Bicycles

Focus on: Cannondale CAAD 8

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Parent Category: Bicycles

Category: Cannondale

Published on Monday, 10 May 2010 08:22

Written by Luca Salvatelli

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Cannondale CAAD 8 is the new entry level Cannondale, a bike with a very competitive price that has the ambition to become the 1st Cannondale of the new cyclists. The frame is no longer made in America, unlike the more expensive and slightly CAAD 9, but remains in aluminum, albeit with revised geometry compared with the CAAD 9. The head tube is relatively long, to improve ride comfort as well as the rear has been designed with the intent to have a high capacity to absorb shocks and vibrations that come from the street. The down tube and horizontal dimensions are similar to the CAAD 9, as well as the vertical pipe, is not used the BB30 bottom bracket, but a classic. The fork is a Cannondale Ultra Carbon with stems straight. The bike is also available in three versions, all assembled Shimano: Sora triple, triple and 105 Tiagra Compact. In this latest version, the most expensive, the group Shimano 105 is used for commands, front and rear derailleur, the sprocket. The crank, however, is FSA Gossamer MegaExo, 34/50, while the chain is a KMC, the brakes are Tektro 580. The wheels are reliable, although a little heavy, Shimano WH-R 500, with tires Schwalbe Durano. The pedals are not provided, a lack, especially on a bike that aspires to be the first of the new bike rider. The seatpost is aluminum and always Cannondale Cannondale is the saddle again Cannondale attack and bends. Six sizes available and only the colour you see in the picture for the 105 version, the version Tiagra colored white/magnesium/green, while Sora is the version proposed in the red. Prices are of Euro 1099 for the 105 version, 899 Euro for the Tiagra and 749 Euro for the version of Sora. The bike has a geometry that favours a slightly elevated position in the saddle and more comfortable and the weight content not promises at all, but in line with competitors and with the technical equipment as standard. Pity that it lacks pedals and bottle cage. The prices are fair, other companies may bring a bike assembled at the same price better (maybe with pedals, water bottle, bottle cage number and Shimano group adopted in its entirety), but can not boast a lifetime warranty of the frame and good price from the market use of Cannondale bikes. In conclusion, a decent bike, which was proposed at a fair price, for who is close to the bike and all the fans who want a new bike, reliable, good quality, but without paying too much exaggerated. The comfort and good driving position which takes in the saddle makes it suitable also for cycling in the medium range.