The_Guru

Well, since the seller pulled the Carbon Bianchi... I have to find something else.

So, two other options available, at roughly the same price (around USD1900).
.. Which would you go for, and why?

Option 1:
Cannondale R1000 (2003 model)
CAAD7 frame
Ultegra groupset
Ksyrium SL wheels
SLR Carbon saddle
ITM Carbon seatpost
Look pedals (dunno which model)


Option 2:
Cannondale Saeco (2002 model)
CAAD4 frame
Carbon slice fork
Ksyrium Elite wheels
10speed Record groupset
Record titanium pedals


So ... newer R1000 frame Ksyrium SL wheels ... or Saeco frame with Record groupset carbon fork?

... Or wait until I find a better deal ??

53-11_alltheway

FYI The CAAD 4 is exactly like the CAAD 5 except it doesn't have an integrated head set.

hmai18

The R1000 has a carbon fork as well.

Personally, I'd go with the R1000 with it's lighter frame and better wheels.

Grasschopper

Yea I am torn here. I would rather have the R1000 for the reasons mentioned above but at the same time I would rather have Record.....

The_Guru

Aside from the "it's cool to have"

Which would provide a better ride - ie, more comfy, better power transmission, last longer, etc ?
I don't really mind what brand groupset it has, and a few hundred grams here and there is nothing compared to the 3kg that each is probably lighter than my current old steel steed with biopace chainwheels (and currently biopace rear rim, too ).

I'm tempted to go R1000 with the fancy fandangled wheelset, and if I REALLY wanted to I could upgrade components at a later stage..

At this stage, I'm just really desperate for a replacement bike because of the aged state of my current one, so I'm hoping not to make the wrong impulse purchase and regret it when I find out more about alternatives.

G

53-11_alltheway

That wheelset isn't anything to get excited about. (aerodynamics are the same, it's just 200 grams lighter that's all)

I think you would have to go out and ride a CAAD 5 and CAAD 7 to figure out the performance difference (bearing in mind that wheelset on the test bikes will greatly modify your perception as will tires)

The_Guru

Ok, a different spin on things ... Which is the better deal, assuming they're equivalent in price (although I've made an offer about 15% lower than the asking price, on the R1000 ... let's see ... but at asking price, which is worth more?).
BTW - R1000 has Ultegra 9, and A3.1 pedals.

Crayon

Noticed you're in Switzerland. What's the MSRP on an '05 R1000?

The USA MSRP on a '05 R1000 is 2000. If it's on sale or the shop is willing to negoitiate, you could easly get it for 1800. REI here just had it's annual sale and they only wanted 1600.

Granted the '05 won't have the SL wheels, SLR seat, or pedals. It will be a brand new CAAD 8 frame with ultegra 10. Ultegra 10 has to be the smoothest shifting drivetrain I've ever seen.

The_Guru

Just made a call.
2005 R1000 with Ultegra 10 and Elite wheels, lists at USD3046 ... but he can give me the one from his shop floor for USD2421.

Bit of a difference between prices here and USA, eh? *sob*
This is why I'm looking 2nd hand..

G

53-11_alltheway

I only wish they used the Ultegra 10 crank with it. That Carbon fiber truvativ crank is just plain cheesy.

hmai18

It's not bad. It'd look better with an FSA carbon crank, though.

Crayon

Geesh 3046, what a rip off. I wonder if you could have one shipped from the US.

demoncyclist

Go with a new R900 instead. Same CAAD8 frame as the 1000, but you get 10 speed Veloce instead.

mminichi

I cannont really comment on the 2002 SAECO model, but I did just purchase a 2003 Cannondale R1000 in April. There are some slight differences in the bike I purchased and the one you are considering. Mine came with a Ksyrium Elite wheelset, Cannondale comp seat post, and a Fizik Pave saddle, but otherwise the setup is identical. I think it is an excellent bike. This is my first road bike, and I rode a bunch of different models from Specialized, Trek, and Felt, and I just liked the feel and fit of the Cannondale the best. I have no complaints about the smoothness of the ride that you sometimes hear from critics of Cannondale, and the bike accelerates and climbs great. I think the CAAD 7 is a great frame for the money.

I do question the price they are asking for the bike. I know the one you are considering does have some slight upgrades and includes pedals, which mine did not, but I purchased my bike for $1300 from my LBS. The bike was ordered by a customer who had never come through with the money to pay for it and had gotten stored away for a period. It was a new bike in all respects except for the model year.

In my opinion, I would go with the R1000 if you like the fit and feel of the bike.

The_Guru

So tomorrow is the day I decide (I'm going to see the Saeco)...
Surprising that you all chose the R1000 (9 speed Ultegra) over the Saeco (with 10-speed Record) ...
Are the frame (CAAD7 vs CAAD4) and wheels (Ksyrium SL vs Ksyrium) really worth so much more than the difference in groupset (Ultegra 9 vs Record 10), difference in Fork (aluminium vs slice carbon), and difference in pedals (A3.1 vs Campag Titanium)?

ehammarlund

Dumb question perhaps...

How on-the-ball are your customs folks?

Is there anything preventing you from getting one here? I have a strong feeling you could take an expenses-paid four day vacation to the U.S., buy a bike here, and bring it back... and SAVE money. I've known many folks who did that from Europe, though admittedly not with bikes. but it might be worth a shot.

The_Guru

As long as it's used, it would be no problem to bring it in [ie, if I rode it a couple of times, slapped on one or two "race" stickers, etc...]. Thing is, I doubt I could get the same deal - I don't need a new bike. I need something that'll permit me more - and better - cycling than my current jalopy.
Buying locally 2nd hand, and in doing so getting 40% off retail in addition to wheel, saddle, and gruppo upgrades seems like a good deal to me.
Moreover, the ticket to the USA would cost around USD700, and the dollar is strong at the moment so a bargain bike this way is unlikely

The_Guru

Will check out the Saeco in 9 hours time, and let y'all know if I've finally joined the ranks of STI users :-D
... oh - and a truly round back wheel will be a real novelty too!
If I don't go for it, I'm likely to get the R1000... either way, a winner.

The_Guru

One last question .. :-)

What brand crank/chainwheels is this, and is it any good ?

Lividkoi

get a scott cr1 full carbon. They are on sale for 2,000

The_Guru

Where ?

Lividkoi

scott dropped all of there prices

I purchased mine in delaware however. Check your local bike store, mine told me that all the Scott droped them everywhere. it is not noted on their website though

travis

Coda is cannondale's in house brand. I have an 05 r1000, and it only came with a coda stem that I replaced for sizing reasons.

I think you should wait it out for an 05 model on ebay. Hell, send me a check and I'll send you my 05 r1000 for 1900 usd, it seems like you're really getting burned for a used 03 at that price.

The_Guru

Given that a 2005-model R1000 retails here for USD2400 ... before wheel upgrade, before pedals, and with Ultegra gruppo, I don't see it as a bad deal ..
Unfortunately products retail for different amounts in different countries...

travis

where are you looking for sellers?
ebay?