The Analysis: Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics do matter, and the Slice's aerodynamic values are class-leading according to third-party tests.
As you know, some companies in the industry claim that aerodynamics can shave seconds from race times. That's great for wind tunnel testing. But to focus solely on aerodynamics doesn't tell the whole story; in real-world riding, the bike and components cause about 30% of the drag, while the larger frontal area of the rider causes more than 65%.
Other 'real world' factors to be considered include friction, inertia, rolling mass, kinematic frame response, wind speed, rider weight, rider position, rider power output, gravity, and many more.
On level courses, minimizing aerodynamic drag is important at speeds above 15mph. But for triathletes riding up inclines, overcoming the force of gravity outweighs aerodynamic gains. This is why lowering the total bike mass is also vitally important. Tour magazine editors agree.
The Analysis: Weight
Lower bike weights = faster race times! The Slice was the lightest in Tour's tests by a significant margin.
It was no contest: Cannondale Slice was found to be the lightest of the group, beating the Kuota by 15 grams and the Scott Plasma by nearly 100.
This is no minor point of differentiation since every gram that can be stripped from frame weight has the potential to shave significant times during Ironman-distance races.
All variables being equal -- and assuming that a rider is capable of constant power output -- our formula for shaving every last gram is based upon the following calculation:
What about comfort?
Comfort is critical to triathletes. The Slice's Aero Vibration Damping allows them to stay lower for longer periods, and keeps their bodies fresher for the run.
The TOUR-method for performing frame comfort and compliance testing uses a defined force applied to the frame with the fork mounted; deflection is measured where normally the rider's sit bones would be. The test is dynamic and therefore non-destructive.
Although Tour magazine did not test specifically for comfort during this round of testing, Cannondale has performed in-house testing similar to Zedler's methods to gage the kinematic response of the Slice's SAVE features.
The results were stunning and perhaps best qualified by the sentiments of our world class athletes, including two-time Ironman World Champion, Chrissie Wellington following long-term ride testing on the Slice:
"I feel super relaxed and powerful down in the time trial position, and have even gone a little lower than I was before. The [Slice] is incredibly smooth, very responsive and takes the strain for me - eliminating any vibrations and leaving my legs stronger and fresher for the run."
Technology at its best: The features and benefits of the Cannondale Slice.
Frame
- High modulus unidirectional full carbon fiber frame.
- Optimum performance with comfort.
Head Tube
- Monocoque construction and size-specific.
- Getting the rider into a lower, narrower, frontal position is key to reducing drag.
Horizontal Spear Top Tube
- Bladder molded with internal cable routing. Carbon overwrapped and bonded to head tube.
- Narrow cross section is light and allows proper knee position to get rider in aero position.
Speed Shadow Seat Tube
- One-piece bladder-molded construction. Co-cured to bottom bracket/chain stay assembly.
- No brake bridge to create drag over rear of the frame and rear wheel.
Down Tube/Fork
- Bladder-molded down tube. Carbon overwrapped and bonded to head tube.
- Extremely narrow 30mm width and optimized 79mm height (UCI legal limit is 80mm) with internal shifter cable routing.
- Designed as a system with fork to improve aerodynamics.
BB/Chain Stays
- Oversized one-piece bottom bracket and chain stay, co-cured to down and seat tube. Eliminates overlap joints and reduces weight.
Seat/Chain Stays
- Slice Aero Vibration Elimination Technology - S.A.V.E - built into the chain/seat stay system to eliminate vibration from road shock that occurs when using deep section wheels.
- Razor thin aero profile seat stays reduce aerodynamic drag and offer compliancy without a sacrifice in efficiency.
Multi-Position Seat Post
- 78 degree (tri specific) or 73 degree (UCI legal)
5 Frame Sizes
WEAPON OF CHOICE.
Seven multisport frames (in alphabetical order) were selected for testing:
