Sell me a CAAD9

ketsbaia

OK, so I've read countless posts on here extolling the virtues of the CAAD9 and a fair few reviews saying the same thing.

I'm nearly convinced I should go down that route rather than plump for a carbon-framed bike that might mean I need to compromise in other areas like wheels, etc.

To the fanboys and girls, I say: what's so bloody good about it, in your opinion? And why should I go for it rather than, say, a Focus Cayo or Planet X Pro Carbon?

I'll be using it for sportives and, in particular, the Marmotte.

And does anyone know any bike shops other than Evans that stock 'em so I can go and have a test ride? Seems the Cannondale dealer locator is up the swanee at the minute.

Ta.

ScottieP

I don't know where you are but On your Bike at London Bridge seemed to have quite a few CAAD9's in the showroom when I visited last week. The CAAD9 is supposed to be one of the best aluminium frames ever made (along with Cervelo S1) - I've never ridden one though - but the basic Tiagra specced one just beat the Planet-X SL Pro carbon with Ultegra 6700 in the latest Cycling Plus... read into that what you will.

ketsbaia

Oooh, ta. I work reasonably near London Bridge, so I'll nip down and see if I can try one out.

Anonymous

They are stiff and very responsive yet they are still bloody comfy for a coke can bike. Light too.

One of the best frames I've ridden.

I nearly went for one over the Cervelo S2 I ended up with...

Try and get one with the full carbon fork though.

Chip \'oyler

I can sell you one.

You'll have to wait though until I find one to nick

Lagavulin

I'm still dithering between possibly a BMC Pro Machine framset and a CAAD9 (when what I really need is a replacement winter bike/hack).

I'm confused though as to what on Earth has happend to the 'dale 2010 stock status from Evans in the last couple of days. The CAA9 Ultegra has gone from the odd "In Stock" and the rest "expected availability 31/1/2010" to only a black 60cm available and all other sizes discontinued and not to be re-stocked. They only have 3 variants of the 105 in black too.

These are 2010 models. All sold out already? :?

LazyLoki

No, if you have a look on the evans website you'll see that a great many bike models are showing as 'discontinued' at the moment - something about some kind of new computer system being introduced I think I heard.

redddraggon

LazyLoki wrote:

No, if you have a look on the evans website you'll see that a great many bike models are showing as 'discontinued' at the moment - something about some kind of new computer system being introduced I think I heard.

Perhaps they've started the Wiggle way of doing thing. Discontinue everything once they sell it!

teamtommy

Following a fairly detailed international debate I've just bought one via an insurance claim from wheelies.co.uk. They will have to order it in for me and unfortunately I believe all their branches are in Wales...

sandbag

The frame is the winner. The wheels would need upgrading. The CAAD9 torsion tests are higher than the other Cannons and is higher than some carbon frames. I think i remember reading it was stiffer than a certain Cervelo. Great for sprinting. Harder cornering. Handling and stability is brilliant. The stiffness should make it a great climber. The 2010 model comes with BB30(built in bottom bracket). If you use your bike 24/7 then go for the 105 not the Tiagra. Amazed they do a 63cm size but only for the triple. Another option is go for the cheaper 2009 model, spending the difference on better wheels, still equalling the same amount for the 2010 model.

The little niggle for me is the disappointing colour schemes, especially as it a exceptional frame. The CAAD8 have much better.

Aggresive geometry. Haven't heard what it's like on long rides, apart from some say it's a harsh ride, some do not. Much will depend on your fitness and flexibility. It can just be a simple case of tyre pressure. If you prefer a more comfort and relaxed position then check out the Cannon Synapse. Anyways better than a Ribble bike .

Fit it with decent parts, it becomes a pro bike.

A very efficient bike.

teamtommy

Useful stuff, cheers mate!

ketsbaia

I reckon the comfort factor is the only thing that concerns me. Which means I'll just have to go and try one out for size.

giant_man

It's all the ride mate. Regardless of what anyone else says, a bike is only as good as if you think it is. It may feel very different to what people say it's like.

There are Cannondale dealers out there, depending on where you are. Sure they will give you a test ride.

Fru T Bunn

teamtommy wrote:

... I've just bought one via an insurance claim from wheelies.co.uk.

Exactly the same here except mine's turned up. Did loads of reading and decided to plump for the CAAD. Mate of mine has one of their mountain bikes - he swears by them.

sandbag

carl_p

teamtommy wrote:

Following a fairly detailed international debate I've just bought one via an insurance claim from wheelies.co.uk. They will have to order it in for me and unfortunately I believe all their branches are in Wales...

You will of course be giving us a detailed review, along with pics. Hope you get in soon

Lagavulin

sandbag wrote:

Classy. 8)

Ultegra C version seems to have completely disappeared from Evans' site now. :roll:

oscarbudgie

If you're East London I got my CAAD9 from Heales Cycles in Highams Park (E4).

macondo01

I bought one last year and I love it.

