First bike, vitus vs cannondale

cjam

Hi everyone,

New to road cycling and looking to get myself an entry level bike.

The 2 bikes I am most interested in currently are the Cannondale CAAD 8 tiagra and the Vitus Zenium VRS - 105 at £825 and £855 respectively.

I have been able to try both bikes and have found a good fit with both.

I want to get a bike that will let me upgrade in the future if I want to (I have a past of doing this with other hobbys/sports) but I don't want to spend a huge amount initially as I have extras to buy as well, so would prefer not to go over around £850 for the bike to allow some extra for shoes, pedals, etc.

I have been told that between the two I should go for the one with the best frame as this will allow the best upgradability in the future in the sense of probably not having to worry about the frame unless I was at the stage where I wanted to go carbon or high end alu. My problem is not knowing which one is best!

Any advice between the 2 bikes in all respects would be appreciated. Given that the fit is good with both and the price is very close, which one would you have?

Many many thanks in advance,

Cjam

16mm

I'd but the one I liked the look of most TBH.

bmxboy10

The Dale is probably the better bike but for me i would beg steal and borrow another couple of hundred quid and get this.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/cinelli-saetta- ... loce-2012/


Sorry i doubt i have helped much :roll:

cjam

thank you so far!

The advice to go by looks would simplify things! I just want to make sure I don't miss the better bike over it.

I am already begging borrowing and stealing to have my current budget! haha.

Advice so far from various sources seems to indicate that the cdale frame is better but the vitus is better VFM re: components etc.

Frame CAAD8, Optimized 6061 Alloy, SAVE, BB30
Fork Cannondale Ultra, carbon blades, 1-1/8"
Rear Shock n/a
Rims Maddux RS 3.0, 32 hole
Hubs Cannondale C4
Spokes Stainless Steel, 15g
Tires Schwalbe Lugano, 700x23c
Pedals Wellgo
Cranks FSA Omega BB30, 50/34
Bottom Bracket FSA BB30
Chain KMC X10, 10-speed
Rear Cogs Shimano Tiagra 4600, 12-28, 10-speed
Front Derailleur Shimano Tiagra 4600, 31.8mm clamp
Rear Derailleur Shimano Tiagra 4600
Shifters Shimano Tiagra 4600
Handlebar Cannondale C4 Compact
Grips Cannondale Suede bar tape w/gel, 2.5mm
Stem Cannondale C4, 31.8mm, 6 deg.
Headset Tange Seiki Integrated, 25mm top cap
Brakes Cannondale C4, dual pivot, cartridge pad
Brake Levers Shimano Tiagra 4600
Saddle Cannondale Stage Ergo w/ Steel Rails
Seatpost Cannondale C4 alloy, 27.2mmx300mm

against

Frame: Custom Hydro-formed 6061-T6 Alloy
Frame Certification: CE EN14781
Forks: High-modulus T700 HM-UD carbon with tapered alloy steerer
Headset: FSA Orbit C-40-ACB
Handlebars: FSA Wing Compact
Stem: FSA Gossamer OS-152
Handlebar Tape: Cork Cushion
Chainset: FSA Gossamer Pro Compact, 50t x 34t
Chain: Shimano Tiagra 4601, 10-Speed
Cassette: Shimano Tiagra 4600, 12t-25t, 10-Speed
Shifters: Shimano 105 5700
Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105 5701
Front Derailleur: Shimano 105 5700
Brakes: FSA Gossamer
Saddle: Vitus
Seatpost: FSA SL-280
Tyres: Schwalbe Lugano PP, 700x23c
Wheelset: Shimano R501
Weight: 9kg (54cm)

Davdandy

As a Caad 8 owner i say go Cannondale.

banditvic

Pauls cycles has the Cannondale at £779 but steal the extra and get the CAAD 10 you know it makes sense.

cjam

I notice on Pauls cycles that they have the 2012 CAAD 10 105 for £1149.99 in my size.

It would take me some time to save the extra money, which will be as near as £400 by the time I pay postage. Would this be worth the wait and hoping they don't sell out of my size, would a beginner notice the difference so much over the CAAD 8?

Regards,

Cjam

GGBiker

Seriously that Cinelli is more bike than you'll ever need and a steal at that price.

Only upgrade you would ever need would be the wheels.

cjam

I am reluctant about the Cinelli as everyone has advised me that the absolute #1 most important thing is fit, and I am not able to test the Cinelli anywhere.

GGBiker

It is of course important, however almost any rider can fit on almost any model of bike unless they have bizarre proportions, the important thing is to get the correct frame size.

If you get the wrong size I'm sure you could exchange it for the right size. If you are borderline for the size guide go down rather than up a size.

banditvic

The CAAD 10 is about as good as it gets and you can upgrade to whatever you want, don't get me wrong the CAAD 8 is good but your getting a better groupset and a probably the best aluminium frame you can buy.

cjam

Okay thanks. I will have a look at the Cinelli some more, and I will weigh up the options.

Does anyone have any opinion on the Vitus bike? Noone has mentioned much about it and it came quite highly recommended to me.

NeXXus

cjam wrote:

Okay thanks. I will have a look at the Cinelli some more, and I will weigh up the options.

Does anyone have any opinion on the Vitus bike? Noone has mentioned much about it and it came quite highly recommended to me.

I have one if it's any help

I didn't really look at any other bike even though I had a higher budget. MO: was 105 as standard sub £1k - which no LBS could match. Wasn't bothered by the lack of full 105 group, but the FSA Gossamer kit is capable, I do love the change from a standard double to compact

TBH, I've only had it a week, but 200 odd miles later it's still leaving me grinning ear to ear.