So I found a CAAD9 frame in my size the only problem is it doesn't have a fork. If I can't get a fork from cannondale what would be a good buy ? Will a different fork (non cannondale) change anything ? Never done this before, sorry about the newbie question.

You can get all the new forks you please. Just make sure the length and rake are the same as the original and you'll be on your way.

Thanks for the quick reply

you can get a fork for it that isn't from cannondale, and theres a good chance it'll even be lighter. If the frame plus the cost of a fork is still a good deal, I wouldn't hesitate.

You should change your username though, _____inKC is easily confused with another member and it might lead you to undeserved ridicule.

I have the Ritchey WCS UD Carbon fork on my CAAD9 and am very happy with it. It's super light and the bike still handles like a dream.

Sounds good thank you. Haha on the name change. At least I don't change mind 100000's times a day.

Alright I'm gonna look into this fork. Thanks.

How much steerer tube do you think you need? I have a cannondale ultra fork that came with my caad9. I will sell it for 60 bucks shipped.

You can also buy forks directly from cannondale. The 2010 premium forks were selling for an msrp of 300, but maybe your shop will sell it for les.

Plenty of CAAD9 compatible forks on eBay.
Then there is the Edge Composite 2.0 if you want to lose 1/2 lb off stock.

Buy a membership and sell it in the correct forum.

IMO the Ultra isn't that great, I had one on my Caad 9.
The Premium is supposed to be much better.
Edge, Easton, 3T. Plenty of choices, depends on how much you want to shell out.

I'm set on the Edge, for aesthetics, but that Ritchey for $150. less
and at around 298g (compared to about 350g) is damn tempting!

But in the end, I'm going to have to live with my fork purchase so I'll
stick with the better looking one (IMO, The 2.0) and swallow the 50g.

The only other 2 considerations would be the 3T or a Premium OEM fork.

actually you can get an "after market" fork with a rake different than what comes on the OEM CAAD which is a 45 rake. Lots of replacement forks are going to have a 43 rake, or thereabouts. which is fine, its just going to make a very minor difference in the way the bike will ride, but since you havent ridden it anyways, it probably wont matter.

I'm looking to build up a bike this winter, looking at System 6, or a Six13 frame.
If the frame doesn't come with the premium fork I'll be considering the 2.0.
But the extra money could go towards the Edge Composite wheels (which I'd rather have than a good fork).
I haven't even considered a Ritchey, something to look into. Thanks!

In my research, it's pretty much a tie with the 3T as best fork
upgrade for the CAAD9 with the Cannondale Premium being third.

If you have a BBQ CAAD, the Edge matches it's finish beautifully
and even the lettering is similar to the CAAD's graphics:

You guys are always so helpful thanks for all the info. What does BBQ stand for anyway ?

It's the "matte" finish black on some CAAD's.
There's also Jet Black which glossy black.

BBQ Black the color of the bike in the pictures.

Gotcha thanks.

So I just found out it doesn't have the bb30. Should this be a deal breaker ?

not at all. I believe only the team issue caad9 frames were bb30. I wouldn't let it put me off at all.

Alright thanks.

+1 for this fork. I have one on my bike (not a cannondale) and am very pleased with it.

Just be very careful when you put your stem on, you don't want to over-torque the bolts.

And don't worry about BB30, or lack thereof.

Heck no.

Just means you'll have a far greater variety of options now and down the line.
You won't be forced to only use whatever BB30 cranksets there might be later on.

You can use an adaptor to use a standard crankset in a BB30 bottom bracket. Still definitely shouldn't be a deal breaker.

I know.

But why bother when there are plenty of non-BB30 CAAD9's available?

Well I hate to bring bad news but I didn't get the frame. The owner ended up trading some parts for the frame. Oh well, thanks for all the help on this topic.