Cannondale SystemSix?

[kelownagirl]

LBTC and I were at the LBS looking at carbon bikes and I mentioned that my next bike is going to be a really good one. Later, she was at another bike shop and found a 2007 Cannondale SystemSix Team Si Replica that she thought I might like. It sounds like wayyyy too good a bike for me, but because it's on sale so cheap, it's in my price range (and size)! I have looked online at pics so far, haven't been down to see it / try it yet. Anyone know much about it and can give me some feedback?

And will everyone in town laugh when I am still a hill slug on such an awesome bike?


Here's the info and pic from their website.

SystemSix Team Si Replica


Frame SystemSix Team Si
Fork SystemSix Carbon
Rear Shock N/A
Rims Mavic Ksyrium ES
Hubs Mavic Ksyrium ES
Spokes Mavic Ksyrium ES
Tires Maxxis Xenith Hors Categorie foldable, 700 x 23c
Pedals N/A
Crank Cannondale Hollowgram Si w/ SRM, 39/53, OPTIONAL
Cannondale Hollowgram Si, 39/53
Chain Campagnolo Record C10 Ultra
Rear Cogs Campagnolo Record, 12-25
Bottom Bracket Cannondale Hollowgram Si
Front Derailleur Campagnolo Record QS
Rear Derailleur Campagnolo Record
Shifters Campagnolo Record QS Ergopower
Handlebars FSA K-Force Carbon
Stem SystemSix C1 Carbon
Headset SystemSix C1 Carbon
Brakeset Campagnolo Record Skeleton
Brakelevers Campagnolo Record Ergopower
Saddle Fi'zi:k Arione Ti, Team Edition
Seat Post USE Alien Cyclops Carbon
Colors Barloworld Team Replica (gloss) (BWD).
Sizes 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 63 cm

[Mr. SR500]

Awesome bike! Maybe one of the best racing bikes you'll fine. If it fits and you like, you can't go wrong.

[Thorn]

And will everyone in town laugh when I am still a hill slug on such an awesome bike?

Let them. And enjoy it!

Seriously. OK, I'm old and I look at it this way. I spend a lot of time on my bike. It isn't just my exercise, it is my stress reducer; it is my entertainment. As such, if I can afford it, my body deserves to have a great machine. Sure, I have more bike than my speed and riding style dictate, but I appreciate its geometry and I appreciate its components. Isn't that what it is all about?

Go for it!

[KnottedYet]

Feel the bike love!!!

[kelownagirl]

So here's a question for the racings girls out there then. I guess deep inside I really do want to race. I'm about a minute away from be willing to do the local time trials and I am really hoping to do a duathlon next spring, but even if I don't race, I still like "racing" alone or with DH.

Is a real racing bike a huge switch from my entry level Giant OCR1? All the reviews I've read go on and on about how fast the systemsix is and how "stiff" yet comfortable it is. Can you tell me more about what they mean by "stiff" - I think I understand but I'd like to hear from someone. I have been really been feeling like my Giant just isn't an aggressive enough bike - I have an urge to get way down in the drops much more and feel more aerodynamic. I know I will get that feeling more on a a race bike but will that mean other compromises I have not considered?

Thanks for the input.

[LBTC]

The description I got from DH is that stiff will mean there is no flex in the bottom bracket when you really crank on the pedals, cornering will be really precise, braking will be really direct. Basically, there will be no or much less energy lost in any movement because the frame won't flex when you do those things. However, because it is carbon, and because of the design of the frame, any harshness or vibration will be greatly reduced, making it still feel quite comfortable, in fact, still a lot more comfortable than your OCR.

You'll really notice the geometry puts you into a more aggressive body position, which I think is exactly what you want.

Go for it! heehee

H&B
~T~

[NJBikeGal]

I test rode the System Six a few months ago (as part of the agonizing process of purchasing a new racing bike!). I LOVED it. It climbs like a dream!

I had only a few minor issues with it, one problem was it's weight. I'm looking for a real change from my 22 pound beast, and the System weighed in at 19 pounds (not bad, but a horse when compared to the 16 pound Cervelo I rode!). And, I'm trying to get away from an aluminum bottom bracket, which it has (the system six has an aluminum back triangle and bottom bracket with carbon in the front)...looking for something a little "snappier." Criticism noted, I again say that I really liked this bike! I think that if you're getting a good deal and you like it...GO FOR IT! You can't go wrong with it, honestly! It's a GREAT racing bike.