Cannondale Super Six carbon (2015) versus Merida Scultura 4000 (2016)

[Amber Goldberg]

Hello all, I am looking at investing in a road bike with the idea to use it for the next decade, at least. I am weighing up two options, the Cannondale super six carbon (2015), 10-speed, which has american classic wheels, easton carbon handle bars and comes with a left-crank watt meter... compared to a Merida Scultura 4000 (2016), 11-speed, which has upgrades of campagnolo chorus parts. The Merida is about R3000 cheaper, when comparing both bikes as is. Any advice? I am waiting to hear whether a 52/36 crankset can fit the Merida, otherwise it will come with compact crank. Cannondale has a 52/36 already. Both bikes are second hand 

[JacBrand]

Hi. Welcome to Bikehub

 

My heart will go with the Cannondale (because I am a Cannondale and America Classic fan), but both bikes will serve you equally well.

Yes, you can fit a 52/36 to the Merida, but how easy it will be to get a Campagnolo compatible one I don't know.

[silversonic]

Both are very decent bikes, the Merida however (Campagnolo) will cost a lot more to maintain longterm.

 

Cannondale has a power-meter fitted and comes ready to ride, a 10-speed being perfectly adequate.

[DieselnDust]

Both are very decent bikes, the Merida however (Campagnolo) will cost a lot more to maintain longterm.

 

Cannondale has a power-meter fitted and comes ready to ride, a 10-speed being perfectly adequate.

 

^^ 100%

 

Another factor to consider is that the Cannondale is very tight in the rear chainstays clearance with a Continental 25C tyre. You may be limited for tyre choice to 23C or Some 24C tyres which in South Africa is a strong driving force to obsolescence. 

[Rowl]

You don't mention which 10spd groupset is on the Cannondale, but I would assume it is not Campag.

 

My very humble opinion would be to go with the Cannondale, I am not well versed in Campag speak or maintenance and would stick with Shimano or SRAM for ease of replacement as mentioned.  Power meter is a very nice to have and the Super Six is more pretty than the Merida (my opinion).

 

^^ 100%

 

Another factor to consider is that the Cannondale is very tight in the rear chainstays clearance with a Continental 25C tyre. You may be limited for tyre choice to 23C or Some 24C tyres which in South Africa is a strong driving force to obsolescence. 

But didn't know this, definitely something to take into account.

[lechatnoir]

IIRC, American Classic is no more, so spares etc may be an issue

[DieselnDust]

IIRC, American Classic is no more, so spares etc may be an issue

 

 

not really there/s plenty of spares available even for older wheels. CCS can likely still service the brand for maybe 3 more years depending on parts demand. They recently fixed an old Victory 30 for me

[love2fly]

I've been riding a 2015/2016 Supersix Evo Black for the last 4 years with 25C Gatorskin tyres without the slightest concern about clearance. Go with the 'Dale

 

^^ 100%

 

Another factor to consider is that the Cannondale is very tight in the rear chainstays clearance with a Continental 25C tyre. You may be limited for tyre choice to 23C or Some 24C tyres which in South Africa is a strong driving force to obsolescence.