Rode the CAAD 10 today...
 

Freaking amazing, definitely putting in my order asap.

Do they look better in person? Online they looked a little... blocky? Didn't appear to have the same balanced form as previous iterations, I suppose.

Umm I liked it, the tubing is a bit different, the rear stays look great more like a Super Six but the front end is a bit funky with that hydroformed down tube. Either way, the ride was awesome, going to make a fantastic crit bike.

Where did you ride the new Caad 10? What group, wheels, size, etc. (Is the Caad 10 already available for sale at Cannondale dealers)

Thanks

You didn't happen to hear about it being offered as a frame set, did you?

it's very likely that the cheapest model with tiagra or something will be cheaper if you buy it as a complete bike and sell off the groupset.
frameset only is expensive for whatever reason.

$1700 Australian is the quote I got this week for a CAAD9 frameset. Crazy.

That wasn't true with the CAAD9, those frame sets ranged from $799-899 depending where you got them...

Generally, with a new frameset coming on line they won't offer it that way for a while. They are in business to sell bikes and need to fill shop orders for full bikes first.

I think Cannondale should offer its customers the choice of purchasing a frame made here in the United States - with the obvious premium that carries - or offshored to Taiwan. Maybe if companies respected their customers enough to allow them to decide where the products they purchase are made we could actually let the market solve the question of outsourcing. Unfortunately, the profit takers (business owners) make that decision for the consumer, which sort of slaps market theory in the face.

The overhead cost to support both the low cost china and the US manufacturing would likely make them uncompetitive. Their marketing/sales analyst probably predicts accurately, that there's not enough business justification to maintain the US one for the minute few customers who would pay the premium for the US built bike.

I think you should go read your economics book again and report your conclusions.

I actually have a degree in economics, cupcake, but thanks for the advice. Since you're clearly having some difficulty understanding what I was trying to say, I'll dumb it down a bit for you.

I'm just saying that consumers in this case - and likely in most cases of oursourcing - would prefer to be able to purchase a product made in the United States. I'm also saying that there is ample demand for such products as to justify a price premium to compensate for the higher labor costs here in the United States, so the decision to oursource is purely one of greed on the part of Cannondale's ownership.

Cannondale could have maintained high-end domestic production for their top-of-the-line aluminum bikes, but they chose to outsource all development so as to maximize profits even if that means diminished satisfaction in the aggregate.

Cannondale, or Dorel?

I don't really think this is true. People may be all gung-ho buy American on the internet, but when it comes down to actually making purchases people will tend to go with whatever gives them the best value for their dollar.

Disagree..... Most buyers want the best product possible at the cheapest price possible. Buying American made is great in theory until its time to break open the wallet.

For many products I agree with what you're all saying, but for something as personal and precise as a bike frame I think there are plenty of people who'd be willing to pay that premium. Plus, it's a nice way to show some national pride. There will always be people for whom the bottom line is all that matters, but fortunately there are other types of people, too.

That explains why so many products are manufactured in the USA. Oh wait.

Keep dreaming.

Just because you went to school for 4 years doesn't make you smart. I've seen some people who don't know what they're talking about graduate with an economics degree.

Just remember, D's get degrees. :thumb:

Sure there will be some people, a few people willing to pay more because it is American made but you are talking single digit percentages if not less. Not enough for a company such as Doral to give a crap. If you want American made we have Serotta, Calfee, Seven, Moots....etc......

I'm sure Cannondale has done their market research and if what your proposing was possiable it would be happening

also the majority of bikes are made in Asia and are still top notch... their not grabage or inferior to American made bikes

like others have said how many people would really buy the same bike with the frame made in the USA and pay say 500.00 more

Nick, give us more info on the '10 please.

As for the made in the USA debate, it will come back and bite us in the butt. If all the high paying jobs are being sent overseas (because labor rates are far less), and we all lose our jobs, who will be left to buy the nice shiny objects? The factory worker in China earning a couple bucks per day is not going to have the money for a $2000 bike. A US factory worker making $20-30/hr + overtime + benefits probably could afford such luxuries. The only difference is that the corporation makes more profit by going overseas.

If jobs keep flowing outwards it will be interesting to see what is left, and who will be left to buy up products.

you first mistake is assuming that your opinion applies to everyone or even most people. If the bike makers could charge a premium for bikes made in the USA because most people would pay it, then they would. In reality people want the most they can get for their money, and the country of origin won't get that bike up a hill easier or past a finish line faster.

Another great thread ruined by petty arguments. Great job guys :thumb:

And you can make the decision to spend your money elsewhere...