Markus_79

Hi everybody, hope this is not going to be too boring for you. I’m in the market for a new bike for tarmac 70-60% and off road use 30-40%, alpine and hilly terrain here around, but also long stretches on rolling fast tarmac.. sometimes it will be used only on road. I am looking for some real life user advice. I want a light, stable but responsive bike, fast on road and not too tiring on my limbs when off road. I am quite fit and was riding with a HT MTB and an old road bike – too old to have any comparison. After talking with some friends and after extensive readings, I focused my attention to the Cannondale SuperX models (I am surprised it’s not so popular between gravel riders). Found a SuperX Ultegra 2019 and a SE Force 1x 2019 at almost 50% of the original price. I’m willing to swap the chainrings of the Ultegra model with a 50-34 and I will get a second set of lighter wheels more road oriented– I’m a bit “suspicious” of the Force 1x for road use (but that’s another story). I have the feeling that with a double set of wheels the SuperX could be THE do it all bike (ok almost &#128522. On the other hand, some people tent to consider it as a bike just for 1h – 2h ride (focused on CX), too nervous, unstable at speed off road and, in general, not that reactive even on tarmac due to its Cx nature and geometry. I feel this judgment does come from not really knowing the bike – that has been completely re-designed in 2017 with a more relaxed and gravel oriented geometry). The other contenders are (for now) Gt Grade Carbon with 105 group 2019, Topstone Carbon 105 (I’m not convinced by the rear suspension – lack of reactiveness on tarmac) or Specialized Diverge So, what’s your opinion on the SuperX? Do you have other suggestions? (leaving aside all the proprietary issues and problems with dished wheels). Thanks in advance for your time in replying.

chas58

It can't be both "too nervous" and "not that reactive."

I wanted the best of both worlds, so I got a CX bike. In my case in loses nothing on a road bike (with the same tires). Maybe the handlebars are 20mm wider, maybe I can power out of turns quicker than a road bike, maybe it weighs 0.5kg more but the differences are subtle.

Basically, you need to decide:
1) what max tire size you want?
2) you want aero or endurance fit?
3) do you value agility or stability?
4) to a lesser degree, do you want precision or compliance?

Generally a CX bike is going to put you in a position that is good for 1-4 hours. Its going to dive into turns and handle similar to a road bike (it is a race bike after all).
An endurance-gravel bike is going to be comfortable for 8+ hours, but not perfect for a lot of high speed sprints. It will need to be manhandled a little more into a turn, but will be stable once it takes a set.

Markus_79

Thanks for your reply. Do you consider the SuperX a good candidate for "best of both - road and off road" use? I'm looking into something fun, agile on road with good behaviour off road, but also not super tiring if from time to time I'm going to ride for more than 4-5 h

redlude97

Its fine for 4-5 hours on the road, 4-5 hours on gravel are doable but it doesn't have any of the suspension that many gravel bikes have. Doesn't stop guys like Ted King from racing one for 200+miles though How to Prepare for Dirty Kanza | I Am Ted King

Abe_Froman

Looks like a perfect option IMO. I looked at the SuperX when I was looking for my 'do everything bike.' It was just a shade too expensive for what I was looking to spend. If I had found one half off, I'd probably be riding one right now.

I've got a Focus Mares; aluminum CX bike. I've raced crits with it, raced 4 hour gravel rides, races cross with it, gone on 100 mile road rides with it. I think you would be ecstatic to have a supersix for everything, up to and possibly including the point you start threatening to podium in cat 1/2 races.

gus6464

I've done 12 hours on a bike like the super x (santa cruz Stigmata) and it was more than fine. The ride was combo of dirt and road (bwr).

Dominae

I have the 2018 SuperX and ride it on 6-8 hour gravel rides. It’s a carbon bike. How can it not be comfortable? In my opinion, there is too much hyper-specialization in the bike market. It’s a versatile bike and does a lot of things very well. Don’t over-think it!

Markus_79

Thanks guys for all your replies.

Markus_79

Do you have a sram 1x model? If yes do you feel that it's missing something on paved roads?

shoota 

The SuperX would be in my top 3 if I had to do an one-bike-for-all. If I were you i'd definitely go 2X with all that climbing and descending.

tFUnK

I rode a cx bike as a do it all bike for a while. Eventually I ended up moving onto something with a more road-like bb drop. Not sure what the Geo is for that particular super x, but just offering something to look out for.

gus6464

The new SuperX can take a big ol' tire with an Ai offset wheel. It can also take a Lefty Oliver with the correct headset bearings.

Dominae

No I have a 2x. I don’t understand the fascination with 1x. After years and years of pushing for more gears, from 5-speed, 8, 9, 10 and now 11 I don’t understand the mentality of now cutting all of that in half and calling it progress. It might make sense for some people but not for me.

Hmmm

I have a carbon TCX with Apex 1x. I feel it is similar to the SuperX. I ride it for road, gravel, and smooth single track. I love it. I think you'll love a SuperX.

Markus_79

Thanks again for all the replies, only doubt now is the 1x vs 2x choice.. mmmh.. I find better deals on SuperX Force 1 than Ultegra 2x, maybe swapping chainring at the front 40t -> 44t will solve the problem. With 1x jumps are big - I'm a bit scared it's going to be not ideal uphill on paved road - with long and costant ascents.. 36 to 46 jumps are quite big..

gus6464

If you can find a 2x version with SRAM that would be my choice. Reason being is then you can do 1x with dropper actuated by left lever or 2x. Only problem with going 2x with SRAM is that you won't get a clutched rd but a Rival 1 RD is cheap nowadays. Another option is to go 46/36 crank with 11-42 cassette with a Rival 1 RD. That should provide enough range.

Markus_79

Thanks but Superx comes in 2x only with Ultegra. Sram would be Force 1x - converting it to 2x too expensive if I made the maths right..

redlude97

You can't run a Rival 1 with a 2x front ring setup. You'd have to use a 2x MTB RD like the NX

Markus_79

Thanks for your reply, the geometry is not that extreme as a CX bike - 69mm drop, with 71° head tube angle and 1000mm wheelbase, it could be a bit more extreme than a Synapse endurance bike but I think still confortable.

Markus_79

Thanks for this. Out of curiosity, which would be your other choices in your top 3? I was in between Gt Grade Carbon 105 (old design?), Spec Diverge Carbon with 105 (not sure about the future shock) and Cannondale Topstone Carbon 105 (good on gravel but I have the feeling that is going to be slow on road).

shoota 

Hmm. The Giant TCX comes to mind.

Markus_79

I just came across the Scott Addict Gravel 20 (an old model but with very good discount - 50% off on 2017 model) - is this any good? I cannot see many around..

shoota 

While I have no personal experience with the Addict Gravel model I've owned two Scotts before and absolutely loved them. Scott is super underrated.

Markus_79

It looks like it could ride as a SuperX...

shoota 

Pretty much, it might even be a little more aggressive geo. Scott is known for that. And they make light bikes too.