OLD vs NEW Road Bikes! 10 years of evolution, but which is better? 

Supersix evo still looking bad ass

Cannondale SuperSix looks still amazing compared to the new bike, after ten years. And it looks also more beautiful than the new 2020 model.

The horizontal top tube and classic road bike looks of the old evo frames is great.

Just bought a 2004 “made in America” Cannondale six thirteen Healthnet team bike with probably less than 500 miles. Put Dura Ace 7900 shifters on it with a Deda cockpit and instantly realized how awesome bikes that are like new built 16 years ago. The shifting is flawless. Sprint stiffness uncompromising. The extra 1 lb weight and lack of disc brakes irrelevant when your racing criteriums and going after Strava KOMs. Why pay $10k plus when you can get an e bay special for $1250 with new shifters,cockpit, and saddle.

The fact the cycling media are now actively promoting heavier bikes, despite years of doing exactly the opposite, is absolutely hilarious.

Im currently using the 2013 supersix evo dura ace and this video cemented my views on how I don't have a need or want to change to the latest iteration. Its just all about the disc brake.Not much difference besides the tyre width choice and disc brakes. and the weight on the cannondale is just amazing. feels like a feather.

Remember when they had wasps in the bottle cages ?

I find your videos and there insights great to watch and get informed! Ironically in my final analysis on a new bike purchase since my last one in 2008 I was between the Evo and TCR! Being on a retirement budget I went with the TCR advanced disk and in my opinion all the performance and ride results are true to what you have indicated! Thanks for your accurate analysis

the wasp in the bottle holder on the Cannondale knows that it is a S W E E T bike.

13:30 - Opposed to rim brake - "hydraulic disc brake is no noise, no squeal, just loads of power." - I wish i had your disc brakes because y impression of disc brake is more noise and a ton more of squeal.

Great comparisons, more of this please David!

I both enjoyed and was discouraged by your piece comparing your 2012 Cannondale to your 2020 Giant. As a roadie, tri-athlete, former triathlon shop owner and general bike nut over the past 40+ years, I have to conclude that the state-of-the-art in 2020 is once again a triumph of marketing over engineering excellence. Given the choice as an athlete who wants to win races, I would pick the 2012 Cannondale over the 2020 Giant bicycle in a heartbeat. It is a superior product by every measure that matters. It looks better too! It is worth pointing out that marketing always wins when the cost of marketing is less than the cost of engineering and this is clearly the case in the bike industry nowadays because the bicycle is already a highly engineering device. Making further engineering improvements within the rules and regulations set out by the UCI is more expensive than simply switching braking systems. Wouldn’t it be nice if the UCI eased some of the 30+ year old restrictions on frame tube ratios or minimum bike weight. If they did this, the engineers could go back to work on the things that mattered and customers would get new products that actually delivered more performance instead of less! The primary engineering goals for road bikes concern performance improvements, period. These include reducing weight, reducing air drag, reducing transmission losses, and reducing rider fatigue. It is these improvements that will get an athlete to the finish line faster. Any changes that compromise these goals cannot be considered legitimate improvements at least not from an engineering perspective. For example, putting disc brakes from a mountain bike on a road racing bicycle is not an engineering advance because the additional cost of the tradeoff between increased safety and reduced performance (significant increases in both weight and air drag) is unnecessary for road riders. Rim brakes deliver all the stopping power that is required for the lowest possible weight and air resistance; the tradeoff between safety and performance was optimized a long time ago. Disc brakes require the wheels to be stronger, heavier and less aerodynamic (as a result of the increased spoke count and length) in order to transfer braking torque from the hub to the tire. For safety reasons, they also require a more secure and heavier frame dropout and hub axle. Justifying large section wheels and frame arches large enough to accomodate 32C tires in the name of improved comfort (reduced rider fatigue) also delivers negative performance and value because both of these features increase air resistance and weight. Such improvements in comfort could otherwise be delivered by simply switching to (unpopular) 25C tubular tires. While it cannot be denied that tubulars have fallen out of fashion on account of the need to glue them on, it also cannot be denied that they deliver the most performance in terms of having the lowest weight (for both the tyre and wheel) and the lowest air drag, plus superior comfort and safety. So why not just make better tubulars that eliminate gluing you ask? Wait….because that has already been done 20+ years ago by Tufo. Tufo has made a beaded tubular casing that allows their tubulars to be mounted on clincher rims that are widely available today. Now if a rim maker were to design a new tubular rim that fully supported the belly of the tubular while providing a low profile bead seat similar to a clincher rim, the problem would be “fully” solved once and for all. This is the type of system improvement that would actually deliver performance and engineering value to the customer. In closing my engineering rant I will say that I have ridden and experimented with virtually every wheel and tire combination that has hit the market since the late 70s and no other type system can touch the performance, comfort and safety (no front rim skating in the event of a blowout) of a 25C tubular. There are also many very affordable brands with incredibly tough and flat resistant casings available in the market. For additional flat prevention adding a few grams of liquid sealant is all that is required. For those who doubt my conviction, I would encourage them to train for an Ironman triathlon or ride a few centuries and compare tubulars to clinchers on alternating 150+ km weekend training rides.

