Which Cannondale?

SR7492
SR7492 Posts: 190
edited January 2012 in Road beginners
Another newbie roadie here :-)

Instead of the normal 'which bike thread'; I know which bike manufacturer I want, but just need some advice in which is the best from the 2 below.

Cannondale CAAD10 105 2011
or
Cannondale CAAD8 105 2012

I started biking in May last year on my MTB, every mile has been on the road so decided a few months ago I need a road bike - been hovering over which bike to get and come to the conclusion that I want a Cannondale (have read a lot of good reviews on here and other forums :-))

I'll be mainly using the bike for weekend runs, 30 - 50 milers, maybe join a club and even enter a TT event, so the bike needs to be comfortable but also fast (as I do like to push myself by going over same routes and trying to do it faster)

I'm 5'11, weighing 78kgs

So, back on the bike - my heart says go for the 2012 CAAD8 (purely because the colour scheme is awesome) but I know and read that the CAAD10 is the best frame on the market (arguably).

Some good folks have said go for the CAAD10 which I'm now seriously considering, but just wanted to ask the BR knowledge of school what your thoughts were and which you would recommend.

What I would like to know; £ for £, which bike offers more value in the goodies it comes with and which will more 'ideal' for what I want to use it for.

Also, would you recommend I change anything on either bike if bought i.e. better tyres/wheels and what would be the cost?

Sorry for the long essay, hopefully this will give the experts the info to provide good feedback.

Thanks to everyone in advance for their input and advice (thumps up)

Comments

  • oscarbudgie
    oscarbudgie Posts: 850
    CAAD10 but I think you knew that already. Although I think the last American built CAAD9's are the pinnacle of Cannondale Alu frames the CAAD10 is mighty fine and you will be able to upgrade it infinitely - as far as your pocket will allow and beyond the abilities of most cyclists.
    Cannondale Supersix / CAAD9 / Boardman 9.0 / Benotto 3000
  • EarlyGo
    EarlyGo Posts: 281
    +1 for the CAAD10. Better wheels and brakes, also if you fancy TT then it has racier geometry too. I noticed the other day that the 2011 CAAD 10s come with 105 brakes but the 2012 ones come with Tektro brakes (not a fan of tektro brakes personally).

    Regards,

    EarlyGo
  • Bi50N
    Bi50N Posts: 87
    So I'm just shy of 5'11", 78KG, thinking of purchasing a CAAD 10 2011 and...

    Seriously, who is this imposter?

    More seriously - @ the OP (and any others who can offer advice) - I seem to fall mid-way between the 54 and 56. what size are you looking at? Been on a test ride?
    On-One Pompetamine | Trek District | Tokyo Fixed S2 | Canyon Ultimate Al
  • briantrumpet
    briantrumpet Posts: 20,345
    Bi50N wrote:
    So I'm just shy of 5'11", 78KG, thinking of purchasing a CAAD 10 2011 and...

    Seriously, who is this imposter?

    More seriously - @ the OP (and any others who can offer advice) - I seem to fall mid-way between the 54 and 56. what size are you looking at? Been on a test ride?
    I'm just short of 6' and have a 56" CAAD 9 - I wouldn't want any smaller (see signature for saddle-handlebar drop) - I've got my Arione Versus back just about as far as it will go (changed saddle from photo). As it's set up, though, it suits me perfectly.
    https://www.facebook.com/unanglaisendiois
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    You sure it's 56"? I have heard no reports of a cycling giraffe in your neck of the woods.
  • briantrumpet
    briantrumpet Posts: 20,345
    keef66 wrote:
    You sure it's 56"? I have heard no reports of a cycling giraffe in your neck of the woods.
    Oh yes. 56cm. I never did know if was true that the French built their part of Concorde in metric, and the British in imperial.
    https://www.facebook.com/unanglaisendiois
  • Bi50N
    Bi50N Posts: 87
    briantrumpet wrote:
    I'm just short of 6' and have a 56" CAAD 9 - I wouldn't want any smaller (see signature for saddle-handlebar drop) - I've got my Arione Versus back just about as far as it will go (changed saddle from photo). As it's set up, though, it suits me perfectly.

    I assume your Supersix is a 56 too?
    On-One Pompetamine | Trek District | Tokyo Fixed S2 | Canyon Ultimate Al
  • briantrumpet
    briantrumpet Posts: 20,345
    Bi50N wrote:
    I assume your Supersix is a 56 too?
    Yup. Seems to be extremely similar geometry from how it feels - from what I understood that is the case. They are both awesome bikes to ride. Just don't ask me to accurately describe the difference in feel. But between them, it's the best £3000 I've ever spent on anything.
    https://www.facebook.com/unanglaisendiois
  • SR7492
    SR7492 Posts: 190
    I'm thinking 54cm would be the right frame for me.

    Going to get measured up tomorrow so we'll see.
  • SR7492
    SR7492 Posts: 190
    looks like it's going to be a 56cm instead!

    The 54cm was a tad to small (and the bike did look visibly smaller) whereas the 56cm seemed ok.

    I think the stem will need to be shorted sligtly for comfort but other than that, should be ok.

    They didn't have the CAAD10 for demo purposes but will take one out stock this week for me to have a go on and get comfortable.

    Getting exciting now!

    Thanks guys for your input, I was dead set on the CAAD8 105 but you guys have made me change my mind to the CAAD10.

    Will post pictures when I've actually got it :-)
  • briantrumpet
    briantrumpet Posts: 20,345
    briantrumpet wrote:
    I'm just short of 6' and have a 56 CAAD 9 - I wouldn't want any smaller
    SR7492 wrote:
    looks like it's going to be a 56cm instead! The 54cm was a tad to small (and the bike did look visibly smaller) whereas the 56cm seemed ok.
    Glad you've found the right size! Have fun!!
    https://www.facebook.com/unanglaisendiois

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