Is this the lightest disc brake road bike in the world?
A custom built road bike, built around a Cannondale SuperSix Evo HiMod frame is laying claim to be the lightest road bike in the world equipped with hydraulic disc brakes
Reported to weight just 5.7kg the bike was built in a joint collaboration between Cannondale and the EC1 Collective. The project was started by Mike Gluckman, the founder of the EC1 Collective, who approached Cannondale because of its reputation for producing very light frames. Gluckman chose a SuperSix Evo HiMod as the foundation of the project.
The complete build weighs 5.7kg. Impressive for a bike with discs
Paint adds significant weight to a frame. To combat this, the first step was to have the frame stripped of its paint and then resprayed with minimal graphics. A process which according the Gluckman, "saved 145g believe it or not!"
The custom paint job by Fat Creations saved considerable weight
Gluckman explained, "we then added back around 60g in paint and lacquer. All paint work done by Fat Creations."
In order to save further weight, component choice has been very carefully considered. Cannondale's proprietary 'Spiderings' are very light, but to save weight further, a single 44t chainring has been employed in a one by setup.
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In place of the standard shifters, the lightweight build features cyclocross style top tube shifters orientated in a novel position on the hoods. To change gear, SRAM Blip buttons have been ingeniously placed under the bar tape.
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German component specialists Tune have provided several components, including the saddle
Perhaps not the most comfortable perch, the Tune Komm-Vor Plus Saddle is reported to weigh just 79g. Other ridiculously light finishing kit includes Schmolke SL bars and a Tune stem.
Schmolke SL Bars
The custom build features lots of nice details, such as the custom made EC1 Collective boltless top cap, by Kapz Guru.
The record for the lightest disc brake equipped road bike is currently held by the Focus Izalco Max Disc and stands at 5.5kg. Gluckman described how "the goal to build the worlds lightest road disc bike was not necessarily our target although we realised the potential to reach beyond the magic 5.5kg set by the Focus Izalco Disc. In the end we opted for deeper section rims because they looked more radical and began to let go of the record attempt."
That said, it could easily be done. At 1,400g we know we could shave off a decent chunk from the wheels. These are clinchers too so a pair of tubs will save a further 100g or so, especially over the heavier tyres we eventually went with. "
The Tune Hubs and Saddle match the frame colour
A list of components are as follows:
Frame: New SuperSix EVO Disc, BallisTec Hi-MOD Carbon, Di2 Compatible, SPEED SAVE, PressFit BB30a
Fork: New SuperSix EVO Disc, SPEED SAVE, BallisTec Hi-MOD full Carbon, 1-1/8" to 1-1/4" steerer, integrated crown race, 100x12mm thru-axle
Headset: SuperSix EVO, 1-1/4" lower bearing, 25mm carbon top cap
Bars: Schmolke Roadbar Oversize Evo TLO
Stem: Tune Geiles Teil 4.0 OVERSIZE 17°, 110mm, black
Oliver Bridgewood - no, Doctor Oliver Bridgewood - is a PhD Chemist who discovered a love of cycling. He enjoys racing time trials, hill climbs, road races and criteriums. During his time at Cycling Weekly, he worked predominantly within the tech team, also utilising his science background to produce insightful fitness articles, before moving to an entirely video-focused role heading up the Cycling Weekly YouTube channel, where his feature-length documentary 'Project 49' was his crowning glory.
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