Supersix or Archon?

FinnishRoadie

I'm planning to buy a new bike for the next season and while I'm at it, I want to go the whole nine yards and get the best bike out there for my purposes.

At present, I'm riding a 2004 aluminium Cannondale Cyclocross with ultegra parts. Overall, I've been pretty happy with the bike, but I'd like something more comfortable, lighter and faster.

I've been told that, in general, road frames over a certain price point don't differ much in terms of performance, and so the purchase decision is primarily a matter of taste and image.

That said, in my case, the decision will probabaly be made between a (carbon fiber) Cannondale Supersix or (titanium) Litespeed Archon, with Campy Record parts respectively. (I hope it doesn't sound like I'm comparing apples and oranges here...)

Anyway, the problem is, top-tier bikes are prohibitively expensive all over Europe (50-100% over US prices), which is why the markets are very limited and there's no local dealer where I could test drive the bikes. All in all, it makes much more sense to take a flight to the US and pick up the bike over there.

The bike would be ridden long-distace mostly on flat courses, not in serious competition but in regular group rides of 50-100 miles, a few semi-competitive centuries and such, plus lots of long solo practice rides. My main event every year is a double century, where the goal next year is to finish in less than 10 hours. I'm also interested in trying even longer races over the following years with my future bike. Therefore, some degree of comfort is a major concern, but while both carbon and titanium are most likely better than aluminium in this respect, is either one actually any better than the other?

Then there's the question of my size. I'm 6'4" and weigh about 200lbs (without much excess fat). Would that pose a risk with the Supersix carbon frame and its standard Fucrum Racing 1 wheels and therefore make a case for the titanium frame and its better customization options?

Any suggestions?

Frigo's Luggage

I am a Cannondale man. However, I think the Litespeed may be the better choice given your size and intended use of the thing. In my mid, it is primarily a question of geometry. Litespeed's geometry may be better suited for double centuries, etc.

FinnishRoadie

Thanks for the response!

I'm also a Cannondale man and I'd love to stay that way, but now my feelings are mixed. I've been happy with Cannondale before and I love the sleek design of the new Supersix. Plus the team edition comes with the SRM system without much extra cost in comparison to a similarly equipped Liteweight.

However, the Supersix is a thoroughbred racing machine, while my usage is more varied. I don't know if that's a problem in terms of comfort, for instance. In addition, I may need a broader range of gears at the low end for ultradistance, and possibly also a wider handlebar and sturdier wheels. I guess these might have to be replaced afterwards, probably at extra cost. With these concerns in mind, I've been also keeping my mind open for alternatives.

I've heard some ultradistance riders praise titanium frames, and they're also known for their capacity to carry a lot of weight, which is why the Liteweight might solve two of my major concerns. Furthermore, a lot of their dealers have a custom-build program which would enable me to select parts that accommodate my size and weight better.

I have to admit I never gave much thought to geometries. What is the main difference between the Supersix and the Archon?

FinnishRoadie

Oops, I obviously meant Litespeed above, not Liteweight.

eugkimj

If you're looking for Cannondale, you may be better served by the Systemsix. My LBS owner feels that the Supersix is better for someone less than 180 lbs. With the aluminum rear, the Systemsix may be a great alternative. May be hard to find a Record-equipped one now, unless you build off a frame set. Too bad, because the LBS was selling Systemsix Team Replicas (Record) for $3200 (msrp $6000).