Yesterdays weather was glorious, and I daresay it may not be long before I can resume my search for the Spirit of Gravel:By this I mean Ill just keep doing the exact same mixed-terrain rides Ive always done, only on a bicycle thats specifically marketed as a gravel bike.For research purposes.In the meantime, Im sticking to the road until the trails have a chance to dry out, and to that end Ive even fitted this old thing with a brand new pair of tires:Until yesterday Id been using a pair of 32mm Paselas: See, before gravel was invented, if you wanted an all-around multi-surface tire that was reasonably light and rode nicely you just put Paselas on your road bike or your cyclocross bike and that was that. Now people know better, so they purchase gravel bikes and use boutique rebranded Paselas instead. I love the Pasela, but it was bothering me that this particular pair is about 14 years old. Yes, the tread still in good shape (I havent been riding them for 14 years straight), but theyve been on and off a lot of bikes in that time, the sidewalls are doing that flaking thing old tires do when when you take them on and off (sliding the tire lever around them is like grating parmesan), and ever since my crash this past December Ive begun to ask myself questions such as, Do I really need to be riding around on tires that are only slightly younger than my eldest child?So on Sunday I went to the bike shop and treated the bike to a pair of 30mm road tires:Perusing the tires hanging on the wall, I chose these because the price was reasonable and theyre not tubeless-compatible, my thinking being that if youre not going tubeless theres no reason to deal with a potentially tighter-fitting tire. Now, Im not anti-tubless. In fact, some of my best friends are tubeless!And despite getting SPOGged on in a sodid latex-based money shot shortly after setting up the PRJCT GRVL bike I recognize that they do have their merits:Yes, it was a little messy, but even factoring in the learning curve it took me no longer to seal the tire than it would have too change a tubeplus, I didnt even have to remove the wheel from the bike.Still, the skinnier a tire gets the less interested in tubeless I am, and as regular, non-tubeless rims and tires quickly disappear, so too does the quick and easy tube change of yesteryear. Yes, of course you can use tubeless rims and tires with tubes, but everything fits a lot more tightly, and if its a tubeless rim you may not even be able too get the tire fully seated without a high-pressure pump or a CO2 inflator. And not being able to change a tube quickly and easily undermines the entire reason for using tubes in the first place:All of this is to say those are old-fashioned non-tubeless road rims and I want to keep using non-tubeless tires with them for as long as they remain available.Which I dont think will be for very long.Oh, I also bought the bike a bell:That of course is a Spurcycle, the Chris King headset of bells.In any case, I did so some trail scouting:But like a bed in a motel room that hasnt been turned over yet there were still too many wet spots:And in both cases Im more than happy to wait outside:Its no sacrifice riding on the road on a day like this, when the weather is springlike but the trees have not yet brought forth their hay fever-inducing blossoms:The only thing I really mind about riding on the road is that theres a greater chance youll wind up as roadkill:A hawk was dining on the above as I approached, but there were too many cars, so it took to the power lines and eyed it jealously as it waited for a break in the traffic:It only occurred to me later that I could have dragged the carcass onto the sidewalk for him, but Im not sure I could have done that without contracting a disease or throwing up. Anyway, I really hope the hawk managed to finish its lunch without getting hit, because these drivers are terrible. I mean the license plate scammers arent even bothering with the pretense of subtlety anymore:Like, if you get pulled over, whats your excuse? You were wiping down the car, you hung your chamois cloth on the license plate to dry, and you forgot about it? Oh well, I guess thats what you have to do when your rear windshield wiper isnt long enough:Speaking of dead animals, move over Brooks! Compostable saddles are the future of ass pedestals:Apparently you grow it yourself out of fungus:Fungus DIY kit made from hemp shivsThe compostable wooden bicycle seat bydesignerLudwig Eder comes through the Grow It Yourself (GIY) kit made by the Dutch biodesigncompany, Grown.bio. The idea is exactly what it sounds like: users get a kit with a substrate mix made from hemp shives and other agricultural by-products, they add mycelium spores and pack it into a mold, and then they leave it. Over a few days, the mycelium grows and fills the shape. Users dry it, and over time, they have a solid, lightweight, fully natural object made of fungal networks.I would be extremely wary about letting anything that promotes fungal growth have prolonged contact with that part of my body.

