Road bike advice sought - 2017 or 2018 Cannondale SuperSix Evo Ultegra Disc?

[imperio]

So I've narrowed down my search to either a 2017 or 2018 model and I can't decide which I should get. I have test ridden the 2017 but the 2018 was not available in store to try. An online comparison shows the main difference is the 2018 model has the Ultegra R8000/R8020 components whereas the 2017 model has the 6800.

I'm leaning towards the 2017 because of color... but keep wondering what the shifting is like on the new Ultegra components.

The 2018 model will cost me $175 more than the 2017. Price difference is not an issue.

Any advice?

2017 pics and specs - http://www.cannondale.com/USA/bike/P...0-0746abe4f7f5

2018 pics and specs- http://www.cannondale.com/en/USA/Bik...a-6b6c0e526434

[dualcarb]

From looks and specs alone, I would lean towards the 2018. Since you have test ridden the 2017 model and you like the colour scheme, why not get it? You might not have another opportunity to get one once it’s “sold out”. The difference in ride and shifting should not be very far apart as Shimano is as bullet proof as they come.

[watchmavan]

If the 2018 model is out and available to buy then the price variation is not what it should be. I wouldn't be buying last year's model when the new one was out with a mere 175 off. As a matter of fact I'd be looking at a discount on the list price for the new model. I've ridden and raced for over 25 years and owned dozens of bikes. When I've bought them I've never paid RRP. Don't pay either of these prices for either bikes.


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[imperio]

Originally Posted by dualcarb

From looks and specs alone, I would lean towards the 2018. Since you have test ridden the 2017 model and you like the colour scheme, why not get it? You might not have another opportunity to get one once it’s “sold out”. The difference in ride and shifting should not be very far apart as Shimano is as bullet proof as they come.

I'm not totally in love with the 2017 colour scheme; I just prefer it as the 2018 colours are bit more ordinary.

Originally Posted by watchmavan

If the 2018 model is out and available to buy then the price variation is not what it should be. I wouldn't be buying last year's model when the new one was out with a mere 175 off. As a matter of fact I'd be looking at a discount on the list price for the new model. I've ridden and raced for over 25 years and owned dozens of bikes. When I've bought them I've never paid RRP. Don't pay either of these prices for either bikes.


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I'm not paying RRP on whichever way I go; these are my current offers:
2018 models - 30% off
2017 models - 30% off plus additional $175 off

Both retail for around the 3k mark.

[imperio]

I guess the question really boils down to... is the latest ultegra groupset worth an extra $175?

[watchmavan]

Originally Posted by imperio

I'm not totally in love with the 2017 colour scheme; I just prefer it as the 2018 colours are bit more ordinary.







I'm not paying RRP on whichever way I go; these are my current offers:

2018 models - 30% off

2017 models - 30% off plus additional $175 off



Both retail for around the 3k mark.

Ok that's clearer. But still leaves differential between the two not what it should be.


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[imperio]

This is eating away at me more than it should!!


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[pickettt]

2017. Buy the frame color you like. Color can't be changed in the future (not cost effectively). Later if the curiosity over Ultegra 8000 is killing you, buy a mini group at about $400. Best of both worlds will cost you $225 more. Following my math and logic?

[SDRider]

Not a fan of the neon color on the 2017 so I’d pick the 2018.

[car_wash_guy]

Don't overlook the CAAD12.

[dddrees]

Thing is are you going to feel the same way about that unusual color a year or two or even three years from now?

[Mosco]

For that kind of money you could get a BMC Roadmachine. No thing against Cannondales, I own an entry-level mountain bike of theirs (Trail 6, which has been discontinued) and I love it. But my BMC gets 10X the use just because it feels better. I’d go for a previous year model to save some $. And hey - Swiss bikes - get to the bad part :)

[gettocard]

Wait a second : have you ever tried disc brakes on a road bike ? Do you need them were you live ? Are you ok with the idea of dealing with a road bike that feels a bit sleepy because of discs and their through axles when you want to jump on the pedals and hammer on 'em ?

