shay7

Hi everyone.
I've been reading your posts for a long time, but this is my first time creating one.

I've been torn between the CAAD12 105 and SuperSix Evo 105. My LBS is offering a killer discount on the latter, making the pricing about the same for the two bikes. I test rode both and left just as unsure as when I started. The CAAD12 was super stiff and compliant. It felt like a rocket. The SuperSix felt like... butter. Unfairly smooth.

Unfortunately, it was raining so I couldn't go on a long(er) test ride. I'm mostly looking at doing group rides, maybe some charity races, etc. I think the geometry is the same on both bikes, so I think it comes down to, in the longer run, will I want a twitchy bike or a road dampening one? More experienced forum'ers, I'd love your feedback!

Thanks in advance!

Maelochs

My feedback is, Don't choose until you know Your choice. Go back and ride both. Figure out which one suits you better. Ride for as long as you can.

But really, isn't this your question: How can anyone answer this for you? It is a simple definition of personal taste.

if you ask enough people who own one or the other, you will get a bunch of people who love their bikes. If you ask enough people who own both, you will find out which side of said divide they are on. But the only real question is:

What do You want?

Ride until you know the answer ... or buy a different bike.

shay7

Maelochs: that's useful advice... I'll try to go back tomorrow and get a better feel for both bikes.

You're exactly right about my dilemma.. I guess I was curious if more experienced riders considered twitchy or dampening a better feature. Obviously, my test ride is going to be limited by time, distance, and maybe most importantly: a one-off (or, now: a two-off). I really loved both, so I guess I was hoping there was an easy answer to a champagne problem.

wheelreason

Get the CAAD, cause that's the one you like better unless regretting not getting the carbon fiber one (which you think you should prefer) will nag you to no end. Only you can decide. The good news is that from a performance point of view, you can't go wrong either way.

Maelochs

Twitchy or stable isn't better or worse. if you ride in situations where immediate direction changes are needed, that's what's needed. If you like to feel every pebble, that's what you like.

Personally I like a bit of dampening---but that doesn't mean slow handling. Handling is more matter of geometry---rake, head tube angle, weight distribution, wheelbase, center of gravity ....

Dampening is the tiny amount of shock absorption different designs and materials off.

I have an all-steel bike, an aluminum bike with CF fork and a Long CF seat post, and an all-CF bike. each is different and all dampen road shock to a degree.

I don't need to feel every pebble. I am old and I am generally already sore and tired before the ride.

Some people might find the slightest bit of flex annoying---they might want every millimeter of every turn of the crank to spring the bike forward (I feel like my CF bike does that anyway.) Some folks want to race so competitively that the harshest ride would be fine if it meant .00001 more efficiency.

You don't sound like that type of rider. Group rides and a few charity races? I 'd opt for comfort.

But see, I don't know you, nor your cycling history, nor what you might really want and not even know you want until you suddenly find it. I can tell you which I'd choose ... but that is meaningless. You are the one laying down the big bucks, and likely stuck with the bike for a few years at least.

No problem, really. You aren't ready to pick yet. At some point you will be.

Until then, all I can do is muddy the waters and make youer job harder.

ColonelSanders

I thought this was an interesting review of the Super Six Evo, dunno if it helps you out or not.

Maelochs

I found the review interesting myself. Thanks.

chip1

If the price is the same I would think it's a no brainer. Evo is basically everything CAAD12 is but smoother. You make it sound like you're deciding between CAAD12 and a Synapse.

thewilson 

My thoughts exactly

shay7

@ColonelSanders thanks for that link. I've been reading up on both bikes online, but hadn't seen that one.. good stuff.
@wheelreason, @Maelochs, @chipndale9, @thewilson all great points. I'm going to give both a better test ride tomorrow. Will post what I decide on.. looks like either way, I'll have a great bike!

thin_concrete

I personally would take smooth over fast any day of the week, but I agree with others who are saying don't buy anything unless you know what you want.

There are worst decisions to have to make compared to a CAAD/Super!

