Cannondale have made the switch to disc brakes on two of their 2013 cyclo-cross machines, increasing the stopping power on the top-of-the-range SuperX and CAADX models.
The UCI lifted the ban on using disc brakes in cyclo-cross races ahead of the 2010-11 season and, since then, manufacturers have, slowly but surely, been making the switch.
The SuperX is Cannondale’s top-of-the-range cyclo-cross platform and SuperX HM Disc is, as the name suggests, the disc-equipped machine. Let’s take a closer look.
The frame uses the same high modulus BallisTec carbon fibre construction as the SuperSix Evo road platform and Cannondale call it ‘High-Strength, High-Impact’. It’s certainly light – we’ve come to expect that from Cannondale, particularly on the back of the featherweight SuperSix Evo Nano frame – and the SuperX frame and fork weighs a claimed 1,500g. With a stunning green and black paint job, it’s certainly a looker.
Avid’s BB7 Ultimate mechanical disc brakes provide the stopping power, using a 160mm and 140mm rotor at the front and rear respectively. The Stans Alpha 340 Disc tubeless-ready rims run on hubs from the same company and are shod with 700x33c Schwalbe Racing Ralph tyres.
Cyclo-cross racers are gradually coming round to the idea of disc brakes but the weight penalty remains a sticking point for some. Cannondale refute that idea, however, and say they’ve been able to change the carbon layup on the seatstays now the braking forces of traditional cantilever brakes have been removed, thereby dropping the frame weight without comprising performance, and, as a result, the weight penalty incurred by using discs is minimal.
The chainstays and seatstays on the SuperX use the same Speed Save technology as the SuperSix Evo, with a flattened cross-section which Cannondale say acts like a ‘micro-suspension system’, helping to absorb trail shock and road buzz without sacrificing stiffness.
The SuperSix HM Disc is equipped with a SRAM Red groupset which confusingly comes in custom green to match the machine’s paint job. It looks great, though. FSA provide the SLK Light Carbon crankset (46-36t), with a Fizik Tundra 2 saddle and Cannondale finishing kit completing the job.
This is a machine for serious cyclo-cross riders and comes with a serious price tag – £3,699.99 – as a result. Step down a level and you can get the SuperX Carbon Ultegra with cantilever brakes, a Shimano Ultegra groupset and Mavic Ksyrium Equipe wheels for £2,299.99.
Move down another notch you arrive at Cannondale’s CAADX range. The CAADX has a slightly taller headtube and slightly slacker headtube angle than the SuperX to make for a more relaxed riding position and to provide more stable handling.
CAAD stands for Cannondale Advanced Aluminum Design and marks out the firm’s well-respected aluminium lines, including the CAAD8 and CAAD10 road ranges and, of course, the CAADX platform.
Of course we’re most interested in the new CAADX Disc Ultegra model, which uses Cannondale’s own-brand MB700T disc brakes. Shimano’s Ultegra groupset provides the front and rear derailleurs, and shifters, while the chain and cassette comes from the Japanese company’s 105 group and the Gossamer Pro crankset (46-36t) is from FSA.
Like all four machines in the CAADX range (Disc Ultegra, 105, Tiagra and Sora), the frame has rack and mudguard mounts, underlining its versatility as a super-commuter or winter training rig. Retail price is £1,499.99.
Want to find out more about cyclo-cross bikes? Take a read of our cyclo-cross buyer’s guide.
