They are nice bikes. The CAAD 9 may not be the smoothest riding frame there is, but a guy I ride with sometimes switches bikes with me for a few miles on long flats and the thing is smoother than my steel bikes. It feels surprisingly gentle and easier to pedal even after 60mi. I want to get an 8 or 9 soon. Size 56 if anyone is reading who like nice steel bikes and wants to trade.