2013 Cannondale Slice RS (Black Edition)

Never one to follow the herd nor take an existing point of view and put their own spin on it, Cannondale do their own thing. This has been and remains the driving force behind innovation in bike design not only within the company but in the industry as a whole. Cannondale are pioneers.

It is unsurprising then, that the Slice RS is so radically different yet so obviously sensible in its approach to cheating the wind.

The fundamental principle underlying the design of the Slice RS is 'Narrow is Aero' and everything on the bike has been designed with a view to minimizing the frontal area presented to airflow. The steererless fork, Windshadow brakes and the amazingly thin seatpost go a long way to removing themselves from the aero equation in terms of drag.

Test results have shown that the Slice RS can shave 20 seconds off a 40Km bike over the competition.

With narrowness in mind Cannondale have been inventive and employed some clever features to reduce drag. Firstly they have used an external steerer design (similar to that used by Giant on the Trinity SL and the Bayonet on the Felt DA range) in order for them to be able to use the smallest headset bearing possible. This design (called Naero-Tec) dramatically reduces the width of the frontal area but is still remarkably stiff which yields the unmatched handling characteristics that the original Slice is so famous for. In order to maximise on the reduction of frontal drag Cannondale have, like many before them, mounted the powerful mini-v brakes in the Windshadow of the fork steerer. Cables are routed through the stem and into the down tube using an innovative cable stop and guide system; not only is this extremely aero but it also reduces cable housing interference on steering giving more fluid steering feel.

Moving toward the more unconventional looking rear of the bike we find Cannondale's Naero-Tec Seatpost, this is the narrowest UCI legal seatpost in existence and it's tiny frontal area reduces drag and prevents disturbed air from the rider's legs from interfering with the aerodynamic performance of the frame. It's odd looking position and angle are explained by the use of an extremely relaxed seat tube angle which is designed to cover as much of the rear wheel as possible. Cannondale have done this in order to better direct airflow smoothly over the wheel. The resulting 'WindTunnel Channel' behind the seat tube reduces the pressure-drag caused by turbulent air 'packing up' behind the rotating wheel and the frame. All these features make for a supremely fast machine.

Having read the preceding paragraphs and with the knowledge that the Slice RS has class leading lateral stiffness thanks to a combination of carbon lay up and the use of their BB30 bottom bracket;  you may be beginning to wonder how anything so clearly designed to be fast can possibly be comfortable? Well, Cannondale have long recognized that comfort is a key factor in keeping you focused, fresh and performing at your best. To this end they have used their AERO SAVE anti-vibration system. The specific Carbon lay-up combined with the shape of the Naero Plane chainstays (we would love to have been in that marketing meeting!) offer vertical compliance to reduce fatigue and also to enhance control by helping the rear wheel track better. Sound good? What sounds better is a TT / Triathlon bike that has the same comfort as a road bike: The Slice RS boasts the same vertical compliance as their SuperSix EVO Grand Tour frame. Suddenly long distances tucked in the aero position sound a little more tolerable!

One of the overriding factors we have found in Cannondale's popularity, both in the TT / Triathlon and the road bike market alike, is their incredible fit. It is certainly the case with the original Slice. This is partly down to clever thinking during design (and decades of experience) but also as a result of Cannondale's want to accomodate all types of rider from all levels of the sport. The Slice RS personifies the thinking with the introduction of C-Fit, a modular fitting system that allows huge scope with front-end position changes. Thanks to a clever stem design and the inclusion of numerous spacers it is possible to personalise the front end for a perfect fit. The integrated 31.8mm stem is reach-adjustable from 80 to 120mm in 10mm increments while the extension height is adjustable by 70mm in 5mm increments. In addition, the armrests themselves can be altered by 25mm.

All in all then the Slice RS is a breath of fresh air. Building on the ethos of the original Slice in terms of lightweight, comfort and speed; the Slice RS offers a new design approach rather than a re-hash with clever thinking that does not lose sight of nor adversely affect the rider. Incredible levels of stiffness and aerodynamics make this UCI legal rocket a supreme point-to-point weapon yet one that keeps the rider fresh and comfortable and ready for the run.

The new Slice RS platform is available in two builds. This Black Edition is the ultimate in build and stealthy look. A simple matt paint finish reduces excess weight and exudes class. ZIPP 808 Firecrest Tubs take care of the wind-cheating aerodynamics in terms of rolling stock while a combination of Cannondale's Hollowgram SISL2 crank with Aero Spider and Vision's super aero rings, married to a BB30 Ceramic bottom bracket take care of the power transfer. Transmission is tackled by SRAM Red components including Double Tap shifters.

This is a serious anti-wind weapon and is built for Triathletes and Time-Trial specialists looking for the greatest aerodynamic advantage and the best possible time.

It is available in 3 sizes: 52cm, 54cm and 56cm