Cannondale CAAD12 Review
- Advanced alloy frame
- Disc and rim brake versions
- Road race geometry
- Only one women’s specific bike
- Limited sizes on some models
- limited colourways
Discipline:
Road raceUsage:
Racing and trainingWeight:
Coming SoonCannondale's CAAD12 keeps it reputation as one of the fastest aluminium race bikes out there
Updated: 17th December 2018
Overview
The CAAD12 we review here is the most advanced aluminium bike that Cannondale have ever made. The CAAD12 is available in both rim and disc brake options and is a true rival to the best carbon framed bikes out there. A true road race bike, the Cannondale CAAD12 features long and low geometry inspired by the Super Six EVO.
With a frame weight under 1,100 grams, for both disc and rim brake versions, the CAAD12 offers incredible performance for the money. With its race geometry and disc brake options the CAAD12 is ideal for winter training, as well as racing and rapid weekend cycling.
The Cannondale CAAD12 is incredibly light weight for an aluminium framed bike. Both the rim and the disc brake versions of the CAAD12 feature a lightweight aluminium alloy frame with a carbon fork. CAAD stands for Cannondale Advanced Aluminium Design and this bike represents the very best that Cannondale offer in this material. The CAAD12 features SAVE compliance technology in the fork and rear stays for a smoother ride over rough road surfaces.
Cannondale design each tube shape from the ground up using Cannondale’s unique Tube Flow Modelling System. This means that each tube is as rigid or as compliant as the designers want it to be, resulting in a refined ride that is both stiff and smooth rolling. Double pass smooth welds mean that the frame is lightweight and strong as well as offering a sleek look.
Quite simply an exceptional road bike, regardless of frame material or price tag Bike Radar
The new CAAD12 is a finely-honed bike with a level of comfort and refinement that makes you wonder why you would buy anything else
Bike Radar
There are seven unisex bikes and one women’s specific bike in the CAAD12 range. The models are named after their groupset and the range starts with Tiagra 2x10 speed then moves up to 2x11 speed with 105, Ultegra and Dura Ace models. The CAAD12 Dura-Ace is only available with disc brakes, while the Ultegra and 105 equipped bikes are available with either disc or rim brakes. The CAAD12 105 Women’s and the CAAD12 Tiagra are rim brake specific.
Each CAAD12 comes with Cannondale’s own Si crankset. Cannondale have been making cranks almost as long as they have been making frames and their cranksets have some of the lowest stiffness to weight ratios. Combined with Cannondale’s SpideRing modular chainring system, this gives you a super lightweight and stiff chainset for fast, efficient road riding. The narrow 25.4mm seatpost combined with the slim seatstays offer rear compliance for an incredibly smooth ride over less than perfect road surfaces.
The CAAD12 Tiagra and 105 Disc all roll on Cannondale’s own wheels that feature sealed hub bearings and wide rims for the 25c tyres. The CAAD12 105, 105 women’s and both CAAD12 Ultegra models roll on the excellent Mavic Aksium or Aksium Disc wheels. These are wheels that will give you years of reliable rolling performance and are ideal for all-weather cycling.
At the top of the range, the Cannondale CAAD12 Dura-Ace features Cannondale’s high-performance HollowGram Si wheels. With 35mm deep section carbon rims, the lightweight HollowGram Si wheels bring the alloy CAAD12 frame to life with rapid accelerations and a responsive ride. Each bike is equipped with a 25c tyre but there is enough room in the frame for 28c tyres.
What really shines through with the CAAD12 is the geometry and ride appeal with fantastic handling at all times and especially on smooth, fast downhills Cyclist
With a weight that rivals most carbon bikes, but with the added durability of an alloy frame, the Cannondale CAAD12 will stand up to the thrills and spills of road racing and will make an ideal privateer race bike. The equipment levels are much higher than on a carbon framed bike, so the CAAD12 will give you more performance for your money.
The CAAD12 Disc bikes, with their consistent all-weather braking power and durable wheels, are ideal for winter cycling and will make great training bikes as well as a perfect steed for weekend cycling and sportives.
