Considering new bike options

Chkin11

Considering picking up a second bike, Thinking about a CAAD series bike or Defy Advanced.

I ran across a web deal for $1700.00 Shipped for a 2014 CAAD10 Racing Edition Ultegra 6800 (New/Old Stock) or should I go for a 2017 CAAD12 105 5800? Price works out about even considering the 2017 I have to pay local Taxes.

The other alternative I'm considering is 2017 Giant Defy Advanced 2 @ $1950.00+ Taxes

Of the three what would you choose?

arlowood

Chkin11 wrote:

Considering picking up a second bike, Thinking about a CAAD series bike or Defy Advanced.

I ran across a web deal for $1700.00 Shipped for a 2014 CAAD10 Racing Edition Ultegra 6800 (New/Old Stock) or should I go for a 2017 CAAD12 105 5800? Price works out about even considering the 2017 I have to pay local Taxes.

The other alternative I'm considering is 2017 Giant Defy Advanced 2 @ $1950.00+ Taxes

Of the three what would you choose?

My advice would be to opt for the 2017 CAAD 12 105 5800. The 11-speed 105 is up there in functionality with the 6800 Ultegra. Only real difference is a few grams weight penalty with the 105.

The 105 CAAD12 was Bikeradar "Bike of the Year" in 2016 so you won't be disappointed

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/cate ... 105-49861/

With my mercenary hat on a 2017 bike will hold it's value somewhat better than a 2014 model - even tho the 2014 one has never turned a wheel in 3 years. Buyer perceptions will generally favour the younger model if/when you come to sell it.

w00dster

Not sure if you are aware but there is a significant geometry difference between the two bikes, the defy is considered a more endurance frame while the CAAD is a more aggressive "racing" frame.
I used to race on the CAAD 8 and 10, I loved the CAAD 10, I've never ridden the CAAD 12 but have heard lots of very positive things about it - a number of good knowledgeable racers I know now ride the CAAD 12. Given that it is the same price as the CAAD10, seems like a no brainer (I have both 5800 and 6800 - in a blind test I probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference)

Chkin11

Good points. Thank you. The Online Bike shop is now (after inquiry) offering me a discount code to put the shipped price to $1522 on the 2014 CAAD10 6800, however they advised since it is technically considered a "Demo" model it does not carry the factory warranty, that does concern me a slight amount. I do already have an "endurance" bike (Synapse 4500) so the "race" bike CAAD12 does make a little more sense to me for versatility. Is it generally safe to purchase a "Demo" from an online auction site dealer? 2017 CAAD12 Seems to run around $1300 there. Is it worth $400 for a factory warranty?

Or there is the 2016 Giant TCR Advanced 2 "Demo" (race geometry) (Carbon frame/ Complete 105 groupset) from the online auction dealers in the same price range (actually slightly lower depending), and it supposedly keeps its factory warranty. From what I can find Giant's resale does not seem to be good, must be a reason but never owned one.