Warning: Using a 68-tooth chainring on this bike could void your warranty—but is Cannondale’s bold new SuperSlice worth the risk? Cannondale has just unveiled its latest iteration of the SuperSlice time trial bike, a machine that first caught our eye at the Mallorca Challenge last month. This isn’t just another update—Cannondale claims it’s the fastest bike they’ve ever built, promising a 10-watt savings at 50kph compared to its predecessor. But here’s where it gets controversial: the brand explicitly warns that frame damage from oversized chainrings (like a 68t) won’t be covered under warranty. So, is this a game-changer or a risky gamble? Let’s dive in.
The SuperSlice’s launch comes alongside Cannondale’s revamped SuperSix Evo road bike, proving the brand has been busy behind the scenes. With time trial bikes dominating the spotlight this year—from BMC and Aurum’s new models to Tadej Pogačar’s mysterious Colnago prototype—Cannondale’s timing couldn’t be better. Available in four sizes, the Lab71 SuperSlice frameset starts at £6,995 / $6,999, though complete bike pricing remains a mystery.
And this is the part most people miss: The bike’s redesign isn’t just about aesthetics. Cannondale invested hundreds of hours in CFD analysis and wind tunnel testing, resulting in a 14% reduction in drag. How? A deeper front fork, optimized aerodynamics, and a 60-gram weight increase in the frame—all to shave those precious watts. But the trade-off? Weight savings were shifted to the base bar, and the headtube and bottom bracket stiffness were beefed up for better handling. Tyre clearance now matches the SuperSix at 32mm, and the integrated carbon base bar is designed exclusively for this frame.
Geometry remains familiar, but adjustments to the seat angle and tri bar pad stack offer more flexibility for dialing in your time trial position. Yet, the warranty warning about chainring clearance raises questions: Is Cannondale prioritizing aerodynamics over compatibility? Or is this a necessary compromise for speed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
For riders like Ben Healy, who recently extended his contract with EF Education, the SuperSlice’s updates couldn’t come at a better time—especially with the Tour de France’s team time trial looming. Cannondale’s white paper highlights that on courses with climbs, aero efficiency trumps weight savings, making this bike a potential game-changer for pros. But for the rest of us, is it worth the risk? Share your take below.
About the author: Tom, a Cyclingnews tech writer since 2022, brings over a decade of experience as a qualified mechanic and a lifelong passion for cycling. From racing at a national level to testing aero helmets in wind tunnels, his hands-on expertise ensures he knows what makes a bike tick. Follow his work for insights into the latest pro-team tech and in-depth buying guides.
