Continuing the theme of high-end aluminium race bikes that have been launched recently, Cannondale have announced the long-awaited update to the CAAD 10 which is called the CAAD 12.
The headline feature of the CAAD12 is that the complete system weight (frame, fork, headset, seatpost) is 200g lighter than the CAAD10 if you choose the option with the hi-mod fork, while the standard model will still be 116g lighter. Frame weight on its own is 1,098g, which is a 52g saving over the CAAD 10.
Cannondale also claim that the CAAD 12 has a 10 per cent better stiffness-to-weight ratio in the new hourglass headtube shape and 13 per cent in the modified 73mm BB30A bottom bracket than its predecessor. In a ride sense, though, the stat that really catches the eye is the claimed 50 percent increase in vertical compliance, which will bring the CAAD 12 into line with the recently announced update on the SuperSix EVO in the comfort stakes.
This comfort increase is achieved through the use of Speed Save micro suspension in the totally redesigned chainstays, seatstays and seattube. At the front, that technology is incorporated in the one-piece BallisTec fork, which claims six per cent better lateral stiffness and 10 per cent greater compliance. Along with the new SuperSix EVO, the CAAD 12 also uses the 25.4mm seatpost ported over from the Synapse. This thinner post offers more flex, and Cannondale claim it’s 36 per cent more compliant than a comparable 27.2mm post.
In designing the CAAD 12, Cannondale have used what they call Tube Flow Modelling, a process which combines the best of human experience and ingenuity with the analytical power of computing. Basically, the engineer defines to the program the parameters of what a particular tube should be, and the computer creates, simulates and tests hundreds of simulations of that tube to find the best solution.
Another big piece of news is that the CAAD 12 will be available in both rim brake and disc brake versions, and Cannondale have designed a new, patented, braze-on flat disc mount to achieve it. If you’re wondering what the weight penalty in the frame is for disc brakes, you’re in for a surprise as the disc-ready frameset is actually lighter, coming in at a 236g better system weight than the CAAD 10, and 36g lighter than the rim brake ready version.
The CAAD12 will be available in seven versions: the Black Inc, Dura-Ace Disc, Red 22, Ultegra Disc, Ultegra, 105 Disc and, finally, 105. However, the Black Inc and Red 22 models won’t be available in the UK.
To check them out in full, visit the Cannondale website.
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