Dark Mark

Pros and cons for each of the following?

Cannondale CAAD10 = Aluminium with Ultegra

Trek Emonda = full carbon with 105

The prices I have been quoted see the Trek coming in at about $200 more expensive.

CAAD10 Ultegra 3 2015

Trek Émonda SL 5

Advice/tips/etc all welcome!

Shuffleman

Disregard the components and figure out which frame you like better. Personally, I would base my decision off of that as long as they are both within budget.
I would go with the Emonda simply because it is a high quality carbon frame. The Caad is a great aluminum frame but I like carbon better. I can change out the components over time if necessary. 105 is a solid groupset. It is not as good as Ultegra but the drop off is not massive. In my opinion the frame difference over rides the groupset difference.

nemeseri

I'm lucky to own both of these frames and I think they are both great! I have a CAAD10 build with Ultegra and an Emonda SL build with Ultegra. I use the CAAD10 as a backup / rain / commuter bike.


You should ride both bikes and focus on the differences in the geometry first. The CAAD10 is a more race specific frame with quite short head-tube. BUT you can probably achieve the same fit on the emonda too, except you want a real big saddle-to-bar drop. I had some problem to go as low as I wanted, but using a different headset top spacer helped and I can still use a -10/-17 degree stem to go lower. If you want a bike that's more comfortable, I think the emonda has a better all-around geometry for almost everyone.


If we focus on the frameset, then the Emonda is a clear winner. At least for me. It's a smoother, stiffer and lighter frameset. It's not a top-level frame (the SLR is), but it's one of the best mid-level carbon frames you can get now. (I still think that CAAD10 is the best frameset sub $2000.)


On the groupset, I have to agree with @Shuffleman. It doesn't really matter at this point. The 11sp 105 is a great groupset. Probably the two bikes currently are at the same weight, but with the emonda you will have a better frameset.

I think the emonda is worth the $200 extra, except you want something really race specific.

Dark Mark

Thanks guys, appreciate it!

I could also get my hands on a CAAD8 with 11sp 105 components for around $400 cheaper than the CAAD10. Worth the difference?

link0

Emonda, no question.

Shuffleman

Truthfully, nobody can answer that but you. Your skill set and ability will not be held back by any of the bikes. You will not be any faster or slower on any of them. You may find more comfort on one versus the other. They will all shift really well. 105 and Ultegra are both awesome. 105 is heavier than Ultegra but there is no WOW difference in shifting quality.
It should boil down to your budget. I am not a Trek fan or a Cannondale by any stretch but they make good bikes. The Emonda, in my opinion, is a better frame than the CAAD.
If it were my first bike, I would buy the least expensive one because you really never know what you like and do not like until you have ridden for awhile. If this were my second bike, I would go with the Emonda because the frame is better and you can always upgrade the components down the road. If budget is not important than there is no reason not to go with the Emonda from the start. Don't stress out about the purchase though. All 3 of those bikes are awesome and you will have made a quality decision either way as long as you are comfortable on the saddle.
Good luck with your choice and let us know which one you buy and why.

nemeseri

This.

bikejrff

Though I don't own or have I ever ridden an Emonda, I have a number of carbon frame bikes and I don't think ANY of them are better than my CAAD 10.

Shuffleman

My friend, if you have as many bikes as under your avatar, you must have a huge garage and a very understanding spouse. I live in the south, so I have no need for a "winter" bike. I can ride mine year round. I do have a mtb and a hybrid and I ride them all as they have separate purposes. I am not knocking you, I just could not own that many similar purpose bikes. I would feel like I was cheating on my road bike if I were to ride another

Dark Mark

How would a Giant Propel Advanced compare to the above?

trekmogul 

One more here for the Emonda..Love mine..

bikejrff

lol, I am aware of the overlap. Riding multiple bikes keeps things fresh for me. Ride 9,000 miles plus annually and I do ride each bike similar miles.

ps 36th wedding anniversary in 12 days.

Shuffleman

Congrats on the anniversary. At least your wife knows what to get you for a gift...A new bike.