Cannondale CAAD10 Ultegra, Racing Edition (2014)

Alloy's not dead it's brilliant!

Pros

- Aluminium frame
- Decent Wheelset
- Racing credentials

Cons

- Some component shortcuts
- Not a fondo bike!

Review

It's not all about having the latest carbon fiber bike, and Cannondale are here to prove it. The Cannondale CAAD 10 Ultegra Racing Edition is one jam-packed aluminium race machine, full of race-spec componentry. Featuring a full aluminium frame and carbon fork (only 1150 grams!), the CAAD 10 comes in slightly lighter than many carbon models on the market - which is contrary to many first impressions. The lively feel of this frameset is thanks mostly to Cannondale's decades of aluminium craftsmanship and technology. The geometry itself is almost identical to the Cannondale SuperSix Evo, one of their flagship models. This lends itself to razor sharp handling without losing out on comfort.

Componentry is the next port of call, with delicious assortment of Shimano Ultegra bits and pieces. A full Ultegra groupset makes a nice change to some of the 'mix 'n match' bikes you see on the market today (for affordability reasons). The groupset is now 11-speed, instead of the previous 10-speed versions of yesteryear. An equally reliable Cannondale Hollowgram crankset shaves even more weight off this race weapon.

The cockpit of this bike is chockers full of Cannondale branded parts, such as Cannondale C2 Classic drop handlebars, a Cannondale C1 stem and lastly a super lightweight alloy Cannondale C1 seatpost. Lastly, Prologo have bestowed a Nago Evo T2 saddle on the CAAD 10 Racing Edition, to keep you charging even after you clock the 60 mile marker.

We do wish the cockpit of this bike was maybe of a higher order. Some carbon bars and stem would have been perfect but not crucial. However, Cannondale have paid great attention to the wheelset, choosing to fit a set of FSA Energy aluminium wheels. These come fitted with Schwalbe Durano S tires, renowned for their affordable performance in all conditions.

There's not much to want on a bike like this, and it makes a fresh change to see such a highly spec'ed aluminium bike in a world drenched in carbon fiber frames, wheels and cockpits. We can only say good things about this machine: Tradition looks like going against the grain, and doing so in excellent form.

Definitely one for the racer at heart. This is a no nonsense platform with performance in mind. Weekend warriors on the go slow look elsewhere!