The Cannondale SuperSix EVO and the Factor OSTRO VAM are both high-end race bikes designed to do everything: climb, sprint and hold speed on the flat. They come at that goal from slightly different directions. Cannondale's fifth-generation SuperSix EVO is a lightweight race bike that Cannondale says now has "the drag of a dedicated aero bike without the weight penalty". Factor's OSTRO VAM is an aero race bike designed to climb well too.

This comparison uses only the two brands' own websites and documents, checked in October 2026. It is a specification comparison, not a ride test. Neither brand publishes a head-to-head aero or stiffness test against the other, so we don't invent one.

The short answer

• Choose the SuperSix EVO if you want the lighter frame (755 g for the top LAB71 frame, size 56), the widest choice of builds and prices, a BSA threaded bottom bracket and UDH compatibility.
• Choose the OSTRO VAM if you want Factor's aero-first design, size-specific fork rake for consistent steering, a T47 threaded bottom bracket and integrated aero cages.
• Both are electronic-only and use integrated cockpits, both clear 32 mm tyres, and both are raced in the WorldTour.

What each brand changed

Cannondale SuperSix EVO Gen 5. Cannondale says Gen 4 proved a lightweight race bike could match aero specialists, and that Gen 5 goes further by reducing drag across the yaw spectrum. It also refined the geometry for racers: compared with Gen 4, stack is 10 mm lower in every size, and the old size 51 has been replaced by new 50 and 52 sizes for smaller steps. Cannondale uses size-specific carbon layups and geometry. It says its CarbonGrip Aero cages and Gripper Aero bottles make the bike faster, and it uses titanium seatpost hardware to save weight.

Factor OSTRO VAM. The current generation launched at the 2024 Tour Down Under; for 2026 Factor added two colours rather than a new frame. Factor says it is 250 g lighter and 7 W quicker than the previous OSTRO with Black Inc 48|58 wheels (no test speed given). It has a 15 mm-wide aero seatpost, a Di2 battery inside the seat tube, a pusher-type rear seat clamp and location-specific aero bottle cages. Factor developed the front end using what it calls a Rapid Iterative Design process.

Note that each brand's aero claim compares the new bike with its own predecessor. They are not comparable with each other.

Weight

On frame weight, Cannondale publishes more detail and lower numbers. Its three carbon grades, all painted size 56:

• LAB71 (Series 0 carbon): 755 g frame, 378 g fork
• Hi-MOD: 789 g frame, 399 g fork
• Carbon: 910 g frame, 430 g fork

Factor lists the OSTRO VAM frame at 900 g without stating a size, and doesn't publish a fork weight. Factor describes complete OSTRO VAMs as "sub-7 kg", while Cannondale doesn't publish complete-bike weights on the pages we checked.

The fair conclusion: the SuperSix EVO's LAB71 and Hi-MOD frames are lighter than the OSTRO VAM frame by the brands' own figures. The standard-carbon SuperSix frame (910 g) is similar to the OSTRO VAM. In complete-bike terms, wheels, cockpit and groupset choices will matter as much as the frame.

Aerodynamics and integration

Neither brand publishes a figure that lets you compare these two frames directly in the wind tunnel.

• Cannondale says Gen 5 reduces drag across the yaw spectrum compared with Gen 4, and claims the SuperSix EVO leaves "many pure aero bikes behind" while weighing up to a kilo less. The aero cages and bottles are part of that system.
• Factor says the OSTRO VAM is 7 W quicker than its predecessor. Its own lighter climbing bike, the O2 VAM, is 5 W behind the OSTRO VAM at 0–5° yaw, by Factor's figures. The OSTRO VAM also has integrated aero cages and a slim seatpost.

Both bikes use integrated one-piece cockpits: Cannondale's SystemBar Road (or SystemBar Road SL on some builds) and Factor's Black Inc AB02 Integrated Aero Barstem (or AB03 with extensions).

Geometry and fit

Factor publishes full geometry for the OSTRO VAM. In size 56 it has 565 mm stack, 392 mm reach, a 73.3° head angle, 405 mm chainstays, a 987 mm wheelbase and 58.6 mm of trail. Factor varies fork rake from 57 mm on the smallest frame to 43 mm on the largest to keep trail at about 58 mm in every size, which aims for consistent steering across the range.

Cannondale's product pages load geometry dynamically, and we couldn't confirm a full table from an official source when we checked, so we haven't included one. What Cannondale does state:

• stack is 10 mm lower than Gen 4 in every size;
• sizes run 44, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 61;
• fork offset is 55 mm on sizes 44–54 and 45 mm on 56–61;
• carbon layup and geometry are size-specific.

Check Cannondale's geometry chart with a dealer before comparing stack and reach with the Factor.

Tyres, standards and ownership

Tyre clearance is effectively a tie: Cannondale quotes a measured maximum of 32 mm with at least 4 mm of clearance on each side, and Factor quotes 32 mm measured. The LAB71 build ships with 29 mm Vittoria Corsa PRO TLR tyres; Factor's Black Inc wheels are optimised for 28 mm.

