boshak

I posted earlier this month regarding the Caad8 Opt1. Just from demoing the bike, I've got my eyes set on it. The only thing I'm worried about is if the bike will fit my needs.

I'm 5'11" and fluctuate from 185 - 195lbs. I've never owned a road bike, trained, or biked for long distances.

I eventually want to be biking for long distances, also fun little sprints, and hopefully commuting at one point (I'm still in college, but looking forward to start biking to work)

I'm starting to think maybe at one point I should have 1 bike set for commuting (maybe a beater bike) and another for touring, etc. But for now, I can only get one bike so does the Caad8 have potential to be an all around bike?

14max

No.

waterrockets 

The wheelbase will be a little short for a commuting bike, but that's not a huge deal. I'd get some heavy-duty wheels for it though. At your weight, at least 32h Open Pros or stronger (Deep Vs). You might let out some tire pressure for the commutes too.

ragboy

Drop this thread in the commuting forum and you'll gets loads of suggestions, such as buying a cross bike that would do road rides with skinny tires reasonably well and be an excellent daily commuter.

KevinF

The main issue that you're going to run into for "all around" use on the CAAD8 (or just about most "road bikes" these days) is that they don't have mount points for racks. Not the kind of rack that allows you to carry the bike on your car; the kind that allows you to carry panniers -- or basically "larger" loads -- on your bike.

If you're going to be doing loaded touring -- the kind where you're carrying everything yourself -- then there is just no way you're mounting racks to a CAAD8 frame. Commuting also requires carrying "civilian clothes" in some fashion to work. You can drive one day a week, drop off clothes, etc. Companies like Topeak do make large-ish seatpost-mounted racks that could carry clothes assuming you pack creatively. There are certain trailer options such as https://www.bobtrailers.com/trailers/trailers.php as well that might work.

The next problem you run into is the tire size limitation -- most road bikes won't fit tires much over a 700x28 size. If you have no intention of doing anything more off-road then hard-packed dirt, then it's not really a problem.

Basically, can it be an all-around bike? It's still a bike, and there are enough inventions out there that you can probably find something that'll "work", but your options are going to be limited right from the start, due to limitations in the frame design. One option you might want to consider is a cyclo-cross bike. There are cyclo-cross bikes that are essentially dedicated race machines that have all the same limitations listed above, and then there are cyclo-cross bikes that are truly some of the most versatile bikes ever created. The Surly Crosscheck and Soma Double Cross are two that I'm familiar with that come to mind immediately. You might want to search on those names on these forums to get an idea of what people have done with them.

All that said -- my "main bike" can't take racks and can't take large tires. Yet I've still taken it on a couple cross-state supported tours, I've commuted on it, I've ridden down dirt roads on it. Maybe not the ideal machine for doing that, but hey, it still works.

ragboy

^+1 buy a Cross Check. It's the best all-arounder IMO. Do a search, you'll find loads of info on it.

boshak

Thanks for the quick replies guys. I guess I'm really not sure what I want to do on my bike.

This is how I feel NOW:
Commuting in the future? Yes.
Competitive short races with friends? Yes.
Touring? Yes.
Offroad? Not much but hard packed dirt trails sound fun.

So with all this said, I think I just need a bike to start riding and get a feel on what I really want to do. Any suggestions?!

ragboy

I went through this very dilemma a few months ago. Wanted a pure road bike for group rides, but knew I was going to commute every day as well. As mentioned, pure road bikes don't have the flexibility of taking fatter tires or have rack mounts, which you will want when commuting. So, I bought a cross check -- if you can only have one bike, that's your ticket. It's basically a heavier road bike with rack mounts for fenders, panniers and can take skinny tires in the summer (25s) and fat tires in the winter (45s). I've done lots of group rides and keep up with no problem. Though it's not a race bike. Sounds like it's what you're after.

bvfrompc

Yes, here's my suggestion, buy the f'in bike and get riding.

I have an 05 R1000, love it, it goes short, it goes long, it goes.

boshak

This is much a greater investment for me and I wish I could buy one in an instant.

Maybe you can buy it for me?

Cromulent

Get a cyclocross bike. The best all-rounder there is, imho.

Or buy two bikes, the roadie now, the commuter later.

boshak

Okay, maybe I should have done more research before I posted this. I'm not planning on biking for much longer than 40 - 50 miles a day nor will I be going on multi-day trips

Now, what I think I'm looking for is a roadbike with light carrying options. Is the cyclocross still my best option? Also, this might sound stupid but is carrying a backpack really a hassle for bikers?

8Lives

This is easy - get the Caad8. If you are going to ride 40-50 miles and are thinking of "competitive short races with friends" it'll serve you well - assuming you can just throw a backpack on to commute. I see guys all the time around here climbing major hills with backpacks on their way to class at Berkeley. You can always get a cheap commuter later.

I love cross bikes, and they are the ultimate all rounder. You don't give up much in performance and get a lot back. Still, I don't jump on the cross bike unless the weather is bad or I am hitting some trails. Unless you really think you are going to be riding off road, or you have a really long commute rain or shine, the Caad8 should be fine.

KeithMiller12

I commute on my trek 1500 wearing a camelbak cloudwalker backpack. Even full of water and my gear its not a hassel at all.

boshak

Thanks for the responses guys.

Anyone have experience with the Raleigh Grand Prix? My LBS offers it for 1100 with 105 component (ultegra r. derailleur) + lifetime tune up. I've seen the Caad8 go for 1350 at a store that only offers 10% off all accessories.

boshak

Bump... Anyone?