I got a chance to ride one as well, even though the bike was too small(It was the right size, but they didn't have the extended seat mast) I could tell it was WAY stiffer than my Giant. It's kind of what convinced me that I need a stiffer bike.

If you can, get a frame with the SI proprietary cranks. This will take the bike out of affordable range, and I know you're not psyched about ebay, but oh my god I have this on a CAAD 6 and it's so friggin stiff. I love Cannondales.

CAAD 9 w/SI bb should hopefully being seeing light for 2008...

According to a March 2006 bottom bracket torsion and lateral bending stiffness test in Velonews the CAAD 9 came out damn stiff but not lightest.
http://www.cervelo.com/reviews/Flexi...%20Muscles.pdf

Really great article, velopismo.

Thanks.

Anyone know if the Soloist Carbon is stiffer than the R3? I have read this before but I am curious why the Soloist is not tested if stiffness is the goal.

that article just makes me want a CAAD9 even more now...

Damn you ... are you gonna make me change my purchase plans?!?
How reliable is this info?

Mark

Mouth of 'dales East Coast rep

Agreed, this is an awesome frame for sprinting.... never heard anything but how great it is from ANYONE... I ride with some Specialized-sponsored riders on their new Tarmacs and they get all weepy-eyed with longing when they see me on my 2005 Aluminum E5.

Anyone heard anything about the 06 Bianchi Di Luca aluminum frame?