Cannondale Caad9 5, Fuji ACR 3.0, and Schwinn Paramount 7
06-18-10, 06:56 AM
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Cannondale Caad9 5, Fuji ACR 3.0, and Schwinn Paramount 7
I'm planning on getting a road bike within the next few days, and I've whittled my choices down to the following three for these reasons;
Cannondale Caad9 5-
Made in the USA
Light weight
Good component group
BB30
Reasonable price
Responsive handling
Stronger wheels than the Fuji ACR 3.0
I'm not liking is that it's full aluminum (aside from fork), unlike the Fuji (carbon fork and seat-stays) and the Schwinn (full carbon fiber).
Fuji ACR 3.0
Fit like a glove
Light weight
Carbon seat-stays and fork
Reasonable pricing
Responsive handling
I'm not liking the mish-mash of componentry, including the cheaper wheels.
Schwinn Paramount 7
Full carbon
Light weight
Competitive component group
Comfortable
Responsive handling
Appearance
Reasonable price
I'm not liking the tainted reputation that Schwinn has made for itself by offering bikes in box-stores like Wally-World. It's hard for me to get over the stereotype that Schwinn bikes suck, even though I know some of their "real" bikes are indeed very good.
The Cannondale is #1 on my list right now, not because of anything in particular, but because it's "made in the USA." I prefer to support products from my own country, but in the end, getting the best product for my hard-earned money is the most important thing to me.
From an appearance perspective, I think the Schwinn Paramount 7 is one hot looking machine, but looks don't necessarily equate to performance.
Basically, what I'd like is some insight to some of these bikes and which one would be the best choice, based on what I've listed.
Thanks!
Cannondale Caad9 5-
Made in the USA
Light weight
Good component group
BB30
Reasonable price
Responsive handling
Stronger wheels than the Fuji ACR 3.0
I'm not liking is that it's full aluminum (aside from fork), unlike the Fuji (carbon fork and seat-stays) and the Schwinn (full carbon fiber).
Fuji ACR 3.0
Fit like a glove
Light weight
Carbon seat-stays and fork
Reasonable pricing
Responsive handling
I'm not liking the mish-mash of componentry, including the cheaper wheels.
Schwinn Paramount 7
Full carbon
Light weight
Competitive component group
Comfortable
Responsive handling
Appearance
Reasonable price
I'm not liking the tainted reputation that Schwinn has made for itself by offering bikes in box-stores like Wally-World. It's hard for me to get over the stereotype that Schwinn bikes suck, even though I know some of their "real" bikes are indeed very good.
The Cannondale is #1 on my list right now, not because of anything in particular, but because it's "made in the USA." I prefer to support products from my own country, but in the end, getting the best product for my hard-earned money is the most important thing to me.
From an appearance perspective, I think the Schwinn Paramount 7 is one hot looking machine, but looks don't necessarily equate to performance.
Basically, what I'd like is some insight to some of these bikes and which one would be the best choice, based on what I've listed.
Thanks!
06-18-10, 07:20 AM
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Fuji is owned by Advanced Sports, a US based company.
Cannondale is Canandian owned. Frame is most likely made in asia, the components are likely shimano which are designed and made foreign, if it's only final assembly, do you REALLY care?
The last on my list of considerations when it comes to buying a bike or anything. If an american company can't compete based on price/quality, I see no reason to support their mediocre efforts.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannond...le_Corporation
I have an '08 Fuji Roubaix (looks like virtually the same bike as Roubaix ACR 3.0, different color, compare on bikepedia), and it's treated me great. Has been a great bike for my to grow my cycling ability with.
I too had reservations about the crazy mix of components. Tiagra shifters were my target for the ergo, the 105 RD was an extra bonus.
FSA cranks are great quality, you shouldn't have any reservations there. Since the Roubaix ACR says it's got a BB30 shell, and you can't use Shimano cranks as Shimano makes no BB30's... FSA is probably one of the best options there.
Yours should have a Shimano cassette, mine came with something from Sunrace, but it's held up fine after many 1000's of miles.
