jappyroots

I've found a new 2010 CAAD9 5 for what I believe is a very good price of $1100. Can anyone suggest bikes that are worth comparing to this at a similar price level? Also, would a CAAD9 be an acceptable entry-level bike, from what I've read so far, it seems like it may be a little over my head (my first road bike)?

dennisa

a Caad9-5 for your first bike would be a fine choice. Although you could check out a Specialized Allez or a Giant model that has similar component specs as the Caad9-5. I rode about 10 different bikes to find the one that was right for me which ended up being a Caad9-5. Don't be persuaded by all the BF members that will tell you get the Cadd9 or go home. I would only suggest you buy it if it fits. In your case the Caad9 would only be a great deal @ $1100 if it fits you right. The price alone is great but if it's a 54cm and you need a 52cm you'll regret it in the future IMHO.

Accordion

I love mine. Almost 3000 miles on it in 5 months. No comfort issues. No reliability issues. Farthest distance traveled has been 72 miles. I don't race. It's my first road bike ever. I've lost almost 20 pounds riding it.

I still want to try a nice carbon frame and some lighter wheels and then I'll REALLY tell you what I think. Right now it's all I know and thus really love it.

No regrets with this 2010 CAAD9-5.

Omega359

Given that you are likely based in the US I'll up the price a bit to account for Can $ exchange rate, which would be about $1200 (things always cost more up here). I myself have been looking in the $1300 or less range which I think is fairly close, and the following bikes have been on my radar

Cannondale CAAD9 6
Giant Deny 3
Giant Deny 1 (LBS has it for 1300 on sale ... may jump on this one)
Trek 1.5

Unless you happen on a better deal or are willing to bump up your price I suspect that CAAD9 5 would be your best bet ... and will likely move fast if anyone else in the market discovers it

jappyroots

Thanks for the input. The shop placed me on a 54, it fit by all standards, seeming comfortable on my short and speedy tour of the seedy local neighborhood. The bike is on clearance price as they await the '11 CAAD10 so it kind of left me and the shop with a bit of a dilemma as he wasn't really able to offer another bike in the $1100 price range with a similar caliber frame and components. Didn't buy it yet as I wanted to do a little more homework, but I'm really leaning towards the CAAD9 5, placed it on hold and told them to go ahead and pull it out the box and build. I'll try and find some Giants to ride, as the Defy 1 seems to have similar specs, but based on looks alone, I'm not really feeling the sloped top tube.

hendrick81

That is a great deal for a CAAD9 5...

Falcon701

Sounds like a good deal. My LBS is sold out of the caad9's in my size so I've been waiting on the caad10's to get here. The wait is killing me!

Blue4Now

the thing abut the Caad 9 5 and 9 4 for that matter is that they are much more bike than their price would indicate. You are getting a fantastic, stiff, light and responsive frame (made in the US for '10) with quality parts. You could buy it and riude the hell out of it as is, fo rmany years to come. I bought a 9 5 as a backup to my Ridley but now ride it more.

aham23

the 9 is light, stiff, and responsive. that aint no lie. later.