Cannondale CAAD Optimo Review
Discipline:
Road Race bikeWeight:
9.6 kg / 21.3 lbs *The CAAD Optimo is built around a solid frameset with dialled aggressive race geometry
Updated: 17th Sept 2019
Overview
The Cannondale CAAD Optimo reviewed here takes many benefits seen on the higher tier CAAD 13 and carries them into this entry-level race bike. Cannondale has a long history of crafting high-quality aluminium race bikes. The Optimo offers a budget-friendly route into this world of race bikes. The geometry is similar to the CAAD 13 giving a fast and aggressive riding position.
Straight from the box, the Optimo is race-ready. Light, fast and responsive, the bike is stiff under power but forgiving over bumps. Cannondale has taken their years of experience building race bikes to now offer this wallet-friendly package.
* CAAD Optimo Sora - Size 58 tested, no pedals.
The Optimo is made using Cannondale's SmartForm C2 Aluminium construction. This manufacturing technique creates a lighter frame than traditional methods, it transfers a good feeling to the rider, stiff and responsive with the dependable feel of a metal frame to transfer power and steering input to the road. The geometry is very similar to the CAAD12 and SuperSix EVO. The CAAD Optimo has an aggressive ride position with race geometry to deliver a fast and aerodynamic rider position. Amazingly, Cannondale has managed to include a full carbon fibre fork on the Optimo, not something seen very often on an entry-level race bike.
Cannondale engineer some give into particular areas, known as Save Flex zones, they are in the rear triangle and fork to aid compliance that tames the road vibrations and increase comfort and control. This frame is perfect for an entry-level race bike, or winter training bike.
It offers a smoother ride than the high-end and high-octane aluminium bikes, and it’s lighter than most other road bikes in its price range
bicycling.com
|
Size |
48 |
51 |
54 |
56 |
58 |
60 |
63 |
|
Seat Tube Length (cm) |
48.7 |
53 |
55.9 |
57.6 |
59.4 |
61.5 |
63.5 |
|
Top Tube Horizontal (cm) |
51 |
52.8 |
54.7 |
56.1 |
57.5 |
59.1 |
60.7 |
|
Head Tube Angle |
71.5° |
72.3° |
72.9° |
73.1° |
73.2° |
73.3° |
73.4° |
|
Seat Tube Angle |
74.7° |
74.3° |
73.8° |
73.5° |
73.2° |
72.9° |
72.6° |
|
Standover (cm) |
74.2 |
76 |
78.7 |
80.2 |
82.2 |
84.1 |
86.2 |
|
Head Tube Length (cm) |
10.7 |
12 |
13.9 |
15.5 |
17.5 |
19.5 |
21.9 |
|
Wheelbase (cm) |
96.3 |
97 |
98 |
98.9 |
100 |
101.3 |
102.7 |
|
Front Centre (cm) |
56.9 |
57.6 |
58.6 |
59.5 |
60.5 |
61.6 |
62.8 |
|
Chainstay Length (cm) |
40.5 |
40.5 |
40.5 |
40.5 |
40.5 |
40.7 |
40.9 |
|
Bottom Bracket Drop (cm) |
7.4 |
7.4 |
7.2 |
7.2 |
6.9 |
6.9 |
6.9 |
|
Bottom Bracket Height (cm) |
26.8 |
26.8 |
27.1 |
27.1 |
27.3 |
27.3 |
27.3 |
|
Fork Rake (cm) |
4.5 |
4.5 |
4.5 |
4.5 |
4.5 |
4.5 |
4.5 |
|
Trail (cm) |
6.7 |
6.2 |
5.8 |
5.7 |
5.6 |
5.6 |
5.5 |
|
Stack (cm) |
51.8 |
53.3 |
55.1 |
56.6 |
58.3 |
60.3 |
62.6 |
|
Reach (cm) |
36.9 |
37.8 |
38.7 |
39.3 |
39.9 |
40.5 |
41.1 |
Starting with Claris and Sora, which you’ll find on entry level road bikes. Tiagra is the next step up, followed by Shimano 105
cyclingweekly.com
Cannondale keeps things easy to those interested in the range of 4 models available. They are named simply based on what Shimano groupset they are using. The base model 2x8 Claris set up through 2x9 Sora, 2x10 Tiagra and 2x11 105 set up.
As you increase model tier and price, the groupsets become more efficient, lighter and more capable. With the increase in the number of gears, the perfect pedalling cadence can be found as there is a smaller gap between each step. All options are rock solid and more than qualify for your next event or challenge.
The wheelset is made of Cannondale’s own-brand rims paired to fast-rolling and reliable formula hubs. Rim brakes only with the CAAD Optimo, keeping to its race bike roots. While the wheelset is not the most exciting part, they corner well, are stiff under power and roll fast.
All bikes come with the Vittoria Zaffiro 25c tyres. While not thoroughbred race tyres, they are no slouches, rolling fast with predicable grip in corners. The compound has proven to last for many miles of training with a better puncture resistance than some lighter tyres.
The Zaffiro tyre from Vittoria exceptionally durable and a tough casing means that we’ve enjoyed many a puncture free long ride aboard these
cyclingweekly.com
The CAAD Optimo is built around a solid frameset with dialled aggressive race geometry. This makes it the perfect entry-level race bike for those starting out who need a solid chassis and components they can rely on. This also makes it a perfect bike to upgrade over time with its solid base.
Riders who are looking for a second bike to complement their high-end race bike will look to the Optimo as a perfect winter training bike with its mudguard mounts and rapid characteristics.
