Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Still possible to get a CAAD9 frameset or not?

I browsed the Cannondale site, the LBS site and no mention of framesets.

On a related note, the LBS here carries Cannondale and...Trek, as well as Specialized. I'm not a Trek hater, think they make fine bikes, BUT I do notice that every time I go in there to see what they have, they tend to have maybe one or two Specialized, MAYBE one Cannondale, and about a dozen Treks. This from what is supposedly Missouri's largest bike shop!

I figure I could ask why so few Cannondales and if they have CAAD9 framesets or not, but I thought I'd ask here first as well!

Tom

They are only sold as complete bikes, unless your on a racing team. This is what I understood, however I could be wrong.

Pretty sure the framesets are only available as team buys. Depending on what size you need, there were a couple of guys on the Raodie forum with frame CAAD 9 sets for sale.

Well crap, that blows! Money's too tight and I was hoping I could at least buy a CAAD9 frameset (preferably one still made in PA if possible) and eventually build it up around a '09 SRAM Rival groupset like a few folks here have done :)

Tom

My bike store told me that I could get the frame for $699 or the complete bike with Tiagra groupset for $799. Checkout GA Cycle Sport in Athens,GA and ask for Micach.

Go in and ask them. Last September, I bought a System 6 frame and had the shop build it up for me. I don't remember how it was priced out-only remember the bottom line. So it may pay off for you.

I did drop by and ask.....sure enough, no can get framesets. Just the complete bike, and they charge full retail, not a penny less. Plus $10 for the water bottle.

Despite that, I've pretty much decided to put a CAAD9 7 on layaway as soon as I can. Gotta get a rifle paid off first, but after that I can get started on Project Blue, as I think I'll call it. The 9-7 comes in Patriot Blue as well as black, and I definitely like the blue better.

So here's what I'm thinking I can do....take about a year or so, but if I can get a promotion, windfall or the like then potentially sooner:

CAAD9-7 52 or 54cm frame with 2009 SRAM Rival, Mavic Open Pro rims/Ultegra hub wheelsets, seatpost, stem and handlebars to be decided as funds permit. probably stick with the Selle SM saddle, but we'll just have to wait and see.

Hopefully weight should not be quite as big an issue as it is now, although I understand the frame is very strong yet light, and of course the Mavic/Shimano wheelset combo is known far and wide for its Clyde-friendliness.

Sell or trade the stock components and wheels? Or just buy and ride and upgrade ASAP before something breaks? I wonder if the LBS will be willing to give any credit for them against the cost of the Rival groupset or the wheels, or just better off trying to offload it online?

Whaddya folks think? :)

Tom

They can still be had. My LBS was looking to order customer colors to match their shop colors. What size do you need. Here one selling here http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=527614

.....CAAD9-7 52 or 54cm frame with 2009 SRAM Rival, Mavic Open Pro rims/Ultegra hub wheelsets, seatpost, stem and handlebars to be decided as funds permit. probably stick with the Selle SM saddle, but we'll just have to wait and see.....


Tom


My inseam is barely even 30 inches. I'm afraid a 63cm frame would be juuuuuuuust a lil' bit awkward ;)

Even 54 might be stretching it. I could barely stand over a Scott 54 without smashing my boys. 52 was much better. The Masi 51cm fixie I demo'd was fine, but felt very cramped front to back, so a longer stem would certainly help. Hope this gives you folks an idea of the gorillas I'm apparently related to :p

Tom

Oooops, sorry, I started my thread and got sidetracked when you posted. I have a 30.5 inseam and I ride a 56. Height wise, I'm fine, the TT length is where I have had issues, my torso is shorter, and I looked at getting a 54, but found I could alter the 56 enough to make it work. I would go to a Cannondale dealer and see if they have a 52 and 54 give it a go. The stem that came on mine was 120mm, and I am riding a 100mm, so be aware.

What kind of riding are you planning on? The CAAD9 is a great frame, but only if it matches what you intend to do with it.

Why, ride it on the road of course! As for racing, that's a pretty distant thought if that's what you're inferring.

But the bottom line is I grew up riding a road bike (schwinn varsity) as transportation in high school and college, and was a decently strong rider, took a hiatus for 20 years and became a Clyde, lost about 80# and now here I am. Always wanted to get a good road bike all these years, though, just never had enough money (or it wasn't a priority, yada yada yada).

The CAAD9 seems to be one of the best all-around choices for a Clyde wanting a road bike, either to start or upgrade. Plus its made in the USA, or was, which would be a nice plus in my book although not a deal-breaker and the price is reasonable. Oh yeah, and I can pay 90 days same as cash at the LBS - only way I can even buy the thing in the first place :)

And if I DO end up racing, then I've got a good bike for the purpose.

Tom

I'm hear to tell you, I love mine. I find it a very smooth ride for an all aluminum bike, well except for the fork.