Teambayern

I was meandering and came across some clearance deals on CAAD10s at the LBS -- $1080 for the 105 and $1680 for the Force Racing. This would be my second road bike (have a Defy 2 from 2011 that's my current ride). Two questions -- (1) where are these prices on the steal-o-meter spectrum? (2) What's the deal with the racing edition? One of the shop guys said it was a "special lighter frame" but I'm dubious sincehis subordinate sort of whispered ("Nope....different groupset") and I couldn't find anything like that online. Is it worth the extra cash?

rms13

If the 105 is 2015 with 11 speed 105 I would call it a steal, if it's older with 10 speed 105 I would call it fairly priced.

Cannondale makes a CAAD10 Black Inc frame which is lighter than the regular CAAD10 but as far as I can tell the Force Racing edition has the same frame as every other CAAD10. It seems like it might have upgraded wheels and Hollowgram crankset which would make the bike a little lighter.

The 105 retailed for around $1700 think but real world price is usually $1550 new. It looks like the Force Race was $2800 msrp but not sure what they actually sold for but I feel like that's a better deal and higher spec and around 16lb stock where as I think the 105 is 19lbs. 3lbs savings for $600 is hard to beat

Hapsmo911

This ^^^

My LBS has the 11 speed for 1199 and the force racing for 1799.goride | Close-Outs

Wind Runner

I got the 10 for 1199, and it's well worth it except for the BB. Their lifetime warranty also comes with it, which is great for any work when I don't have the tools.

jsigone

the race versions I think have the cannondale hollowgram cranks, which are expensive.

All CAAD10 frames are the same....

Personally I'd go Force, it will be lighter and shift better than 105s. And if you like the colors of the frameset, you can never really change that part of the bike....

2702

I have the Force. Its is smoother than 105 and the brake feel from the hoods is much better than 105. Plus lighter too, mabye 1pd is my wild guess.

Teambayern

Thanks guys. Confirmed they're the 11 speeds. Test rides incoming...

rms13

Stock weight is approx 18lb vs 16lb

Hapsmo911

I think the Black inc is anodized so slightly lighter. I think that's what rms13 was referring to.

dvdslw

You are correct, plus the Black Inc edition is spec'd with a nude Ballistek Nano Fork that can also be found on the top end Evo.

topflightpro

I will concur that the Racing Edition frame is the same as regular Caad10 frames. The difference is that the component spec is more inline with what someone who races a lot would want. You get the Force groupset with Hollowgram cranks and cheap wheels - because most racers have race wheels.

jsigone

yah but the blk inc bikes are Di2 wizzy shifters and twice the price the OP is looking for.

The naked 10 frames weigh a bit less grams in paint.

Both of those are on a high scale of weight wennieism. The Evo fork would be butter to have though.

lennyk

That is a good price for the racing edition.
I bought one for $2k December when they started pricing down. I believe the msrp was $2800.
You would be hard pressed to find a 16lb bike at that price.

Colour scheme is a looker.
It is my second caad 10....

2702

What kind of wheels come with the Racing Force ? I have the women's Force and disliked the stock Aksiums and replaced them within a few weeks.

Teambayern

So i test rode the 54 Force Racing and 56 105 models and felt right in between. I have an appointment to go back and get the full treatment from their sizing expert, but I'm leaning toward the 54 Force Racing.

My new question is this: understanding that fit for you is everything and there is no "better" etc etc, all things being equal, how much of an upgrade would this be over my 2011 Defy in terms of acceleration and handling? It felt noticeably lighter and more darty on the quick test ride, but hard to fully gauge what the long lasting differences will be.

Stratocaster

Me? I would go with the 54. It's easier to make a smaller bike bigger by adjusting the seat & stem. But go with what you think fits best.
When shopping for my 1st "real" road bike, I tested the CAAD 10 and a Defy 1 (among others).
The CAAD 10 definitely felt lighter and more responsive. The Defy has more of an "endurance" geometry, plus in has a compact crank (50/34) ---- while the CAAD has more of a racing geometry with a 52-36 crank.

I went with the CAAD 10. I tested both a 52 and 54. I went with the 52. Although I couldn't tell much of a difference, the 52 felt just a bit more "right".
I would have enjoyed the Defy 1 too. I felt a little lower to the ground with the CAAD 10, which just felt better to me at the time.

macca33

Cracking deal whichever one you choose - on a great frame!

cheers

topflightpro

If you are truly in between two sizes, you will probably be better off with the smaller frame, assuming you are flexible enough to handle the smaller frame position and shorter head tube.

As for your questions, regarding acceleration, there probably will be no difference. Really, it's determined more by the rider than the bike.

Handling will be different, but that doesn't necessarily mean better. Some people prefer and do better with the geometry and handling of a bike like they Defy to the Caad 10. In theory, the Caad should handle better as the shorter head tube puts you in a more aggressive position, and gets your shoulders lower and closer to the front axle, which allows you to corner faster and tighter. But if you lack flexibility and balance, that won't help. Regardless, it will take some time to adjust to the new position and handling.