It's one of only two WorldTour team time trials before 4 July

CyclistPro bike: Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinneys Strade Bianche 2026 Canyon Aeroad CFRCanyon-SRAM-Zondacryptos Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney found herself at the pointy end of an electric conclusion to Strade Bianche 2026. After a nailbiting final kilometre around the streets of Siena, Niewiadoma-Phinney would finish runner-up once again, having been pipped to the line by FDJ United-Suezs Elise Chabbey. Its another bittersweet podium finish for the 2024 Tour de France winner, who has managed to land a podium spot on five occasions at Strade Bianche without lifting the top prize once.The Polish Champion landed her silver medal last weekend on board a Canyon Aeroad CFR, the teams aero race bike and generally the bike of choice for Canyons sponsored riders in all road races. Last updated in 2024, it was the bike she used throughout her triumphant 2024 Tour de France Femmes. Elsewhere in the bunch, you may have seen it in the colours of Alpecin-Premier Tech, Fenix-Premier Tech and Movistar teams, who are also partnered with German brand Canyon.Photographer Xavier Pereyron was on the ground in Siena to photograph Niewiadoma-Phinneys lovely red Canyon Aeroad CFR before she headed out onto the gravel. Related Posts Pro bike: Tadej Pogaar's Strade Bianche-winning Colnago Y1Rs The best photos from men's Strade Bianche 2026 Its a great history were making: Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney profile Zipp 303 SWwheelset review Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinneys Canyon Aeroad CFRXavier PereyronThis is a great angle to see the aero shape on the head tube with the reflection on the paint. Last year, Niewiadoma-Phinney rode the Classics with a bar width of 37cm, however that width is now outlawed by new UCI protocol, so expect the bar on show here to be slightly wider. She was using Canyons lightweight 3D printed computer mount to hold her Hammerhead Karoo, and like many pros, she rides with a negative stem angle. Xavier PereyronEven with a head unit, the pros like to have the feed stations and gravel sectors printed on paper.Xavier PereyronAs the national champion of Poland, Niewidoma-Phinney has a different colourway than her Canyon-SRAM-Zondacrypto colleagues.Xavier PereyronNiewiadoma-Phinney is using a custom carbon Ergon saddle. Ergons founder and CEO is Franc Arnold, the co-founder of Canyon and younger brother of Canyon boss Roman Arnold, so the two companies unsurprisingly have a partnership. No prizes for guessing Ergon refers to ergonomics, and the brand focuses on comfort.Xavier PereyronCanyon-SRAM-Zondacrypto were spotted using these Schwalbe Pro Ones, which have been reported by Velo as being prototypes. Look closer and youll see they also use Schwalbes Clik Valve instead of the usual Presta setup.Xavier PereyronThe latest version of Zipps 303 SW wheelset comes with the tyre pressure sensor, which alerts you to a puncture.Xavier PereyronNiewidoma-Phinney was running a 2x 50/37 SRAM Red crankset.How many more podium finishes will she ride this bike to before her next victory?The post Pro bike: Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinneys Strade Bianche 2026 Canyon Aeroad CFR appeared first on Cyclist.

Announced last July, Old Man Mountain opened its FLiP cage design to several small bag makers across North America. With six distinctive sets of bags, Neils latest roundup put each of these FLiP cage designs to the test and examined how they use the mounting system to their advantage. Explore his findings in video and written formats below...The post Old Man Mountain FLiP Cage Bags Roundup: One Cage, Six Bags appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Stages 1 and 2 of Paris-Nice have perhaps been in the spotlight not as much due to the bunch sprints that have taken place, but instead due to the safety issues and Jonas Vingegaard's remarks after stage 1. But the Dane is certainly not alone, as from within and outside the peloton, there are more v...

