Cannondale SuperX: The Comeback Gravel King

Cannondale has officially hit the rewind button on one of its greatest hits, bringing back the legendary SuperX moniker for its latest gravel/cyclocross rig. This might not be a total top-to-bottom overhaul—the bike previously went by the somewhat clunky SuperSix EVO CX or SE—but it sure looks a lot fresher and faster this time around. Let’s just say this revival might be even better than the original, like a band reuniting for a reunion tour and actually nailing the performance.

A Quick Overview

Although the sleek frame silhouette might trick you into thinking “aero road rocket,” it’s still every bit the race-through gravel/cyclocross machine you remember. Cannondale’s engineers trimmed some fat, redesigned the tube shapes, and tucked the rear wheel in tighter to keep the SuperX both lightweight and aerodynamic. They claim it’s roughly 1.6 watts faster at 35 kph—hey, every watt counts when you’re tearing across the plains at Unbound or suffering through muddy cyclocross corners.

New Tricks: Delta Steerer & Top Tube Mount

Borrowed from Cannondale’s SuperSix Evo, the new SuperX uses a Delta steerer tube, which allows for full internal cable routing and leaves nowhere for pesky mud to hide. This design pairs with Cannondale’s proprietary stems and bars for that squeaky-clean front-end look.

On top of the top tube (literally), there’s a sleek mount that can hold an extra snack pack or be covered up for cyclocross races—no rummaging through jersey pockets mid-mud pit necessary.

Easy to Live With

In a refreshingly practical twist, Cannondale outfitted the new SuperX with a BSA threaded bottom bracket. No more sub-atomic press-fit creaks. Plus, the frame is now built around a standard dished rear wheel (none of that Ai offset nonsense), which is a relief if you’d like to share wheels between your road and gravel bikes. You can thank Cannondale later when your wheel-swapping is a breeze.

Going Full Weight Weenie: LAB71 SuperX

If you’re determined to drop grams and ride something so light it basically levitates, look no further than the LAB71 SuperX. Coming in at under 900g for a size 56cm frame, it’s made with advanced nano-resin composites that pare away every extra ounce. Add in some top-shelf components, and you’ve got a ride that’ll practically beg you to sprint up every climb.

Geometry: If It Ain’t Broke…

Cannondale left the geometry well alone—why tamper with a winning recipe? You still get race-focused angles, OutFront steering for precision, and a top tube that’s thoroughly friendly for shouldering the bike in cyclocross. The front end can fit up to a 51mm tire, with up to 48mm in the rear, so you can push the limits on tire size without jamming up the frame with mud, grit, or a stray squirrel. The brand’s Proportional Response design ensures each frame size (46–61cm) is tuned for consistent ride quality, so no one’s stuck with a dull or overly twitchy ride.

The Models

• LAB71 SuperX Frameset – $5,500
  Sub-900g frame, includes frame/fork/seatpost, ready for your ultimate parts build.
• LAB71 SuperX Complete – $15,000
  SRAM RED AXS (13-speed) groupset, ultra-light Reserve wheels, and a DT Swiss 180 hub system—basically the dream spec list.
• SuperX 2 – $6,800
  Outfitted with Shimano GRX 825 Di2, plus performance wheels for racing or mixing it up at the weekend group ride.
• SuperX 3 – $4,200
  Shimano GRX 820 for those on a more reasonable budget who still want top-notch performance.

Whether you’re planning your next big gravel adventure or trying to dethrone the local cyclocross champ, the new Cannondale SuperX is primed for glory. It’s lighter, faster, and more polished than ever—just like any good comeback tour should be.