Ultegra shifting is great,especially the latest 8000 wich comes standard on the 2018 and it's a HUUUGE improvement over the 6800 on the 2017. For a mere reference go ahead and google " ultegra 6800 crank failure ".
Have you ever considered going Di2 ? Electronic shifting makes more sense than disc brakes IMHO. I've just bought the new Colnago C64 and I'm so happy to go back to calipers. I'm going back to mechanical shifting aswell but that's another story..

[Gharddog03]

Based on color I’d go for the 2017.

175$ shouldn’t be a factor since your already getting a nice discount.

[imperio]

I read every reply; below are the ones that made me pause a bit longer

Originally Posted by pickettt

2017. Buy the frame color you like. Color can't be changed in the future (not cost effectively). Later if the curiosity over Ultegra 8000 is killing you, buy a mini group at about $400. Best of both worlds will cost you $225 more. Following my math and logic?

Yes, makes sense. Didn't think of this.

Originally Posted by gettocard

Wait a second : have you ever tried disc brakes on a road bike ? Do you need them were you live ? Are you ok with the idea of dealing with a road bike that feels a bit sleepy because of discs and their through axles when you want to jump on the pedals and hammer on 'em ?

Ultegra shifting is great,especially the latest 8000 wich comes standard on the 2018 and it's a HUUUGE improvement over the 6800 on the 2017. For a mere reference go ahead and google " ultegra 6800 crank failure ".
Have you ever considered going Di2 ? Electronic shifting makes more sense than disc brakes IMHO. I've just bought the new Colnago C64 and I'm so happy to go back to calipers. I'm going back to mechanical shifting aswell but that's another story..

I've researched disc brakes are are ok with disc. I contemplated the rim-brake version but I couldn't live with either of the bike colour options on rim brakes, so that's out.
I hadn't heard of the 6800 crank failure before you brought it up, googled, it's scary. But 8000 is relatively untested... right? Could it have the same issue?
I'm leaning towards going with a 2017 6800, which is Di2 compatible, and upgrading to Di2 down the road. Rationale being if you start off with a Ferrari, there isn't much else to upgrade to. So I think I'll start with something one notch lower. I know this isn't a Ferrari equivalent, but humor me

Today's verdict: going with the 2017! (hopefully it doesn't change tomorrow)

[pickettt]

Originally Posted by imperio

Today's verdict: going with the 2017! (hopefully it doesn't change tomorrow)

Whatever you do, don't overthink it. Always enjoy the ride more so than the bike. It's meant to be fun.

[Lol-x]

I would be buying a bike with disc brakes....its the way to go these days.
As pointed out above the BMC Roadmachine is a very highly rated/regarded bike.
Ultregra is fine whatever model you choose.
The C'dale Hi Mod bikes ride great, I have 2, and am very happy.
Good luck!
As they say buy once, bye right!
On your 2 bikes posted above I would go for the 2018 model.

[pallindrome]

Just get the Di-2 since you will adopt it sooner or later. Why not sooner?

[gettocard]

Originally Posted by pickettt

Whatever you do, don't overthink it. Always enjoy the ride more so than the bike. It's meant to be fun.

Exactly. After all these years of riding I still have to learn myself how to focus on that. Probably I would still have some oldish bike instead of buying a new one every year...

[Rolex addict]

The only real advantage disc brakes will give you is wet weather stopping power and if you live/ride in steep mountains where it's easy to cook the brakes. Lots of people pop tubes and have rim failures because of this. Resin used in carbon rims is much better, but you can still get them hot and cause failure if you don't know how to brake properly.

Edit: And definitely go DI2. Now that I have it, it will be very hard to go back to mechanical shifting. Everything is precise. Shifting is perfect every time. No cable stretch. Minimal maintenance. Keep the battery charged and ride.

[imperio]

Ok, gotta get some pedals and shoes next. Any recommendations?

What a weird place to be asking btw (Rolex forum?!). Anyone here have a biking forum to recommend where I can sign up?