With the CAAD, Cannondale have long had an icon of sporty entry-level bikes in their range, and with the brand new CAAD14 they want to return to their roots. Stripped back to the essentials and focused on maximum riding fun, this aluminium race bike is meant to make even ambitious carbon road bikes look old. But does it deliver on the tarmac? We have already tested the CAAD14, and one thing is certain: this bike packs a serious punch.Cannondale CAAD14 1 | 8.14 kg in size 56 | 7,499 | Manufacturers WebsiteFor a long time, aluminium bikes like the Cannondale CAAD dominated the road cycling scene. But in an era where it seems nothing works without carbon, aluminium has long since slipped down to entry-level status as a frame material. While the flagship SuperSix EVO has already undergone two updates, the CAAD was left untouched. An unloved stepchild in the line-up? Thats about to change. With the CAAD14 2026, Cannondale are launching their latest aluminium race bike, and it comes with a clear message: maximum performance, precise handling, and riding fun at its very best.Emotions over Wind Tunnel: All the Updates on the 2026 Cannondale CAAD14Whats left when you truly strip a road bike back to the essentials? No obsession with aerodynamics, no weight saving at any cost, no elaborate carbon constructions. The answer is a bike thats not built for record times in the peloton, but for the biggest possible grin on your face. Pure riding fun and raw emotion. Thats exactly the philosophy behind the CAAD14. And to be honest, its refreshing not to hear the same marketing phrases about lighter and faster bikes for once.Thats precisely what the CAAD14 is all about. No chasing benchmark numbers and no wind tunnel development. Instead, Cannondale consistently focus on what the CAAD has always stood for: aluminium. Its roots are not hidden, theyre fully embraced. Combined with modern integration and up-to-date frame standards, the CAAD14 is designed to be the ultimate riders bike.The traditional frame design, with aluminium seat stays stretching high up the seat tube, ensures a particularly stiff frame.Even the CAAD14 doesnt go entirely without carbon, creating a striking contrast between the aluminium frame and the carbon fork.You will search in vain for deep aerodynamic tube shapes on the new CAAD. There are no skinny seat stays to shave off weight and no rear wheel cut-out either. Instead, you get chunky tubes and a classic diamond frame. No fashionable dropped seat stays, but a larger rear triangle designed for maximum stiffness. Its the essence of a road bike, built on decades of refined knowledge about what makes the perfect race machine.And despite the long heritage embodied in the CAAD14, the bike feels sporty, young and fresh. A welcome change in a market crowded with overbuilt, aerodynamics-obsessed bikes. Not least because the CAAD14 shows that modern concepts such as UDH, internally routed cables and large chainrings with a 1x drivetrain can be seamlessly integrated into a proven platform. The result is a bike that stands out visually and looks seriously sharp. It may carry a slight hipster vibe, but when the ride quality delivers, thats easy to forgive. If you want to make the Cannondale CAAD14 a little more aerodynamic, you can fit Cannondales aero bottle, as seen on our test bike.Top-Spec meets Aluminium Purism? The 2026 Cannondale CAAD14 in DetailIn the top-spec version we tested, the CAAD14 1, Cannondale rely on a SRAM Force XPLR AXS drivetrain, with a 1046T cassette and a 50T aero chainring with integrated power meter. Cannondale are also following the trend towards shorter crank arms, fitting our size 56 test bike with 170 mm cranks. Paired with Reserve 57|64 carbon wheels with DT Swiss 370 hubs and 29 mm Vittoria Corsa PRO TLR tires, the result is a well-balanced drivetrain setup designed for speed and punchy acceleration, with a subtle touch of aerodynamic optimisation.SRAM XPLR on a road bike? Surprisingly, it works brilliantly and underlines the Cannondale CAAD14s refreshingly straightforward character.With its 50T chainring, the gearing sits firmly on the sporty side, but it is spot on for rolling terrain and fast criterium racing.The contact points, meanwhile, come from Cannondales own component range. Up front, the bike features the Cannondale SystemBar R-One cockpit. This unit is already familiar from the 2023 SuperSix EVO and impresses with excellent ergonomics. Unfortunately, the latest cockpit from the current SuperSix EVO hasntot made its way onto the CAAD14. At the rear, a Cannondale