Cannondale launches Lab71 as crème de la crème of the brand’s bikes | Is this an S-Works rival?

The brand’s S-Works equivalent will shave grams off its high-end frames

By Jack Evans

Published: Wednesday, 15 February 2023 at 12:00 am

Cannondale has unveiled Lab71, a premium sub-brand for its top-of-the-range bikes.

We spotted ‘Lab71’ printed on the seat tube of the yet-to-be-unreleased Cannondale SuperSix Evo in December.

At the time we speculated that it could be a new, top-tier grade of carbon, the equivalent of Specialized’s S-Works label or Cannondale’s version of Trek’s ProjectOne custom paint scheme.

Now Cannondale has revealed more details about Lab71 and, while it’s yet to confirm exactly which bikes will get the Lab71 treatment, expect the new SuperSix to play a key role here.

“Crown jewels of Cannondale’s product line”

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Distinctive Lab71 colour schemes will be available
Cannondale

Cannondale says Lab71 refers to 1971, the year the company was founded.

The brand describes Lab71 as the “best of the best” of its bikes, but has released precious few details at this stage.

The list of UCI-approved bikes for 2023 shows there are three frame tiers for the new SuperSix Evo. We imagine that the highest level – and, in all likelihood, lightest – Cannondale SuperSix 4 Hi-Mod is the Lab71 version.

This is because Cannondale promises Lab71 bikes will be equipped with “cutting-edge materials and processes, combined with stunning finishes and a curated selection of the finest components available”.

In short, Cannondale is claiming the bikes will have better frames and parts, not just flasher paint work. It remains to be seen whether the top-tier Hi-Mod frame will be only available as a Lab71 bike.

How much will Lab71 bikes cost?

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Lab71 frames have been raced at WorldTour level this year.
Cannondale

Cannondale says Lab71 models will be available in its premier line-up of road, gravel, mountain and electric bikes from 1 March.

A SuperSix release is surely imminent then, with the bike already being ridden by Cannondale’s pro teams in the WorldTour season’s early races.

Cannondale has not released prices but we would guess Lab71bikes will cost more than the brand’s current most expensive bikes. Perhaps Cannondale might surprise us, though?

While this news comes against a backdrop of Canyon’s bike price cuts for UK customers and a predicted drop in some bike prices in 2023 due to surplus stock, it’s not uncommon for brands to establish a premium sub-brand for flagship bikes.

As we’ve already covered, this, on paper, represents Cannondale’s attempt to elevate its top-tier bikes in a similar way to those Specialized bikes carrying the S-Works moniker. Equally, Canyon introduced the CFR halo label in 2020.

What else Cannondale has up its sleeve remains to be seen. Watch this space.