CAAD 9 52cm or 50cm

abit96

Hi,
I am a BMX guy and this will be my first road bike purchase. I have the chance to buy either of these bikes new, both have 105 components. I am just looking for the better bike between these two that will last 5-10yrs. Both fit really good and feel comfortable.

Thanks.

Update: Decided to buy a CAAD9 but I am 5'6 and inseam of 29 1/2. I have found a 52cm and 50cm and most charts say 51cm or 52cm and when stand over the 52cm I have 1inch of clearance and 50cm 1 1/2inch of clearance. So is a 50cm frame better or the 52cm that is mostly recommended better size?

Thx

peddlefever

It will probably really come down to fit and your personal preference given the same components. Having said that, I always hear a lot about how the CAAD 9 is the best aluminum frame you can get (Maybe not now that there is a CAAD 10).

I also know a couple of people with CAAD 8s and 9s and they have nothing but good things to say whenever we talk about our bikes.

I have no experience with the Orbea so this is clearly skewed information, but at the very least it appears you can't go wrong with a CAAD.

Tony Mc

Love my Orbea onix but again probably down to personal prefrence

roadiesean

CAAD everytime, but as per my usual suggestions never buy new for your first bike, get a good secondhand. The best frame Cannondale have ever made is the CAAD7, find one of those second hand, you'll get DuraAce and good wheels probably for the same money.

Cannondale are awesome bikes, I have a CAAD7, Look 585, Look 595, Cannondale System Six, Cannondale Six and Colnago Master Olympic and the CAAD7 is better than all the other Cannondales and the equal of the two Looks, its a stunning bike, polished alloy so you'll look bling without even trying and forget what everyone says about uncomfortable, they are the best, much, much more craftsmanship than any knocked out carbon frame.

But if you must buy new, get the CAAD9 you won't regret it.

matt.rochfort

CAAD 9 - mut's nuts!

tri-sexual

roadiesean wrote:

CAAD everytime, but as per my usual suggestions never buy new for your first bike, get a good secondhand. The best frame Cannondale have ever made is the CAAD7, find one of those second hand, you'll get DuraAce and good wheels probably for the same money.

Cannondale are awesome bikes, I have a CAAD7, Look 585, Look 595, Cannondale System Six, Cannondale Six and Colnago Master Olympic and the CAAD7 is better than all the other Cannondales and the equal of the two Looks, its a stunning bike, polished alloy so you'll look bling without even trying and forget what everyone says about uncomfortable, they are the best, much, much more craftsmanship than any knocked out carbon frame.

But if you must buy new, get the CAAD9 you won't regret it.

why is CAAD 7 best cannondale frame ever?

taimur

CAAD9 any day

markos1963

sorry wrong thread

Buckled_Rims

Have a guess which one I would pick....(answer below)

abit96

Thx for the feed back guys! leaning towards the CAAD9. They have two CAAD9's in 50cm and 52cm I am in between those two sizes, so is it better to have a little bit smaller frame or little bit bigger? I will be upgrading the handle bar for a smaller more compact one so the distance will come back a bit.

On another note they also have 2010 51cm Carbon Synapse with 105 components for the same close out price.

thx

Lagavulin

abit96 wrote:

They have two CAAD9's in 50cm and 52cm I am in between those two sizes, so is it better to have a little bit smaller frame or little bit bigger?

Try both if you can. Smaller frame with a longer stem for me. Difference in the top tube and head tube length in both those sizes is only 1cm and 50mm respectively. Easily compensated with a headset spacer and/or more angled stem.

MaxwellBygraves

If you want something racy get the CAAD9, for something a bit more relaxed get the Onix. To say one is better than the other in any given situation is wrong. If you want an aggressive, fast bike that is race ready I would get the caad9 (a very good bike). If you want a bike for long sportives that can mile munch in comfort get the Onix (a very good bike).

carl_p

You need to try both. The CAAD9 is a fine ride, but the slightly harsh ride on the worst of roads can be unforgiving. Depends what you want out of the bike. For what it's worth I struggle to keep up with Markos on his Onix!

The CAAD9 has a bit of toe overlap, so I would suggest you don't buy too small and the fantastic handling will apply whatever the size.

Mike67

Going by your measurements both would probably work with the odd minor tweak. Depends how stretched out you like to feel when riding etc.

I'm just over 5'8" with a 31 inseam and ride the 54 which fits nicely.
I actually put a slightly longer stem on to replace the stock one too ( must have long arms!). So if you have a longish reach a 52 may be the way to go.

There is also toe overlap on my 54 as mentioned above (size 9 feet) so I don't think you'll avoid it with either frame unless you're size 6 or less. No big issue in reality though.

I wouldn't worry too much about standover unless you're planning to off road it

Best advice is to try one of course.

chrishd883

+1 CAAD 9

Size?
Probably doesn't matter between these two choices.
Back in 2004 - buying my first road bike - I was flipped between 54 & 56 frame
Then the advice was a 54 in a Cannondale frame.
But is 2008 I was "sized" up as a 56 - Think I just got use to the position.

CAAD 9 0r Synapse?
CAAD9 without a doubt.
I own a 2004 CAAD 8 (54cms) - fantastic bike.
Bought a Synapse in 2009 (56cms) as a sort of replacement...!?!?
Can't comment on the top of the range carbon frames - but in this choice CAAD 9!
Slightly smoother / softer ride with the Synapse - but very little difference on a long ride
But the Cannondale aluminium frames are superb!

I can switch easily between the 54 & 56 - without any changes to geometry / stems etc.
If yoiu are between sizes - choose the snaller frame.

You won't be disappointed!

ADIHEAD

Carbon Synapse or CAA9? CAA9 for racing and fast, shorter rides. Synapse for Sportives/long rides. I've an 08 carbon Synapse and very comfortable. Remember also if you're riding in the winter/bad weather that Aluminium may be a better bet.

Sizing, look at reach to bars also, you'll have less drop from saddle to bars on the 52cm also. Surely the dealer can sit you on a turbo with both and advise?

skleins

Where are these bikes availalble for sale? I'm looking for a Caad9 in either 50cm or 52cm?

If you dont have them - I'm interested.

Given your height - I'd say you are better off on a 50cm...especially as a first road bike. I'm just over 5'7" with 29.5" inseam and ride a Ribble winter bike that almost identical to the Cannondale 50cm in size.

mattsy666

I'm 5ft 6" and have a 50cm Six13 and it's a better fit than my previous caad5 which was 52cm ... But it's all about what you are comfy with ... But smaller can be made bigger easier than bigger made smaller ...

Monty Dog

Go smaller - there's nothing worse than having a frame that's slightly too big. Aesthetically it'll look better with a bit more seatpost and layback too - giving you more options to 'tweak' your position. Nothing looks worse IMO that a frame with the saddle slammed forward on the rails to compensate for too big a frame

abit96

Thx for all the imput guys ended up with the 50cm and as far as the 52cm someone ealse purchased that one already.