SAVE carbon seatpost ensures comfort and can easily be swapped for any standard 27.2 mm round seatpost. In this configuration, our test bike weighs 8.14 kg in size 56, retailing at 7,499. That price feels a little steep considering the lack of top-tier components and the relatively low cost of the frameset, although the iconic raw aluminium finish is reserved exclusively for this top-spec version. Cannondale CAAD14 1 2026 10,299SpecificationsSeatpost Cannondale SAVE Carbon 27,2 mmBrakes SRAM Force AXS 160/160 mmDrivetrain SRAM Force XPLR AXS 1 x 13Chainring 50 TStem Cannondale SystemBar R-One 110 mmHandlebar Cannondale SystemBar R-One 400 mmWheelset Reserve 57|64 Carbon 12 x 100 / 12 x 142Tires Vittoria Corsa PRO TLR 700 x 29cCranks SRAM Force Dub 170 mmCassette SRAM Force XPLR 1 x 13TTechnical DataSize 48 51 54 56 58 61Weight 8,14 kgThe other spec variants are considerably more attractive in terms of price. The CAAD14 2 costs 3,999 and comes equipped with a SRAM Rival AXS 212 drivetrain and DT Swiss E1800 Spline wheels. The CAAD14 3 is available for 2,499 with a mechanical Shimano 105 212 groupset and Cannondale RD 2.0 Disc wheels. For riders who prefer to build their own bike, the frameset is also available, offered in either gloss black or Rally Red for 1,799.The Geometry of the 2026 Cannondale CAAD14In size 56, the Cannondale CAAD14 shows exactly the character you would expect from a modern aluminium race bike: sporty, firm and razor sharp in its handling. With 560 mm stack height and 392 mm reach, the bike delivers a stack-to-reach ratio of 1.43. Thats clearly performance-oriented, but not excessively radical. The 415 mm chainstays keep the rear end compact and responsive, while the 998 mm wheelbase promises a balance of agility and stability. Particularly interesting is the front-end geometry, which delivers direct, precise steering and handling that is clearly focused on performance. The result is a bike that thrives on speed and attacks corners with genuine road racing flair.Size485154565861Top tube521 mm533 mm548 mm564 mm581 mm604 mmSeat tube490 mm525 mm555 mm580 mm600 mm620 mmHead tube98 mm117 mm138 mm151 mm172 mm203 mmHead angle71.271.271.273.073.073.0Seat angle74.173.773.372.972.572.1Chainstay415 mm415 mm415 mm415 mm415 mm415 mmBottom bracket drop74 mm72 mm72 mm69 mm69 mm69 mmWheelbase990 mm1,001 mm1,012 mm998 mm1,011 mm1,029 mmReach377 mm381 mm386 mm392 mm398 mm407 mmStack505 mm520 mm540 mm560 mm580 mm610 mmPure riding Fun? The 2026 Cannondale CAAD14 on ReviewDoes the CAAD14 really deliver on Cannondales promise of being the sharpest and most playful bike in their line-up? The short answer is yes, and you notice it from the very first pedal stroke.Right from the moment you put the power down, the CAAD14 feels incredibly efficient. It accelerates instantly, bursts out of corners with real snap, and turns every bit of pressure on the pedals directly into forward motion. It doesnt matter whether you are on the flat, descending, or climbing. The stiff frame responds effortlessly in every situation. Combined with razor sharp, direct handling that feels perfectly balanced, the result is a genuinely thrilling ride. The CAAD14 blends high-speed stability with precise, playful handling more confidently and with more performance focus than any bike I have tested in the past three years. Every steering input is translated instantly and completely, yet with such composure that the bike never feels nervous or unpredictable. Even though outright efficiency is not the defining trait of the CAAD14, the deep Reserve wheels stand out in particular. With rim depths of 57 and 64 mm, you can clearly feel a sailing effect, even on the CAAD14, which isnt designed with aerodynamic optimisation in mind. The bike also holds its speed efficiently on flat terrain. Of course, it cant compete with modern aero road bikes, but thats not what the CAAD14 is trying to be. Tuning tip: Slightly wider tires for added comfort.The only real downside is compliance. As expected from a bike built around stiffness and razor sharp handling, the ride can feel a little harsh. With the right setup, slightly wider tires and carefully adjusted tire pressure, you can still gain a bit of extra comfort. If you can live with the firm ride, however, you are rewarded with incredibly direct feedback that creates a perfect connection between rider and bike.All in all, its an exceptional bike. But is it really worth choosing over a modern carbon road bike? The answer is yes, and the reasoning is quite simple. The CAAD14 is not only one of the most