RollCNY;

My experience is as a pilot, so all of my knowledge is by association, not by actual practice.

I have been informed that for structural and/or load bearing components like skins, control surface internals, skeleton, etc., that anodizing is not allowed. NTSB database has numerous crash reports where the causal factor was crack propagation in the substrate caused by cracks in the brittle surface layer, leading to control surface breakage/separation.

I have heard, however, about applications like the ones you mention. Not in conjunction with aviation, but referencing similar components in use on ships.

I guess the question is: Is the CAAD10 frame more analogous to a structural/control surface, or to a hydraulic/pneumatic component? Hmmm...

I think structural/control, due to the wide variety of loads and shearing forces on it. But, as a pilot this is the metaphor I can understand the best. You may see differently.

Another issue: some anodizing processes tend to "brown" in the sun. I wonder about the finish on that frame?

Granted, Cervelo anodized their "Soloist" frames for a long time, and I haven't heard of any problems. Perhaps the treatment won't brown, and perhaps a human rider is simply not capable of exerting the kind of force necessary to initiate cracking. Maybe we'll have these questions answered in a number of years from now.

If the answers come back badly, well, Cannondale is good with their warranties. I had to replace a Six13 frame, and they treated me very well.