siovene

Hi all,
let me introduce myself, as this is my first post: I've been riding a Marin Fairfax hybrid bike for a few months, and the cycling bug bit me. I've been going mainly on weekend trips, once for 80km, once for 60, and a few times over 40.
I also commute 4km daily, but next week it's going to become 32km, as I move to a new house.

I'm getting the itch for a road bike and I have been browsing for options. My budget is about 2000€, and I've identified the following bikes at a LBS:

1. Cannondale Caad8 105: 1149€
2. Cannondale Caad9 Ultegra: 1999€
3. Bianchi B4P 928 Carbon MONO-Q: 1999€

I already have some other equipments and clipless pedals and shoes.

I was thinking that the Caad8 should be the way to go if I want to save some money, and one of the other two if I should rather buy a better bike that I'll be happy with for a number of years.

I've never riden a road bike. Are the bikes #2 and #3 so much better that I'd want to pay the extra? Or will I be fine with bike #1?

In case I should go with bike #2 or #3, which one would you recommend?

Thank you very much in advance!

idcruiserman

#1 and use your remaining cash to buy accessories, upgrade wheels, etc.

eddiepliers 

That's truly a tossup. Have you had the opportunity to ride any of these bikes? 1 and 2 have compact cranks, so it'll be easier to go uphill, although I don't know what the terrain is like in Finland. I would save the money and go with the Caad 8 honestly. It's plenty of bike for your first one. But I would definitely go and try these bikes out before you buy them, perhaps you'll want to pay the extra 850 euros.

roadwarrior

For what it's worth, the ride on the CAAD9 is much better than the 8. The 8 was done simply to offer a lower priced bike. the 9 was a pro frame at one point in it's life. I have one and absolutely love it. If the money is not a real big issue, longer term the 9 is a better ride.

iam7head

The bianchi is carbon fiber frame with ultegra SL, i would pick that over caad9, but for a beginner you probably will not be getting all the benefit of a cf frame.

it's a toss up, if you think you'll be in the sport for a long time, get something you really can stick to for a long time instead of wasting money upgrading stuff piece by piece.