That SS Evo is still stunning - can't beat the looks of a traditional frame geometry. And providing you ride on smooth, dry roads, rim brakes & 23-25mm wheel/ tyres are normally up to the job. However, on potholed, pitted poorly surfaced roads, then wider wheels/tyres are more comfortable - and thanks to disc brake tech you can go wider.

Disk breaks are selling because bike shops ‘push’ them. I own bikes with both, but still prefer rim breaks ( and yes I’m on carbon fiber rims), you may want to try some different break pad brands.

I’ve been cycling for 46 years and witnessed fantastic changes and improvements. Currently I own a 2016 Giant Defy with disk brakes and DI2. Comfortable and fits my requirements. Also a 2008 Felt F3. I quite like the simplicity of the older models, especially when travelling to countries where it may be difficult to find parts in case something happens to the bike. Keep up the good work.

Great video, enjoyed it, thank you.

I have a 2011 Giant TCR Advanced SL 0 and love the rim brakes. I find them quieter than the disc brakes on my other bike.

Great video! Just what I need after ride as well as a cuppa.

Hi David, really well made video, I like the information, your opinion, and also the on screen text. You could put a bit more information at points, but great work and keep it up.

Excellent unbiased opinion.....Cheers Dave!

I wish Cannondale makes a updated version of the old CAAD like thru axle, disc brakes and internal routing.

Wow - 10 years! My oldest road bike still owned is from 1982, now that's some evolution!

10 years on that Cannondale still looks pretty good and I suppose you still ride it regularly. That gives me hope for my bike, which recently turned 5 hehe. I've bought 4 other bikes since then (TT, MTB and gravel) and sold 2 of them but the road bike remains. It has rim brakes but alloy rims and yes, they're not as good as discs and cannot fit tires larger than 25mm, but for flat roads they're ok. All that being said, I have no plans of buying another road bike in the near future, espcially one with rim brakes.

Great video David!

Brilliant Dave! 👍🏻

Awesome video, thanks

Wow, you’ve done a fantastic job maintaining that Cannondale!

Got to go with disc brakes, been riding them on MTB's for a good while and rode the previous cantilever and 'V' brakes, no comparison! I have a Merlin X Cross bike with Force 1 groupset & hydraulic discs, very impressed, great stopping power & modulation on a bike with dropped bars. I have just bought a 2020 TCR advanced pro disc2 in metallic blue and looking forward to receiving and getting out on it. Still a few around but 2021 bike with DI2 electronic shifting also tempting! Great reviews, David

The big difference in having disc brakes on road bikes is that they have made lots and lots and lots of money for the cycling industry. Best used on mountain bikes where they are great.

Reynolds power blue pads work crazy good! Sure disc are better, but for a road bike on open roads, no problem with rim brakes!

love the wasp nestling in your bottle cage at 1:20-25

Excellent content.