uncompromising and fun bikes on the market, it also offers a relatively affordable foundation and deliberately ignores aerodynamic marginal gains that, if we are honest, most amateur riders simply do not need.Who is the 2026 Cannondale CAAD14 for?With the CAAD14, Cannondale present a bike that could hardly be further removed from the current road bike mainstream. It offers no aero optimisation, its not made from carbon, and its not designed around chasing the lowest possible weight. And yet, in many ways, it is exactly the bike most of us should be riding. For anyone who isnt truly fighting for the last few milliseconds or trying to save watts in the peloton, its the ultimate fun machine. The CAAD14 combines flawless handling with explosive acceleration and pure riding enjoyment in a way that few modern carbon race bikes can match. The trade-off, however, is limited compliance.Helmet Oakley Velo Mach | Glasses Oakley Velo Kato | Jersey Pas Normal Studios Essential Long Sleeve Jersey | Bibs Assos MILLE GT Bib Shorts S11 | Shoes QUOC Mono II Road | Socks Assos SocksConclusions on the 2026 Cannondale CAAD14?The Cannondale CAAD14 promises the ultimate in riding fun and agile handling. And it truly delivers. With an exceptional sense of speed, explosive acceleration and razor sharp handling, the CAAD14 is the ultimate riders bike. At the same time, it remains relatively affordable and also impresses in the entry-level segment with attractive pricing. Its a platform that completely won us over and makes the Cannondale a bike that really ought to have a place in every cyclists garage.TopsIncredible level of riding funRazor-sharp handlingExplosive accelerationStrong level of efficiencyFlopsAverage complianceMore information at cannondale.com. Der Beitrag New 2026 Cannondale CAAD14 on Review: When Aluminium Makes Carbon Look Dated erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

For decades, the Cannondale CAAD series defined what a high-performance aluminum road bike could be. Long before carbon fiber became the default answer to every racing question, CAAD frames were the tops. These easy-to-spot aluminum rockets were tearing up criteriums, winning the worlds biggest races, and earning a reputation for something riders still talk about today: a ride feel thats sharp, lively, and unapologetically fast.(Photo/Cannondale)But why seek out an aluminum frame when the cycling world is literally drowning in cheap carbon race bikes? Its the energy, the frame, and the vibe an aluminum bike brings to the ride. Its a legendary ride with both advantages and shortcomings. In recent years, the Cannondale CAAD series missed the spark that set 90s racers on edge. It was something about the drop seatstays and the squared tubes that just didnt fit rightHowever, it appears the all-new CAAD 14 has corrected the ship in all the right directions. Delivering a bike that feels ever so CAAD 9/10 (those are my wonder years of CAAD frames) with all the advantages of a modern road frame.The new Cannondale CAAD 14 proves that you can make an excellent race bike in alloy. One thats not watered down, but another beast altogether. A bike that riders will seek in a moshpit of entry-level carbon bike madness. The builds start at a respectable $2,500 and frames at $1,800, but if you want top-of-the-line, its $7,500 for the super specd CAAD 14 1.This new chapter of Cannondale CAAD has us very excited lets check the details.CAAD14 1 RAW -(Photo/Cannondale)A New Chapter in Cannondales Aluminum LegacyTo sum up the massive Cannondale CAAD history succinctly is a hard task; lets just start with the name. The CAAD nameshort for Cannondale Advanced Aluminum Design is what helped put the big C on the map. This naming dates back to the early 1980s. Cannondale has spent decades refining aluminum frame construction, pushing the limits of tube shaping, welding, and manufacturing in ways that few companies have matched.If you have some extra time, here is a great video of assembly and fabrication in Bedford, PA. The CAAD14 continues that lineage with a frame built from SmartForm C1 Premium alloy, Cannondales most advanced aluminum construction process. The goal isnt to imitate carbon tube shapes or pretend aluminum is something it isnt. (Photo/Jordan Villella)Instead, the CAAD14 leans into the materials strengths: oversized tubes, smooth welds, and a structure designed for stiffness and responsiveness. The result is a bike that Cannondale describes as explosive and immediate, a bike that wants to go fast.