CAAD, Optimo?
04-07-11 | 06:30 PM
#2
Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From: Seattle
Bikes: 2009 BH Connect; 2007 Felt F1X; 2004 Cannondale R800
Optimo is a 6000-series aluminum tubing made by Alcoa and used for Cannondale's CAAD (Cannondale Advanced Aluminum Design) frames around this time, starting with the CAAD7. CAAD is the Cannondale frame design.
My 2004 Cannondale R800 is an Optimo aluminum CAAD7 frame.
My 2004 Cannondale R800 is an Optimo aluminum CAAD7 frame.
07-15-25 | 05:03 PM
#3
Newbie
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
From: East Bay, CA
Bikes: 80' Trek 760; 81' Gios Torino; 95' Moteni Merckx Corsa; 2005 Bianchi Liquigas FG; 80 Colnago Super; 92' Breezer Lightning; 16' Ritchey Logic; 81 Lemond Zurich; 15' Ridley Fenix; others.
I bought a R800 Optimo super cheap
Granted even though cheap, I did a lot of work on this bike. Including new Kysrium wheels, Michelin tires, bar/stem, cables and such, but kept the Ultegra triple drivetrain.
I've owned many many bikes, steel, carbon, aluminum and titanium. Wholly crap, I put this frame up with some of the best I've ridden ( as an all-around). Granted, in my 60's I don't ride hard anymore, this frame rides smooth, light with great handling.
If you can get one with some upgrades and don't mind not having bragging rights, I highly recommend finding one to add to your collection. I may try to find a CAAD 10 in the future.
I've owned many many bikes, steel, carbon, aluminum and titanium. Wholly crap, I put this frame up with some of the best I've ridden ( as an all-around). Granted, in my 60's I don't ride hard anymore, this frame rides smooth, light with great handling.
If you can get one with some upgrades and don't mind not having bragging rights, I highly recommend finding one to add to your collection. I may try to find a CAAD 10 in the future.
Last edited by JP888; 07-15-25 at 05:07 PM.
07-16-25 | 12:04 AM
#4
Steel is real
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,409
Likes: 2,530
From: Not far from Paris
Bikes: 93GiantTourer,92MeridaAlbon,96Scapin,98KonaKilaueua,93Peugeot Prestige,05CasatiClipper,98Jamis Dragon,95Tange Prestige(to be built),98VettaTeam,95Coppi,93Grandis,Daccordi x3(in build),98Piton(in build),99Trek SLR2300
The CAAD Optimo was Cannondale's peak alumnium frame manufacturing and handmade in the USA. It is much nicer finished than the CAAD10 and CAAD12 and of much nicer quality than the aluminium Cannondale frames of today made in Taiwan.
Last edited by georges1; 07-19-25 at 04:42 AM.
07-18-25 | 05:12 AM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 9,158
Likes: 1,743
From: Lebanon (Liberty Hill), CT
Bikes: Canyon Aeroad, CAAD 12, MASI Gran Criterium S, Colnago World Cup CX, Guru steel & Guru Photon
I saw a youtube video about some custom builder who was getting accolades for his AL bikes. When the interviewer compared his bike to a CAAD 12 he said it was an honor to be compared to the CAAD 12. I own a CAAD 12 and IMO it is a tremendous bang for the buck bike. I just love the thing.
07-19-25 | 02:47 AM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 3,750
Likes: 1,433
From: UK
07-19-25 | 04:42 AM
#7
Steel is real
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,409
Likes: 2,530
From: Not far from Paris
Bikes: 93GiantTourer,92MeridaAlbon,96Scapin,98KonaKilaueua,93Peugeot Prestige,05CasatiClipper,98Jamis Dragon,95Tange Prestige(to be built),98VettaTeam,95Coppi,93Grandis,Daccordi x3(in build),98Piton(in build),99Trek SLR2300
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