A cav. is a lower end model, the one I had was made in Japan with stamped drops, but it was still good for a beater bike. I have three ADs right now. Including an Inter-10, an Olympian, and an Ultima SL. All the bikes I have right now start with a vowel, are 531 throughout (except the Ultima which is reynolds 531 super light). I love this brand, each of these bikes has come my way cheap. Inter-10 for $0.00, the Olympian for $17.99, and the Ultima SL (with a mostly super record group) for $50.00