Nice video. I think your Cannondale Supersix has cleaner lines, the tubes and cables just seem to flow.

Great video great work the joy of rideing I have the same evo but I Green and white with ff carbon wheels and a scalpel xtc bike

If my rimbrakes loose performance and squeal I sand the glazed brakeblocks down and they will brake as well as my alu rimmed bike again ( in the dry ! ) I do prefer my DB Orbea in the wet or in the mountains but in Flanders my rim brakes do the job perfectly! Maintenance is key, for discbrakes too. Your Cannondale deserves a ( twenty minute ) polish and wax-treatment, stunning bike! A clean bike is a fast bike!

I'd ride the EVO any day. My 9-year old one (same as in the video) is still sublime in handling, weight, power transfer, and gorgeous comfort. Moot point, but always loved the white/black colour scheme too -- stands out in style (vs 'yet another black bike') as well as in traffic. Update: Nothing against disc brakes and the whole festival of snooze, conveyor belt, marketing push, but I've raced confidentially on rim brakes too. Sure, I'll wait a few years to see how compact and more ingenious disc braked can (surely, hopefully) become :)

I’ll take both bikes👌🏽👌🏽. I have a 2011 Giant TCR composite and the components are recently upgraded to 105 R7000 groupsets. The LBS hate to work with internal cables.

if i woud see ssome one on the evo i wold still say:"Nice bike!"

That Cannondale is super freaking light! I’d ride that today without question.

Dave I have a Supersix Evo hi-mod as well on 50mm carbon rims and also a caad12 disc. I agree disc is much better but the Evo is such a lovely handling bike and the carbon just absorbs more of the bumps than the caad. I should try a new Evo to see how ride comfort has improved. I 100% agree carbon rims in the wet on a decent are about the sketchiest thing you can do on a road bike getting to the bottom hitting the brakes and not being sure if your going to stop is frightening!

To me the classic SuperSix always wins. Just stunning and a great handling bike.

the moment u see scope wheels first time on other bikes than my own ^_^ still love them and hope they get a little more famous

Disc brakes and fatter tyres have been such a significant development over the last 10 years in terms of rider enjoyment, even aside from aero!

They are taking about a super Six Evo being “antique” while I’m over here still riding a bike with a 1” head tube

I have a 2004 Giant XTC with hydraulic discs which are the best thing about it and have never changed the fluid or pads even though it gets a fair amount of use and they still work after going through a puddle which usually kills rim brakes for a few turns of the wheel, am also a big fan of Giants products

The irony is that in the last 10 years, braking tecnology on carbon rims has come on in leaps and bounds - indeed braking WAS awful on carbon rims back then, but if you just swapped the wheels on the supersix for some really good modern ones the braking would be transformed, rendering the discs on the TCR largely redundant.

I have a Cannondale Synapse with Hydraulic discs that I use in winter and a Wilier GTR Team with rim brakes for summer. I think the disc brakes are fine for winter riding, though they are fiddly to adjust, a bit of a pain actually. The rim brakes on the Wilier work well with my Dura-ace C24s as the wheels are part carbon/ part alloy, the brake track being alloy. I like the rim brakes simplicity, aesthetically, and the fact that they need little or no adjustment. My Wilier is not high mod but it's still a lot lighter and it doesn't look all clunky like the Cannondale. I think disc brakes are cool but I'll keep them for winter riding. Thanks for the video.

Another great video thanks David. I have to wonder if the modern race bike has part morphed into the endurance market, so that a Defy or Synapse would only offer more stack height? Would love to see say TCR and Defy or SSE and Synapse compared with same tyre sizing..

I bought one of Giant's first carbon frames back in the mid-90' s alloy lugs and alloy forks it was branded as a Cadex prior to Giant using that name for their wheel sets. On certain road surfaces it made my feet hurt due to the high frequency vibrations coming from the alloy forks, it did handle well enough (I think) fast forward to 2019 and I hired a TCR whilst in Spain for a week it was night and day compared to that Cadex.

