Cannondale CAAD12 (105) (2018) - Review

The Cannondale CAAD 12 is built on a super light Aluminium frame. CAAD stands for Cannondale Advanced Aluminium Design. In the case of the Cannondale CAAD 12 15 this means: SmartForm, SPEED SAVE, and a Delta seat tube. SmartForm describes the hydroforming process used to shape the 669 aluminium tubes. The SPEED SAVE concept provides the seat, and chainstays of the CAAD 12 with their flat profile which is a design that helps increase strength while keeping the weight in check. The geometry is race specific with a bit of aggressiveness giving optimum performance for the rider. The BallisTec Carbon fork is bladed and decreases the weight even more in the front half of the bicycle.

As in the name of this bicycle the CAAD 12 comes with a full Shimano 15 drivetrain. This means that the front derailleur is a Shimano 15 2-Speed, and the rear derailleur is a Shimano 15 11-Speed. Shimano 15 2x11 paddle shifters control the gear system. This combination of the 15 drivetrain family translates to smooth shifting, and at no point will you be found wanting for an extra gear. You will find that the gear system does all the hard work and gives you the necessary response for quick accelerations and climbs.

Cannondale's design and colour schemes have always been of high standards. This CAAD 12 is no different. The bicycle I test rode came in a full Slate Grey primary with Neon Yellow as the primary colour. The smooth matte finish with neat welds and smoothly embossed graphics makes it a treat to look at. The simplistic design was aesthetic with its paint job quality and colour combination. The internal cable routing not only saves the cables but also makes the bicycle look neat.

The chosen braking set up for the CAAD 12 (15) (2018) is the Shimano 15 road caliper brakes. The full 15-brake setup boasts a high build quality and deep dual pivot system. The dual pivot calipers allowed for consistent lever feel and generated excellent stopping power coupled with the soft compound pads with easy bolt on Allen keypad fixings to forged Aluminium arms. This improved braking quality allows you to progress as a rider with greater confidence on those steep descents and quick turns.The C3 Compact drop handlebar on the CAAD 12 offers a superb strength-to-weight ratio for uncompromised performance and exceptional comfort. This handlebar comes with little drop and reach and it has also got a modern, ergonomic shape for an excellent shoulder position.

The CAAD 12 15 rolls on a pair of Mavic Yksion 7x25C tires. These tires use a single compound, which Mavic describes as 'super sticky' and they did indeed provide good grip during testing. Mavic have given the tire a light tread pattern at the edge, which they claim optimizes the tire's performance in the rain. The Selle Royal Seta S1 Saddle is built with an ergonomic design and ideal for racing with perfect length, width and cushioning.