Cannondale CAAD Optimo (105) (2018) - Review

The Optimo 15 comes with Cannondale's CAAD frame. CAAD standing for Cannondale Advanced Aluminium Design. This Road Bicycle has a strong and a rounded downtube and smoothly welded edges which brings the strength to places where its more needed. The top tube starts out as a big, stiff, almost square tube, but flattens right down on its way to the seat tube for vertical compliance. The stays are similarly elaborate, with cross-sections that vary continuously along their length. Like most Cannondale bicycles, the FSA bottom bracket uses bearings that press directly into the frame. The ride geometry is a bit aggressive and perfect for racing and long distance rides. The carbon fork was bladed and definitely helped shave off weight of the whole bicycle.

The Optimo 15 218 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 2 x 11 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.

The Cannondale CAAD Optimo (15) (2018) which I test rode came in an Ash Grey primary colour with Orange and Black as the secondary colours for graphics, logo and text. The gloss paint job was shining and enhanced the colours immensely. The colours blended well and the graphics were minimal which gave an elegant outlook to the overall design.

Tektro's R741 dual pivot caliper brakes control the stopping power on this Cannondale road bicycle. The brand has taken a step down by going with Tektro rather than a Shimano 15 brake set or a mechanical disc. This has been done to keep the price at check. Nevertheless these brakes did perform well on fast rides on flat tarmacs, proving safe and balanced. The Cannondale C3 butted drop handlebar was ideal in width, giving the rider a comfortable riding posture at the top bar, hoods and drops.

The Optimo 15 comes with RS 2. Alloy wheels mounted with fast rolling 7x25C Schwalbe Lugano tires. The 25mm tire width is a bit wider than the commonly used 23mm tires on most road bicycles at this price. This extra width helped during fast turns and the occasional rough patches on tarmacs. The Cannondale Stage Ergo Saddle was ergonomically designed with the perfect width and length to give the rider comfort during fast and long rides.