CAAD 12 Durability for commuting.
AndromedaTheM31
Posts: 13
Hey everyone,
I have been commuting using a Broadman hybrid for the last 4 years or so. I commute 25 Miles a day in total , 4 days a week.
I just bought my first Road bike - And that happens to be CAAD 12 ultegra. (Decided to go with CAAD 12 after lot and lot of research)
I am loving the CAAD 12 in terms of handling and response. It a fantastic bike! (Not sure how this compares with other carbon bikes.)
Because my main usage is commuting I purposely selected the Alu frame against carbon. Hoping it would take the load the abuse while parking and commuting.
But I am starting to think did I went for a wrong bike. Because CAAD 12 frame is so light it is kind of so fragile. I am able to see movement in the top tube if try to squeeze it with my fingers. not as bad as trying to squeeze empty coke can. but almost like un-opened coke can with gas inside. I am sure if I press it hard enough with my full power the top tube in CAAD 12 might slightly dent or bend. It is not that I am so strong - it seems like CAAD 12 top tube is so fragile
When I tried to do the same (Squeezing the top tube with fingers) on the other Carbon bikes in the store I was not able to see any movement.
ironically Carbon bike seems to be much stronger in my test.
Should I be worried? Should I return the bike and go for something more robust like CAADX or Pinnacle Arkose...
Having said that I did not like the appearance of CAADX or Pinnacle Arkose that is why in the first place to CAAD 12. (But I starting to realise Practicality is more important than aesthetics) I still have 3 and half weeks left in my 30 days return period
Please let me know your valuable thoughts. Thanking you in advance.
Is there any CAAD 12 owners out there ? do you feel the same?
Regards
Nathan
I have been commuting using a Broadman hybrid for the last 4 years or so. I commute 25 Miles a day in total , 4 days a week.
I just bought my first Road bike - And that happens to be CAAD 12 ultegra. (Decided to go with CAAD 12 after lot and lot of research)
I am loving the CAAD 12 in terms of handling and response. It a fantastic bike! (Not sure how this compares with other carbon bikes.)
Because my main usage is commuting I purposely selected the Alu frame against carbon. Hoping it would take the load the abuse while parking and commuting.
But I am starting to think did I went for a wrong bike. Because CAAD 12 frame is so light it is kind of so fragile. I am able to see movement in the top tube if try to squeeze it with my fingers. not as bad as trying to squeeze empty coke can. but almost like un-opened coke can with gas inside. I am sure if I press it hard enough with my full power the top tube in CAAD 12 might slightly dent or bend. It is not that I am so strong - it seems like CAAD 12 top tube is so fragile
When I tried to do the same (Squeezing the top tube with fingers) on the other Carbon bikes in the store I was not able to see any movement.
ironically Carbon bike seems to be much stronger in my test.
Should I be worried? Should I return the bike and go for something more robust like CAADX or Pinnacle Arkose...
Having said that I did not like the appearance of CAADX or Pinnacle Arkose that is why in the first place to CAAD 12. (But I starting to realise Practicality is more important than aesthetics) I still have 3 and half weeks left in my 30 days return period
Please let me know your valuable thoughts. Thanking you in advance.
Is there any CAAD 12 owners out there ? do you feel the same?
Regards
Nathan
0
Comments
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Had my CADD7 for 12 years now and the frame has outlasted the wheels, saddle, forks, brakes derailleurs, brakes, cassettes, chainrings and bottom bracket. The top tube is soft and has had a dent in it for years. I do around 10,000km/year whatever the weather.
Why would you treat it differently commuting or pleasure riding? If someone tries to steal it while locked up it may get damaged but so might any other bike.
Ride the bike you know you will enjoy being on. It may not last as long as others but so what?0 -
You bought a lightweight race bike for commuting. It'll be quick, not as comfortable and more fragile than a commuting bike. You paid your money and made your choice!
However if you have somewhere reasonably safe to park at work then it'll be fine unless you crash it. It might get a dent in a bike rack from someone else being careless with their bike, but it'll still work.0 -
The caad is a race bike so it's going to be unconfortable at some point.
I all depends how far you wish to go on it, if it's a long commute then an endurance geometry will better be suited.0 -
I have a lightweight alu bike and a lightweight carbon bike.
The thinnest part of the alu bike appears to be the oversize downtube; feels / sounds very thin there if I tap it. The top tube seems meatier and I have no reservations about clamping that in the workstand.
The carbon bike has a very thin-walled top tube; if I squeeze that vertically I can see flex, so I'm clamping this frame only by an alloy seatpost.
I'm sure both bikes could be damaged by impact in the wrong place, so I tend to look after them. In use they are both extremely strong and I don't mind chucking myself downhill on them.0 -
Thanks Everyone - your reply has given me confidence. I really appreciate your valuable response. I will continue with my CAAD 12.0
