00bill00

cause I'm about to put my Trek Hybrid (7.3 FX) out to pasture and replace it with my first road bike. The front runners are a 2015 Caad10 and a 2014 Felt Z85. The Caad10 test ride changed my life but it's much more expensive. I liked the Felt when I took it for a spin but I didn't love it like the Caad10. Unfortunately my budgets pretty tight right now which is one of the main reasons I'm leaning towards the Felt. I'd like to think the Felt will grow on me over time but that's hard to say at this point. Anywho, I'm struggling with this decision so any insight here would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance....

Cross Creek

My advice is save for the bike that feels awesome, even if it means riding the old bike a bit longer. Bikes don't "grow on you," they just nag like an ingrown hair, and the money you spend on a new bike that doesn't feel wonderful will make you resent it even more over time. You should try more bikes, though. Maybe there's one not so expensive that also feels great.

RonH

I had a 2012 Felt Z4 (carbon, Ultegra) and a 2013 CAAD 10 (105). Both are GREAT bikes. Have you taken them for a long test ride (at least 5 miles)? I was able to do that when I got the Z4 and the CAAD 10. If you haven't, ask the shop owner if thats possible. Then decide. Love vs. $$budget.

Ursa Minor

Maybe check Craigs list for a used CAAD?

Charlie

Stucky

Get the CAAD..... The extra money will not matter a few months from no/will be well-spent. Not that there's anything wrong with the Felt.....it's just that the magical feeling one gets when a bike just "clicks with them" is a wonderful thing- and very personal- and you are lucky to have experienced it! Once you experience that, if you don't get the bike which caused it, you will end up spending many years and MUCH more money trying to replicate that feeling- because it's not so easy to come by.

The Felt will not grow on you [Again, nothing wrong with Felts- they are perfectly good bikes....but just like driving a new-to-you car, the good things/joys/nuances start to fade as the weeks and months go by; instead of the good things growing on you, the bad things become more apparent.

RUN out and grab that CAAD10......you won't regret it. It'll be a lot cheaper in the long-run (You won't have to spend time and a lot of money trying to search for another bike that feels the same as what that bike caused you to feel). If you don't get it, you'll regret not getting it for a long time to come, and be kicking yourself knowing what you could have had for a few dollars more.

wphamilton

Personally, I'd get the Felt now since it's within budget and you like it.

TenSpeedV2

I just picked up a 2015 Felt Z5 and I absolutely love it. I know that the CAAD line is very popular but I have never had a desire to get one for some reason.

molten

I'd FULLY follow YOUR recommendation, when it comes to females. Although I only have invested in pro bikes & components, as of yet.

ColaJacket

Agreed.

There's a few CAAD10's on CL in Denver. (Looks like most are 54cm - 58cm)

GH

simplybao

Pick up the one you want instead of what you might like. I've made that mistake and spent mucho $$$ on upgrades trying to like it. Just save up a little longer. The new CAAD12 is coming out so they will be discounting the CAAD 10's. All '15 Cannondales should be going on sale now. My LBS is discounting the '15s up to 20%. Heck, he gave us a discount on my husbands 2016 Synapse.

00bill00

Thanks for all the feedback. Bike Forums rocks! Decided to go with the 2014 Felt Z85. Got a smoking deal on it ($799) and haven't looked back since. My only regret so far is waiting this long to get on a road bike! My life just got a whole lot cooler. Thanks again compadres!

70sSanO

Good choice. Since this is your first road bike, I'm not sure you really know what is that magical bike. After a lot more miles in a lot of different situations I think you will have a better understanding of what works best for you.

John

Stucky

NICE-looking bike! Sounds like a great deal, too. Enjoy!!!!!

It's less about the bike, than it is about the ride, and the rider. As long as you don't get caught-up in equipment-mania and upgrade-itis, there's no reason that that bike can't serve you well for many years to come.