The bumblebee has made its pick. You don't question the Bee! 😂😂😂

The key thing is making road bikes comfortable for an ageing market. Kids don't buy bikes they want to be on love island or in the gym drinking protein. Accommodation of big volume tyres a starter for ten 28mm tyres have 54% more air in the chamber thus more comfort. Thank god Tony Martin won the world's TT on 25mm to set it alight. Discs use less hand and arm torque so less stress arm and shoulder fatigue for the rider. I've been selling bikes for years and riders not getting any younger. The migration to adventure bikes apparent. As another comment says here as fast as the new propel is those 65mm wheels like riding on marbles at 120 psi. Harsh and stiff. Thankfully we've started moving away from the uber stiff obsession of 16/17. The F8 dogma was a plank on wheels. Look around your cycling groups. We've all been at it for years. The golfers went back to the club house. Comfort is everything now....

I have a 2011 Canondale supersix 105 that I've completed upgraded to Ultegra R8000 with Reynolds 65 carbon wheels. I recently rode a 2021 S-works Tarmac SL-7 at the LBS and my first thought when I stood up and stepped on the pedals of the Tarmac was "this doesn't feel as responsive as my current bike!" At the end of the test ride I was still unimpressed. I want to "upgrade" to a new bike but am having trouble feeling like the upgrade is actually worth the money. And just my two cents worth on the disc vs rim brake debate: there's no magical difference unless descending in the rain, and then of course it's disc brakes hands down.

I love Giants for their "affordable" price, compared to some other brands but that Cannondale (maybe with a more up-to-date paint job) looks pretty good to me. I mainly ride/race criteriums where disk brakes are a waste, although there have been times coming down long mountain passes in the wet where I've wished I had disk brakes. Horses for courses. Great unbiased review!

I'm on a Tarmac SL7, but that Evo is beautiful. I'd love to ride it.

I just finished restoring a Bertin, Belgian bike, from 1977. All original except new rims. Compare to my other carbonbikes....much relaxed, more stiff, better quality.....did 120 miles yesterday and was a real pleasure. And it costed me hardly 100 e

Really good video. I'm just toying with buying or spending £1k on a second hand immaculate evo or a spending double on a new cannondale.

10 Years of progress, and all that can be said are Disk brakes... disc brakes... disc brakes. I think I’ll hold on to my rim brake road bike for a couple more years 😉

I'd take that Cannondale any day. Love the looks and that paint work.

EVO and rim brakes. Keep your noisy discs. I have never run out of brakes, alpine descents, rainy shitty commutes, never had trouble with them in any of my travels. EVO is also plenty comfortable over 3500 km in 22 days, including cobbles and alps and pyrenees. I'll be sticking with my three versions of the supersix thanks. Someone said the tcr is boring, i agree, just another clone. Oh, discs are selling cos the industry is pushing them..... hard.

Nice comparison, but just want to point out about rim brake stopping power on carbon wheels. Not sure what those wheels are, but stopping power on modern carbon rims that have textured brake tracks are a MAJOR improvement over older style carbon wheels and you can easily lock up the wheels very quickly. Unless you have a specific use case or preference, the lighter weight of rim brakes and ease of maintenance makes more sense for an experienced enthusiast.

I am new to road cycling and just bought an "old" K2 Mod 3.0 with Shimano 105 (older version) group set. All mechanical and rim breaks. I love the bike so far and honestly, since I am not a professional and I am in it for the fun and the exercise...I am okay with it not being modern.

David what is the major difference from a 2011 giant tcr to 2021 giant tcr advanced with rim brakes? Could you do a comparison.

