Ok, so I'm a newb. I've done some research, and had my heart set on a CAAD 9-1. I went to my LBS and was going to check one out, but it sold before I walked in... So, instead, they let me rent a "special" bike. According to them, it's a $3700 bike, but they'll let it go out the door for $2300...

Specs:

2010 SuperSix 3 Frame
2009 Shimano Ultegra components
Mavic Ksyrium Elite Wheels
Control Tech Estro Stem
Control Tech handles (don't know what level, but they're carbon)
Control Tech Seat Post (again, all I know is it's carbon)
Fi'zi:k Arione Wing Saddle

It's kind of a hodge podge of parts, but to me, it'd be a better platform to start from, right?

Like I said, I've test road a CAAD9-5, considered a 9-4, really wanted the 9-1, and now I've got this sitting here in front of me.

Please advise on if you think it's a good deal, or if I should keep searching. Thanks!

Frame looks like this

I think you could do better... As an example... I just picked up a 2010 Giant TCR SL3 for under 3K. Full 6700 and the newer ksyrium. Patients is the key this time of year.

But.... If you like it and can't wait why not?

Did it fit?

That's a really good frame that you'll never outgrow. You'd never outgrow the caad9 either, so you might be better off ordering one of those in the same size (same geometry) and buying something else with the money you save (like better wheels).

How much cheaper is the caad?

That's honestly not a bad price. IIRC, the list price on the frameset is close to $2,000 alone. The wheels are in the $500-$600 range, and older Ultegra is still a great groupset - I'm using it on one of my bikes now.

If it fits, and you like it, it's not a bad deal.

Just did some more searching and it's a SuperSix 3 frame. Frame is my size, rode 15 miles yesterday, and it fit great. Only things I noticed was in the top gear, it sounded as if the chain was rubbing something and on the country roads, the front had a lot of "plastic vibration" sound coming from it. Something I didn't notice on the CAAD9-5.

9-5 was gonna be $1400, 9-1 was gonna be $2700. (Before 10% sale discount)

So between the 9-1 and SuperSix, it's like $150...

frozone, A lot of us have bikes we've built up from a hodge podge of parts and that S-six has a nice mix that'll work quite well for a long time at any level of cycling.

Brad

Also OP,

If you plan on keeping this for the next 5 years it might make more sense either waiting or ordering just what you want. Price is important but not having regrets over that decision is more so.

kayakdiver brings up an important point, my newest frame is eleven years old because it was the frame I wanted. I bought it as a frameset and it's on it's second build. The chain rub can be adjusted out, but probably not much can be done about the "plastic vibration" unless it's from a brake/shifter cable housing rubbing the frame.

Brad

I'd buy the SuperSix. Carbon frame, nice components, great price and, most importantly, it fits.

I ride a Caad8, btw.

Make sure it is a 2010 and not a 2009 frame and fork. 2010 and 2010 come with FSA stem, bars, and seat post. I believe the 2009 had the control tech parts. It may be a 2010 frame/fork built up but I cannot be sure with seeing an actual picture. The SS 2010 is leaps and bounds better than 2009 f/f.

Is the Ultegra 6600 or 6700?

What year are the Elite wheels?

Don't know anything else about the bike. So here's some pictures.

Go with the Caad. That is last year's stuff they are trying to dish out on you. Nice bike, but it's no caad9-1!