The Cannondale CAAD10 Track 1 is one of a few different models in the CAAD series, which comprises the CAAD10 Force, CAAD10 105, and the CAAD10 Ultegra. The differences involve the availability and the CAAD designation (Cannondale Advanced Aluminum Design). For our review today, we'll be using the mid-range model: CAAD10 Track 1.
We'll compare this bike with others in the Cannondale bike line, as well as comparable models from other brands to give you a comprehensive overview of rides at this price point.
What is the Cannondale CAAD10 Designed to Do?
The purpose of the Cannondale bike is to serve as a traditional road bike that combines elements of an endurance ride with those of a touring model to strike a balance between comfort and performance. You'll see details of both in each of the bikes we've considered.
Who is the Cannondale CAAD10 Good For?
The Cannondale CAAD10 Track 1 is a ride for the serious biker, primarily due to its high price. However, the frameset and geometry deliver what they promise. The ideal buyer will appreciate the differences that this model brings to the table to make it a good value for the money.
- Groupset
The Cannondale CAAD has a CAAD10 Track, SmartFormed 6069 Alloy frame, and a CAAD10 Track Carbon w/Alloy DropOut fork.
Aluminum gives the bicycle strength and puts it into a more affordable range. A carbon bike brings raw power to the table with a ride that will provide the necessary handlebar stiffness for excellent power transfer that an aluminum bike alone would not do. While it’s made from the same material as the GMC Denali’s aluminum frame, the CAAD10 series brings its construction to an entire series of bikes.
The CAAD10 uses a SRAM Omnium, 48T single crankset and a SRAM PC-1, 1/8" cassette.
The groupset is both the lightest and the strongest alloy as a high-performance external bearing track crank. Its stiffness delivers a smooth, confident ride for the serious cyclist with less chain slippage and slap.
Pros
Cons
Expert Quotes
"I fell in love with the Track. It's just you and your bike. There's [sic] no gears. There's [sic] no brakes. It's just speed." - Track Racer Sullivan Van Way
"This is a bonafide race-ready track bike." - Zach Gallardo
How Does Cannondale CAAD10 Compare to Other Bikes from Cannondale?
Comparison using each bike's geometry is often difficult with Cannondale because of the inconsistency in available measurements. We'll focus on the ones with data for all of the 54 cm-sized models and explain how each one affects performance and the rider experience. We'll compare the CAAD10 to Cannondale's Apex 1 SE, CAAD12 Ultegra, Synapse Carbon Disc 105, Supersix Evo Ultegra, and Slate Force 1 models.
Wheelbase
The Cannondale CAAD10 Track 1 comes in at 992mm for its wheelbase length, which puts it in line with what we'd expect in a road bike which is understandable since Cannondale markets it as a race bike. The shorter number gives it a lively ride, putting it on a par with the CAAD12 Ultegra and Supersix EVO Ultegra. It is a fast bike versus the more relaxed feel of the Apex 1 SE.
Stack Height
The stack height of the Apex 1 SE makes for a more aerodynamic and comfortable ride because you'll be more bent over on the bike's frameset. The CAAD10 Track 1, however, comes in at the other end of the spectrum at 534mm. That will make for a more upright profile for enjoyable cycling.
Reach Length
The same distinctions apply to the reach length and other key differences. For example, the Apex 1 SE focuses on stability and comfort with better slow-speed handling and a more upright position. On the other hand, the CAAD10 Track 1 takes the opposite approach, with the longest reach at 408mm for better speed and aerodynamics.
Price
Cannondale takes its line of road bikes seriously with an excellent selection of components, going from the aluminum frame of the CAAD10 Track 1 to the carbon bike models from the Synapse Carbon Disc 105 and Supersix EVO Ultegra.
Component Differences
One of the more obvious components shifts comes with the groupset, which goes from the SRAM crank of the CAAD10 Track 1 to the Cannondale Si with FSA rings of the Synapse Carbon Disc to the performance grade, SRAM Force 1, of the Slate Force 1. Both the Synapse and the Slate Force 1 have hydraulic disc brake pads. The Apex 1 SE stands out as having the cheaper but weightier mechanical disc brake pads.
How Does the Cannondale CAAD10 Compare to Similar Bikes on the Market?
Cannondale has a solid reputation in the industry, reflected in its portfolio of award-winning designs. Its many innovations, including the SmartFormed Alloy aluminum construction of the CAAD10, balance strength with a lighter weight for better performance. It generally performs well against other types of bikes on the market.
Let's see how it stacks up with comparable rides. Here, we'll compare the CAAD10 to the Giant Defy Advanced 1, Diamondback Century 2, Trek Émonda ALR 6, BMC Roadmachine 03, and the Specialized Roubaix Sport.
Stack/Reach
The CAAD10 Track 1 stands out from the bunch, with the highest reach at 408mm with a clear emphasis on aerodynamics in this category. But it also has the shortest stack at 534mm for greater maneuverability. The CAAD10 differs in its approach to optimize both measures, whereas the other models seek that happy medium between them.
Trail
Both the Trek Émonda ALR 6 at 56mm and CAAD10 Track 1 at 57mm have less trail to provide faster steering. The BMC Roadmachine 03 and presumably the Diamondback Century 2 are on the touring end of the scale to provide more stability at higher speeds. As the name implies, one of the Roadmachine 03's goals is being a balance bike for all-day rides.
Bottom Bracket Drop
Unfortunately, this measurement is not available for the CAAD10 Track 1. We assume it falls in line with the comparable brands because of its focus on stability with other measurements. The lower figures translate into a higher clearance which is more common with touring models. At 76mm, the Specialized Roubaix Sport runs the risk of heel strikes, especially during sharp cornering.
Wheelbase
All of our picks have a wheelbase that is typical for a road bike designed for sportier cycling. The same applies to the CAAD10 Track 1 at 992mm. The exception is the Roadmachine 03, which approaches that of a cyclocross bike meant for touring, which comes at the cost of speed.
Component Differences
The Roubaix Sport differs from our other choices, including the CAAD10, because it has a carbon frame which gives it an edge in strength and power transfer. The bikes all have double cranksets (except the CAAD10, which has just one). The Century 2 and the Roubaix Sport both use sub-compact models, with the others opting for compact ones.
The differences are that the single set-up reduces the bike's overall weight while giving you better clearance and cleaning things up on the handlebar. You'll also get a wicked set of calves, especially if you take to the hills. There's also the peace of mind of less maintenance and risk of things breaking down, always an advantage on the road.