Cannondale 2013: New entry-level SuperSix and Caad 8 revealed

Good news: Cannondale road bikes just became more affordable. We brought you news of their latest top-end 2013 developments recently, but bikes like the SuperSix Nano won't leave you much change from a small fortune.

2013 marks a pivotal moment for the company that has struggled to compete on value. They've released several new entry-level bikes that are the cheapest they've ever offered.

We're talking about three bikes in particular. First is the SuperSix Tiagra, which costs £1,599.99. That means you can get a frame which only a couple of years ago was the company's flagship offering, but now at a fraction of the cost. Shimano's Tiagra may not be the lightest, but it sure works well with Shimano's trademark shifting.

You also get a carbon fibre frame with a BB30 bottom bracket, tapered head tube and slender carbon fork. It's offering some serious competition to other bikes in this price point - a hotly contested one at that.

Interestingly, the frame looks remarkably similar to the SuperSix Evo with Di2 at £7,000. That means this entry-level bike is a great platform for upgrading: replace parts as they wear out with lighter components and you can slowly upgrade your way to a very light race bike. We can't wait to test one.

If you're after the most affordable Cannondale you can lay your hands on, look no further than the Caad 8. It costs just £599.99. Cannondale have always been renowned for their aluminium frameshey carved their reputation on the fat tubed smoothly welded frames, and the Caad 8 was, until a few years ago, the top-end race offering.

It's finished with a Shimano Sora 8-speed groupset with a 50/34 chainset and 12-25 cassette. Tyres are Schwalbe Lugano, the fork is carbon and the finishing parts all wear the Cannondale logo. As entry-level bikes go, this is a serious contender for any bike of the year award. Available in six sizes.

And finally, if you're seeking a more comfortable ride, then the new Synapse at £599.99 is a remarkably good package. Using a narrower 27.2mm seatpost and their unique SAVE seat stays provides a level of comfort that will be appreciated on the UK's potholed roads.

www.cannondale.com