bayoubiker

I am about to buy my first road bike......I can buy the CAAD9 for 200.00 more than the z100. Thoughts and opinions welcome.

The LBS that has the z100 went out of there way to help. The other shop could have cared less?

Thanks

mwbarker

A good shop is important. If you're willing to go up $200 for a bit more bike, look into the Felt Z85. It gets you into a 10-speed Shimano 105 group, is probably more directly comparable to the CAAD, and would keep you at the shop you like.

Mike F

+1

I bought my Z85 3 weeks ago and love it. The Z series has a more relaxed frame geometry which for my purposes is perfect. If you plan on riding more aggressively try the F series. In my opinion they are an excellent value for the money.

mpath

Yup, +1 on the Z85 and dealer relationship.

tacticalfireguy

I recently bought the f85, i drove an extra 100 miles for the customer service. The bike has a lot to offer for the price. Compared to the Trek and Giant in the same price range, I got a lot more bike. couldn't be happier.

2ndGen

Depends for how you ride.
Recreational rider? Get the Felt.
If you ride hard, then get the CAAD.

On a personal note, I just saw the Felt Z100.
Hell yeah get the CAAD!

Santaria

I think either option is fine as long as you understand that you should get the CAAD9-5.

If you think that you're right in getting the Felt, just know that you're wrong. It's okay to be wrong. Accept that you are wrong and buy the CAAD9.

Yes, I know that you think you're right still, but unfortunately you're still wrong. Buy the CAAD9-5.

2ndGen

seejohnbike

first, figure out which BIKE you want. test ride them, and go from there. if you prefer the felt, get the felt at the shop that stocks them.

if you prefer the cannondale, maybe give the shop a second chance. Sometimes there's a single surly employee at an otherwise excellent shop... if the shop as a whole is kinda crummy, then look into getting the c'dale from a different local shop.

Also, even if you don't buy the bike at the nice shop, you can continue to give them your support. If you like a different brand of bicycle that one LBS just doesn't carry, any reasonable (and savvy) shop shouldn't hold it against you if you're bringing the rest of your business to their shop.

dykim90

get the caad9. you will get better components on the bike for sure. all sram rival and force. cant beat that. get the price for 1500 or less.

bayoubiker

I am new to the sport, 9 weeks post colon removal and resection (My surgeon is the man). I did not ride prior to surgery, while in the hospital I watched a interview with Lance and was inspired. I rode my first Live-strong event 7 weeks post surgery, was only able to do 5 miles on my hybrid. But I got it done!!! I am riding a hybrid, I ride 50-60 miles a week right now. I try to increase by 5 miles a week. My average speed is 12 miles an hour. I am getting stronger every day.

My goal is to be able to do a century by April 2012. I have one more surgery coming up in about 12 weeks. I am trying to ride and workout to get strong so recovery will be easier.

I am a highly motivated person, so yes I ride hard in my eye's. My motto is 2nd place is the first looser. But when we ride for a reason whatever yours is we all win!

revchuck 

If you went to GNO Cyclery, I recommend that you give them a second chance. I'm a pretty loyal customer of theirs - getting my next bike from them - and they're good folks. They get snowed under sometimes due to their location. That's not an excuse for poor customer service, but everyone gets harried once in a while.

As for the bike, I'd go with the CAAD9. I rode mine for two years until I found out I needed a larger frame. (Bought it from another shop, not GNO.)

bayoubiker

Shop with CAAD9 wants me to come in and let them fit me on the bike and take it for the morning to ride. I don't and won't mention shop names just because one not so good encounter does not make a bad shop. I went back there today just take one more look and couldn't ask for better service (nice recovery)!

I really like the CAAD9 we will see how the test ride goes. I am impressed with the service at both places now, guess just depends what person you talk to at the shop.....and build a relationship with. Thanks again for all the input.....will post update and hopefully a picture tomorrow.

lunchbox1972

I've got a Felt Z-80 and a buddy with a CAAD9, with SRAM Force and Kyserium wheels.. It's a cool machine for sure.. That being said, I love my Felt. It fits great and rides nice.. No issues with anything.. Other than my bad habit of upgrading things.

I don't think you will go wrong with either.

2ndGen

Before you ride the CAAD, must read this-----> https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...e-Cult-of-CAAD...

neneboricua

Really it's about the type of bike you want. The CAAD9 has aggressive geometry and is meant to be ridden hard. That's not to say you won't be comfortable on it, but it's meant for speed over comfort. The Felt Z series has more relaxed geometry that puts you in a slightly more upright position. This is good if you don't have a lot of flexibility or if your goals are more long distance rides than speed. You can still ride it hard, it's just not meant to be a race bike.

I would say, first decide on what type of bike you want: aggressive or relaxed geometry. If you want more aggressive geometry, look at Cannondale's CAAD and Felt's F-Series. If you want slightly more relaxed geometry, look at Cannondale's Synapse and Felt's Z-Series.

Either type of bike can be ridden hard or made to be more comfortable, but picking the right type of bike from the beginning will help you play to its strengths instead of trying to make up for its "weaknesses".