Originally Posted by
BayAreaUser
Bikerjp,
I think you hit the nail on the head by describing it as "quick and nimble". You'll have to keep in mind that my bike has aftermarket wheels and some carbon components so my experience will be different than yours; However, before purchasing this bike, I test drove two different stock caad 9s and they were very fun to drive.
With the stock units the ride felt a bit stiff and rigid (not so much with mine with all the carbon components) but not in a bad way.
I test drove a trek 1.5 and trek 2.3 while shopping for a bike.
The Caad 9.5 just felt quicker and more fun to drive and it really blew those out of the water.
I must say that I currently feel a bit stretched out. I have an aftermarket fork and it is positioned very aggressively; However, i don't remember feeling that way with the stock units i tried.
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Pd: i'm so in love with this bike that i totally forgot i had a second bike (hybrid). After realizing that i would be unable to drive the caad 9 today, i simply walked back home and started doing other chores, not ever considering riding the hybrid.
Thanks for the info. I think "love" is the right word as I feel it's a somewhat irrational decision for me going with the caad. It's the hot chick that will ultimately kill me but will be fun in the meantime. I should probably get a "comfort" bike with my back issues but fun has value too.
I had a similar reaction to the Treks. I initially planned to buy a Trek as most of my previous bikes and family bikes have been Trek and all decent bikes. The 2.1 I road was okay, but a bit harsh and nothing special. Riding the caad makes me somewhat giddy. I think I'll have to go with a bit different stem for now until I limber up and lose some weight. I am a bit concerned by the rs10 wheels on the stock bike. I suspect I'll upgrade them eventually, but have heard a few stories about blowing out spokes and at 200lbs the 20 spoke count seems kind of low. I guess ride them until they fail (if they do) and see if shimano will warranty them.
Let me know if you have any other reactions to the bike. I plan to pick mine up this weekend. Too bad it's winter now and most of my early miles will be on a trainer.