(Photo/Jordan Villella)Alloy Not Anchor Despite its alloy construction, the CAAD14 keeps weight impressively low.Cannondale lists the frame weight at 1280g for the CAAD14 1 model and 1410g for the rest of the lineup, measured for a fully painted size 56 frame. The matching full-carbon fork weighs just 397g, helping keep the front end responsive and comfortable.(Photo/Jordan Villella)Why does the 1 weigh less? The RAW frame on the 1 is just brushed alloy with the thinnest layer of clear coat. This leads to a super light overall paint weight, but its the same material and construction hiding underneath.The painted frames have quite a bit more paint material on them, with primer and multiple coats of color. The paint may not seem like much, but over a whole frames surface area, the grams do add up.Our review ride weighed a robust 18 lbs out of the box (size 54cm*), and a good chunk of the weight comes from the 1,890g DT Swiss 1800-E wheelset.The frame also retains the classic CAAD silhouette. Cannondale didnt chase exaggerated aero shaping or mimic carbon molds. Instead, the design highlights aluminums natural strengths: clean lines, purposeful tube profiles, and a ride quality that feels alive under power.(Photo/Jordan Villella)Modern Standards In recent years, weve seen Cannondale distance itself from the proprietary bits that became synonymous with the brand: Ai, BB30, 4-bolt rotors, etc. However, the newest offering from Cannondale is refreshingly compatible.(Photo/Jordan Villella)Cable routing is internal for a clean look, but Cannondale avoided over-complicated integration. Riders can run an integrated cockpit if they wantor stick with a traditional stem setup.(Photo/Jordan Villella)The bottom bracket uses a 68mm threaded BSA standard. The frame also uses the Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH), which means replacement hangers are easy to find, and most shops (not just the Cannondale dealer) will have them.Tire clearance is rated for up to 32mm measured width, giving riders room for modern high-volume road tires or super-narrow all-road/gravel tires. Its a thoughtful balance between modern design and practical serviceability.(Photo/Cannondale)Delta Steerer and Integrated CockpitOne of the more interesting engineering touches on the CAAD14 is Cannondales Delta steerer system, which uses a triangular steerer profile that allows cables to route internally from the handlebar into the frame. (Photo/Cannondale)This is a mainstay on Cannondales carbon road bikes (including the new SuperSix EVO) but rarely makes its way to the alloy lines. The design helps keep the head tube slim while allowing clean cable routing and compatibility with integrated cockpit setups.(Photo/Cannondale)At the top of the range, Cannondale pairs the bike with its SystemBar R-One cockpit, a fully integrated carbon bar and stem developed with MOMODesign. The cockpit blends aerodynamic shaping with comfortable ergonomics and internal routing.(Photo/Cannondale)Race Geometry with Real-World VersatilityThe CAAD14 keeps geometry squarely in the race category; it resembles the updated Super-Six EVO more than its CAAD 13 predecessor. CAAD14 Build OptionsCannondale is launching the CAAD14 in several builds, each aimed at a slightly different rider.(Photo/Cannondale)CAAD14 1At the top of the lineup sits the CAAD14 1. This build is unapologetically race-focused, but pretty versatile. It features SRAM Force XPLR AXS 13-speed wireless shifting, paired with a Force AXS power-meter crankset and a wide-range 1046 cassette.Wheel duties are handled by Reserve 57|64 carbon rims built around DT Swiss 370 hubs, wrapped in Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR 29mm tires.Up front, the bike uses Cannondales SystemBar R-One integrated carbon cockpit, while a SAVE carbon seatpost and Prologo Dimension saddle round out the finishing kit. Price: $7,499 USD / $10,299 CAD.(Photo/Cannondale)CAAD14 2The CAAD14 2 uses SRAM Rival AXS electronic shifting, paired with a 48/35 crankset and a 1036 cassette. The wheelset drops to DT Swiss E1800 Spline wheels, while Vittoria Rubino Pro tires keep things rolling. The cockpit switches to a Vision Trimax Aero handlebar with Cannondales Conceal alloy stem. Price: $3,999 USD / $5,499 CAD.CAAD14 3For riders looking for a more accessible entry point, the CAAD14 3 is where its at. This build runs Shimano 105 R7100 mechanical shifting, paired with a 50/34 crankset and an 1134 cassette.