The Cadillac RLE Bike

Donovan has asked if we know anything about Cadillac bikes, more particularly the RLE series road bikes, so we have dusted off the magnifying glass and had a good look at the Cadillac bike for Donovan

Question: Do you know anything about the Cadillac RLE series road bike? I’m looking for a road bike to use for exercise about 15 miles per day for five days each week. This looks like a possibility since they are about $750 each. What do you think?

Hi Donovan,
The Cadillac is a good looking bike with some nice features, we had a look at the Cadillac RLE 1.8 which has a good combination of equipment and well designed frame, and we like what we can see, so let us explain why.

The Frame

Carbon Stays

The frame is a combination of 7005 alloy and carbon fiber, the alloy main tubes keep the frame light and stiff, while the carbon forks and the carbon seat stays take the road rumble out of your ride and that lightness. The forks are from Kenesis and have a very lively design as does the frame, it’s not a compact frame, but still has all the correct angles and tube lengths to make this a very good handling bike.

The Equipment

Shimano 105 shifters, front and rear derailleur’s and brakes, the chain set is from FSA and the wheels are based on Shimano hubs with as few spokes as possible, light and strong as are the handle bars, they are Deda over sized and stem is custom NVO to match. The saddle has titanium rails and the seat pin is carbon. Surprisingly the bike comes with pedals, VP clip less. A good selection of bits and pieces, there is nothing wrong with any of them.

Our Conclusion

Carbon Forks

Cadillac claim the frame to be designed following European inspired technology and we would agree with that because of the use of the alloy and carbon mix. The equipment is similar to what you would find on most bikes at around this price. The Cadillac RLE 1.8 should be around the $1,000 mark, but is you look around you can get a bargain for quite few dollars less. I would say there are many other similar bikes, but the Cadillac is as good as any of them and is well priced, if you like the look of it then you wont be making a mistake, go for it!

Cadillac RSL 1.8