I have only posted a few of times here, however they were all seeking advice regarding bike buying. I went from thinking I wanted a Trek Hybrid, to a Trek FX, realized I really just needed a road bike, rode a Trek 2.1, and finally decided on a CAAD9 5.

Apparently the 2010 models will be made in Taiwan, so I wanted to hurry and score a 2009 CAAD while I had the chance. It took a few days however my LBS (Bikesport, Houston TX), was able to work with their Cannondale representative and find one for me.

I'm sure no one here needs any affirmation regarding the CAAD9, however I found it very pleasing to hear the sales rep at my LBS heaping praise on the CAAD, and basically mirroring everything positive that was said here. In his opinion, by buying an aluminum Cannondale CAAD, you are getting a frame that has had decades of engineering and hundreds of thousands of miles of research all collected by a company that believes in aluminum and perfecting their art of aluminum frame building. Backed by competitive components, he believes the Cannondale CAAD is truly a great ride.

I really liked this, not only because it was mirroring what I heard many say here. But because while many other bike stores tried to steer me towards a bike they actually had in stock, once I mentioned the CAAD9 5 to Mickey at bikesport, he was in complete support of that choice even though he didn't have one in store.

So in short, I cannot wait till the CAAD 9 arrives, and wanted to think everyone for sharing their experience/opinions, having plenty of posts to read about this topic, and helping me make what I feel like is a great choice.


Side Note:
On the crappier side of things, I broke my foot last week while on vacation. It was my first day on vacation with my daughter to Disney World. I left my resort room to see if the little bar was still open, on the way back I took a bit of a shortcut through some shrubbery and tall grass and yeah...tripped, bumped my head and broke my foot. Now I am sure sipping cocktails half the day while my daughter and her cousins played by the pool didn't help my balance in any way, it still sucks beyond belief. And while I wont be able to ride the CAAD upon purchasing it, it will be serving as a great motivator to rehab my foot properly and get it healed!

Thanks All!