Originally Posted by
teterider
I made the statement based on the CAAD9 being the culmination of ~27 years of aluminum development with a pedigree of race win after race win, a huge fan base, and great review after great review. So I take that in comparison to an unknown Ridley that he can't test ride first which is also their very bottom road model. (bottom model of a higher end brand, which also knows its stuff too).
a) Neither Ridley nor Cannondale do any Al development - they are both free to buy whatever grade of Al they need
b) How much of "magic dust" do you think one company has in terms of making an Al frame? Ridley isnt exactly an "unknown" either. Both brands are in the Pro Tour - I think both of them can make pretty good frames.
c) The Compact is about on par with the CAAD9 in terms of price point.
I am not saying the Compact is necessarily a better frame, mind. Just disagreeing with your rationale for *categorically* stating that one is better than the other...
V.