Losoccer14

I think I have it narrowed down on the bike I am going to choose. Background info: I have been riding now for um....3 weeks. In these 3 weeks I have logged about 300 miles, on a 58cm Cannondale R400 from the early 90's. Now keep in mind that I am 5'9 and should be on a 54 or 56 depending on fitting. The reason for the R400 was that I picked it up for $40 without a scratch on it, and I wanted to see if I would enjoy biking before I put the money into a bike.

Needless to say I enjoy riding, and feel that I am going to be looking to compete next year (after a year of training). I went up to my LBS and they have a brand new 2003 Cannondale R800 for $899 apparently it retailed at $1400. It is the proper size at 54cm, and it is fully equipped with a 105 component set.

Link to Bike:
https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/03/c...del-3RR8T.html

I took it for a ride and it felt better than the others I have tested Trek 1000 and 1500, and Giant orc1. This is the price range I am looking to stay in.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this bike, or advice on the purchase.

Thanks in advance!!

Losoccer14

nobody**********

ken cummings

You have clearly been rational about the whole process. No comment is needed. Well maybe, if you want a comment or two, how did you determine the 54 was the frame size for you? Just Crotch to ground length? Keep the older bike as seats and handlebars can be adjusted or replaced to give you a better fit.

Losoccer14

54 on a cannondale was discovered after a body scan at a LBS that determined the "proper" reach length, and Seat height. The old 58cm I was stretched way too much even with a shorter stem and alternate seat post.

Is there anyone who has this bike that can comment on it? The LBS says it si a great bike for the money, but when it comes down to it they are salespeople and would say that no matter what bike it is.

af2nr

I don't have the bike and don't know much about the CAAD 5's but IMO it doesn't seem like a really "good" deal on a bike that is almost 5 years old with 9 speed, even though new. I would think you could do better with more patience and that new 08 models are already hitting shop floors.

roadrider63

and I've looked at the 07' caad8 Optimo 2. It's around the 1100 dollar range but I think it's Ultegra rather than 105's. I'm sure it would be a great bike for me though since I'm just starting also and currently on an old steel 10 speed.

Ostuni

be extra sure of the fit... just on your height i would say forget the 56cm options...

that cannondale surely would give you or any of us many miles of pleasure! personally, not a fan of triple cranks, however....

Losoccer14

yeah I am not a fan of the triple either, but I figured upgrades will happen eventually and I would get out the the triple.

AndrewP

I think that is a great buy, unless you really want a 10 speed rear end. You dont need my advice as you have ridden it and know how it feels. I dont like the boutique look to the wheels, but at that price you should be able to get another set of wheels for everyday riding and keep these for the times you go to the bistro.

MONGO!

Seems a lot for a four year old bike...

jbmadtown

Can you hang tight until the end of season sales? You could probably pick up a 2007 model on closeout this fall/winter with 10spd rear and compact double. It may cost a bit more up front, but it could save you the expense of what sounds like an inevitable upgrade in the near future.

merlinextraligh

from talking to people who have those wheels, apparently they are really heavy.

MONGO!

Converting a triple to a doubls is not easy or cheap, you'd be better off waiting for the right bike to come along.

Having said that, I ride a triple and apart form a little cross chaining noise there isn't a down side, plus the granny ring come in useful from time to time.

Portis

It's all a matter of perspective i suppose. One guy might say that is a lot of money for a 5 year old entry level bike. (many 08's are being released) But still it has good components and has never been ridden, so the next guy might say that it is a good deal.

So it really matters what YOU think. Investment-wise it won't be as good of a deal since the resale will be lower, since it is so old. Also, a lot of markets are different. If you are in a big city with lots of shops than that deal looks not so good. If you are in a small city with one small shop, then it might be a pretty good deal.

Bottom line: It's your money and your bike. You won't go wrong by buying it, but you also aren't getting a great deal. I will say that you will probably spend more than that on a NEW 105 equipped bike. But if you have the chance, look around and make sure.