Cannondale says bye-bye to cantilevers, hello to hydraulic disc brakes for 2015. The company showcased their newest, top-of-the-line cyclocross model, the SuperX Hi-Mod Carbon SRAM Red 22, at Press Camp 2014, and we have a full photo gallery of that bike, as well as exclusive details, photos and pricing on the other six cyclocross models (plus a Synapse disc brake bike that caught our eye).
Cannondale’s newest lineup is also indicative of the way the company imagines the future of cyclocross. All of their 2015 models, from entry-level to dream bike, possess disc brakes—even the $1080 Sora-equipped model. The lack of cantilevers might be a snub to traditional Europeans and retro-grouches, similar to the move Giant made in 2014 with their TCX series, although Cannondale still appears to resist the similar leap to thru-axle systems.
Red 22 hydraulic disc brakes and drivetrain on the flagship model. Cannondale’s 2015 Super-X Hi-Mod with Red 22 Hydro R. © Cyclocross Magazine
The carbon SuperX line is an all-SRAM, all-hydraulic affair this year, and even the top CAADX aluminum model features hydraulic brakes. The top-of-the-line model, the SuperX Hi-Mod SRAM RED Disc, will be the only bike utilizing the company’s highest grade “high modulus” carbon fiber. This top-shelf model shown above features Red 22 Hydro R levers, Red 22 hydraulic disc brakes, and Red 22 derailleurs.
Cannondale was an early adopter of BB30, and uses it with its ultralight SI crankset. © Cyclocross Magazine
A Cannondale SI crankset reportedly shaves weight even over the Red 22 offering, and a Cannondale bar and stem keep the handling responsibilities in house. Up front, the fork offers massive mud clearance, and in the rear it’s almost as good. We estimate 40c tires would fit without a problem, for your burly gravel adventures.
Curious that Cannondale didn’t choose the Iron Cross or Grail rims for better burp-free low pressure tubeless use. © Cyclocross Magazine
The only curious component choice we noticed on the SuperX Hi-Mod Red 22 was the Alpha 340 rims paired with the excellent Racing Ralph tires. Neither component works well in low pressure tubeless situations in our experience, and the combination is especially problematic. Other NoTubes rims like the Iron Cross and the just-released NoTubes Grail rim, or alternatives from American Classic or Industry Nine would be better cyclocross options if the racer was to want to remove the inner tubes and try tubeless. Still, with inner tubes, as the bikes roll out of shops, the Alpha 340 rim and Schwalbe Racing Ralph tires will do their job well. The SuperX Hi-Mod Red 22 comes with the price tag of $5960.00.
Red 22 Hydro R levers will help modulate gearing and braking on the Hi-Mod version. © Cyclocross Magazine
Interestingly enough, it seems as if SRAM’s next generation Hydro R system has impressed the decision-makers at Cannondale. All three of their carbon fiber models come equipped with the technology, all the way from SRAM Red 22 to the new SRAM Rival 22 shown below:
Cannondale SuperX Carbon SRAM Rival 22
SRAM must have made quite an impression on companies at home and abroad with their new CX1 system made available this summer. Not only has Ridley jumped on the single chainring bandwagon with their newly released X-Night 10, but Cannondale has also joined the party with their all new 2015 SuperX Carbon CX1, retailing for $3790.00. The SuperX Carbon SRAM CX1, which is the middle child of Cannondale’s carbon lineup, comes stocked with SRAM Force 22 levers, albeit with the shifting guts on the left lever taken out, and the Force CX1 crankset and Type 2 rear derailleur we reviewed in March.
The Cannondale SuperX CX1 follows the trands toward single chainrings. Expect to see more like it come cyclocross season.
The CAADX line changes up the geometry a bit from years past, still keeping what the company refers to as their “racing heritage with CAAD10 and SuperX inspired tube shapes, SAVE stays and race-bred geometry,” but now includes rack and fender mounts, as well as “a slightly more upright position,” in order to expand usability, and possibly to appeal to those looking for a bike that can go long in gravel grinders as well as take on a serious ’cross season. There’s four models, led by the CAADX Rival 22 model that also features Rival Hydro R DoubleTap levers, Rival 22 HRD hydraulic disc brakes, and retails for $2170.
Cannondale CAADX SRAM Rival 22 Disc also features SRAM hydraulic disc brakes
There’s even a patriotic, race-y looking CAADX Tiagra Disc, which retails for just $1350.00:
Cannondale CAADX Tiagra Disc
This $2170 aluminum Synapse Rival 22 bike caught our eye. It’s a versatile commuter and wet weather-friendly bike complete with fenders and Rival 22 hydraulic disc brakes. It started as a personal Cannondale project from one of the employees, and has now made it to market.
One of our favorite bikes from the show. Check out the curves on the stays and fork. © Cyclocross Magazine
The green is eye-catching in person, the fork and stays feature some impressive curves, and the matching fenders make for a handsome bike. This model will be made in limited quantities, we’re sure, so bug your dealer now if you have your heart set on one.
2015 Line-Up Pricing
- SuperX Hi-Mod SRAM RED Disc $5960.00
- SuperX Carbon SRAM CX1 $3790.00
- SuperX Carbon SRAM Rival 22 Disc $2710.00
- CAADX SRAM Rival 22 Disc $2170.00
- CAADX 105 Disc $1570.00
- CAADX Tiagra Disc $1350.00
- CAADX Sora Disc $1080.00
- Synapse Rival 22 Disc $2170
More info: cannondale.com (2015 bikes not listed)
