Cannondale CAAD13 Review

With modern design features inspired by the top of the line carbon race bikes, the CAAD13 offers exceptional performance. Just like the SuperSix EVO, these bikes feature highly truncated airfoil tube shapes. These shapes are the same weight as round tubes, they are just as strong too but offer much better aero performance. The lowered stays further improve the aero credentials of this bike. This frame reduces drag by up to 30% so you can save precious Watts as you chase your next performance goal. The geometry of the CAAD13 is also very similar to the EVO.

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. Together with the lowered seat stays and full BallisTec carbon fork, this makes the CAAD13 much smoother than previous high-end alloy bikes. Double pass smooth welds mean that the frame is lightweight and strong as well as offering a sleek look.

CAAD stands for Cannondale Advanced Aluminium Design while 13 is the atomic number for aluminium. Cannondale is well known for its high-quality aluminium frames and this bike represents the very best that Cannondale has to offer in this material.

There are five unisex bikes and two women’s specific bikes in the CAAD13 range. Cannondale name their models after the groupset and the range starts with Shimano 105 then moves up to Ultegra. All these bikes have an 11-30t 11-speed rear cassette. The Ultegra bikes (and Unisex 105 rim brake model) get slightly bigger gears though with a semi-compact 52/36t semi-compact chainset. The chainsets on these bikes are Cannondale’s own but the rest of the drivetrain and brakes are a part of the named groupset. The CAAD13 105s are fitted with a 50/34t compact chainset for easier pedalling. All these models are available in disc and non-disc brake versions.

At the top of the range, the CAAD 13 Force eTap AXS highlights the latest in wireless electronic drivetrain technology. With a 10-33t rear cassette, this bike gives you more low range climbing gears without losing any of the top-end speed. The AXS model is also fitted with Cannondale's integrated wheel sensor so you can take advantage of all the great features in the Cannondale App.

The CAAD13s roll on either Fulcrum or Cannondale wheels with Vittoria tyres. The Ultegra bikes all get the rim or disc brake versions of the quality Fulcrum Racing 600 wheelset. The 105 rim brake bikes also get Fulcrum Racing wheels, this time the more affordable 900s. The 105 Disc bike has Cannondale’s own RD 2.0 rims laced to reliable formula hubs.

The top-of-the-range Force eTap AXS bike rolls on Cannondale’s HollowGram 45 KNOT carbon wheels. These are true high-performance wheels that slice through the air with the best of them. This bike has slightly wider 28c tyres that work especially well with HollowGram wheels. The other bikes in the range get 25c tyres but there is clearance for up to 30c tyres on the disc models.