Buying a used Cannondale: the complete guide

Published on June 15th 2023

Cannondale bikes: history and origins

Cannondale is an American brand founded in 1971 in Wilton, Connecticut by Joseph S. Montgomery. The brand originally sold bags and accessories for camping and cycling. It wasn't until 1983 that the brand produced its 1st successful bicycle, the ST500.

For the record, the brand's name comes from the train station that stood opposite the premises.

Road, Gravel, MTB, Electric: presentation of the Cannondale range

Cannondale offers a range of bikes for every type of cycling: 6 road bikes, 3 gravel bikes, 8 MTB and 5 electric bikes, not to mention urban models. Each type of bike is then broken down into different models, with specific names depending on their components.

What you need to know about the Cannondale brand 

• Model numbers are in descending order: 1 is the best version with the best components, higher numbers are models with less high-end components. For example, for the CAAD Optimo, the 1 is best equipped with a Shimano 105, while the CAAD Optimo 4 is equipped with a Shimano Claris.

• Hi-Mod is Cannondale's top-of-the-range carbon, and is notably lighter.

Why buy a Cannondale used bike?

With dozens of victories in the world's greatest races, Cannondale bikes have demonstrated their power and efficiency at the highest professional level. But not everyone is Alison Jackson (1st at Paris-Roubaix 2023 on her SuperSix EVO LAB71) or Ben Healy (winner of stage 8 of the Giro 2023 also on his SuperSix). So, what are the advantages of choosing a Cannondale bike for an amateur cyclist?

1) Innovation and technology

Cannondale is a brand that puts innovation and technology at the heart of its product development, with the aim of creating bikes that are both high-performance and durable. Below, we detail the technologies developed by the brand.

2) Wide range of choices

Cannondale offers a wide range of bikes to suit different riding styles and preferences, from road bikes to mountainbike and everything in between. The company also offers a variety of accessories and components to help riders customize their bikes to their specific needs.

3) Attention to detail

Cannondale pays great attention to the details of its bikes, from design to construction to finish. The results are bikes that not only perform well, but also look good and are a pleasure to ride.

Cannondale technologies under the microscope

• LAB71 LAB71 bicycles are the most technologically advanced bicycles available. Cannondale's R&D team puts its expertise at the service of the most demanding cyclists, with innovations to optimize performance.

All LAB71 bikes are marked with this logo and come in a special color.

• System Integration (SI): this is an approach to bicycle design that aims to integrate all components to improve performance, safety and the overall appearance of the bike, as well as offering cyclists the most enjoyable ride possible. This approach involves designing each component with the whole system in mind, so that all elements work together harmoniously and efficiently.

• The Save suspension suspension is designed to reduce vibrations and shocks.

• The Lefty-ocho monofork whose main advantage is its light weight.

Which mountainbike Cannondale bike for your riding needs?

XC

Two options for cross-country enthusiasts: the classic, full-suspension Scalpel and the semi-rigid Scalpel HT (Hardtail).

Cannondale Scalpel	Cannondale Scalpel HT
All-suspended	Semi-rigid
Carbon 2 Carbon 3 Carbon 4 Carbon Hi-Mod Ultimate Carbon Hi-Mod 1	Carbon 2 Carbon 3 Carbon 4 Carbon Hi-Mod Ultimate Carbon Hi-Mod 1
4 299€ to 12 499€	2 699€ to 10 499€

Each model has its own range of derailleurs. The Scalpel Carbon is equipped with Shimano and the Hi-Mod with SRAM. The Ultimate model is the top of the range, with SRAM XX1. Eagle AXS, and just below it we find the Hi-Mod equipped with SRAM X01 AXS. Eagle and only after that the Carbon 2 with a Shimano XT derailleur.

Trail 

Cannondale offers a wide range of Trail models to meet the needs of cyclists of all levels and abilities.

Dave	Suit	Jekyll	SE Scalpel	Trail
Dirt / freeride	Pleasure-oriented trail riding	Enduro	Trail racing	Gentle terrain
Aluminum	Carbon	Carbon	Carbon	Aluminum
/	Carbon 1 ; 2 ; 3 ; 4 LT 1 ; 2	Jekyll 1 ; 2	Carbon SE 1; 2 Carbon SE Ultimate Carbon SE LTD Lefty	SL 1 ; 2 ; 3 SE 1; 2; 3; 4 Trail 5; 6; 7; 8 SL and Trail models designed for women
1 299€	2 699€ to 5 999€	4 999€ to 6 999€	4 899€ to 10 999€	699€ to 1 799€

The Habit is also available in Habit HT, the semi-rigid aluminum Hardtail version.

All rounder, Aero, Endurance: which Cannondale road bike should you choose?

All Rounder / Aero

It's hard to miss the Cannondale SuperSix, voted best bike of the year 2023 by Le Cycle magazine. The brand also offers an aluminum model designed for training and competition.