I have had a bad back in the past but honestly I've had no problems with discomfort on this bike. Try one you may like it a lot!!

ukracer

Never ridden one and not sure if i would be able to comment on ride quality as still a relative newcomer.
However i have only heard good things about them so as long as you find one you like the look of then go for it.
I have still to find one i do like the look of sorry , and that is the only reason i decided to buy a Cervelo S1 .

ketsbaia

oscarbudgie wrote:

If you're East London I got my CAAD9 from Heales Cycles in Highams Park (E4).

Had a quick ganzer at their website and it looks like they've only got the Super 6 in.

GiantPete

I got a 63cm 2009 CAAD9 tiagra from wheelies last year, immediately stripped it down and built it up with Ultegra SL triple and other higher spec bits. I put some effort into workign out the frame fit and what stem size etc. It fits very well, I was much more comfortable in last years Marmotte than on my old alloy Giant TCR (which was a bit small). I was 92kg and did not find it harsh, but got a lot more road feedback which made me a lot more confident at cornering than on the Giant. It reminds me of carving a turn on my snowboard. So I reckon the Cannondale has struck a good balance between comfort and road feel. I took 10hrs on the marmotte with no comfort issues at all.

I think my build is a bit weighty at 8.8kg but its a 63cm triple for a 92-95kg rider so I guess thats not too bad.

My 2009 forks had an alloy crown and very long steerer that weighed in at 600g, so If I was buying this year I would get a full carbon forked model and sheld half a pound. But then again the front end feels VERY solid on mine, nice and secure on descents.

Compared to my slightly small giant it doesn't feel quite as good to honk over the bars up a steep hill, becasue the bars are higher and the top tube+stem is longer - This is more down to how I set up the bike for long sportive miles.

On other occasions I have powered up a rise and really felt the frame respond, its seems to almost reward back double if you put the effort in. Unfortunately I didnt get this feeling often because I generaly keep my efford steady for the long sportive rides.

And I havn't riden that bike since the summer - better get out on it again!

sandbag

Made the switch to carbon. Got a 61cm 2009 Synapse Carbon 105 Compact as a gift. The CAAD9 2010 105 Compact at £1300, but the Synapse was down from £1500 to £1200 in my LBS. So i choose the great deal instead of the CAAD9. Introduced to the offer while checking out the CAAD9. The 2010 Synapse same version is £1800. No regrets. BB30 is still on the 2009 models.

You can get a 2009 Tiagra CAAD9 around £800.

Stormtrooper

sandbag wrote:

You can get a 2009 Tiagra CAAD9 around £800.

I picked one up today last one in the shop. I was just lucky that it was the right size

majormantra

sandbag wrote:

Gorgeous! I think I see 11 speed - which group and how much does it weigh?

Matthew

sandbag

The CAAD9 has exactly the same geometry as the Super Six Hi Mod.

Sorry didn't say the spec.

ratherbeintobago

Only point of warning with regard to the 2009 bikes is that (unlike all the 2010 CAAD 9's, including the Tiagra model which has the glued-in adaptor sleeve) the UK frames don't have BB30 if these things matter to you.

(although why buy a C'dale if you don't buy into SI... :-P)

Andy

sandbag

It possible to get 2009 CAAD9/BB30 on a frame order.

Soni

I'm going to check out a CAAD9 on Sunday in London, i've come from a 1.5 2009 Trek so i'm hoping the CAAD9 won't be too aggressive for me....

matt.rochfort

Got a CAAD 9 Ultegra SL last year from evans. Fantastic bike. Climbs like a dream, rock solid at speed and accelerates superbly. I've done several centuries on it and it has been perfectly comfortable. So far the only thing i've changed is the saddle, the rest is plain vanilla! I'm looking at a new wheelset to replace the Aksiums, probaly something from IRD built up by roadace components. The bike also looks pretty S*** hot in my opinion. Ridden my fastest 10 and 25 on it as well - i'm sure that the frame just wants/makes you go faster. Top, top bike - Love mine!!

Soni

matt.rochfort wrote:

Got a CAAD 9 Ultegra SL last year from evans. Fantastic bike. Climbs like a dream, rock solid at speed and accelerates superbly. I've done several centuries on it and it has been perfectly comfortable. So far the only thing i've changed is the saddle, the rest is plain vanilla! I'm looking at a new wheelset to replace the Aksiums, probaly something from IRD built up by roadace components. The bike also looks pretty S*** hot in my opinion. Ridden my fastest 10 and 25 on it as well - i'm sure that the frame just wants/makes you go faster. Top, top bike - Love mine!!

Thats great to hear mate, i'm also looking at the Ultegra CAAD9...

What bike did you have prior to the CAAD9?