Cannondale CAADX Review
Discipline:
Cyclocross/All-roadWeight:
Coming SoonThis entry level CX bike from Cannondale makes a great gravel and commuter bike with mounts for racks and mudguards
Updated: 13th November 2019
Overview
The Cannondale CAADX is an aluminium cyclocross bike, built to be a fantastic racer, with honed geometry, made to give you the competitive edge. It’s not only made for racing, however. For commuting purposes, it could be the ultimate bike. The versatile handling and robust parts make the CAADX ideal for taking on rough city streets as well as backcountry adventures. We review the CAADX model range, showing the highlights.
With the ability to take up to a 37c tyre, a full complement of mudguard and rack mounts and a comfortable riding position, the CAADX is a bike that can take on many roles. As a winter bike, there’s little else you could wish for, especially when the weather turns. With reasonable price points and fantastic value for money, the Cannondale CAADX range makes for an attractive do-it-all dropbar bike.
The Cannondale CAADX gets Cannondale’s proprietary aluminium technology. CAAD stands for Cannondale Advanced Aluminium Design, and packs in high-end production techniques into its construction. Double pass welding allows for a stronger and smoother join between tubes. It also gives Cannondale the opportunity to manipulate the shapes of the tubes to suit the handling characteristics.
The frames come with a lifetime warranty, giving fantastic peace of mind, especially when competing or commuting. All frames get neat internal routing, keeping your cables from getting in the way, as well as two water bottle mounts. Both models in the range feature carbon bladed forks, complete with internal routing, completing the clean look.
The SmartForm C2 alloy frames are lightweight, yet robust, while the carbon bladed forks help to absorb vibrations and give direct handling
|
Frame Size |
46 |
51 |
54 |
56 |
58 |
61 |
|
Seat tube length |
50 |
52.5 |
54 |
56 |
58 |
61 |
|
Top tube horizontal |
50.7 |
52.4 |
53.7 |
55.5 |
56.8 |
58.6 |
|
Head tube angle |
70° |
71° |
71° |
71° |
71° |
71° |
|
Seat tube angle |
74.6° |
74° |
74° |
73.5° |
73.5° |
73° |
|
Standover |
75.1 |
77.3 |
79.1 |
81 |
83.1 |
85.5 |
|
Head tube length |
9.3 |
11 |
13.2 |
15.3 |
17.5 |
19.6 |
|
Wheelbase |
100.2 |
100.5 |
102 |
103.3 |
104.8 |
106.1 |
|
Front centre |
59 |
59.3 |
60.7 |
62.1 |
63.5 |
64.8 |
|
Chainstay length |
42.2 |
42.2 |
42.2 |
42.2 |
42.2 |
42.2 |
|
BB Drop |
7 |
7 |
6.9 |
6.9 |
6.8 |
6.8 |
|
BB Height |
28 |
28 |
28.1 |
28.1 |
28.2 |
28.2 |
|
Fork rake |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
|
Trail |
6.9 |
6.2 |
6.2 |
6.2 |
6.2 |
6.2 |
|
Stack |
51.5 |
53.5 |
55.5 |
57.5 |
59.5 |
61.5 |
|
Reach |
36.5 |
37.1 |
37.8 |
38.5 |
39.2 |
39.8 |
The Shimano 2x drivetrain setups have plenty of low and high gears, giving a wide range to tackle various terrains
The full Cannondale CAADX range gets fantastic Shimano road groupsets, ranging from Tiagra to 105. To make it easy, Cannondale has named their models based on the groupset they get, so the CAADX Tiagra entry-level bike gets a 2x10 speed Tiagra groupset with mechanical disc brakes, they deliver smooth power in all weather and keep maintenance simple with cable actuation.
The CAADX 105 gets a 2x11 speed groupset with much more powerful hydraulic disc brakes, they provide greater modulation, meaning you have more control over your speed, as you’ll better know how much braking force you’re using. The large cassettes and cyclocross 46/36T chainsets give a racing edge, while also allowing an easy and liveable gear range for everyday use.
Cannondale made sure to equip the CAADX range with robust wheels, so that you can go riding off-road without worrying if your wheels are up for it. The road sized 700c wheels are fast rolling, keeping their speed well. Cannondale’s CX 2.0 rims are matched to Formula hubs giving a light weight and strength.
These match fantastically to the Schwalbe CX Comp 35c tyres, with larger knobs, for excellent off-road traction. 35c wide tyres are the traditional legal width for cyclocross racing, though 37c tyres can be fitted while still having the ability to use mudguards.
Cyclocross wheels are both lightweight and robust, giving you speed and the ability to tackle challenging cyclocross courses.
The Cannondale CAADX is an amazingly versatile bike. Its main purpose is to race in the demanding cyclocross discipline, but it is also happy doubling as your everyday workhorse. The lightweight alloy frame gets comfortable geometry, making it great for both racing as well as hitting city streets.
From the entry-level CAADX Tiagra to the range-topping CAADX 105, you get Shimano groupsets that are built to shift smoothly in any condition. Every model gets a parts spec that is capable from the off and comes at a very competitive price point too. If a more premium build is what you’re after, then the carbon-framed Cannondale SuperX is worth a look.
