2013 Cannondale Slice RS (Ultegra)

The Cannondale CAADX is in many ways a derivation of the popular Cannondale CX9, a ‘cross version of the CAAD9. The CX9 was an out and out ‘cross racer. Used by Jeremy Powers amongst others on the professional circuit, the geometry was very similar to that of the carbon Cannondale SuperX, the ride was firm and direct and the handling precise if not a little twitchy.

Equally it is in many ways unique due to the alterations in geometry and ride feel. The newly designed CAAD X is a supremely versatile bike with racing heritage and CAAD *0 and Super X inspired tube profiles and SAVE stays but with a slightly more upright position and built-in functionality in the form of rack and mudguard mounts.

Cyclocross has seen something of a resurgence over the past couple of years. Roadies and mountain bikers alike seem to have realised that ‘cross bikes not only open the door to a great deal of fast-paced enjoyment off road but are also the ideal commuter or winter trainer. The Cannondale CAADX is a direct response to this vein of thinking; the frame is drilled for a rack and the geometry is completely different to the previous iteration in order to cater for the rider who doesn’t necessarily want to ride exclusively off road. This means that the head tube is longer and the angle upon it slacker than the racier SuperX, providing slightly more stable and predictable handling. Racers may find that this doesn’t allow them to get as low and over the bars as they would like but with the removal of a few spacers from below the stem this position is easily emulated.

The gearing too is trying to be something for all; the *6/*6 tooth chainset offers a good spread of gears that will encourage the rider to spin efficiently on the road whilst offering some easier options for climbing off road. The tyres on the ***3 Aluminium models are Schwalbe’s Sammy Slicks which offer a solid ride on hard packed or frozen off road surfaces and are not too sluggish on the road too; great if your commute features mixed terrain.

The tubing is all fluid formed, as is made clear by the flowing shapes and the smooth ride. Cannondale have used their proprietary double-pass welding technique which offers a smoother finish as well as eliminating stress risers and weak points found in traditional welds. The BB*0 bottom bracket grants the frame a snappy, direct feel without being too harsh underfoot, this is contributed to by the design of the rear end which uses Cannondale’s hourglass SAVE stays in order to promote comfort with efficiency and in combination with the carbon Ultra X Fork makes for a very stable and smooth ride feel.

The ***3 CAADX **5 strikes a brilliant balance of affordability, race-readiness and durability. The benchmark Shimano **5 *0 speed groupset coupled with FSA Gossamer Pro BB*0 Crank offers superb shifting and power transfer. Tektro CR**0 cantilever brakes handle the stopping while remaining free of mud when the trail gets sticky. Ideal for the weekend racer who needs his machine for the Monday morning blast to work. The CAAD X **5 is available in seven sizes from *4 through *1 so should suit men and women alike. We would however advise going down a size from your road bike as typically of ‘cross bikes the standover height is reduced thanks to a higher Bottom Bracket for off-road obstacle clearance.