CAAD stands for Cannondale Advanced Aluminium Design, and the Connecticut-based firm were pioneers of aluminium frame design, launching their original ST500 in 1983.

Since that first model, Cannondale have made huge advances with their alu frames and all that experience today manifests itself as the CAAD10, a performance alu road bike with a frame that weighs in at just over 1,150g – lighter than a lot of carbon offerings, especially those at a similar price. The CAAD10 is often considered the benchmark for high-end alloy thanks to its low weight, direct handling and responsive ride, and many of the current offerings from rival manufacturers come off the back of its success.

If you pick the right kit, you can build a CAAD10 to, or even under, the 6.8kg UCI weight limit, and it has the same performance-oriented geometry as the flagship SuperSix carbon chassis.

Cannondale offer the CAAD10 in four builds in the UK, from £1,299.99 with Shimano 105 to £1,799.99 for a disc-equipped machine with SRAM Rival, as well as the frameset only for £699.99.

Price: £699.99 (frameset only)
Website: Cannondale
UK distributor: Cycling Sports Group