Cannondale vs argon
 

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Hi all,

I’m getting back into road cycling after a long break (about 7 years). I used to ride high-end bikes regularly but stopped because of an injury. Now I’m ready to ride again and this time I’m focusing on the used market to keep the budget reasonable. My background:I’ve ridden Cannondale exclusively for years — multiple CAAD, 6/13, SuperSix, and SuperSix Evo models between 2004 and 2018. I really like the brand and how they handle.I’m currently looking at two used bikes and trying to figure out which one makes more sense:

Option 1 : Cannondale CAAD13 2023 ($3,600 CAD)Size 54Aluminum frameShimano 105 Di2 12-speed50/34 crank, 11-34 cassetteCarbon fork + carbon seatpostHollowgram R45 carbon wheelsNew tires + new chain + new bar tape includedBike has a few cosmetic scratches, nothing seriousSold without pedals.

Option 2 : Argon 18 Gallium Disc 2022 ($2,600 CAD)Size Medium (54)Full carbon frameSRAM Force 22 (11-speed)50/34 crank, 10-28 cassette172.5 mm crank armsVision Trimax 30 clincher wheelsVittoria Rubino Pro 700×25 mm (new tires)REPENTE Quasar 142 mm saddleArgon TDSR seatpost.BMC Roadmachine 01 Four 2020
3800$CAD
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Road bike BMC Roadmachine 01 four 2020 @3700$
Size 54
Drivetrain Shimano Ultegra Di2 11-speed (50/34 11/32)
Wheels DT SWISS 40MM
Handlebar 400mm
Tires Specialized Mondo 32mm
Maintenance:
Regularly maintained.
Brake bleed, chain, and cassette replaced less than 1000km ago.
Included with the bike:
Shimano Ultegra pedals
Di2 charger
Second derailleur hanger
Notes:
The bike has not been ridden since September and has been stored indoors.


My questions: Value for money: Which one is the better deal overall for the price?
Performance: Will the Di2 + upgraded wheels justify the higher price of the CAAD13? Or is the full carbon Gallium a better choice for ride quality and long-term value?
Real-world considerations: Anything to watch out for on these models (common issues, maintenance costs, parts availability)?
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Thanks in advance.

Ride quality because of the upgraded wheels? I don't think so. You might have ever so slightly better performance and feeling for the road with upgraded wheels.

I'd probably go for the Cannondale just because it's newer. But still, I think it's a toss up which you pick.

Factors that might change my mind would be which is lighter and by how much. Also aesthetics. I would not care to ride a black bike. I'd also ride a pink bike before I ride a purple bike. So the Cannondale still wins out.

But you have to decide. It's going to be your bike, not mine. Won't bother me at all as to what I might see you riding if we should ever pass each other.

Would or would not?

Yeah, and why?

Definitely would not. I went back and corrected that.

More brightly colored bikes attract me to want to ride them. And purple is generally a dark color too. Therefore my reason for not liking it as well.

Pink wasn't a slight either. I have many times actually thought about getting a pink bike. I participate frequently in a annual ride for children's cancer awareness, so it seems a appropriate choice. As well, I don't think of pink as having or implying a gender. That was something the ad people popularized back in the 30's and 40's.

Cannondale is the best looking of the bunch. The 105 Di2 is fine as well. That is my choice.