(Photo/Cannondale)The wheelset uses Cannondale RD 2.0 alloy rims with Shimano hubs, wrapped in Vittoria Zaffiro tires. Its a straightforward, dependable setup that still benefits from the same performance aluminum frame. Price: $2,499 USD / $3,399 CAD.FramesetCannondale will also offer a standalone CAAD14 frameset for $1,799 USD / $2,499 CAD, giving riders the chance to build their own high-performance alloy machine from the ground up. The frameset includes the SmartForm C1 frame, carbon fork, and SAVE carbon seatpost.(Photo/Jordan Villella)First Impressions: CAAD14 2We were lucky enough to snag a CAAD 14 2 pre-launch and take it for a few rides before the launch. The expectations were high, and so was the stoke, as the CAAD series meant a lot to me as I was coming up as a bike racer.(Photo/Jordan Villella)Unboxing, I was very happy to see that Cannondale went with glossy, semi-metallic speckled paint. The red of the frame stands out in the sun, and looks every bit as carbon as the super bikes out there. However, the tubes and their sheer bulk give away their alloy nature.I chose a size of 54cm, and it fit well, with only a small adjustment to the stem for a better personal fit. *Im 510 with a 32 inseam.(Photo/Jordan Villella)Classic Feel The frame is a bit of a throwback to the CAAD 10, with the same shape toptube and silhouette. It looks like a disc brake CAAD 10, and I love it. The seat stays have a nice semi-flattened profile and meet up near the seat collar no more dropped stays.(Photo/Jordan Villella)Build and Quality The build is a quality spec, especially if youre a SRAM fan. After the newest SRAM groupset launch, they won me over. Im officially a fan, even more so that you can barely tell the difference between groupsets (though the Rival is missing the extra shifting buttons on the body). The build is full SRAM Rival with a 48/36T crankset and a 10-36T do-it-all/climb-it-all cassette.(Photo/Jordan Villella)The wheels and cockpit are more robust. The bars are Vision TriMax 38cm alloy and have a great shape and feel. They are paired with Cannondales in-house Conceal stem and work well together. They expertly hide the cables without overdoing it, allowing the bars angle and stack to move freely when you need to make an adjustment.(Photo/Jordan Villella)The wheels are DT-Swiss 1800E 30 with DT-370 straight pull hubs. They arrived with tubes, and thats how I kept them on my test rides, but they are tubeless-ready, with valves included. The wheels come with Vittoria Ribino 30mm tan-wall tires, which add an extra cool, semi-retro vibe to the bike.Though they are among the heaviest parts on the bike, the wheels are carbon and deliver solid ride quality. They are a shallow 30mm depth, and play nicely with the sometimes harsh ride of a stiff alloy frame. However, you can feel them when getting the bike up to speed if youre used to a lighter, sharper-feeling wheelset.(Photo/Jordan Villella)Ride Impression Cannondale CAAD 14 2 The first thing that stands out is how comparable it feels to a modern aero road bike in terms of ride feedback. I was waiting for a harsher ride that I might have been nostalgic about, but no. The CAAD 14 feels very much like a modern design, but hold that thought. (Photo/Jordan Villella)On my typical mid-length road loop, the CAAD 14 felt responsive and decisive. I was looking for that feel I remember from my CAAD 9, carving around the city streets, that point-and-shoot feeling. Yes the CAAD 14 has some of that, but much like how I dont weave in/out of traffic anymore, the CAAD has also matured. Its more stable; you can feel that in the descending and in the corners. It has the classic CAAD feel, but its not a one-trick pony; it can do much more than race a crit.(Photo/Jordan Villella)On climbs, the CAAD feels punchy, though you carry around some extra weight with the wheels. The frame is responsive and stiff, but not terribly harsh. This isnt the alloy bike of the past that felt like a jackhammer on the bricks, and your back hurt after a race. The updated geo and larger tires make the updated CAAD 14 an all-rounder, with a go-long option especially if you opt for 32mm.(Photo/Jordan Villella)So far, Im very happy with the performance of our demo CAAD 14. With our limited couple of days of riding, its left a lasting impression. I cant wait to throw some race wheels on it and take it to the races.(Photo/Jordan Villella)If youre a CAAD fan and are still looking for that 90s CAAD feel with a modern twist (were getting old), the new CAAD 14 is well worth a look. Watch out for a full review coming soon.More info at Cannondale.comThe post New Cannondale CAAD14 Series Is The Aluminum Race Bike You Remember appeared first on Bikerumor.

