Cannondale SystemSix?

[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.

[Triskeliongirl]

Stiffness means that every ounce of energy you put into the pedals gets tranlsated into forward movement, definitely a good thing. The only drawback is that sometimes bikes that are stiff are uncomfortable to ride, since they also don't cushion you from road vibrations. But, bikes that are carbon or carbon/aluminum designs such as the one you are describing seem to do both. Its not just frame material, its tube selection and body weight. The same bike can feel stiff to a light rider and whippy to a heavier rider. This happened to me on my Terry titanium Isis. When I gained weight, the light wsd tubes flexed too much, but when I lost weight it feels perfect. When I was heavier, I preferred my steel bike since it was stiffer, albeit heavier. But now that I am light, I prefer my titanium bike for the best blend of stiffness, lightness and comfort. So, give it a test ride and see for youself what you think of this bike!

[equus123]

My teammate and good friend has the SystemSix but with SRAM, not the Campy setup.

She really loves the bike. It is very stiff but it rides comfortably. The stiffness thing is kind of hard to explain or define it. It's more of a feel than anything and only something you'll know when you get on the bike and ride it yourself. I took a spin on her bike one day for a little over an hour. My first impression was that it felt really "there" underneath me but not in a bad way. It's hard to explain. It almost feels like it jumps with you when you get out of the saddle and accelerate. It's a fantastic bike for sprinting, especially with SRAM. It just feels like a solid bike beneath you though it's not rough or uncomfortable.

So those are mine and my teammate's thoughts. The best thing you could ever do is get on it whenever you get the chance. Anybody that I've known with one or riding one really likes the bike.

Good luck!

[Bluetree]

If it fits you well, you should love the bike and the Record QS. I went to a Record set-up and not only was it easier to thumb shift at high speeds in the drops, but you can do multiple 'throws' up and down the cogs. A stiff bottom bracket, as someone posted, is hard to describe but the end result is instant acceleration and power. The moment I clipped into my S-Works, I understood what all my racing friends were talking about!

Don't worry about the weight of a System Six. I just came back from a road race yesterday and my buddy was on a 15-lb and change, 54cm System Six with DA. And Record is the lightest groupset around. (Of course, boron wheels helped, but we can't all afford those )

The only thing I would wonder about is the 53/39 and 12-25. If your racing involves a lot of climbing, those are some serious gears.

And don't worry about whether a bike is "too good" for you. That's a bunch of hooey. Some snootbutts may sneer when they pass me on inexpensive aluminum frames, but I've also climbed past guys riding $10k Colnagos w/triples. Enjoy your ride - you're the only one who matters!

[sassyc]

get it!!! my friend has one, and he let me ride it. it was a little big, but AWESOME. the stiffness, for me, makes the bike feel like it responds instantaneously to my pedal/weight shifts/etc. it's a great bike, and the campy is a DREAM.

[kelownagirl]

The only thing I would wonder about is the 53/39 and 12-25. If your racing involves a lot of climbing, those are some serious gears.

Yeah, I was wondering about that too. I have a triple on my current bike and we do a LOT of climbing in my regular riding, but the TT route and the routes on the races I'm considering are mostly rolling hills. I think I'm ready to go to a compact double but I don't know if I can get that on the systemsix. I wish I had time to go down and find out more but I'm busy after school every day this week. Maybe Thursday...