CAAD 7 stiffness question
 

I sold my Paramount, have not ridden in a year plus... :( been working consultant biz for the BP oil spill all summer - all office and getting tired, fat, and winded easily - prime time for a heart attack.

Anyway, found a R2000 with a CAAD 7 frame all Ultegra with Kyserium SL's and was wondering if its too aggressive for someone getting back in. What I hear is the Cannondale CAAD frames are very stiff. Since I rode in Delaware, Philly, and Jax all my roadie life (flat roads) and the North Georgia hills are daunting and think that the aggressive frame would be a good trade-off for it's climbing abilities. Not looking to compete any time this year, just want to ease back into.

yes the CAAD 7 has a stiff frame. I am a clyde, at 6'4 always will be even with 5% body fat. I find that the transfer of power on my r700 is quite efficient especially for getting up hills. Even when I am standing and pedaling I don't notive the bottom bracket flexing at all.

I am 6'1" and 195 lbs. and my R700 (CAAD 7 frame) is plenty stiff for me. It accelerates and climbs beautifully. It is compliant enough that I have ridden it on 12 centuries over the last five years. I rode a hybrid before the R700 and I did not have any problem with the transition. I just wish I had done it sooner. CAAD 7 is a great frame, as long as it fits.

I miss my CAAD7 ... I echo both thoughts posted before mine and will add that it made the mid-level carbon fiber bike that replaced it feel lack luster. One of the worst upgrades I ever did.

You must have some good muscle mass or bone density. I'm 6'5" and 185 lbs with 12% body fat.

my CAAD7 is surprisingly comfortable. i don't feel a marked difference when i switch from my carbon Roubaix. you won't have a problem on those good GA roads.

Its like jello

Yeah can't argue that, I was a competitive swimmer, Division I, and leanest I could get was 205 during college and this was swimming 20 hrs a week. I have broad shoulders from doing butterfly and now I have thick quads from cycling so as you can imagine hills are not my forte. I think cannondale Caad frames are pretty good for handing the weight and power distribution.