thetrex

Hello!

So im faced with a dilemma.
I bought this gorgeous, lightly used Cannondale CAAD9 cross frameset a little while ago and have been agonizing over how I should build it (with a severely restricted budget).

In an effort to get some input on the parts list I compiled I contacted a friend of mine who owns a bike shop for advice.
To my surprise he responded not just with an edited parts list but also with a trade offer for a new Fuji 1.5 Cross bike (disc brakes, 10 spd tiagra setup..etc.)---(specs linked)

Fuji Bikes | ROAD | CYCLOCROSS SERIES | CROSS 1.5 DISC

Should I accept the offer, get a fully built Fuji (and just pay for customization?) or opt to build that CAAD9 from the ground up and be doomed to upgrade components for as long as I shall live? (As you can tell I am VERY tempted by the offer...)

Would we both be getting a good deal through the trade?

Andy_K 

So the trade is your Cannondale frame set for the complete Fuji? If so, I'd definitely do that.

But no, I don't see how that would be a good trade for your friend.

Dirt Neck

If you need a CX rig that's up and running, go for the Fuji. It's nearly May!

If you've already got another bike for the season, consider building up the CADDX. Building a bike from the frame up is a wonderful experience and just pain good for your soul.

Pompiere

The friend owning a bike shop probably has a stash of parts that he is considering for the Cannondale, or at least, has access to parts at cost, making it a good deal for him. Piecing a bike together can get expensive. You can quickly exceed the cost of a new bike.

If you don't feel any attachment to the Cannondale and just want to get riding, then get the Fuji and upgrade as you go. If you have another bike and want to build something that you can call your own, then keep the Cannondale take your time and shop for bargains and build it up the way you want it.

DirtRoadRunner

The CAADX frameset probably retailed for ~$800 new, and is now worth $500-600, while the complete bike has a $1100 MSRP. So definitely a good trade, dollar-wise.

However, if that CAADX is one of the late made-in-USA frames, it is a very stiff, very light, American bike, made from some really nice aluminum alloy - the end of an era (USA-made Cannondales). Those CAAD frames are still lighter than many carbon bikes, ride nice, and are very stiff. Probably something I would think twice about getting rid of, because I bet the frame on that Fuji is nowhere near as nice. And I'm betting that is why your buddy at the bike shop wants to get ahold of it.

thetrex

Ok, so due to the overwhelming support/decent rationale for his trade I decided to accept the offer. Will keep you all posted on how things go.