Originally Posted by
heads up!
Even I'm tired of the CAAD9 obsession, and I have one (and won on it).
That said, I've been thinking about whether to buy a new bike in 2010, and it doesn't make sense. If the CAAD9 got me to Cat 3, it can get me to Cat 2, and if it does that I think it can take me to Cat 1 if I've got the legs.
assuming you only buy (ride) bikes and the related equipment based on whether you think it will help you race better or upgrade. if you're actually a bicycle enthusiast, which i'd argue more accurately describes most of us low talent amateur racers, buy a new bike because you want one, you can afford it and it makes you happy.
screw a caad 9. personally, i love it when i see cat 5's riding Pina Dogmas with Zipp wheels. it's such a confident "f-ck the world, this is what i want, who cares what you think" statement.
ride on, and buy the new bike!