CAAD8/9? Or others...
Mountsy76
Posts: 3
Am going to buy a bike through the Ride2Work scheme, up to £1000, limited to Evans Cycles. As well as a shortish commute I want to be able to ride further at the weekends, not interested in hybrids.
Having read what I can find online and a few magazine reviews I'm currently looking at Felt Z85, Fuji Roubaix 1.0, Cannondale CAAD8 (with 105) and Cannondale CAAD9 (with Tiagra).
Cannondale frames seem to get consistently well reviewed so I am leaning that way but would like to know what the differences would be between CAAD8 & 9 (I know 9 has BB30 but is there anything else to consider?).
Am also thinking it would be best to get the best frame for the money, as components can be upgraded at a later date...
Also anybody's thoughts on the others in the shortlist, or any other recommendations (Evans only, obviously).
Am not currently a big fan of the Bianchi/Specialized frames with the curved top tube...
Having read what I can find online and a few magazine reviews I'm currently looking at Felt Z85, Fuji Roubaix 1.0, Cannondale CAAD8 (with 105) and Cannondale CAAD9 (with Tiagra).
Cannondale frames seem to get consistently well reviewed so I am leaning that way but would like to know what the differences would be between CAAD8 & 9 (I know 9 has BB30 but is there anything else to consider?).
Am also thinking it would be best to get the best frame for the money, as components can be upgraded at a later date...
Also anybody's thoughts on the others in the shortlist, or any other recommendations (Evans only, obviously).
Am not currently a big fan of the Bianchi/Specialized frames with the curved top tube...
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Comments
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CAAD9 is the better frame than the 8...
Do it!0 -
I've just got a Cannondale six 13 105 Fulcrum 5's for £1100.I went in to buy a CAAD 9 Tiagra,but went for the six as it was reduced very nicely&for the extra £100 i got better wheelset&the 105 groupset.I believe the Six is a CAAD 9 with carbon inserts in the top tube&down tube.It's a lovely fast ride&very positive feeling so i would imagine the CAAD 9 would be very similar&exllent value for £1000
TT photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/steverob/0 -
I'm in the same situation and went for the CAAD9 Tiagra Compact.
If you go for a CAAD9 I'd be interested to learn how you get on with ordering and delivery. Evans behaved as though they really didn't want me to place the order, and three weeks later I still have no clue about when I might actually get my hands on the bike.0 -
three weeks later I still have no clue about when I might actually get my hands on the bike.
Cannondale are currently in the process of changing their importer from a company in Holldand to one in Bournemouth, which is adding a bit of delay to proceedings.
Andy
(Waiting since Dec for a C'dale MTB...)0 -
More or less got my mind made up / heart set on the CAAD9 Tiagra.
Am going in this weekend to (hopefully) test ride the Roubaix 1.0 and a CAAD8 105 to get an idea about sizing and because they were the only bikes Evans had stock of (I'm expecting to be a 56cm frame). Quite a few of the 2010 bikes (that I've been looking at) aren't available - was originally going for the Felt Z85 but that wasn't going to be in until early April.
As it happens now, I'll not have my voucher until the start of next month so hopefully if I order the CAAD9 this weekend everything should turn up around the same time. I'll keep you posted though, and let you know how the service is.....[/quote]0 -
Brilliant choice!! I think you will find this bike a great ride. Make sure you take a test drive first before you buy anything as you need to feel comfortable!
Hope all goes well!0 -
I am a novice rider. I just got a 2010 Fuji Roubaix 1.0. All I can say is that I'm in love. I tried many bike before I made my decision, but the Fuji just felt right. My best friend rides last years model Caad9. He has made many upgrades. He looks at my bike with lust in his eyes. We're about the same height so he has riden my bike several times. I think if he had it to do all over he might go with the Fuji.0
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I've bought several Cannondales over the last twenty years, and have generally loved them. I currently have a 2006 Synapse and Caffeine hardtail.
But now I'm about to take delivery of a Felt Z-85. It's had good reviews, looks nice (!), has a slightly more comfortable/sportive riding position and was just a bit of a change.
Also, my last Cannondale (the Caffeine) had no end of quality control issues: had to go back twice for swarf in the top tube, repeatedly back for a very unreliable headshok (eventually junked) and was driven mad by the fact the distributor was based in Holland and dreadful at responding and communicating but great at fobbing off. I repeatedly turned to Cannondale USA to resolve issues.
I have heard some quality control issues with the current CAAD 8/9 models too.
Don't know if the Felt distributor will be any better, but on the one query I emailed they responded very quickly and helpfully.0 -
AIRWAVE where did you get your Six13 from? I have been looking for ages for one but all to no avail as they were discontinued from 2009 onwards. Shame really as they were reported to be good - unfortunately they were too expensive for Cannondale to manufacture. I am interested in a 2008 Six13 as they have a slightly longer Headtube compared to the previous years models.
Regards
Chris0