An update to Shimanos E-Tube Project app strongly suggests that next-generation Shimano groupsets will go 13-speed and the brand will potentially add 13-speed compatibility to its existing groupsets. First spotted by a BikeRadar reader and confirmed by us, the app now shows a new 13th cog on the Gear usage rate view. This all but confirms Shimanos next-generation groupsets will get an additional cog. The addition of a 13th cog would not only bring Shimano in line with its competitors but, alongside a trickle of patents and leaks over the last two years, this latest development gives the strongest hints yet at the potential trajectory of future road and gravel groupsets. We have contacted Shimano for comment. Read more: New Shimano Dura-Ace is coming these are the 4 key features I expect to see Dura-Ace 1x for the road? The app now shows a 13th cog in the Gear usage rate pane of the E-Tube app. This is used to analyse which gears have been used on your bike. Shimano Going 13-speed would mean Shimano isnt left trailing behind its contemporaries in the drivetrain arms race. Where Campagnolo has gone 13-speed across the board with Super Record 13 and SRAM offers the option of 13-speed on its 1x XPLR AXS groupsets, Shimanos latest road bike groupsets top out at 12-speed. The same is true of its gravel and mountain bike groupsets. This is not a setup Shimano would endorse. Matt Grayson / Our Media This alone may be reason enough to add a 13th cog, but we suspect the glaring absence of a native 1x drivetrain option in Shimanos road bike line-up is the more likely reason to add another cog. Shimano has long resisted the move to 1x on the road, maintaining that 2x offers the best balance of range, cadence control and efficiency for road riding. However, 1x has seen widespread uptake in the pro peloton for certain races, and is the near de-facto option for time trial racing. This has led to many instances where Shimano-sponsored teams use third-party components or setups the brand would not officially endorse. Read more: 2026 men's WorldTour bikes and trends analysed Although 12-speed is already sufficient for many 1x riders, moving to 13-speed would offer greater range or closer steps between gears, and align Shimano with its rivals. That said, a patent filed in 2023 showed a 13-speed 2x groupset, so we wouldnt rule out a Campagnolo-style shift to 13-speed across the board from the Japanese giant. 13-speed gravel patent confirmed? Patents show Shimano is likely working on a 13-speed gravel groupset. Shimano If not for the road, earlier reporting suggests 13-speed could be coming to Shimanos gravel groupsets. The same patent as above showed a fully wireless 13-speed drivetrain concept with a clutch-equipped rear derailleur for off-road use. Again, where SRAM now offers 13-speed 1x setups for its XPLR range, Shimano will not want to be left trailing in its wake. Could Shimano introduce a direct-mount derailleur at the same time as 13-speed? There's a precedent with SRAM. More speculatively, an earlier patent filing reported on BikeRadar in 2023 suggests Shimano may adopt a UDH direct-mount style standard. This patent shows a direct-mount derailleur design that like SRAMs full-mount derailleurs attaches coaxially to the rear axle rather than a conventional hanger. Like SRAM, Shimano may adopt this to make space for a 13th cog without needing to resort to a new, narrower chain. Outside of patents, as noted by Warren Rossiter in his analysis of Shimanos latest gravel tech, the slow uptake of new GRX groupsets also hints that a more substantial change could be coming. OEMs will be aware of Shimanos plans long before the public and media, and where the latest generation of GRX may be viewed as a placeholder, a new groupset gives brands something more substantial to talk about. Its possible the industry is holding out for a new, 13-speed option. Backwards compatibility? We spotted the reference to 13-speed when E-Tube was paired with an Ultegra R8100 groupset. Russell Burton / Our Media Although the reference to 13-speed has appeared before any confirmation Shimano is working on a new range, its notable this was spotted on a configuration page for a current generation 12-speed groupset (we tested it on a bike equipped with Ultegra R8100 Di2). It's theoretically possible to add 13-speed compatibility to any Di2 groupset because there are no hard mechanical stops on an electronic groupset. And, as seen with the likes of Wheeltops groupsets, it could be programmed to shift across additional sprockets provided the throw of the derailleur is sufficiently wide. However, were less convinced by this possibility. Shimano hasnt previously made new Di2 groupset generations backwards-compatible with older ones, so there isnt a precedent to suggest it would do so this time round. Still, its a tantalising possibility, and one were sure would be welcomed warmly by the market if Shimano were to offer riders a simple upgrade path rather than requiring a full groupset replacement. What about mountain bikes? Shimano has only just updated its mountain bike groupsets. Max Wilman / OurMedia At the time of publishing, we were unable to confirm whether theres any mention of a 13th cog in E-Tube for Shimanos mountain bike groupsets. However, given Shimanos latest Di2 mountain bike groupsets were released only last year, we think its unlikely a switch to 13-speed is imminent. SRAM has also not adopted 13-speed for its mountain bike groupsets. And where cadence control is less vital on mountain bikes, and range already sufficient for most riders, theres a less compelling case overall to add a cog off-road.

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Welcome to the Liveblog of Paris-Nice.After two days with profiles designed for the sprinters, the peloton faces a team time trial today. Unlike the usual individual efforts, the TTT includes a strong tactical component, and it will be exciting to see how the main teams in the peloton plan the stra...