I ride both hydro disc, and rim brake bikes. No doubt hydro disc stops great, but so do my combination for rim brakes: Calipers are Dura Ace 7900 spec. Aluminium rim with Kool Stop Salmon pads. Carbon rims with Venn Fryse blue pads. Pull up absolutely fine, and I’m 120kg…

Excellent comparison review I enjoyed that ,,I do prefer disc brakes myself to be honest

Great Comparison video!!! Think I’d stick to the cannondale 😀 cable untidyness on Gaint would wreck my head!!! I’m in the process of selling my 8 year old bike for a new but finding it hard to get all I want even with a decent budget.......😢 but feel I also need a new bike to livein up my cycles😏

Good video, very pertinent to me as a I look at my Planet X SL. My winter/commuter gets more miles as it has clearance for bigger tyre and discs even though it's technically a very much poorer spec. Anyway, why not try to get hold of a 2000ish bike and even a 1990ish bike. I've a Concorde Squadra and there is definitely a difference, going for downtube non indexed shifters will take you back.

Would rather have the SuperSix Evo.

As a bike mechanic I find road disc brakes infuriating but you can never take away the massive increase in stopping performance (when they don't rub, squeal and fade on very steep mountain roads)

David. that 10 year old Cannondale still looks grate today. Thanks for the video.

I had a 2013 cannondale supersix 105 and just recently bought a 2021 giant revolt advance 2 because I'm getting too old to be riding those thin tires. Boy, do I miss innertubes

What’s really changed in recent years is how bomb proof and usable modern road bikes are. The Cannondale in the video a dainty thing and hard work in the wind the rain over pot holes etc. The Giant will lap up bad weather good weather pot holes big descents and quick stops all in its stride and feel really composed while it’s doing it. The new Trek Emonda SLR is probably the way things are going with it’s fully hidden cables and wires threaded BB and choices of colour schemes and Project one component tweaking make it stand out at the moment although the SL variants are quite heavy.

I’m riding the Evo with an aluminum wheel set in LA as a daily rider. It does the job.

Perfect summary. I own a top-spec 2010 Felt F1 Dura-Ace and recently purchased a 2020 Orbea OMX Ultegra Di2. Both are stiff. Both handle great. The older bike is marginally lighter. Even though the Felt has dropped seat stays (in 2010!) and 25mm tubeless rubber, the Orbea saddle feel (on 28mm tubeless) is MUCH more supple. Looking at the design, it’s clear that in 2010, designers added material to keep the seat post stiff. Oops. The newer Orbea has larger diameter tubes and a bigger bottom bracket for a stiffer platform. I’m not strong enough to feel it under power, but the bike is more confidence-inspiring on fast, twisty descents. The 2010 bike was twitchy in comparison. Also, I’ve gone from mechanical to electronic shifting. What a joy! I went electronic to avoid cable-binding in the integrated stem and top tube. Love it. But yes, it’s the discs that make the biggest difference. The old bike nearly killed me in the rain once. I should never have put carbon rims on it. And on my local steep descents, I have no idea when I might melt the rims. So I have no confidence on the older bike going downhill fast. I hated the experience. Sure, the old bike is fine on flattish dry roads, but living in steep terrain with variable weather, I’m MUCH happier on discs. Finally, aero... the Orbea OMX has hidden cables and truncated tubes. It also has wide, bowed forks with very deep sections. It’s definitely more aero. But to be honest, it’s hard to notice it. Am I going a fraction of a mile per hour faster at the same power? Am I saving five watts keeping up with my buddy? Who knows? I run 50mm wheels and the main place where I experience “aero” is with crosswinds, which isn’t a great feeling. So I guess it’s good to know that your bike is aero, and it’s good for PBs on Strava, but it’s not something that you really experience during a ride. Anyway, increased comfort, electronic shifting, and confident, predictable braking all improve the experience. Aero is the cherry on top. But if you race dry, flat crits on a budget, don’t hesitate to buy the older, high-end, carbon bike. Rim brakes are fine for that, you’re not racing for comfort, and you’re just giving up a touch of aero while saving thousands of dollars. Riding in the wet or on steep descents? Want the best riding experience? Want an aero edge? Want effortless, instantaneous shifting? Want less fatigue in the saddle? (And have a solid budget?) The newer bikes rock. And PLEASE don’t shame people for liking one or the other. Neither sucks. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Which bike ride uphill faster? I dont race and usually on casual group ride with my mates we “race” each other uphill but we go slow downhill.

