Aluminium legend reissued: Three models and frameset for the Cannondale CAAD14
Jens Klötzer
· 12.03.2026
Road bikes with high-quality aluminium frames have become a rarity; even in the mid-range, carbon is the dominant frame material. Cannondale is now deliberately setting a counterpoint with the CAAD14. The US brand, which has been part of the Dutch industry giant Pon (including Cervélo, Focus, Santa Cruz) since 2021, is considered a pioneer of aluminium frame construction: its history with the material dates back to 1983. In the 1990s, the brand became famous for producing high-quality aluminium frames, particularly for mountain bikes.
Cannondale was still able to make its mark in road cycling with particularly light and stiff models in the noughties, when the majority of cycling was already using carbon frames. The reputation of the sporty but robust and inexpensive "insider tip" kept the CAAD models a manageable but rarely loyal fan base for a long time.
Back to the roots
However, the CAAD frames - CAAD stands for Cannondale Advanced Aluminium Design - have been quiet in recent years. Last renewed in 2019 CAAD13 took up the silhouette of the SuperSix carbon model on the outside, with flowing tube transitions and low-set seat stays. It was also only available in relatively inexpensive equipment variants, which made the complete bikes comparatively heavy and unattractive. With the relatively heavy and simply manufactured CAAD Optimo, which was the last bike to remain in the programme, the US brand only served the entry-level segment.
The new Caad14 now aims to build on the glory days of the model series. With its classic frame shape and thick tubes, the design shows off the basic material. Neatly ground weld seams emphasise the high manufacturing standards, and the frame is also said to be extremely light: The frame of the top model CAAD14 1 in the RAW paint finish is said to weigh 1280 grams for frame size 56, which puts it within reach of inexpensive carbon frames. The other models with a full paint finish weigh 1410 grams, which is also very light for aluminium. The full carbon fork weighs 397 grams.
Aluminium, sporty and state-of-the-art
The geometry is emphatically sporty: with a stack-to-reach ratio of 1.43, the CAAD14 sits stretched out like a race bike and the handlebars are mounted 15 millimetres lower than on the CAAD13. The bike's handling is also said to be in line with old-school ideals: the handling is described as manoeuvrable and razor-sharp.
A UDH derailleur hanger brings the bike up to the current state of the art and the cockpit cables have been fully integrated. Cannondale uses a triangular steerer tube, which is also used on the carbon flagship SuperSix. A one-piece carbon handlebar unit is even provided for the top-of-the-range CAAD14 1. With a BSA thread for the bottom bracket and a round seat post with a standard diameter of 27.2 mm, the bike is otherwise deliberately designed to be easy to maintain. Tyres up to 32 millimetres wide fit in the frame and fork. Six frame sizes from 48 to 61 centimetres are available.
Cannondale CAAD14: Equipment and prices
The top version CAAD14 1 promises to be the most fun to ride, weighing less than eight kilograms with carbon handlebars, carbon wheels from Reserve and SRAM Force. However, with a 1x13 drivetrain from SRAM, it is quite specially equipped, and with a 50-tooth chainring and 10-46 cassette, you should bring strong calves to the mountains. At just under 7500 euros, it is also not significantly cheaper than comparably equipped bikes with a carbon frame. The cheaper versions are said to weigh around nine kilograms, with the entry-level model with mechanical 105 and aluminium wheels, handlebars and seat post costing 2499 euros. If you're flirting with professional equipment in order to
Cannondale CAAD14 1
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Force AXS (1x13; 50 t., 10-46 t.)
- Brakes: SRAM Force AXS (160/160 mm)
- Impellers: Reserve 57|64 Carbon with DT Swiss 370 hubs
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa PRO TLR (29 mm)
- Seat post: Cannondale SAVE Carbon
- Handlebar/stem: Cannondale SystemBar R-One (integrated)
- Price: 7499 Euro
Cannondale CAAD14 2
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Rival AXS (2x12; 48/35, 10-36 t.)
- Brakes: SRAM Rival AXS (160/160 mm)
- Impellers: DT Swiss E1800 Spline (aluminium)
- Tyres: Vittoria Rubino Pro IV (28 mm)
- Seat post: Cannondale SAVE Carbon
- Handlebars: Vision Trimax Aero (aluminium)
- Stem: Cannondale C1 Conceal (aluminium)
- Price: 3999 Euro
Cannondale CAAD14 3
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano 105 R7100 (2x12; 50/34, 11-34 t.)
- Brakes: Shimano 105 R7170 (160/160 mm)
- Impellers: Cannondale RD 2.0 Disc (aluminium)
- Tyres: Vittoria Zaffiro (28 mm)
- Seat post: Cannondale 3 (aluminium)
- Handlebars: Vision Trimax Compact (aluminium)
- Stem: Cannondale C1 Conceal (aluminium)
- Price: 2499 Euro
Cannondale CAAD14 frameset
Jens Klötzer
Editor