Bottom brackets are both threaded, which is good news for long-term maintenance. Cannondale uses BSA 68 mm. Factor uses a CeramicSpeed T47A with aluminium cups.

Derailleur hanger. Cannondale lists UDH compatibility on the SuperSix EVO frame. Factor doesn't state a hanger standard on the OSTRO VAM pages.

Steerer and headset. Cannondale uses its "Delta" steerer (1-1/8" to 1-1/4") for internal routing. Factor lists 1-1/8" and 1-3/8" headset bearings.

Groupsets. Both brands specify electronic drivetrains on these frames.

Builds and prices (US)

Cannondale offers far more price points. Gen 5 SuperSix EVO builds listed as new on cannondale.com in October 2026:

Factor's OSTRO VAM options: Premium Package frameset $5,999; with Black Inc 48|58 wheels $8,899; Ultegra Di2 $10,399; SRAM Force AXS with power meter $10,699; Dura-Ace Di2 $12,299; SRAM Red AXS with power meter $12,599. Every Factor configuration includes the integrated barstem, seatpost and CeramicSpeed BB.

At the top end the two are close in price. Below about $8,900, only Cannondale offers a complete bike on this comparison's platforms.

Which should you buy?

Pick the Cannondale SuperSix EVO if you:

• want the lightest frame option of the two (LAB71 755 g, Hi-MOD 789 g);
• need a lower price point, such as the $4,999 105 Di2 or $5,499 Rival AXS builds;
• like a BSA threaded BB and UDH for long-term drivetrain flexibility;
• want closer size steps in the small sizes (44, 48, 50, 52).

Pick the Factor OSTRO VAM if you:

• prefer an aero-first race bike from a boutique brand;
• value consistent steering across sizes from size-specific fork rake;
• want a frameset package that includes the integrated barstem, seatpost and CeramicSpeed BB;
• like the slim seatpost and internal Di2 battery details.

Whichever you choose, both cockpits are integrated, so get a professional fit and choose the bar width and stem length before ordering.

Buying checklist

1. Set your budget first. Cannondale covers $4,999–$13,499; Factor complete bikes start at $10,399.
2. Compare stack and reach in your size, using Factor's published table and Cannondale's chart from a dealer.
3. Confirm cockpit size (bar width and stem length) on either brand's integrated bar.
4. Check the power meter. It is included on the LAB71, SuperSix EVO 1 and Factor's SRAM builds.
5. Plan tyres up to 32 mm and confirm your wheels' measured width.

Frequently asked questions

Which is lighter, the SuperSix EVO or the OSTRO VAM?

By the brands' own figures, the SuperSix EVO LAB71 frame (755 g, size 56) and Hi-MOD frame (789 g) are lighter than the OSTRO VAM frame (900 g). The standard SuperSix Carbon frame is 910 g.

Which is more aerodynamic?

Neither brand publishes a direct comparison. Cannondale says Gen 5 cuts drag across the yaw spectrum versus Gen 4; Factor says the OSTRO VAM is 7 W quicker than its predecessor. Those claims can't be compared with each other.

What tyres fit?

Both have 32 mm measured clearance; Cannondale adds at least 4 mm of space on each side.

Which has the better bottom bracket?

Both are threaded: BSA 68 mm on the Cannondale and T47A on the Factor. Threaded bottom brackets are generally easier to service than press-fit designs.

How much do they cost?

In the US, Gen 5 SuperSix EVO complete bikes run from $4,999 to $13,499. The OSTRO VAM runs from $8,899 (frameset package with wheels) to $12,599, with a $5,999 frameset package.

Which teams race these bikes?

EF Education-EasyPost and EF Education-Oatly race the SuperSix EVO. Factor says Human Powered Health (Women's WorldTour), Modern Adventure Pro Cycling and Factor Racing race the OSTRO VAM in 2026.

Can I use a mechanical groupset?

Both brands specify electronic drivetrains on these frames, so plan on Shimano Di2 or SRAM AXS.

Final verdict

These are two excellent race platforms with more in common than different: 32 mm tyre clearance, threaded bottom brackets, integrated cockpits and WorldTour use. The SuperSix EVO wins on published frame weight, price range and size steps. The OSTRO VAM appeals with its aero-first design, size-tuned steering and inclusive frameset package. Choose on budget, fit and which details you value, and confirm the geometry with a dealer before buying.

Official sources

• Cannondale SuperSix EVO range, SuperSix EVO LAB71, Hi-MOD frameset and SuperSix EVO 5
• Factor OSTRO VAM and Celebrating the OSTRO VAM

Equipment mentioned in this guide

• BSA threaded bottom bracket for SRAM DUB
• CeramicSpeed T47 bottom bracket
• Vittoria Corsa PRO TLR 700x29 tyre

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