milansanremo

I have been riding a Specialized Roubaix for some time and want to enter criterium racing. I want to get the best bike that I can, but realize that crashing is almost a certainty at my level. It was suggested by other racers that I start with something like a CAAD 9 or Cervelo S1. My aim was to purchase the 2010 CAAD 9 1 (Dura Ace, BB30, the works) for $3,000. This bike seems like it is the perfect choice. However, I have noticed that there are great deals on 2009 carbon frames. Examples include; Scott Addict R3 w/ Ultegra $2,800, Super-Six w/ Dura Ace & Ultegra $4,300 etc. I am thoroughly confused now. I can get an Addict R3 (Ultegra) for same price. I have tested all these models, the fit is fine and they are all fast. The question is whether I should stick with CAAD 9 or go carbon because I can get a deal on it?

mvMcfly

If you're worried about crashing and totaling your CF frame, a great deal won't change that. Just remember why you're buying the new bike before you make your final decision.

ljrichar

I'm confused. You mention Dura-Ace & crashing in the same paragraph. Are you ready to replace those components at a moments notice? If so, go ahead & get whatever you want. For my 1st race season, I intentionally went for something I could replace if needed, Caad9 w/ Rival on Open Pros. I had to replace my rear wheel & my Rival is a little scuffed up after this season. I was a little sad but not broke.

Sinn

A caad9 frameset is so light because the aluminum is so thin. So, really, a crash that ruins a good CF frame is also likely to ruin a caad9. Aluminum dents, carbon cracks. One can ride a dented bike, but this is not always the case.

Aluminum bikes are not bombproof. But they are -- when well engineered -- really stiff. And they tend to cost less than CF. Its these two properties that make aluminum frames like the caad9 such great crit bikes, NOT that they are somehow more durable.

helmut

If I were you, I would go for the CAAD9-5 so that if you don't keep the rubber down, you'd only be replacing 105 components like shifters or RD. You get the same frame and BB without all the super expensive bits. I would prefer to lose a kidney than have to replace a new 7900 group.

fabio

better alternative is to get the rival 9-4 bike. sell the rims and get something like some open pros with ultegra hubs. Cheap and perfect for racing. Save the rest of the cash and take a little vacation or just tuck it away. Rival is the best bang for the buck and the shifters are way better. If you have upgrades on your mind get the rival brakes. My dad took my bike with rival brakes out for a spin and came back saying these brakes are like a street bikes.

milansanremo

Thank you all for taking time to reply to my post. I really appreciate the input and all of your suggestions & comments make perfect sense. The only info I have rec'd so far has been from the various bike shops I visit, many of whom work on commissioned sales. That's probably why I thought it would be necessary to have Dura Ace on my CAAD 9. I will go with your suggestion & heck it saves me a ton of $ and that ain't bad!

m4ximusprim3

Yeah, the other major benefit is that if (when) you crash and f up your frame, the CAAD frames are cheap compared to CF of the same level.

Sinn

True. 105 sucks. Rival is a way better option.

BTW, 7900 da isn't all that great either.

n0tverycreative

+1