Cannondale CAAD8 Optimo 1

Price Paid:  $1400.00 at Chainwheel (LBS)

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Any group ride of 50 or more

Bike Setup:
2007 CAAD8 Optimo 1, stock Shimano WH-550 wheels, crank - upgraded from stock triple 105 to FSA SLK carbon compact crank, Look Keo pedals, upgraded to 7800 series Dura-Ace from 105 group, changed out saddle for a specialized. Next upgrade will be lighter more aero wheelset but the 550's are bombproof and adequate though heavy at 1854gms.

Summary:
My first Road bike in a long time. Looked at Carbon frames but didn't have the money at the time. Tested this vs. a Synapse...could feel the flex in the frame of the Synapse when standing on the pedal and climbing, but not in the CAAD8. The Synapse was a smoother ride but felt mushy compared to the CAAD8. Like others have said it climbs really well and descends great too (I've been up to 46mph downhill with no concerns). Bike corners well too. I feel safe and fast. I can keep up with or beat most of the guys on high-end carbon frames. One other guy I met who has a CAAD8 said "the CAAD8 is all the frame you'll ever need but not all the frame you'll ever want". The CAAD8 may not be the coolest ride but its just as fast. Same geometry as the SuperSix and only about 3/4 of lb. heavier...or so I've been told.

Strengths:
responsive, durable, stable, just as fast as carbon, climbs well, stiff BB.

Weaknesses:
a little harsher ride than some Carbon frames, stock shimano 550 wheelset is a realatively heavy semi-aero set which is great for training and reliable but something you may want to upgrade eventually.

Similar Products Used:
Old Schwinn LeTour...years ago...no comparison

Price Paid:  $1350.00 at Shop

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Road Rides/Trail Rides

Bike Setup:
Alluminum Frame,Full Ultegra,Mavic Wheels,B17 Saddle

Summary:
Sweet Bike,Full Ultegra Comp.Cannondale Are the Alluminum Frame Masters.Dont be fooled by the Higher Priced Carbon Bikes that claim a better ride.Thanks Cannondale!

Strengths:
Price,Power Transfer,Alluminum Frame,Every comp.on this Bike Is Ultegra right down to the chain links.

Weaknesses:
Havent Found One yet.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 1200

Price Paid:  $650.00 at ebay

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Anything outside the 5 boroughs

Bike Setup:
Cannondale CAAD8 full ultegra, easton circuit wheels, fizik saddle, fire headset

Summary:
Frame is rock solid, i haven't been the most caring owner and she puts up with everything I can handle. Bike was originally wearing some crap Shimano wheels which I swapped out for Easton Circuits, recently added an ultegra crank. This frame is an unbelievable value, acceleration and handling is incredible from the moment you step on, this thing really flies with the right rider. I'm 180lbs, fork is slice aero carbon which helps dampen the ride slightly but it's still pretty jaring, I'm used to it now but something to consider. I am thinking of a proper tri bike at some point for racing but this is the girl for me right now, at my weight and on the mean NYC streets there's no way I could train on a more delicate bike.

Strengths:
Great value, incredibly lightweight, ultra stiff, seems indestructible

Weaknesses:
Not carbon (is that a weakness?)

Price Paid:  $600.00 at ebay

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Sunny and Hot

Bike Setup:
All Ultegra 10 sp. Mavic SL's, IRD flat carbon bars, Ritchey seatpost, Fizik saddle, Keo sprints.

Summary:
I own several road bikes and have raced in the past and have been a rider for years. I bought this Caad8 on ebay to be used as a trainer in the winter so as to protect my better bikes. The frame looks new and it came equipped with 9 sp 105 components and Ultegra derailer. I decided to to go 10 speed and went all Ultegra - just a trainer. I put my favorite type saddle the Fizik Aliante seat on it and decided it was ready to go. Oh yes, it came with some Shimano wheels so I threw a set of Cane Creeks on. I took it out as the weather improved just to see how it would fare as a Winter bike. This bike is stiff and fast to an amazing degree and corners in a super positive manner. I now have carbon flat bars and Ksyrium SLs on it. My wife commented that it looks like it means business without being flashy. It deserves even better upgrades. Now I am worried that when I bring out my Bianchi 928 with all it's high dollar components, I will be wanting to go back and get out the Cannondale. Bottom line is the Caad 8 is truly an awesome ride.

Strengths:
Fast, stiff BB, corners like a dream. Looks like a no frills weapon. The SL's bladed spokes match the frame.

Weaknesses:
None yet.

Similar Products Used:
This is my first Aluminum frame.

Price Paid:  $0.00 at LBS

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
The Driveway

Bike Setup:
CAAD 8 (58), Slice Full Carbon Fork, Full SRAM Force, Cheap wheels, Specialized S-Works Carbon bars and post, Specialized adj stem, Look pedals, Conti GP 4000 tires.

Summary:
Bought this frame to use as my crit/RR bike. It is light (for AL), stiff, and responsive. And for the price of the frame you can't go wrong. I'm a little bigger/heavier than your avg racer so I'm still a little sketchy on going full carbon. I've actually had to adjust my sprinting style because I was bringing both the front and rear wheels off the ground during sprints. It's that stiff!

Strengths:
+$ Value
+weight
+stiffness

Weaknesses:
-geometry is a little awkward (and fits one size smaller than you are used to)
-headset is a PITA

Similar Products Used:
Giant OCR, Specialized Allez, Specialized Transition