36Oly_Rider

If it were me, I'd go with the CAAD12 with Ultegra over Super Six EVO w/105. Granted, the frame is pretty stiff compared to the carbon fiber frame, but for about 200 bones more, your getting better componentry, a nicer crankset, better wheelset, carbon fiber seat post, and a nice, decent saddle.

Comparing two bikes that are virtually the same set up will generally point to what the frame material is as the deciding factor, but upgrade the aluminum bike to the next level, might be just what you're looking for. 105 is nice, but Ultegra is nicer. Why compare apples and oranges when you can compare a Red Delicious Apple with a Honey Crisp Apple? Ones gonna taste better than the other... and that was a stupid analogy... but thats my two cents worth.

shay7

This message board is a dangerous influence

My LBS - and it looks like most of the ones in the DC area - are discounting the SuperSix Evo 105 to the same price as the CAAD12 ($1680, down from $2100). The CAADs aren't on sale yet, despite the 2017s rolling out in November.

I really appreciate everyone's inputs... and looking forward to giving both bikes a real test ride.

jordanair45

MAN! I need to update my sig, but I just bought a new CAAD12 105 over the SuperSix 105 2 days ago.

I test rode both back to back. To me, the CAAD12 was hands down the better bike. After the SuperSix, I felt very underwhelmed and disappointed.

You absolutely cannot go wrong with the CAAD12. Same geometry as the SuperSix, but the CAAD12's ride is much better IMO. I just took it on a 20 mile ride today, that thing rides smooth. Shifts great. Accelerates great and takes turns like a champ. It will go wherever you want it to, super responsive ride. Just because it's carbon doesn't make it better. Plus, the weight between the 2 is just about the same.

With the money I saved I was able to get a bike fit and a few extra goodies . Go CAAD12 man all the way! Ultregra vs 105, ride both of them back to back. Hardly any difference except for the $ you waste. Also, I got my CAAD12 $1180 out the door with CA tax.

But, as others have said. For the same exact price, you get more with the super six, including 105 brake calipers. I personally like the smooth responsive ride of the CAAD12. The Evo just felt to jarring for me. I do ride bumpy roads, I do a lot of climbing and descending on them. After 20 miles, it gets annoying.

shay7

@jordanair45 How did you get it that cheap? Is it marked anywhere online that I might be able to score a price match??

shay7

Thanks for everyone's feedback. I was weighing a lot of the value of having a carbon frame (for roughly the same cost), but after a slightly longer ride of both bikes, I'm the proud owner of a CAAD12.

When I rode the CAAD, it felt more like what I wanted from a bike: a twitchy rocket. The SuperSix, obviously also a great bike, felt a little too tame on the road. We'll see how I feel after my first long ride

If anyone else is considering the CAAD12 my LBS had it for 15% off, but told me Cannondale has a 20% promotion. So, I have to wait about a week for C'dale to deliver it. Some of you mentioned better deals (and thank you for that), but I couldn't find anything comparable in the DC area.

[@jordanair45 I can see, but not respond, to private messages. Thanks for the price tips.]

PepeM

So one of you felt the CAAD was 'smoother' and the other that the Supersix was. Go figure.

Congrats on the bikes. I would quite like to own a CAAD12 myself.

Maelochs

May you twitch on and rocket forth in endless ecstasy. Post pics .... just of the bike, please.

shay7

@Maelochs I'm starting to think you're trolling me ☺️

I'll post pictures of my black/"bezerker" green CAAD in about a week when it comes in. (I don't know why just green is unacceptable to the bike gods.)

jordanair45

Nice man, congrats! The bike is fantastic, you will enjoy it. I felt the same way about the bike as you

redfooj

paint me surprised.

they should do a writeup on bicycling here

Journal of Psychosomatic Research - Elsevier

JReade

I rode the CAAD 10 and Evo Back to back, bought the Evo.

shay7

The EVO is great bike. What trim did you go with? Out of curiosity, why didn't you test ride the CAAD12?

JReade

105. the CAAD12 wasn't out when I was doing the test riding.

macca33

I'd take a SuperSix over a CAAD12 any day of the week - smooth is fast.....