Cannondale CAAD10 Ultegra

'High performance aluminium is back' say the folks at Canondale and after riding the CAAD10, I'd be inclined to agree. Canondale are experts at the aluminium road bike, producing favourites among those looking for a capable race machine without the price tag of a top-level carbon option. The CAAD 10 is the latest incarnation, available in various finishing kits. We put the Ultegra version through its paces.

The pleasant matt black finish of our test bike could lead you to believe you've accidentally been sent a carbon bike. Black is timeless, avoiding any current colour fashions for a bike which will look good whatever the latest fashion. Smoothed welds add to the illusion and with the carbon FSA SLK cranks, the CAAD 10 is a great looking bike which would embarrass many more pricey carbon offerings.

Frame stiffness is certainly on par with many mid-level carbon bikes. From my first pedal strokes I was taken back by the efficiency of the power transfer. Oversized BB30 bottom brackets have previously been reserved for high performance carbon frames but Canondale have designed one into the CAAD10. By pressing the bearings directly into the frame, larger bearings and crank axles can be used which, along with the reduced leverage, creates an improved transfer of power. BB30 requires a high level of machining but, as the creators of the standard, it is no surprise that Cannondale have integrated it into the CAAD10.

Cannondale's tube design also plays a role in the strong performance of this aluminium frame, their classic large diameter creating much of the strength. The top tube is oval to quash lateral flex (it's slightly hourglass in profile too, helping to prevent any knee banging), providing a sharp and responsive feel.

The top tube leads out to widened seatstays. Apparently taking from the design of Cannondale's Flash hardtail mountain bike - a model that's intended to deliver plenty of comfort - the seatstays are narrow but widely spaced while the chainstays are assymetric with a more bulbous design. This all comes together to allow a little bit of vertical flex when you ride over bumps but minimal side to side movement. In other words, the back end provides the classic 'vertically compliant/laterally stiff' combo that most manufacturers are keen to shout about.

Topping off the frameset is indeed some carbon... and the fork is full carbon all the way from the steerer down to the dropouts. Cannondale have designed the fork to aid shock absorption without increasing the length of the wheelbase, so they've offset the dropout slightly to the rear of the fork leg. As for the handling, it's razor sharp without any noticeable flex when you're riding out of the saddle or carving through fast turns.

What's the ride like overall? As I mentioned, the CAAD10 is very stiff and responsive but doesn't leave you aching as the miles/kilometres tick away. Because of that, it is a perfect option for those who want a bike they can throw around a circuit race and also take on a five-hour ride on the weekend. It's a good climber and descending is a joy. The lively handling means you can change your line quickly while the stiffness of both the frame and the fok means you can fire it through downhill turns with speed and accuracy.

The Ultegra groupet, second in the Shimano hierarchy after Dura-Ace, is similar to the frame in that it provides high performance for a lot less money than top-of-the-line counterparts. Whilst hood shapes are a thing of preference, the Ultegra's offer a large, comfortable base for your hand and the shifting provided by the levers is crisp and smooth. Cannondale's own C3 cockpit parts may not be as flash as branded components but they do the job well enough. They're solid. Taken as a whole with all the other kit, you really can't expect much more at this price.

Mavic Askium wheels round things off. As Mavic's entry-level choice they might not blow you away with their level of performance but they include cartridge bearings and bladed spokes and they're made with Mavic's reliable build quality. These are certainly a very capable set of wheels for the money and, of course, you can always boost performance still further by swapping them out for something lighter at some point in the future. The Mavic Askion tyres proved prefectly competent over the test period too, and they come with good puncture resistance which is a definite bonus. Oh, and Prologo Scratch saddle was a wise selection. At the racier end of the spectrum, the stiff but comfortable construction complements the feel of the bike.

Verdict

Some people might be turned off by the sight of an aluminium frame when searching for a bike these days, especially at the £2,000 price point where carbon is a distinct possibility... but that's because there's a widely held misconception that a carbon bike will always out-rank an aluminium one. The CAAD10 is a 2012 aluminium design that outperforms many of the carbon bikes against which it competes. Shimano Ultergra components and BB30 FSA SLK cranks are perfect choices for someone who wants their bike to do everything from weekend club runs to sportives and a little racing.