Buying CAAD9 online?

CletePurcel

Hi

Sorry if this is a daft question. I am returning to cycling after a 10 year 'break'.

I am about to get a new road bike. I just learned that my employer is in the cycle to work scheme and I had my heart set on trying a CAAD9 - I would get about £400 off. Unfortunately the cycle shops where I live don't do Cannondale. The best shop here does Specialized, Trek and Giant.

Is it safe to buy something like this online without trying it first? I am worried iI might get the wrong size. How serious is this? If it is risky I would rather go for a bike from my local shop. Which would be best under £1000? I have been thinking Trek 2.1 or Giant Defy 3.

Cheers.

Garry H

It will always be a bit of a risk to buy without trying. However, you can limit it by getting a professional fitting at a local LBS. They will usually provide you with a print-out of your measurements and ideal geometry. You can then compare this to the CAAD9. Where are you based?

CletePurcel

Thanks for the advice. I am in Kenilworth (nr. Leamington Spa). I know our bike shop does not service or repair bikes bought from other shops. They seem a bit overwhelmed, but they are in the cycle to work scheme.

I bought a mountain bike from them last week and they were very friendly and gave me good adivice so I think it might be better to get something from them that I can test ride. Just not the Cannondale. There are no Cannondale dealers nearby in the scheme according to the scheme's website.

mf5

You'll have to be careful buying any CAAD 9's at the moment because of the stocking problems, and I would always suggest having a test ride before buying any bike

CletePurcel

Thanks. I have been thinking about it and just read about the Cannondale stock issue.

I guess the best thing really is to go to my local shop and test drive something.

More research this afternoon would suggest perhaps the Giant Defy 1 or the Trek 2.1 as good alternatives. Anyone have an opinion of these?

mf5

As a bike I would deffiantly recommend the CAAD 9 and I would say its worth waiting for but if not, I would go for the Trek 2.1 out of those bikes

Lagavulin

CletePurcel wrote:

I know our bike shop does not service or repair bikes bought from other shops.

Bike shops actually do this? I've noticed a couple of people post in other threads stating this as well mind but I'm just astonished it's a policy shops have adopted.

CletePurcel

Lagavulin wrote:

CletePurcel wrote:

I know our bike shop does not service or repair bikes bought from other shops.

Bike shops actually do this? I've noticed a couple of people post in other threads stating this as well mind but I'm just astonished it's a policy shops have adopted.

My local shop states:

"Note: Due to storage space and workload within the workshop we are now only able to repair cycles bought from [NAME DELETED]. We are sorry for any inconvenience."

I was in there last week and they were very busy so I guess they have to do this to maintain a loyal customer base. I ordered a bike that they had in stock and they said it would take them several days to build as they had a backlog of work. I don't know if this is normal or not.