ROJA

I've heard it is the best aluminum frame out there. Agree? Supposed to be very stiff, fast, and responsive, yet not too punishing. And with CAAD9 coming out, there may be some deals to be had. Are there any downsides to this frame/bike?

3dsteve

i like mine but it is a little harsh

kenny!

I like mine but don't really have anything to campare it to. With that said, I don't think the ride is overly rough unless I'm hitting pot holes which I think we all generally try to avoid anways. It is stiff and great for riding hills. Only once have I ever noticed any flex and that was while climbing mountains in PA, and even then it was very minimal and nothing i was worried about.

The only downside is that they don't look as nice as some of the cf frames out there, if that matters to you.

Grasschopper

They don't? I sort of think they look as good or better than some of the CF stuff out there...I am wishing for one at the moment and I have a full CF bike already.

The CAAD8 will still be in the line but in the 2 or 3 lower bikes now...you shoul dbe able to get one for a screaming deal. On the other hand the CAAD9 in the bottom model (105 10 speed equipped) comes in a high bright brushed finish that should just be screaming hottttt.

I_bRAD

Hell, I've been riding a Caad5 that was loaned to me while my bike was getting a new head tube and that was a pretty nice ride. I can only imagine the 8 is that much better. A bit harsh, like others have said but very responsive and stiff.

dekalbSTEEL

Caad8..nice ....but the paint schemes are a little bland, IMO

Not like my Caad7





Ride quality on these frames also depends on wheels, tires, and tire pressure...

531Aussie

my favourite was one of the red Team Saecos

this isn't a good picture -- they're heaps sexier in "person"

corny

simply...Awesome.

simplyred

Solid.
Every ounce of energy you put down on the pedal - you go forward. And this was with 105/Wh550's. Imagine the power transfer with a stiffer crank and wheels...
Harsh is a relative term - just don't pump your tires at ridiculous pressures and get a good saddle/short combo & you'll be good to go.

If mine fit better - I would've kept it.

-simplyred

Viceroy

Well, I like mine. But it is my first road bike, so I can't compare it.

Phatman

I really like my caad8 r5000. Its a race frame though, and you should keep that in mind when you're buying it. its got precise and quick handling thats beautiful for moving in a pack, high speed paceline, or fast downhill corners. It can be a bit tiring though if you're just putting along at 15 mph.

my r5000 is also very stiff. I came from a steel bike, a lemond, and the r5000 just makes you feel like you're flying when you stomp on the pedals. granted, its not the stiffest bike I've ridden, that honor goes to the madone, but the caad8 is pretty damn close to it. my caad8 has turned me into a bit of a masher, just because it feels so good to feel a nice unflexy frame.

as for ride quality, its actually pretty decent. Its not as smooth as my steel lemond was, but its not terrible either. Its sorta like the difference between a lincoln and a BMW. the BMW feels tighter and has a bit of a stiffer suspension, but not many people would call a stock bmw "harsh". the lincoln, however, just feels like you're riding on air. thats kinda how the lemond felt.

the last thing to consider is price. cannondales are some of the best values in race bikes out there. When I compared the R5000 to the madone, I realized that even though the madone was a bit stiffer, and the ride was a teeeny bit nicer, I was also only getting ultegra for the same price as the cannondale's dura ace. so I'm thinking that the caad8 is probably the best value out there for a race frame. you should get one, and represent proudly.

woodcycl

Perfection comes to my mind !