Cannondale

Comments about cannondale CAAD10 BLACK INC.:

I stared at the Black Widow as the sun was rising somewhere off in the distance. I eyeballed the gold accents on the matte black paint job as I ran my fingers along the sleek lines. I shifted to the big ring and then back to the little ring - just to hear the mechanical whirring of the Ultegra Di2 in action. Touching my new ride, looking at the beast...even TALKING about her got my heart racing. This was 12 hours after I picked her up.

30 minutes later, we were on the road riding to the ride 18 miles away. We had a century planned for today and I couldn't wait to test out my legs on The Black Widow. I was careful not to lay down too much torque as I didn't want the Duramo S's slipping out from the oil that sometimes accumulates on the surface of new tires. So instead, I decided to test The Widow's sturdiness. I sat up. At 15 mph, not so much as a wobble. I could tell this was going to be a good day.

We met up with the others and embarked on our ride. I glided along easily, never more than one or two mechanically-efficient and musically-pleasing shifts away from the perfect gearing ratio. Folks, I caution you. This bike is not for the faint of heart. This race-machine is not for those looking to remain at their current speed and/or fitness level. This thoroughbred is CERTAINLY not for those who are content with where they are in life. If, however, you fall into the small group of extraordinary cyclists, cyclists whose goals include winning, getting stronger, snagging KOM's, looking fresh-to-death and of course, being good fathers, husbands and sons...then this bike is for you. It will elevate your riding to the next level. It will strike a chord deep inside you upsetting all you know, aiding your metamorphosis into the man you know you want to be. The man you know you should be. The man you've been looking for an excuse to become. It transformed me.

After 6,500 feet of climbing, I decided to cut the ride short. The Black Widow's maiden voyage was planned to be a century+some - that is, 110 miles or so. Unfortunately, the shorter winter days have done quite a number on my desire to be on my bike. Until today. That means that my base mileage isn't what it once was...in August or September. With aching shoulders and screaming legs, I pulled off and rode a measly 88.5 miles, collapsing at home with a double cheeseburger.

To top it all off, I was wearing my team bibs which, on any ride lasting longer than 3.5 hours (or 4 hours, on a good day), leave nasty saddle sores DESPITE the most generous application of chamois cream from the leading manufacturers. In truth, I would lather up as if I were a bodybuilder preparing for his word-championships appearance - my taint would glisten in the sun, if it were exposed. Therefore, I fear I will not be riding The Black Widow tomorrow, but will have to wait until Tuesday to put in my next 5 hours.

I will leave you with a quote from the Hell of the East as a reminder that regardless of how dope your bike is, how incredibly fast it wants to be ridden or how breathtaking of a view it is sitting on your bed, we are all limited by our own choices. On Assos, his thoughts are:

"A superb saddle is nothing without a superb pad in your bibs."

Comments about cannondale CAAD10 BLACK INC.:

After months of eyeballing this sexy black beauty, i finally ponied up and rode it home.

So light, so fast, sleek design. Rides unlike carbon (usually like riding a cinderblock), instead, its compliant, confortable, and unreal stiffness when climbing.

Your going to be shopping for a long time before you find a better value. Stop messing around this is it.

Comments about cannondale CAAD10 BLACK INC.:

I currently own a 2012 CAAD 10 105.
And will spend my money on another one if could,which is torture because the new di2 model is calling my name.