The Cannondale CAAD Optimo 1

Lifestyle

Jul 29

Written By Damian Nicholas

Featuring Cannondale’s C2 aluminum alloy, dropped seatstays and Shimano 105 R7000 11-speed shifters.

Lifestyle | Cannondale

Words by Damian Nicholas

CANNONDALE

The Optimo series by Cannondale consists of four entry-level road bikes that share the same frame and fork. Among them, the Optimo 4 is the most affordable, while the Optimo 1, which we have tested, offers the highest build specification.

These bikes feature the CAAD (Cannondale Advanced Aluminium Design), known for its real performance and durability, as seen in the CAAD 13 and its predecessors. The Optimo 1 is a testament to the lasting quality of rim brake road bikes, earning it the title of the 2023 Budget Road Bike of the Year. Constructed with Cannondale’s C2 aluminum alloy using SmartForm hydroforming, the Optimo’s frame boasts specific, butted tube profiles joined with double-pass welds for added strength.

Notable design elements include dropped seatstays to induce flex in the upper seat tube and seatpost, and horizontally flattened ‘SAVE’ chainstays intended to reduce vibrations. The carbon fiber fork with a tapered steerer enhances performance, and the inclusion of mounts for mudguards and a rear pannier rack adds practicality.

With a design influenced by the CAAD 13, the Optimo is tailored for sharp handling and road-focused performance. The 56cm example tested offers a long and low position, thanks to a 562mm top tube and 165mm head tube. The head angle of 72.6 degrees and seat angle of 73.3 degrees contribute to sharp steering and an optimal rider position over the bottom bracket. Additionally, the compact 415mm chainstays contribute to a 1,006mm wheelbase for balanced handling. Equipped with Shimano 105 R7000 11-speed shifters, derailleurs, and a 10-30 tooth cassette, the Optimo 1 delivers a high-level build. The FSA Gossamer 50/34-tooth compact crankset, Tektro dual-pivot brake calipers, and a KMC chain complete the groupset component list.

The bike features an FSA Mega Exo threaded bottom bracket, Cannondale's alloy finishing kit and saddle, as well as Formula hubs with RS 2.0 rims laced together with 24 spokes up-front and 28 at the rear. The 700 x 25c Vittoria Zaffiro Pro Slick tyres complete the setup. This 56cm bike weighs 9.06kg and boasts rim brakes, which are becoming less common in today's road bike market. Despite this, the Optimo 1 proved to be a reliable daily rider.

Although I typically ride road bikes with disc brakes, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the rim brakes performed. The dual-pivot Tektro calipers, while not as sharp as Shimano’s 105 units, provided ample stopping power, albeit requiring a bit more lever pressure. In terms of comfort and fit, the 56cm frame size suited my 5ft 10in (178cm) frame perfectly. The shorter-than-usual 100mm stem and the design of the bike resulted in a more relaxed riding position for my arms and neck.

The Optimo 1's lively feel and relatively light weight made it easy to pick up the pace whether seated or standing, and it performed admirably on various terrains. Its 50/34 compact crankset and 11-30 cassette offered suitable gear ratios for both climbs and descents.While the Optimo 1 may not match the CAAD 13 in all aspects, its performance on the road and responsiveness make it a very capable road bike.

When riding under high power loads, the wheels on the Optimo 1 may experience some deflection, causing brief rubbing on the rear brake, though not to a serious extent. The Vittoria’s Zaffiro Pro Slick tires are a reliable choice, offering a strong grip in both wet and dry conditions with a well-rounded profile that provides decent durability and acceptable speed for entry-level road bike tires.

The Cannondale CAAD Optimo 1 is priced at $1,625 USD and is available for purchase at the brands webstore, check the CAAD Optimo 1 in detail in the gallery above and follow the brands social media below.

cannondale.com