Mine has tektro brakes, not been an issue, looks like they are using Shimano now for ACR 3.0. Little componentry upgrades all around apparently.
The KMC chain was never an issue, but I did replace it at the beginning of this year with a Shimano.
Your Alex wheels while cheap, should be just fine. Double side walled, machined braking surface. Shouldn't be an issue. Most bikes don't come with anything special for wheels, the Cannondale isn't. Ride whatever it is this season, buy a niiice wheelset next year.
First major bike upgrade will be finding a saddle that suits your ass if you start building up mileage. I started looking for saddles around the 50+ mile mark. I got myself a San Marco last year.\
Second major thing, wheelset. I upgraded to some Eastons.
Important thing is frame, it's not so easy to replace. Wheels, saddles, some other things are easy and they are serviceable until they wear out.
Cannondale is Canandian owned. Frame is most likely made in asia, the components are likely shimano which are designed and made foreign, if it's only final assembly, do you REALLY care?
The last on my list of considerations when it comes to buying a bike or anything. If an american company can't compete based on price/quality, I see no reason to support their mediocre efforts.
The Cannondale Bicycle Corporation is a Canadian owned bicycle manufacturer, headquartered in Bethel, Connecticut USA with manufacturing and assembly facilities in Taichung, Taiwan.
Cannondale's bicycle frame components are made in its factory in Bedford, Pennsylvania, and are also made in factories in Taiwan and Vietnam depending on the model of bike.
In 2009, Dorel Industries said that it was moving all of Cannondale's bicycle manufacturing to a new plant in Taichung, Taiwan by the end of 2010. Some non-bicycle manufacturing jobs will remain in Bedford, including final assembly and testing. A new customer service call center is planned in Bedford, as well.
Cannondale's bicycle frame components are made in its factory in Bedford, Pennsylvania, and are also made in factories in Taiwan and Vietnam depending on the model of bike.
In 2009, Dorel Industries said that it was moving all of Cannondale's bicycle manufacturing to a new plant in Taichung, Taiwan by the end of 2010. Some non-bicycle manufacturing jobs will remain in Bedford, including final assembly and testing. A new customer service call center is planned in Bedford, as well.
I have an '08 Fuji Roubaix (looks like virtually the same bike as Roubaix ACR 3.0, different color, compare on bikepedia), and it's treated me great. Has been a great bike for my to grow my cycling ability with.
I too had reservations about the crazy mix of components. Tiagra shifters were my target for the ergo, the 105 RD was an extra bonus.
FSA cranks are great quality, you shouldn't have any reservations there. Since the Roubaix ACR says it's got a BB30 shell, and you can't use Shimano cranks as Shimano makes no BB30's... FSA is probably one of the best options there.
Yours should have a Shimano cassette, mine came with something from Sunrace, but it's held up fine after many 1000's of miles.
Mine has tektro brakes, not been an issue, looks like they are using Shimano now for ACR 3.0. Little componentry upgrades all around apparently.
The KMC chain was never an issue, but I did replace it at the beginning of this year with a Shimano.
Your Alex wheels while cheap, should be just fine. Double side walled, machined braking surface. Shouldn't be an issue. Most bikes don't come with anything special for wheels, the Cannondale isn't. Ride whatever it is this season, buy a niiice wheelset next year.
First major bike upgrade will be finding a saddle that suits your ass if you start building up mileage. I started looking for saddles around the 50+ mile mark. I got myself a San Marco last year.\
Second major thing, wheelset. I upgraded to some Eastons.
Important thing is frame, it's not so easy to replace. Wheels, saddles, some other things are easy and they are serviceable until they wear out.
Last edited by Menel; 06-18-10 at 07:34 AM.
06-18-10, 07:35 AM
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I can't comment on any comfort differences the carbon seatstay may provide, as this is the only road bike I have spent any time on. *shrug* But it was a major selling factor to me when I got my bike.
06-18-10, 07:47 AM
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Frame is most likely made in asia, the components are likely shimano which are designed and made foreign, if it's only final assembly, do you REALLY care?
Important thing is frame, it's not so easy to replace. Wheels, saddles, some other things are easy and they are serviceable until they wear out.
