I've read lots of reviews and recommendations about the Cannondale CAAD9, so i've decided to see what all the hype is about. My previous bike was some steel bike made by peugeot from maybe 30 years ago. But i recently chose to buy a Cannondale CAAD9 a couple of months ago, choosing them over Italian-made bicycles. What I can say is that the bicycle feels very different and the setup of the bike makes me passionate. However, with all the people praising CAAD9 bikes, I feel it is definitely overrated. The feel is beautiful, but it's not comfortable. But when riding on rough roads, other cyclists tend to look at me and nod. I do feel the weight difference going up hills and I definitely have to work less going up which isn't a bad thing for fitness, and will probably be good for racing.

The thing is that, a lot of people, whether they are new to cycling or not, tend to buy a CAAD9, strip it of its components, and add Top-Of-The-Line components like Dura-Ace and SRAM red. So with all the praise and hype going on with the CAAD9 bikes I only have one question...

Does anyone else think CAAD9 bikes are overrated?

No, especially if you can get your hands on just the frame and also the fork if you like.

When I first got my Caad9 I thought is was going to bust my balls in half... found out very shortly that it was just the crap seat that came with it San Marco Ponza Power (I think... sold it for 5 bucks). Took my body some conditioning to realize that it isn't anyway near as harsh as many hard-tail MTBs I've ridden and with a better seat... I can ride this damn bike all day!

IMHO... Caad frames are thee performance to price, valued frame to beat.

...shame you gotta buy Tiagra just to get your hands on them most of the time.

As much as I dont like American products when it comes to these matters, Cannondale is a VERY good frame.
NO, Cannondales are NOT overrated

/thread

It boils down to what you expect in a frame. If you want a lightweight, stiff (not harsh like the old-school fat-tubed alum beauties of old), well made, cool looking frame, the CAAD9 delivers as promised. It's also a very good value when you consider it's an American made bike that is one of the last non-boutique frames available (at least until next year). I tested one last year and really wanted to like it but at that stage in my cycling development, it wasn't for me. In fairness, the frame I tested had cheapskate wheels and a saddle that was not right for me. Some of the negatives I attributed to the 9's frame could have been caused by the other factors (and poor fit).

I'm looking forward to testing another CAAD9 before production goes overseas, or maybe trying a used one for the heck of it. Either way, despite the high level of enthusiasm around here for the CAAD9, if you want a solid base with which to build a reasonably priced racing bike, I can't think of a better choice. The ride might not be as forgiving as some CF frames but it does so many things right for the $$$, it's hard to call it overrated.

Question marks are overrated.

You are new here so we will be kind.

No.

Also, if your ride is too harsh, try lowering the PSI in your tires by 5. What are you running now?? IMO many folks who feel a ride is too harsh have their tires over-inflated.

No, they are as underrated as Continental Gatorskin tires.


... and pie.

the only negative you've stated is that it's not comfortable. almost everyone says that the caad-9 is a harsh frame (which isn't a bad thing to everyone), so by what you're saying, no, it's not over rated.

... and Mavic Ksyriums - any version

I got an infraction once for starting a thread saying that I don't own a CAAD9, nor want one.


Seriously.

I would have banned your ass, blasphemer.

No, they are cheap and perform well. What isn't to like?

I do not fear your false god.

Successful troll is successful.

CAAD9?




watch your back grumpy.

So, being completely new to road biking (still trying to decide what to buy), I take it this is more of a full race bike? The other bikes I am considering are more of a "performance" bike. Is this why some find the CAAD9 uncomfortable? I found a couple shops nearby so I will probably ad this to my list of bikes to try, but just wondering if this is a bike most can find comfortable for extended rides.

I sure hope not. Going to test ride one again this afternoon and if I'm still digging it, I'm going to buy one.

I'm a bit biased as I bought a 2010 caad 9 5 but this bike is awesome. I got the 105 package whcich is acceptable for a non racing and hard recreational riding.

the seat issue was due to the san marco saddle. 2010"s have a inexpensive prologo kappa but it is very comfortable and even has a nice channel down middle for nice crotchel' region circulation.

What I like is the BB30 bottom bracket. it is rock solid and the frame does little mush flexing during hard climbs or sprints.

I will eventually upgrade the group set from 105.....or maybe just refi the house for a pinarello dogma.

It is good for racing or those who want race-like handling. Perfect for fast club rides too.

If your goal is casual riding, you probably want something more laid back and comfortable

105 is perfectly acceptable for racing.

This was my first road bike as well and it does have racing geometry but the riding position is not uncomfortable at all. Mine originally was set up with 4 carbon spacers on the neck and the neck was turned in the upright angle so it was more upright and comfortable riding position. I actually left the spacers and flipped the neck and still feel great on bike just in a better aero position to keep up with my buddies.

I feel that way as well but here on BF you might get the snoot factor without campy or ultegra and mentioning racing in same post

no you won't.


now ask about average speed ...

Ok, thanks.........it will put it on the list to try. The 9.5 is in the price range of some of the others I am considering, Trek 2.3,Fisher Ion(pro),Scott S20, Jamis Ventura Elite.

My oldest bike in the stable is actually a CAAD 7 SAECO replica. I have some other very nice and considerably more expensive bikes but the Cannondale is still the lightest and the most directly responsive. Is it a bit harsher than a CF frame? Maybe but unless you're bombing pot holes probably not enough to make a difference. It also remains my mount of choice when I'm descending at 40mph plus on curves.