Name: Cannondale CAAD Optimo
Brand: Cannondale
Availability: InStock
Rating: 79 (26 reviews)

79/100

BikeRide Score

Users (23 ratings)

Experts (3 reviews)

Where to buy

$969.83 Sun & Ski See it $1,099.90 eBay See it $1,299.99 Mike's Bikes See it

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Facts

Gender

Men, Women

Type

Road, Beginners, Non-Electric

Release Year

2022

Brand

Cannondale

Wheel Size

700c

Number of Gears

22 (2x11), 20 (2x10), 18 (2x9), 14 (2x7)

Gearing Type

External Derailleur

Weight

19.97, 23.8 lb

Suspension

Micro

Brake Type

Rim: Caliper

Frame Material

Aluminum

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Cannondale CAAD Optimo. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

12 reasons to buy

Experts and owners agree Cannondale CAAD Optimo offers good value.

The CAAD Optimo series includes four builds, each with different gearing.

Testers say the alloy frame with SAVE micro-suspension and carbon fork dampen vibrations well, resulting in a “smooth,” “comfortable” ride.

Experts praise the handling as "stable" and "predictable."

Owners laud the bike's comfortable geometry, with an “ideal riding position.”

The rim brakes (Promax, Tektro) demonstrate ample stopping power in testing.

According to testers, the Optimo 1’s Shimano 105 gearing is great for steep climbs and fast descents.

The Vittoria Zaffiro and Zaffiro Pro tires perform well in tests, rolling fast, gripping well in corners, and demonstrating “decent durability.”

Owners appreciate the "appealing" colorways used across the four builds.

The bike has mounts for a rear pannier rack.

At around 20lb, the Optimo 1 is lighter than other road bikes in its price range.

All CAAD Optimo frames have a lifetime warranty.

4 reasons not to buy

A tester of the CAAD Optimo 4 complains the 2x8-speed gearing feels limiting on climbs.

Experts say fenders won’t fit with the 25mm stock tires and their vendor couldn’t find any fenders that fit.

According to one tester, the fork lacks clearance for 28mm tires.

The height range is limited, starting at 5’5”.

Bottom line

The Cannondale CAAD Optimo is a “race-worthy” entry-level aluminum road bike available in four builds. Experts praise the “fairly” low weight, speed, comfort, and stable handling, comparable to more expensive road bikes. However, the rim brakes, limited tire clearance, and narrow gearing of the Optimo 4 build may deter some buyers. Overall, the CAAD Optimo is deemed good value for beginner road cyclists.