Cannondale CAAD14, Return of the King of Aluminum

The king has returned to reclaim the throne. Cannondale‘s new CAAD14 is more than just a refresh. It’s a frame that gets back to its roots with all of the features of a modern race machine. This isn’t an alloy SuperSix, this is THE CAAD14.

Cannondale has been at it for over 40 years, making aluminum frames that pushed the boundaries of what the alloy can do. Cannondale Advanced Aluminum Design, or CAAD, has grown to a cult following over the decade, with many fans riding original vintage models or building restomod bikes (follow @caadastrophe for inspiration). Later generations of CAAD road models continue to be workhorse crit bikes, known for snappy acceleration and quick handling. I’ve personally had two, a CAAD5 and a stealthy CAAD10 Black Inc.

More recently, though, the CAAD13 had become more influenced by the SuperSix. While it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, there is only so much you can do with aluminum compared to carbon. Compromises had to be made as you can’t always create the same shapes, and well, the CAAD had lost its way a bit.

It’s been six years since the CAAD13, and the next generation CAAD14 takes the bike back to being its own unique design. Cannondale brought back certain design cues that blend classic design with modern features. The overall goal was to get back to the racing heritage the bike has been known for.

Starting with the back half of the bike, Cannondale brought the seat stays to a more traditional junction with the seat and top tube. Beyond looks, it adds to the stiffness of the rear of the bike. Paired with a horizontal top tube, it does mean that you’ll have less seat post sticking out, but the 27.2mm SAVE carbon seat post and clearance for 32mm tires (4mm clearance on either side) help to bring some comfort back to the ride. Along with moving to a RDH rear derailleur hanger, Cannondale added some extra detail with shielded drop outs, which gives it a little extra class normally found on high end steel and titanium frames.

One other big update comes from the bottom bracket. While Cannondale was one of the original brands pushing press fit bottom brackets, the CAAD14 moves back to a BSA bottom bracket standard, helping to eliminate some of the creak that has always plagued pressfit.

Moving to the front end, the CAAD14 goes full internal routing, which is basically a requirement these days. They use a Delta steerer fork to help route the hoses through, similar to bikes like the SuperX and SuperSix. A Momo Design integrated cockpit comes over from the SuperSix on the highest models, with two-piece options for lower tiers that sees the cables routed through the bars and then through a compartment under the stem before heading into the spacers and frame. All of this adds a clean, modern look.

For the geometry, it is mainly some tweaks on the front triangle, and a bigger change on the backend, with a 7mm shorter rear chainstays. To keep the race focus, Cannondale increased the reach by 3mm and dropped the stack height by about 5mm. They also spec a seat post with 11mm set back, allowing riders to choose a more forward position over more traditional set back posts. The handlebars are also a bit more narrow across all sizes, ranging 38 to 40mm depending on the size. They also made an interesting choice to spec 165, 170, and 172.5 crank arms, depending on the size. All of these are on trend for many of the upgrades riders are making these days.

Interestingly, the new CAAD14 is a little heavier than the outgoing model. The redesign does add a little more metal to the bike (and paint for the painted versions). The cost of getting a racier bike than the pervious generation is about 228g for painted versions(1410g for a 56cm), or 98g for the unpainted (1280g).

One change that not everyone will be happy with is there are no longer mounts for fenders. CAAD’s have always been great year round workhorse bikes, especially now with clearance for wider tires. Cannondale has gone all in when it comes to the CAAD14, SuperX, and SuperSix as race machines, so extras like fender mounts are gone. Besides, Topeak makes great fenders for bikes without mounts.

Some might ask if aluminum is relevant when it comes to anything other than budget frames. The answer is a resounding yes. Yeah, carbon is light, strong, and it can be molded into all kinds of shapes, but an aluminum frame has a certain ride that makes them great bikes, especially for crits. Stiff, explosive when you put the power down, and quick handling are what the CAAD14 is all about. One thing they didn’t forget about is the smooth ride that CAAD’s have been known for. Aluminum can be harsh, but Cannondale blends large diameter, thin walled tubes, sculpting and shaping them, to match stiffness with comfort for a bike you can ride all day long. It’s proof that you don’t have to drop insane money for a high end race machine.

The top of the line model is the CAAD14 1. It comes with an unpainted aluminum frame, showing off the aluminum. The build matches the workhorse nature of the frame, with SRAM Force XPLR AXS 1×13 speed with a Force power meter crank. Reserve 57/64 carbon wheels with DT Swiss 370 hubs and Vittoria Corsa PRO TLR in 700x29c are the rolling stock with a SystemBar R-One, SAVE carbon seat post and Prologo Dimension STN NDR saddle round out the build.

The CAAD14 2 comes with a painted frame, SRAM Rival AXs 2×12 drivetrain, DT Swiss wheels, Vision Trimax Aero bars, Cannondale Conceal stem and SAVE Carbon post, and a Prologo Nago RS STN saddle.

The CAAD14 3 brings back a classic CAAD color, BBQ, or matte black with black logos. To balance thing out, there is also a white Chalk version as well. This build uses Shimano 105 7100 mechanical with hydraulic brakes.

For those that want to build their version of the perfect CAAD14, you can also buy framesets in Rally Red or Black with silver logos. Both come with a SAVE carbon seat post and fork.

Sizes run 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, and 61.

Pricing starts at $1,799 for the framesets, and runs from $2,499 for the 3, $3,999 for the 2, and $7,499 for the top of the line 1.

The new CAAD14 is available now from your favorite Cannondale dealer.

With the CAAD14, Cannondale gets back to its roots with an unapologetic race machine. With a lower price point than carbon, and plenty of performance on tap, the CAAD14 hits an important price range that makes it accessible for those getting into cycling, while still offering great value with a Shimano 105 build. The bike is easily upgradable, or you can hit the higher spec bikes for those looking for more.

The King of Aluminum is back.

www.cannondale.com