My '09 CAAD9 has a clear chainstay protector. After ~5k miles, it's pretty chewed up, and there are nicks where the grease doesn't come out. It's kinda obvious on a white bike...also have some damage to the clearcoat on the top tube. I didn't buy it to shine it, I bought it to ride it.

The carrier/thinning agents in chain lube is what I've read will cause the chainstay protector to dull, most notable on the clear ones. If it's really an issue buy a Lizard Skins protector.

Brad

Did you try a strong-ish degreaser like Simple Green? I find that works for most of the grease marks on my frames.

that scares me. i use finishline degreaser on chain, but i take chain off...good to know! i have chainstay clear protector, not dull from what yall describe but a few minor scratches on the sticker, good thing its there for a reason.

anyways i bought it to ride it!

People with 2010 CAAD9's.. do you have a chainstay protector that came shipped from the factory? (i.e. the clear plastic film?)

My bike shop is going to contact Cannondale for me to see what they can do.

Tell you shop to save their time (and yours) and just get some clear packing tape. That's what I did for my CAAD8 since it didn't have a chainstay protector at all. One roll will let you protect as many bikes as you'll ever own, plus it'll be cheaper than one of those Lizard Skinz neoprene things.

I have one.

I have an '09 CAAD9 BBQ.

I'm going to get one of these Douglas Carbon Stay Protectors
which should be easy to wipe down if it gets too grimy
(at least, a lot easier than a naked chainstay).

$9.99

http://www.coloradocyclist.com/product/item/DXXVGY5K

http://www.coloradocyclist.com/img/p...d/dxxvgy5k.jpg

I've got one of the factory installed chainstay protectors but it wasn't put on properly and there's a ripple in the plastic. A little dirt and grease under the protector and I'm about to peel the thing off now. I'm not sure I'd go as far as BarracksSi and put packing tape on my bike though.

I wish I had taken a pic of the tape on my CAAD8. It looked just like factory-installed adhesive transparent glossy chainstay paint clearcoat anti-grease anti-nick protection film (aka "tape").

There is a product called helicopter tape (here is one example http://www.racerstape.com/heli.html) that is probably similar to what they put on the chainstay to begin with. You can put it anywhere you want to avoid chips - like under the down tube.

Does any have any experience with dents in your caad top tubes. I got mine out to ride yesterday and noticed a pretty decent dent in the side of my top tube. I have no clue how it got there. It made me sick when I seen because I have probably less then 300 miles on it. It doesnt surprise me with a rambunctious 4 year old and a wife who thinks a $1600 bicycle is completely dumb. Thaey both pleaded the fifth on the matter. Anyways, can a dent in the top tube be fixed? I think its probably only cosmetic but still bothers the hell out of me.

That's cool -- even better than the tape I used, I'll bet. I'll try to remember it if I need to buy some again.

I can get a 2010 CAAD9 for $640 or a CAAD10 for $660. I've never ridden a CAAD10, I really like the 2010 CAAD9 I own right now but it's a size too big. Suggestions?

i think u should go with caad10 from all the good things i hear. but if u like the caad9 that much, then get the 9. price range isnt much difference either.

maybe you should ride the 10 in your size before you decide so least you can check out the aesthetics, and performance of it first.

Get whichever one fits better. If they both fit the same, get the one with the better drivetrain. If they both fit and have the same drivetrain, get the one in the color you like better. Remember, red is faster and black doesn't look dirty as quickly. ;)

Ride the 10 before you buy.
You might not like it.

not bad looking at all. fake carbon, still looks nice. when you get yours, report please!!

Where are you getting a Caad10 for $660???

:thumb:

Yeah Shuke...where?

:twitchy:

Places. Can't tell you sorry!

:lol:

Then buy two and I'll buy one of them for a moderate markup plus shipping. Seems fair. In fact, I see a entire business venture. Lots of caad buyers around here.

Sounds like frameset pricing. No way thats a whole CAAD9.