Cannondale CAAD5

zhang

I'm thinking of getting a cheap road bike in an attempt to get some exercise. I've found a Cannondale CAAD5 for sale locally and was wondering if it would be a good buy at £250. I believe it's got a TIagra groupset and WH-R500 wheels. What should I be looking out for with older aluminium frames? Also, I weigh just over 90kg so could the 20/24 spoke count be problematic?

Thanks guys

Crankbrother

Forget about the weight issue and decide if the frame size/colour and components are worth the cash ...

You can get a brand new caad8 for £600 but then £350 buys alot of love for an older (and IMHO better) frame ... My old caad5 was easily faster out of the blocks on a climb than either of my 2 newer 'dales ...

Buy the old bike, ride it all winter and either sell on for £200 to get a new toy or upgrade for spring ...

edhornby

that's a good bike and if it fits you then get it - the wheels will be fine for you, if you do kill them you can replace without too much expenditure but you'll be fine

things to check on the frame, look for blistering paint at joints or creasing, dings on any of the main tubes - check that the derailleur hanger is straight. stand it up and hold the saddle lightly and push it one handed, it should be able to run straight fairly easily, if it tries to dive out under your hand it may have dodgy tracking

most importantly, just get out there and ride it

smidsy

Well I paid £320 for mine in January so yours sounds a good deal. Since then I have added the AC 420 Aero wheels.