CAAD Optimo	CAAD13
All Rounder : Learning and improvement	All Rounder : Competition
Aluminium	Aluminium
CAAD Optimo 1; 2; 3; 4	CAAD13 Disc Tiagra CAAD13 Disc 105 CAAD13 Disc Ultegra Disc 105 => women's version
999€ to 1499€	1 899€ to 2 999€

SuperSix Evo	SystemSix
Competition	Aero / competition
Carbon	Carbon
SuperSix Evo 1 ; 2 ; 3 SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod 1 ; 2 ; 3 SuperSix Evo Lab71	SystemSix Hi-Mod SystemSix Carbon
3399€ to 14999€	5 299€ to 11 999€

The SuperSix Evo and SystemSix are available with different derailleurs and more or less technical carbon types: Evo Carbon Disc 105; Hi-Mod Ultegra; Hi-Mod Ultegra Di2...

All Hi-Mod carbon models are equipped with Ultegra or Durace Di2 groupsets, unlike the simple carbon frames that come with Shimano 105.

Triathlon

The SuperSlice is an ideal time trial bike for seasoned competitive cyclists and triathlon enthusiasts.

On the Cannondale website, the frame is priced at €5699.

Endurance

Cannondale offers just one model of endurance bike, the Synapse, available in different versions: RL; L; LE; RLE.

What do these letters stand for?

The "R" refers to the radar in the SmartSense system, which warns the cyclist of potential dangers.

L  stands for "lights"s.

Finally, the "E" tells us whether the transmissions are electrical.  

This is the Synapse Carbon 2 RLE, equipped with all the options offered by Cannondale: SmartSense radar, lights, electric groupset.

Which Cannondale Gravel bike should I choose?

The Topstone is a bike specially designed for gravel riding. Fast and playful, the Topstone is perfectly suited to off-road outings, whether for an afternoon or a week. Integrated pannier attachments, lights, rear suspension... There's something for every gravel craving.

In addition, Cannondale has adapted its iconic SuperSix for cyclists who dream of combining all-terrain comfort and performance.

Topstone Alloy	Topstone Carbon	SuperSix Evo SE
Versatile bike	Versatile bike	Competition
Aluminum	Carbon	Carbon
Topstone Alloy 1 ; 2 ; 3 ; 4 Topstone LTD	Topstone Carbon 1; 2; 3; 4; 5 Lefty version Topstone Carbon RLE ; L ; 650b Topstone Carbon Rival ; Apex	SuperSix Evo SE ; SE 2 ; CX
1399€ to 2849€	2 949€ to 8 999€	3 999€ to 4 999€

Which Cannondale electric bike is right for you?

Cannondale electric bikes are identified by the 3 magic letters: NEO

For every riding style, Cannondale has adapted one of its flagship models for cyclists who want to go further for even greater pleasure.

SuperSix Evo Neo: Cannondale's electric road bike

Available in 2 versions: the Shimano Ultegra Di2-equipped Neo 2 at €6,899 and the Shimano 105-equipped Neo 3 at €4,499.

Topstone Neo: Cannondale's electric gravel bike

2 versions of this power-assisted gravel bike: a carbon frame and an aluminum frame (SL).

Topstone Neo	Topstone Neo SL
Carbon	Carbon
Carbon 4	SL1; SL2
4799€	3 099€ to 3599€

VTTAE

On the electric mountain bike front, Cannondale has once again thought of all cyclists, with an all-suspension model (Motera Neo) and a semi-rigid model (Trail Neo).

The Moterra Neo is a dual-suspension VTTAE ideal for rough trails. Despite its size, it's still very maneuverable and efficient.

This model is available in an "EQ" version, meaning "equipped", which means you can add several accessories: mudguards, lights and luggage rack.

The second version of the Moterra is the Moterra LT (Long Travel), with greater travel. For the different Moterra models, you'll need to pay between €4199 and €8499.

Unlike the Moterra, the Trail Neo is a semi-rigid VTTAE, so it's better suited to less rugged trails.

Why buy a Cannondale bike Certified Pre-Owned at The Cyclist House ? 

At The Cyclist Housewe're building a platform to help cyclists spend as much time riding as possible. On the road, gravel trails or mountain bike paths, our mission is to find you the best bike at the best price, with warranties that let you get out and ride worry-free. You ride, we take care of the rest.

What does that mean in practice?

🤑 The best prices on the market for all bikes, whether they've been on the road for 5 years or 5 days.

🧑‍🔧 Overhauled bikes, Certified Pre-Owned and prepared by professional mechanics in our Alsace warehouse

🏅 A one-year warranty on frame and components. The majority of Orbea bikes offered on our site are covered by a lifetime manufacturer's warranty, in addition to the following warranty The Cyclist House.

📨 Delivery in 3 to 5 days throughout Europe

👌 30-day trial period, money back guarantee

Conclusion

Now that you're familiar with the different Cannondale bike models, you've got all the information you need to make your choice. Once you've found the model you're looking for, the second essential element to check before buying a bike is the size. this article to help you make the right choice.

And if you're still not sure which models to buy, I invite you to read our various buying guides to help you make your decision.

👉 Buying guide for gravel bikes

👉 Road bike buying guide

👉 MTB Buying Guide