[car_wash_guy]

Speedplay or Look ( depending on your preference). SIDI or S-Works are great shoes.

[Rolex addict]

Originally Posted by imperio

Ok, gotta get some pedals and shoes next. Any recommendations?

What a weird place to be asking btw (Rolex forum?!). Anyone here have a biking forum to recommend where I can sign up?

Shoes are like saddles. Very personalized. Specialized shoes are very narrow and hurt my feet, but they are top quality. I wear Giro with carbon soles. Most people I know use Look Keo or speedplay pedals. Most racers use speedplay because they are very easy to clip in and out of. Look has a bigger platform for your foot.

[Raypep]

I'm a Shimano fan for pedals. More due to the fact that I've been riding them for years and too lazy to switch to speedplay. With particular shoes, no one should be able to give you advice as stated above. It's very personal. I like old Giro carbon shoes which are no longer produced :(

Regarding the bike, MY18 looks better with components, but to be truthful I wouldn't ride any cannondale bike unless it's given to me from my team.

With a bike forum, I am not aware of any. I have connected with all of my friends on group rides then connect on facebook etc. I see your from San Fran, great place! I'm heading to Levi's gran Fondo in Santa Rosa in October with a group of friends from Wisconsin.

[Raypep]

Originally Posted by Rolex addict

The only real advantage disc brakes will give you is wet weather stopping power and if you live/ride in steep mountains where it's easy to cook the brakes. Lots of people pop tubes and have rim failures because of this. Resin used in carbon rims is much better, but you can still get them hot and cause failure if you don't know how to brake properly.

Edit: And definitely go DI2. Now that I have it, it will be very hard to go back to mechanical shifting. Everything is precise. Shifting is perfect every time. No cable stretch. Minimal maintenance. Keep the battery charged and ride.

I agree with Disc brakes, considering he lives in San Fran. Disc is the way to go. I live in Wisconsin so I would save the ~50-100 grams and go rim. With Di2, I will NEVER go back to mechanical on my main race bike(s). It just works, until you run out of battery (lol). I think for cyclocross its even more imperative to have Di2.

[imperio]

Originally Posted by Rolex addict

Shoes are like saddles. Very personalized. Specialized shoes are very narrow and hurt my feet, but they are top quality. I wear Giro with carbon soles. Most people I know use Look Keo or speedplay pedals. Most racers use speedplay because they are very easy to clip in and out of. Look has a bigger platform for your foot.

I have wide feet so will steer clear of specialized shoes; thanks for the tip.

[imperio]

Originally Posted by Raypep

I'm a Shimano fan for pedals. More due to the fact that I've been riding them for years and too lazy to switch to speedplay. With particular shoes, no one should be able to give you advice as stated above. It's very personal. I like old Giro carbon shoes which are no longer produced :(

Regarding the bike, MY18 looks better with components, but to be truthful I wouldn't ride any cannondale bike unless it's given to me from my team.

With a bike forum, I am not aware of any. I have connected with all of my friends on group rides then connect on facebook etc. I see your from San Fran, great place! I'm heading to Levi's gran Fondo in Santa Rosa in October with a group of friends from Wisconsin.

Second mention of Giro; will check those out. I'm also registered for gran Fondo in October, see you there

[Jtime]

I’m biased and a Fuji guy, but happy to hook you up with a close Fuji rep if you’re in the market! Just PM me


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[mtrunner]

I love my Speedplay pedals and wouldn't buy anything else. For shoes I love SIDI. I got a pair of SIDI Shots and they are the best cycling shoe I've purchased to date.

[Raypep]

Originally Posted by mtrunner

I love my Speedplay pedals and wouldn't buy anything else. For shoes I love SIDI. I got a pair of SIDI Shots and they are the best cycling shoe I've purchased to date.

SIDI's don't work for me personally, they crease in a weird location by the arch.

Whatever shoe you choose, I would HIGHLY suggest getting custom orthotics and proper fit on your bike with a trained professional and proper equipment.