PF30 bottom brackets to adopt the BSA standard—a move many enthusiasts have applauded. Additionally, the design eliminates the head tube limit seen in the third generation, while the battery placement near the bottom bracket feels well-thought-out.
A dedicated clamp for hydraulic lines has been added to the down tube, and the bike features an eye-catching handlebar designed in partnership with Momo Design. Its riding experience mirrors that of the Tarmac SL7—an all-around performer scoring consistently around 4.5 stars across categories. At a retail price of $35,000, it remains competitive against other premium frames from international brands, though I suspect many Lab71 buyers are primarily drawn to its stunning paint job—perhaps more than its technical merits.
Now, let’s touch on a few areas where I feel improvements could be made. First, there’s the triangular-shaped steerer tube, which has sparked some debate online. While safe when installed according to the manual, the average skill level among technicians isn’t always up to par—some even claim expertise after merely tightening a few screws.
Sigh. Secondly, the original setback seatpost lacks aesthetic appeal, and adjusting the saddle angle can lead to tool interference and scuffs against the post. To address this, I swapped it out for an HY model, which not only looks better but also shaves off some weight. Laughing. The position of the seatpost clamp bolt is slightly inconvenient, and the 80mm reach on the Momo Design integrated handlebar might feel a tad too extended for some riders.
When the fourth-gen SuperSix launched, critics accused it of mimicking the Tarmac SL7. While the riding experience does bear similarities, the frame details remain distinct. In my view, Cannondale is a brand brimming with creativity, innovation, and vitality—always pushing boundaries with unique designs. Doge.
To sum it up, this is a bike that clearly reflects a lot of thoughtful consideration, particularly in its paint scheme. Buy it now!
Edward Grant 
Ada Stephens 
Bennett Schmidt
The Lab71 material sounds interesting, but I wonder how it compares to other high-end bike frames in terms of performance. That Rapha collaboration definitely gives it a unique look, though I’m not sure if the color scheme would be everyone’s cup of tea.
Great question! The Lab71 material offers a unique balance of stiffness and compliance, which some riders find superior for both performance and comfort compared to traditional carbon frames. While the Rapha collaboration does make it stand out visually, personal preference for the colorway is subjective—just like choosing between matte or gloss finishes. Thanks for your thoughtful comment; it’s always interesting to hear what resonates with our readers!
The Lab71 material sounds interesting, but I’m curious how it compares to other high-end carbon frames in terms of stiffness and weight. That gray and pink colorway is definitely eye-catching, though—it has a real premium feel, like it was made for more than just racing.
I’ve been eyeing the Lab71 material; it sounds like a game-changer for weight and stiffness. The gray and pink colorway is undeniably stylish, but I wonder how it holds up against more neutral options in terms of versatility.
I’ve been eyeing the Super Six EVO for a while, so this new Lab71 version with the Rapha collab is intriguing. The gray and pink colorway is undeniably stylish, but I’m curious how it performs compared to other high-end bikes in its class.
That gray and pink colorway is seriously eye-catching—Rapha really nailed the design! I’m curious how the Lab71 frame material compares to other high-end options in terms of ride feel. Definitely a bike that stands out in both looks and performance.
That gray and pink colorway is seriously eye-catching—Rapha really nailed the design! I’ve always loved their classic combo, and seeing it on the Lab71 frame makes it even more tempting. Curious how the new material feels on the road compared to the previous versions.
That gray and pink colorway is seriously eye-catching—Rapha really nailed the design! I’m curious how the Lab71 frame material compares to other high-end options in terms of ride quality. Definitely looks like a strong contender for anyone chasing both performance and style.