In this light, I have equipped it with wheels/handlebar/tires that would give me any practically minuscule yet theoretically gratifying gains, without compromising other variables too much. The Cannondale SuperSix EVO Carbon frame delivers a beautifully lightweight chassis at around 915 grams via a carbon layup that consists primarily of intermediate modulus fibers with some higher modulus fibers strategically placed for increased stiffness where it’s required.

This hydration system also features an aerodynamic profile with a slip-free design so you do not have to worry about slowing down. This is also one of the larger frame mounted systems with a capacity of 24 oz and a bottle made of BPA-free plastic. Time trial bikes are typically designed for high-speed, straight-line stability. Road racing bikes, on the other hand, need to feel nimble and versatile. Handlebar: Cannondale SystemBar R-One – low drag, full carbon integrated bar/stem, internal routingIf you need more than one bottle - particularly on half-ironman courses and longer, you're likely going to be using it for a concentrated solution with a bunch of calories in it. Many top athletes like this solution. With your swappable BTA bottle up front for water or course drinks, you're best off using the downtube (or seat tube) bottle for a good 1,000 calorie or so mix. You take small sips from this every now and again, and a steady stream from your BTA bottle, which is easier to get to. Since you won't be swapping this bottle, it makes sense to make it as aero as possible, and that means one of several choices. Specialized, Arundel, Bontrager, and Profile Design all make good bottles, some of them integrate better with certain frames than others. If you have a Specialized bike, get the Specialized bottle and mount it on the downtube. If you have a Trek, get the Bontrager and mount it on the seat tube (it fits better there). The general rule is to put it where it better "completes" the shape of your bike without leaving gaps. XLAB is the other company primarily known for manufacturing hydration systems which can be found in numerous Winner’s Circles from a wide variety of different triathlons.

Torpedo – The torpedo mount is actually just a modified front mounted hydration system and are always a contained system. In fact, the torpedo mount is how the first contained fueling systems were made with contained frame mounted hydration systems coming a bit later.

Become a partner

Cannondale partnered up with Italian brand MOMO Design from the motor industry to develop their new one-piece integrated handlebar. The bottle is made of BPA-free plastic and is much easier to clean than some of the other frame mounted systems we saw. The Aero TT impresses us most with the inclusion of a carbon fiber cage that is less likely to deal with some of the durability issues other carbon fiber cages demonstrate because of its frame mounted position.

Cannondale’s ultimate speed machine, the SystemSix is their dedicated aero road bike and they’ve used this bike in their comparison with the new SuperSix EVO to give us a better understanding of what they’ve achieved. Cannondale say they have been able to make the new SuperSix EVO 400 grams lighter than the Gen 3 version AND at the same time make it more aerodynamic than its predecessor; at 45km/h the EVO Gen 4 has a reduction of 12 watts over the Gen 3 EVO, getting you within 10 watts of Cannondale’s full-on SystemSix aero road bike. Oh and it’s worth mentioning too that the SuperSix EVO is almost a whole kilo lighter than the SystemSix too. If that all sounded a little complicated, the headline is simple – Cannondale have created the LIGHTEST fastest road bike available. Indeed, according to simulations by Swiss Side, a pure aero road bike with clincher or tubeless tyres may have been the fastest bike setup for Stage 11 of the 2021 Tour de France, which included two ascents of Mont Ventoux. First, the RML is not that secure and is liable to send your bottles flying when you ride over rough terrain.Cannondale’s SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod frames shave over 100 grams from the conventional Carbon frames by replacing multiple layers of intermediate modulus fibres with fewer layers of much stiffer high modulus fibres, taking overall weight down while retaining all the stiffness and strength required for a responsive, brilliantly-handling race bike. Cage – This is a far simpler form of bike hydration system though it will inherently require more effort on your end to use. Basically, the cage type of triathlon fueling systems merely hold whatever receptacle in place but do not aid or assist the transfer of water in any way. This means that cage systems do not have a feeder tube or any other automatic method of distribution. However, this also means that the cage type of hydration systems are much easier to refill as you can just grab another bottle. One issue is that cage systems do not always hold the bottle securely and can allow it to topple out of the cage if you ride over rougher terrain. Mount In comparison with a 500mL standard bottle fixed on the downtube, the power you have to produce when riding can be reduced. Let’s see a comparison of the watts saved by different solutions for hydration on the bike: Rank However, you will want to make sure that you have the appropriate type of aero water bottle or else you are liable to lose it if you hit rough terrain. Still Solid