Just a few years ago, an aluminium frame from Cannondale was considered the ultimate in frame construction. The Americans now offer a basic model with a "CAAD 9" frame for 1,400 euros. Perhaps one of the last "Handmade in USA" models, and almost a bargain for fans of the brand. After all, the tubular composite is still a really good frame. The Americans have mastered the cleanly plastered weld seams, thanks to the BB30 bottom bracket the frame is up to date, only the high fork weight spoils the picture a little. Nothing can be said against the "105" groupset from Shimano and the visually appealing FSA "BB30" crankset. The simple wheels are still acceptable, but the cheap and heavy Schwalbe "Lugano" clincher tyres are no longer up to date, even in this price range.
Purchase/info: Cannondale, phone 0041/61/4879380, www.cannondale.com
Weight frame/fork/headset bearing*: 1,355/620/67 g
Frame sizes**: 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 63 cm
Seat/steering angle: 73.5°/73°
Seat/top/head tube: 580/560/154 mm
Wheelbase/ caster: 990/55 mm
Stack/reach***: 589/390 mm
EQUIPMENT
Fork: Cannondale
Steering bearing: Cane Creek, 1-1/8 inch
Brakes/gears: Shimano 105
Bottom bracket: FSA Gossamer BB30 (50/34 t.)
Wheels/tyres: Shimano WHRS 10/Schwalbe Lugano (clincher tyres)
Handlebar/stem: C'dale
Saddle/post: Fizik Pavé CX/C'dale (27.2 mm)
*weighted weights; **manufacturer's specification; test frame size greased; ***stack/reach: projected vertical or horizontal dimension from centre of bottom bracket to top edge of headset cap
