Images of the new Cannondale Slice have been trickling out with several Pros already racing on these new machines, but today in Kona the actual bikes were launched. Right now it seems that new bikes either fall into the heavily integrated category or the keep it simple one. This Slice certainly falls into the latter camp.
I immediately liked this bike when I first saw it in Roth, Germany in early July where a bright green one was piloted by Michelle Vesterby. I thought that the crew at Cannondale was on to something here, but it won't make everyone happy and Cannondale is aware of this. Instead of going full throttle down the aero path they decided on a balanced approach to triathlon performance, and focused on combining solid aerodynamics with ultra light weight, comfort, fit, handling and ease of use. And according to Cannondale designer Murray Washburn "A combination that will be of more use to real triathletes in the real world than small gains in pure aerodynamics."
Frame weight for the new Slice was claimed to be 1,020 grams and that puts it in a road bike weight category, and according to Cannondale 1.5 pounds lighter than a comparable Shiv.
Comfort was also mentioned as an important part of that balanced approach and the new Slice features an AERO SAVE Micro-Suspension, with miniscule solid compression molded seat stays, and flattened twisting chainstays. But stiffness was also a consideration with this design and not overlooked according to Washburn.
In a forward thinking move sizes 44-54 come with 165mm cranks and above with 170mm ones - lessons learned from the partner Guru Fit Systems. That knowledge also determined the steep optimized seat angle of 79 degrees and a relatively slack 71.5 head angle. Plus based on that data Cannondale is convinced that they will be able to fit more riders without too many modifications.
This is the Dura-Ace Di2 model, but there is a murdered out Black Ink above it.
Very clean and simple lines define the new Slice. Bikes are speced with 25mm tires and allow as big as 28mm.
The Dura-Ace Di2 version comes with a Vision TriMax Carbon cockpit.
The Junction A box is fastened under the stem.
The front triangle is relatively svelte.
The view another triathlete might get when looking over his or her left shoulder.
A simple and very clean seatcluster.
A Fizik Tritone saddle is featured on the higher end models.
Cannondale opted for a Cannondale SiSL2 crank with Vision rings for this model.
Direct mount up front s becoming increasingly popular, but is unfortunately not the most aero option.
A direct mounted Shimano brake can also be found below the chainstays.
Another perspective of this brand new Slice.
This is the 105 option and it starts at $2,750
You get the same frame design but at a great entry cost. The Ultegra Di2 version even sports the same paint scheme as this 105 one.
You can get on a Slice at $2,750 with 105 components and there are 5 models all the way to the top of line Black Ink. Plus there are 3 women's models which includes a size 44 with 650c wheels. Altogether there are 6 sizes - 44, 48, 51, 54, 57, 60.
Who is the customer for this bike? Anyone who wants to keep it simple and does not like to fiddle with integrated brakes, tricky work on the machine and ideally prefers to race on a lighter bike.
My only real gripe about this Slice is likely a minor one, but I love that green bike Michelle Vesterby, Heather Jackson and Victor Del Corral are on, it is sadly however reserved for Pros, and not available to consumers.
All images © Herbert Krabel / slowtwitch.com
I updated this story on 10/09 as I had hurried on the launch evening to get the story up fast, and typing on the iPhone was not helpful either.
