sakau2007

I suppose technically the $200 bike I bought at Wal-Mart last year was my first bike, but this is my first real bike.

I got a 2015 Cannondale CAAD 8 105. Couldn't convince myself, a relative hobby newbie, that I needed to spend twice as much to get a carbon frame, Ultegra/Dura Ace, etc. Plus, if I did that, what would I upgrade to in a couple years

I'm dropping off my accessories at my LBS (Cahaba Cycles) and I'll pick it up all outfitted on my lunch break. Can't wait to get out there and be disappointed that I can't magically climb 15% grades.

What are people's thoughts on the bike? I tend to research the heck out of products before I buy but took a different approach to this. Just listened to the LBS guy for 15 minutes explain all the subtle differences between bikes and then bought one. I feel like if I did a bunch of my own research, I'd just have buyer's remorse because I would be keenly aware of what I'm missing out on.

To those of you who have this bike or are seasoned enough riders to know what it is without even riding it, how will I like it compared to my Wal-Mart bike? On my 2 minute test ride, the gears changed when I wanted it too which was a big improvement over my old bike, so I'm satisfied so far!

silversx80

Nice bike, and good choice. Ride the hell out of it.

Nachoman

Nachoman approves of your new bike.

PepeM

You will like it 17.3452 times more.

obed7

congrats... a great choice...like you said, you now have a real bike.

rms13

11 speed 105 is the sweet spot for a new rider. Probably a higher level then you need (i.e. you probably wouldn't know what you're missing if you had Claris, Sora or Tiagra) but nice enough to grow with you so you won't wan to upgrade in a year or even two. Cannondales are great bikes so you did well

cicatrize

That is a GREAT starter bike. The 105 brifters and derailleurs are exceptional for their price, and you have some components that you get to upgrade later, which is always fun. Stock for stock, you're going to absolutely hate that Wal Mart bike after your first 10 minutes on the CAAD8.

Out of curiosity, the cannondale website lists the 105 derailleurs and shifters as 5700 (10 speed) on the CAAD8. Is that what came on the bike? If so, I'd hope you got a pretty sweet deal on it. The 5800 series is superior, but it's doubtful you'd care at this point.

Lazyass

Great choice, the CAAD8 is very underrated. It's a good "starter" bike as well as a good bike for someone who's been riding 40 years. It's enough of a bike for 99% of the members on this forum. But's it's a rule you have to post pics of a new bike.

TrojanHorse

It's the little things that really make for a pleasant experience...

Congrats!

ShortLegCyclist

CAAD 8 geometry is racier and less relaxed than most entry level road bikes so what felt great on a two minute test ride might not on a two hour outing, but that is something that IF it bothers you down the line can be adjusted to some extent by raising the handlebars.

My understanding is that the Synapse is their endurance geometry model and that is what I've recommended friends of mine who are just getting into road cycling look into rather than the CAAD bikes.

Stucky

That's a fine bike. I doubt you'd notice any appreciable difference had you gone with a CF frame. Ride the wheels off of that baby! That's a good solid bike for anyone...newb to veteran.

Shuffleman

I agree with several of the others, that is a good bike for any level of rider. If you researched the heck out of it, you may still have purchased the same bike. It is a highly subjective issue. You will definitely notice a big difference between this bike and your old one. A lot of it will be in the quickness of it. This bike should have better pickup. Another nice feature is that it is much lighter so if you hang it on the wall, it is easier on your shoulder.
It should not take very long into your first ride to feel the difference.
I hope that you enjoy the sport.

Stevensondrive

Congrats!!!

first thing I did was has change the tires to Gatorskins on my new bike. Before I even left the shop

Lazyass

Pics or it didn't happen.

Stevensondrive

Thats too much work....


love your name btw

bassjones

Nice bike. Good compromise between the aggressive geometry of the CAAD10/12 and the endurance geometry Synapse. 105 is a nice group. You two should have many happy years together.

bassjones

The CAAD10(now 12) is Cannondale's aggressive bike. The CAAD8 is a more relaxed version, not as much of a heads up ride as the Synapse, but not as aggressive as the CAAD10/12. Similar to the H2 fit on the Madone/Emonda vs the aggressive H1 Madone and endurance Domane.