Bold claim: Cannondale’s latest SuperSlice redefines what a time-trial bike can be, shedding old constraints to deliver a genuinely faster chassis while keeping the rider firmly in control. Now, let’s explore what really changed and why it matters.
The Cannondale SuperSlice has long lived in the shadows of legendary competitors like the Specialized Shiv, Pinarello Bolide, and Giant Trinity. In UK time trials, spotting a SuperSlice has been as rare as finding a unicorn, underscoring how elusive this model has remained compared with its rivals.
Cannondale first launched the SuperSlice Disc in 2017, replacing the rim-brake Slice. At that time, it came in both disc and rim-brake variants (the latter reserved for pro teams). A 2021 update brought a second-generation version with aesthetics leaning closer to the SystemSix. UK availability remained limited, with Europe and the U.S. receiving only modest allocations.
As demands for WorldTour-level performance intensified and aerodynamics advanced at a breakneck pace, the old model quickly fell out of date. Cannondale responded with a purpose-built, ultra-fast, lightweight time-trial platform designed for EF Pro Cycling to stay competitive at the pinnacle of the sport. This matters especially in 2026, a year that features a team time trial on the Tour de France opening stage and an individual trial in the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
Last month, we observed what appeared to be the new SuperSlice competing with EF Education-EasyPost at Trofeo Ses Salines. Details were scarce at the time, but we now have a clearer picture of the latest iteration.
Here’s what we know about Cannondale’s fastest time-trial bike to date.
A seamless integrated chassis
For Cannondale, the goal with the new SuperSlice wasn’t only to preserve steering geometry but to future-proof the entire frame. The result is a bike that promises more precise control in the TT position thanks to a highly adjustable cockpit, plus generous clearances for up to 32mm tires. It also features a UDH rear dropout and a BSA threaded bottom bracket.
According to Dr. Nathan Barry, Cannondale’s Senior Design Engineer, the project focused on making the rider and bike as fast as possible through advanced aerodynamics and geometry.
The latest development relied heavily on CFD modeling and wind-tunnel testing to determine which shapes and tube configurations work best for the whole system. Visually, the new SuperSlice looks very different from its predecessor: deeper, sculpted tube profiles, a reprofiled and narrower head tube enabled by the Delta Steerer, a chunkier fork, and a more optimized rear end and seat-tube cutout.
An integrated deep-section airfoil seatpost maintains the same overall dimensions as the seat tube to improve both compliance and aerodynamics. The seat clamp offers 45mm of fore-aft adjustment, providing a broad fit range that aligns with nominal effective seat-tube angles from about 74 to 77 degrees.
Fans of the platform will be pleased to know the classic SuperSlice pizza graphic returns on the underside of the downtube—this time wearing a cape.
Performance gains and weight considerations
All these design choices translate to real-world benefits: Cannondale notes a 10-watt yaw-weighted drag reduction at 50 km/h versus the previous model. With a typical EF team-issue setup weighing around 9 kg (68T chainring, 90mm front wheel, solid rear disc), that’s a meaningful improvement in speed for the same mass.
Cannondale explains that weight savings in the basebar offset any added weight from the fork, resulting in a significantly faster bike without increasing overall mass. Depending on how you spec it, you could realistically aim for a sub-9 kg time-trial build.
Limitations and compatibility
The new SuperSlice will not accommodate aftermarket basebar systems, and extension compatibility is limited to Vision/FSA single-stack, mono-link TFA Evo configurations. Cannondale notes that Vision MonoRiser JS bend carbon extensions allow riders to dial in their position with adjustable sliding extensions before settling on the fixed-dimension one-piece setup.
In terms of gearing, the bike supports either a 2x setup (up to 60/46T) or a 1x setup (up to 64T). While larger rings might theoretically be possible, Cannondale advises against it, and damage from oversized chainrings would not be covered by warranty.
Flexibility for triathlons
Unlike earlier versions, the latest SuperSlice isn’t laser-focused solely on pure TT performance. It’s designed to be triathlon-friendly as well, including compatibility with Vision hydration systems. The frame remains available only in black, but the contrasting Cannondale wordmark and Lab71 branding create a striking visual package.
Technical and availability notes
The frame is built for electronic groupsets only, reflecting modern race tech and integration priorities. Pricing reflects its premium status: around $6,999 / £6,995 / €6,999, with full builds typically exceeding $12,000 / £10,000 / €12,000 once wheels, saddle, and groupset are factored in.
Why this matters for riders and fans
This update marks a turning point for Cannondale’s TT program. By combining aero-optimized shapes, a highly adjustable cockpit, and weight-conscious design, the SuperSlice aims to deliver competitive performance at a level that could finally close the gap with the sport’s top rivals.
Controversy and questions to consider
- Does prioritizing aerodynamics and lowest drag at a fixed yaw angle always translate to faster real-world riding, given varying weather and rider position? And at what point do other factors like comfort and power output dominate?
- Should Cannondale have allowed more aftermarket compatibility to broaden appeal, or does restricting components help preserve the bike’s engineered performance and safety?
- With triathlon-specific features included, is this really a TT bike first, or a versatile race platform that happens to excel in both disciplines? Share your take on whether you’d prioritize TT-only speed or overall race-day versatility.
If you’d like, I can tailor this rewrite to different audiences (e.g., beginners, seasoned TT enthusiasts, or pros) or adjust the emphasis on aero metrics, weight, or price.