Hi Dave. Liked the video. Noticed on one of shots tyres on Tcr are now Hutchinson Fusion, 28mm I think. How do they play with hookless rims and any noticeable difference to gavia 25mm tyres. When will there be a decent all round road tubeless tan wall 28mm tyre available , not a lightweight Schwalbe tt tyre which seems to be only option. Would look great on the Giant. Cheers

Question what is the max tire size you can used super six evo?

Informative review. As an MTBer, I know that disc brakes can be noisy, not stop in time when on tough, wet and muddy terrain. Even so, better than rim brakes for sure. I'm currently looking to buy a used road bike, which is why this review was of interest. Given all of the relatively 'minor' developments (internal cabling was around in the mid 90's) I really wonder if there is that much of a difference in the actual performance that justifies the price tag of new high road bikes these days.

The SS Evo is the higher caliber bike no doubt, even though older, while the giant mid-level benefits from some newer tech. I have an older 2008 Six13 DA and a more recent 2016 Supersix ultegra level, which is more comfortable on longer rides, but the Six13 lighter and stiffer is faster on climbs for me. Different bikes, different strengths, different prices if new. I'd like to see same caliber comparison of this top 2011 SS Evo and the new equivalent 2020 SS Evo disc, for a better test of time comparison.

TCR, if i could get one! Bought a frame only in the duel colour and had planned to build it up but sadly it had a fault.

As a relatively new rider, I’d never consider a bike with rim brakes these days. The area I live in is mountainous, and I’ve had too many close calls with rim brakes when descending towards a T-junction at the bottom of a -13% gradient. The discs on my Emonda SLR have been game changing for me.

End of the day one still has to pedal a bike and I'm still ridding my BMC Teammachine SLOR1 2014 the very same bike that Cadel Evans rode. So, if it was good enough for him, then its more than good enough for me to ride.

I don't trust any bike mechanism that cannot serviced on the side of a busy interstate, therefore advertise your hydraulic fluid actuated super brakes all you want, but a sensible amateur like myself will always opt for the simpler, cheaper and more reliable option. And if people want 32mm tires on their road bikes then they're not serious about it, so just get an MTB and ride it on the sidewalk like everyone else.

I am riding a road bike with Discs and tubeless but also I have an older bike with rim brakes. While when cruising on relatively flat and smooth roads (if you can find smooth) the difference are marginal to none. However add rough surface, wet conditions or fast downhill sections and the confidence you have on discs can make a lot of difference. Coming down the Pyrenees last October in a group anybody with discs even at dry conditions was well ahead and when it became wet the confidence level on the colleagues with rim brakes was miles behind the rest with discs. So it depends on conditions and style of riding.. Cruise slowly on flat dry roads.... then rims are good enough... Too many times I have been told that I can go faster on downhill or wet sections or stop later because I have disc .......

Liking the new vids Dave. Have you left Road cc?

I ordered a Rose Pro SL with full 105 Specs as my first road bike. I still have to wait 2 Months until i get it. Yesterday i bought a used Roadbike from the brand "Haibike" with a full Sora group, it only costed 100$. I can't believe how good it is. I think its at least 15- 20years old, but the shifting and handling is AMAZING. The only downside are the Sora Rim Breaks, probably just because they are old (or not properly adjusted), but they still do their job. If the Rose Bike doesn't feel better i will return it and ride the Haibike :D Just my 2 cents.

I just wanted to mention that my own high end road bike that I built back in 2005, I already had a compact crankset (a 50/34). Maybe this came more known to tmy market before others due to the fact I live in very hilly terrain. I understand based on one's zipcode, you may find various items being offered that might be so popular or as well known elsewhere based on target marketing. The other comment I have is that the several people I know personally in various high level positions of professional cycling all have the same opinion about disc brakes. They all without exception are not in favor of the disc brakes. They range from pro team mechanics for grand tours all the way to the national champion rider in his home country. They all prefer rim braking systems. The National Champion I know even claimed they (the riders on his team) ride them because they have to, and are being forced to do so by the manufacturers. He also said that every team mate of his feels the same as he does and prefers rim brakes as well. The only guess is, that the disc brake bikes must ultimately be generating more profits.

