Help choosing my first serious bike
 

I've only recently gotten into road cycling and did so for a triathalon. I bought a couple cheap bikes originally, one an old Cannondale SR700 and the other an entry level Giant OCR2.

Since pretty much all my rides are 10-20 miles and primarily geared towards racing I found that I liked the Cannondale's ride much better but now I'm looking to upgrade into something more modern and not necessarily entry level. I have been browsing the used market in my area and have found a 2009 Felt F3 SL, carbon fiber bike w/ SRAM Red groupset & a 2014 Cannondale CAAD10 w/ 105 groupset and new tires and rims. Both of these bikes are available for the $800 price range.

Is there any reason I should be considering the Cannondale? or something different? It seems like the Felt is probably a no brainer for me but again I am new to this. Thanks for any help you can provide.

Depends which fits better. Felt could weigh less with red but might not. CAAD10 might be a cyclocross frame ... not sure of that year ... but it also depends which is in best condition ... and whether the felt has ever been wrecked.

Unfortunately both of these bikes are about an hour from me in opposite directions so I probably won't get an opportunity to ride each before deciding. Both are described as in mint condition. The Cannondale is also an "Team Incycle limited edition", whatever that is and it clearly has road bike tires.

New wheelset: $300-400
105 11 speed group from the UK: <$400
Result: Way better than either of the two bikes you posted, assuming it fits you.

Perhaps add some funds to have the group installed or to buy tools and do it yourself, the latter option highly recommended.

I have to agree with Joejack951 ... if it were me I would upgrade the old bikes ... particularly if I really liked one of them. I have been using Vuelta wheels (1600 grams, sub $250) with good luck (on three bikes now) and a complete group including brakes, bottom bracket, chain, shifters, crankset, cassette and both derailleurs is arounf $400. I would take whatever was best from each of the old bikes and put it all on the bike I liked less (rain bike, optional variety bike) and put the new stuff on the frame I liked best and for $700 or $725 (cables, new tape, etc) I would have a great bike I already knew fit really well and rode really well, and a second bike which was still worth owning and riding.

I had considered that but the SR700 frame's paint wasn't in good shape and had a couple little dings. I was able to sell it quickly at a pretty good price so I'm happy.

Originally I was leaning towards the Felt here but after reading about carbon frames having hidden damage I'm not so sure.