Metz1182

Hey all, long story short- I got hit by a car, destroyed my BD bike, and now I've got a check from the lady's insurance company burning a hole in my pocket. I'm looking in the 1200-1500 range, which isn't a lot, I know. But, I'm leaning toward the Specialized Allez Comp for 1400, Cannondale CAAD9 5 for 1400, and the Felt Z85 for 1150. If I get the Felt I'll immediately upgrade the wheelset to Mavic Aksiums, bringing that to 1400 as well. So I basically have 3 bikes at the same price I'm trying to decide on. I'm riding all 3, and enjoying the rides, love the aesthetics of all 3, and I just wanted to hear all of your experiences with the three bikes. My background as a rider- I'm fairly new to road biking, and have only been doing it for about a month before I got hit. I'm 5'9", 27 years old, 230 pounds (losing fast). Shorter limbs, and I usually ride 50-60 miles 4 times a week. I usually keep a 14-15 mph pace. I'm still getting in shape, but I love this sport, and I'm excited to get a new set of wheels. So... fire away... anything that should sway my decision?

Blackdays

Caad9

Crash716

depends on what you want to do with it....are you going to race?

nathan84318

Incorrect


Caad9
Correct

Caad9 is the best thing on the planet

Crash716

hey there sport..i race and ride a Caad9...settle down.


and it is hardly the best bike on the planet...it is a versatile little bike but there are better bikes outs there.

SalsaPodio

So you know, according to BF, the CAAD9 is the greatest bike ever . While it is a nice bike, it's really just another Al frame, so just get what you feel most comfortable with.

Metz1182

I won't be racing. I usually just ride on my own for fun and try to up my average speed and my overall distance traveled. I'm starting to realize that people who ride CAADs are a somewhat cult-ish group. haha. I want something that will be semi-comfortable at least over a long distance, light, looks good, and is something you don't necessarily see on the road every day (I think this is why I'm drawn to the Felt). But I know you can't argue with something that so many have acknowledged as amazing. haha

wanlogan

Poppycock.

Exactly. CAAD 9.

Metz1182

So then comes the next question.... haha... (maybe I should get popcorn now) SRAM or Shimmy?

SalsaPodio

Campy

darb85

Allez comp!!! Awesome bike and im sorry, but the Caad 9 is way over rated here. Ride them all, buy the one you like dont drink the Kool-aid

noobpone

Is it too late to say Caad9? Because....Caad9. 'NUFF SAID...END OF THREAD"

baribari

The 2010 CAAD9-5 comes with 5700 now, btw...

vdek

Not true, Just got my CAAD9-5 the other day and it still has 5600 parts on it. You have to get lucky to get the 5700's imo.

I'll throw a chip in for the CAAD9-5 though, awesome bike.

I thought I was only going to spend $1500 on my 9-5, total ended up ~$1900, with shoes/clips/cages/CO2/Computer/Tubes/Lights/etc. Over 2k once you take into account tax.

2ndGen

Read the thread topic.

Answer: CAAD9 5

(now let me read the original post! )

2ndGen

"I'm 2ndGen and I approve this message."

2ndGen

Metz,

I'm 5'9" at about 220lbs (just picked up 20 I'm going to drop).
I went with a 56cm CAAD9 7. BBQ (but of course).

First, I'd say that if comfort is king in your book go with The Felt.
Ultimately ride what makes you feel good and what fits you best.

Now, seeing that you just came off of an entry-level bike,
why wouldn't you want to "up" your game a bit?

If you're doing 50+ mile rides, you need a better bike than an entry-level bike.
You're ready to go to the next level I'd think.

If you feel that way, don't look back, look forward...get The CAAD.

At the very least, with the CAAD, you'll be able to slap great components on it and it's worth it.
With The Felt or The Spec, they will always be entry-level bikes.
The CAAD is definitely a buildable bike.

125psi

But if you're doing centuries then CAAD9 is not the best choice right? That's what the LBS been telling me. They recommend the Synapse for 70+ mile rides.

tagaproject6

The Synapse is being touted as a comfort bike due to it's more "relaxed" geometry. You could get either one. At that price point they are all the same, and the choices being made are all personal choices and not at all quantifiable.

Pick the one you think is better looking or more comfortable, nicer group, etc. It's all about you. If you want to please the Cult of CAAD, the Church of Cannondale or the Zealots of BF, the choice is clear!

2cans

rule out the caad, too much bike for you