Important thing is frame, it's not so easy to replace. Wheels, saddles, some other things are easy and they are serviceable until they wear out.
disagree:at least this years caad frames are made in USA. Hand welded. Some frame parts may be manufactured in other places but... Don't underestimate how much the longevity and quality of a frame depends on how it is put together, more than half the picture in final product. IMHO
Agree : Frame is the important thing. can change components down the line but cant make changes to it.
06-18-10, 08:03 AM
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I'd stay away from the Schwinn just because it's a Schwinn.
Go with the Fuji if it actually fits like a glove. Also carbon seatstays don't really do much. The CAAD9 is a quality aluminum frame.
Go with the Fuji if it actually fits like a glove. Also carbon seatstays don't really do much. The CAAD9 is a quality aluminum frame.
06-18-10, 08:06 AM
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To address the first post about whether I really care if a bike is assembled in America, I do not. I could just as easily order a bike, which is probably in pieces when it arrives in the US, and have it assembled at the LBS and say, "It was assembled in America." 
I totally agree with the statement made about if America is building a mediocre product, why support them, hence the reason I'll probably buy another Subaru before I'll buy another GM.
With Fuji, I certainly like the idea of the carbon seat-stays and fork, as I've heard great things about how carbon helps get rid of unwanted vibrations and keeps the roughness at bay. I also find their pricing to be very attractive.
"Stay away from the Schwinn just because it's a Schwinn" doesn't really hold much water with me. What is wrong with Schwinn's upper-end products? I'm well aware of some of the garbage sold in Wally-World, but I've visited Schwinn's site and seen some very nicely equipped bicycles.
Another question arises. Carbon fiber bikes don't have welds, but aluminum ones do. How much will this factor into a matter of the structure flexing under some real pounding on the cranks and cornering?
I totally agree with the statement made about if America is building a mediocre product, why support them, hence the reason I'll probably buy another Subaru before I'll buy another GM.
With Fuji, I certainly like the idea of the carbon seat-stays and fork, as I've heard great things about how carbon helps get rid of unwanted vibrations and keeps the roughness at bay. I also find their pricing to be very attractive.
"Stay away from the Schwinn just because it's a Schwinn" doesn't really hold much water with me. What is wrong with Schwinn's upper-end products? I'm well aware of some of the garbage sold in Wally-World, but I've visited Schwinn's site and seen some very nicely equipped bicycles.
Another question arises. Carbon fiber bikes don't have welds, but aluminum ones do. How much will this factor into a matter of the structure flexing under some real pounding on the cranks and cornering?
Last edited by RatedZ; 06-18-10 at 08:11 AM.
06-18-10, 08:19 AM
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The welds will be incredibly strong.
Aluminum bikes are known for their stiffness, in fact to the point of notoriety.
06-18-10, 08:25 AM
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Is there a large difference in the ride quality between a carbon bike and an aluminum one, or is it one of those instances where I'd only notice it if I were an experienced rider? Is it going to make a difference on long rides?
06-18-10, 08:31 AM
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MANY people are quite happy with Al/Ti frames and Carbon Forks. Many people even prefer the setup. I've heard the stiffness of metal is hard to match except with the most high end Carbon, and something about handling on descents, but *shrug*
The crucial key is to make sure you get a carbon fork, both bikes your looking at have them. This is the biggest factor in reducing vibrations.
Most of your survivability for long rides is going to be fitness, bike fit, and saddle.
06-18-10, 08:33 AM
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A lot of these folks preaching "get at least x level of components" aren't actual users of these intro-bikes. They own higher-end bikes with higher-end components and assume that's a minimum level needed.
Here's the reality from someone who actually owns a $695 Giant Defy3 (and a top-end Cervelo $$$$ bike) and can truthfully compare them.
The intro-level road bikes today are awesome. You can pick ANY of them - Giant, Specialized, Fuji, etc. and as long as it's a true intro-level pure ROAD bike (not hybrid), it will be good enough to train and race on even as a high-level athlete.
