![]() Naturally at this price point it's not the lightest bike by any means, which we found didn't always make for sprightly performance. Both use's Shimano's impeccable 105 groupset with a Shimano RS510 chainset, with the rim brakes using Tektro calipers and the disc brake option fitted with 105 hydraulic.Īgain befitting both the entry-level and endurance tags, there's bags of low gearing, down to 1:1, to tackle uphills and Shimano 105 gives you quality shifting as always. The Contend SL hasn't been updated for a little while but you can still get both a rim and disc brake option. For an entry level bike we feel it's the right recipe, one that's better suited to a wider range of riders than a more aggressive riding position. Combine this with the sensible geometry (a longer wheelbase for stability and higher stack) and wide tire clearance (room for 34mm) and you get a set-up that sits squarely in the endurance category, ready to eat up the miles in comfort. We were particularly impressed with the bike's ability to eat up the road chatter, which isn't always the case with aluminium frames. ![]() Along with the endurance frame geometry this gives great comfort and handling, letting you ride for longer and inspiring confidence. The D-Fuse seatpost and carbon fork are designed to add compliance at the rear and the front end respectively. Sharing features of Giant’s more expensive bikes, the Contend has a compact alloy frame with a sloping top tube. Read more: Cannondale CAAD13 Disc full review The best entry-level road bike for value It's easy to rectify but means you'll have to have your head tube cut down to avoid an ugly stack of spacers above the stem. The only thing that we found fault with was the rather high front end stack. We see this as another big plus point for the CAAD13, making it available not only to a range of budgets thanks to the build options but also wide range of rider builds. Below this in the pecking order is a Tiagra equipped offering, while rim brake fans will pleased to know that you can get the CAAD13 with calipers!Īs per usual, the size range starts at 44 and goes all the way up to 62, with six sizes inbetween. That said, even if you opt for a 'cheaper' model you can get a Shimano 105 hydraulic groupset with a RS510 crank set, while the wheels match DT Swiss R470 rims with the Formula hubs - all perfectly good kit. ![]() However, at the lower price points the CAAD13 is affordable enough to be a first bike but with a frame that you won't outgrow - and one that we believe warrants any significant upgrades you make, whether it be wheels or groupset. Granted we tested a high-spec model with decent wheels and tires that certainly didn't hinder the experience as some entry level components somehow can. The aero tube profiles are also borrowed from the WorldTour bike and we found that the combination resulted in superb handling as well as a smooth ride - one that we felt closely resembled that of a carbon frameset. It's fairly long and low geometry is based on that of the pro-level carbon SuperSix EVO - in fact it shares the same stack height and reach numbers, with a 54 size equating to a stack height of 55.5cm and a reach of 38.4cm. High front end is a bit out of character with the bike's racy feelĬannondale has long been a master of performance alloy frames and the CAAD13 follows in that vein. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |