CAADX vs Grade?

bigmul

I'm after a new bike via our cycle to work scheme which is limited choice. I've narrowed it down to either the CAADX 105 or GT Grade (alloy) 105 - both £1k.

Grade has HyRd's, CAADX frame is supposed to be great. I have some Kinisis CX disc wheels already on my Boardman CX Team (that will prob go to my son with original wheels).

Thoughts on both?

bigmul

Links to the bikes in question (on the specific cycle scheme):

CAADX:
https://bt.cyclesuk.com/browse/26-Cyclocross-Bike/51734-CAADX-105-2016-Cyclocross-Black

Grade:
https://bt.cyclesuk.com/browse/21-Mens-Road-Race/53681-Grade-Alloy-105-RAW-2016-Road

noodleman

I've been looking at the Grade for a while now. The carbon one but still the same geometry as the alluminium model. I'd go with the grade on the grounds that its something different, gets rave reviews and as yet it's not a common sight on the roads.

banditvic

I have the carbon Grade the best descending bike and comfortable bike I've ridden.
Its my winter bike and has 105 on it, not a Shimano fan but the brakes are better than the Rival 22 hydraulic ones but shifting not as good.
If the Alloy one is similar I would go for the Grade even though I love Cannondale's.

bigmul

Thanks for replies - the Grade does look decent and that it'll handle paths off the beaten track too...plus with the Kinesis wheels should be a bit spritelier too!

Th3P

Been considering these two myself, The only criticism I've read for the Grade (And it does slightly put me off) is tyre clearance..
That said its hard getting a figure for max clearance but it appears to be around 35-38mm more limited at the lower near BB

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/gt-grade-tyre-clearance