My bike has Shimano 2200 (lower than Sora) and Sora components, which most people here on BD would "scoff" at, but since it's a 2009 model, it's awesome. Shifts perfectly, even with a triple chainring. I hammerfest with competitive road cyclists with this bike all the time and it's awesome. It's different than my Cervelo, but I'd have to say I get exactly the same enjoyment, satisfaction, and probably 99% of the performance. I feel that it has absolutely no limitations on my riding.
It's all about your human engine on these bikes. Pick the one that fits you the best, looks the most appealing, and fits your price range.
Keep in mind that you will HAVE to spend about $300 on pedals, shoes, helmet, cycling clothing, inner tubes, floor pump, and gloves. There's no way you can ride without these things, and it's where the LBS makes their real money. The bike is a low-profit item in the intro-level category. (Not true for the hi-level category.)
Here's the reality from someone who actually owns a $695 Giant Defy3 (and a top-end Cervelo $$$$ bike) and can truthfully compare them.
The intro-level road bikes today are awesome. You can pick ANY of them - Giant, Specialized, Fuji, etc. and as long as it's a true intro-level pure ROAD bike (not hybrid), it will be good enough to train and race on even as a high-level athlete.
My bike has Shimano 2200 (lower than Sora) and Sora components, which most people here on BD would "scoff" at, but since it's a 2009 model, it's awesome. Shifts perfectly, even with a triple chainring. I hammerfest with competitive road cyclists with this bike all the time and it's awesome. It's different than my Cervelo, but I'd have to say I get exactly the same enjoyment, satisfaction, and probably 99% of the performance. I feel that it has absolutely no limitations on my riding.
It's all about your human engine on these bikes. Pick the one that fits you the best, looks the most appealing, and fits your price range.
Keep in mind that you will HAVE to spend about $300 on pedals, shoes, helmet, cycling clothing, inner tubes, floor pump, and gloves. There's no way you can ride without these things, and it's where the LBS makes their real money. The bike is a low-profit item in the intro-level category. (Not true for the hi-level category.)
His $$$$$ Cervelo is likely full Carbon, and this Giant is Al+Carbon Fork.
06-18-10, 08:50 AM
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You are going to get so many opinions with this question that it eventually won't matter. Schwinn and Fuji have both started to get back to making really good bikes for the money and you can't (well shouldn't) diss Cannondale. I'll bet there are plenty of people on here who have been passed by people on a Scattante. :-)
Test ride them again and go with the one you like the most that feels good!
Test ride them again and go with the one you like the most that feels good!
06-18-10, 08:52 AM
#14
Making a kilometer blurry
There's a pretty big difference between high-end carbon and aluminum when it comes to ride quality. Low end carbon, not so much. It depends on the layup and tube shapes.
I have some teammates who have spent some time on the ACRs, and they don't get the recognition they deserve. If you like the ride and fit of that bike, pull the trigger. FWIW, I race a 2010 Fuji SST.
I have some teammates who have spent some time on the ACRs, and they don't get the recognition they deserve. If you like the ride and fit of that bike, pull the trigger. FWIW, I race a 2010 Fuji SST.
06-18-10, 08:52 AM
#15
Making a kilometer blurry
There's a pretty big difference between high-end carbon and aluminum when it comes to ride quality. Low end carbon, not so much. It depends on the layup and tube shapes.
I have some teammates who have spent some time on the ACRs, and they don't get the recognition they deserve. If you like the ride and fit of that bike, pull the trigger. FWIW, I race a 2010 Fuji SST.
I have some teammates who have spent some time on the ACRs, and they don't get the recognition they deserve. If you like the ride and fit of that bike, pull the trigger. FWIW, I race a 2010 Fuji SST.
06-18-10, 02:07 PM
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Okay, went and test-rode the Caad9 5 and a Fuji ACR 2.0 again today. I decided I really liked the ACR compared to the Caad 9. While it's definitely a cool bike, I just felt the geometry was a tad "off." I felt like I was leaned over way too far. Then again, this could be for a number of reasons. It could be because I'm used to riding a mountain bike, or it could be that I've never actually owned a road bike, so I'm simply not used to the posture of a bicycle with "ram's head" handlebars.