Interesting to see that nobody even David himself made a price comparison of the two bikes? What the Evo was worth brand new (10 years ago) vs. what it is worth now (approximately second hand) vs the new 2020 TCR sticker price that it is compared to!?

What is the original cost comparison between both bikes? Maybe 3 or 4 to 1? Rim brakes are so easy and cheap to self-service - a big plus.

Will they be letting you test a 2021 Defy Adv Pro 1 Disc? My 2017 TCR got written off in a car crash and I need to order a new bike. But I'm 6'6", 18st and was tempted to move to the comfier Defy! However you did say in your previous video that the TCR is quite a lot more comfortable this year.

Post mount rim brakes are stellar! However, I still believe its a better idea to run disc if you're going to run carbon wheels. Sure the special brake pads work, and work even better with the additional power w/ post mounts, but it is wearing on the sidewall over time...Not even a thing w/ discs, and you still enjoy even superior braking and control. The other side of it is the additional tire clearance for bigger rubber and wider rims. Sure it may not be an issue or a desire for some, but I sure as heck value being able to load up 32c tires (running 28c normal) for even better grip and control here in Belgium over bad roads and cobbles. Also, weight wasn't the only thing in 2011 (in the event every has forgotten)....it was 2009 then 2010/11 when Cervelo introduced the Soloist, and then the S2/S3. That was the beginning of the big "aero" push and by 2015 most of the top brands had an aero frame in their lineup. I have my 2011 Cervelo S2 Red that I love riding, but I am not any slower on my 2020 Bianchi Sprint Disc Ultegra (that went on a huge diet). The main reason is 23c tires vs 28 Conti 5000 tubeless and 46mm aero wheels. Everywhere that would slow the Cervelo is where I would maintain speed on the Bianchi. Its only directly into a headwind or a steep climb that I might see a difference, but both bikes are within .5kg of each other that more times than not, given the road surface..I'm faster and more comfortable and faster on the bigger rubber....and even more so when the road turns to dirt.

What brand is your hoodie Dave ? Thanks :)

hey dave, what brand is your casual top? its a nice cut

Well after this I might have to go for a disc bike for my next purchase. The disc brake bikes aren’t the most appealing visually but I didn’t realize carbon wheels are that bad for regular riding. Never heard a complaint about carbon wheels in the dry before. Brilliant comparison though.

Both excellent.

Can you compare the time difference between these bike's ?

I think the main reason manufacturers are not offering rim brakes, with mountain bikes and gravel bikes are 100% disc brakes, for simplifying the manufacturing process, parts and costs and makes sense for them to utilise one braking system on all their bikes they make. Increasing costs and efficiency to the manufacturer.

More comparisons please 😀

I don't think you mention the move from 10 to 11 speed on bikes. Do you think that has any significant impact on your riding?

This video makes me want to go back to 2011!!!! Heavier? More proprietary parts? Through axels? Less stiff? Uggggh, give me the CANNON!!!!!

I started riding seriously in '83, and was a Cat 2 road and Expert mountain racer. I no longer race and just ride for fitness and solace. I despise noisy systems on any bike! On several occasions over the years, I have battled brake squeal on wet morning single track rides. My current favorite bike is a utility infielder 20 lb Diamondback Haanzo Comp with a humble 105 groupset and mechanical TRP Spyre discs. I still love getting out on my 2014 S-Works SL4 Tarmac. I, just this week, installed a 50/34 compact Dura Ace crankset on the SL4. The 54/39 is, sadly and admittedly, too much for this old man. Like a chemical face peel and lip injections on an aging super model, installing a compact crankset and Reynolds blue brake pads on your SuperSix could erase some of the years...