Product Review: Cannondale Slice HI-MOD Time Trial Frameset
By Frank Sarate, SoCalCycling.com
2/9/11 - It has been a while since SoCalCycling.com tested the Cannondale Six13 Slice Time Trial bike. Since then, Cannondale has made huge strides in the advancement of their carbon bikes over the past several years.
From winning the Giro d’Italia, Vuelta España and most recently the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Cannondale has not only been testing their bikes in the wind tunnel, but has also gotten important feedback from the athletes that are sponsored by Cannondale for product development.
The Cannondale Slice Six HI-MOD.
photo © SoCalCycling.com
What makes this Cannondale Slice HI-MOD stand apart from other time trial bikes is that it is not only fast, aero and light but it has the comfort factor that most bikes in this category have overlooked. Cannondale was able to incorporate the SAVE rear stay micro suspension technology to allow the bike to be stiff laterally without losing any performance in power transfer or aerodynamics. If you find yourself riding against the clock for longer distances with less than smooth roads, then Cannondale has put the right package together for you. The Slice will also take on the most technical prologue time trial course, as well. Surprisingly, the Cannondale Slice HI-MOD feels similar to the Super Six when it comes to the way it handles, providing a smooth and stable ride.
The Cannondale Slice Six HI-MOD.
photo © SoCalCycling.com
After spending several weeks on the 2011 Cannondale Slice HI-MOD, I was impressed with the weight of the bike which comes in at 15.5 lbs without getting too crazy on trick parts. The ride is definitely a smooth ride going over bumpy roads. It climbs really well especially when standing out of the saddle due to the massive BB30 and smaller rear triangle which makes for a responsive bike when standing out of the saddle and putting the power down. The fork feels very aero and has minimal lateral flex, if any. In addition, the Slice handles great should you have to make a tight turn, sprint out of the corner for the finish or negotiate a hairpin turnaround at your local Time Trial or Triathlon.
The large carbon seat post has two positions, including a position for triathletes that puts the rider slightly forward and a second position for a more traditional road time trial set up.
The Cannondale Slice Six HI-MOD.
photo © SoCalCycling.com
The Cannondale Slice HI-MOD includes the following features: headset is 1 1/8 top and bottom, internal cables, bladed carbon seatpost with two seat adjustments, external brakes. The seat stays, down tube, fork blades, seat tube and seat post are bladed for aerodynamics and the top tube is round and tapered. The Slice uses a BB30 and the chain stays are asymmetrical.
The Cannondale Slice Six HI-MOD.
photo © SoCalCycling.com
For the ride quality, the Cannondale Slice HI-MOD has a little something for everyone that is looking to go faster and be comfortable while doing it.
For a test ride near you, please visit Cannondale.com
