Originally Posted by
topflightpro
Yeah, I'd stick with the Six-13 too, if I were you.
If I remember correctly, to make the Six 13, and System-6, Cannondale built a Caad, then cut it up and inserted carbon tubes. From 2004-2007, the Six-13 was Caad-8, then 2008 on was Caad-9, I think.
I also was told they discontinued those models not because they weren't awesome, but because it was too expensive to build an aluminum frame then cut it up and add carbon. Sticking with one material was cheaper/easier.
Actually, I believe the '08 is more closely related to the SystemSix (seems the same from the seat tube rearward, see my comments above).
I also suspect cost was part of the reason. Consider the '08 design (along with the higher priced dual material System Six), both are gone (with the Six13 being removed after a single model year). I'm willing to bet after the Dorel purchase, higher cost frames were scrapped. Why make a dual material, labor intensive frame in the US, when you can probably get full-carbon from an Asian factory for less. We all know the stiffness, and benefits, but Dorel probably looked at costs and wanted a cheaper full carbon frame instead (Cannondale Six) to woo the average buyer off the street who just wanted Carbon. My guess is that the decision may have had far more to do with costs/marketing rather than engineering and performance.
Having said that, I love my Six13
