andreasp

Hi great people of bicycling.

I am new to using a bike for anything other than to and from friends and the train (3km at most) and have for the last week borrowed a Caad10 from a friend and been riding it a lot. I have decided to give road bikes a try, but I need your help!

I have been at my local dealer and have been offered a 2013 GTR series 1 (see details here) and an online store are offering Caad8 105 (see details here) at a cheaper price.

The offerings are (originally in NOK, but changed to USD for you reading pleasure)
GTR Series 1 (professionally fitted to me as a rider): $1683
Caad8 105 (bought online, no fitting) : $1347

Please help me choose. I donīt have the knowledge to say what is the best deal here. Is Ultegra-kit and buying from a local dealer worth the extra $336?

Does anyone have any inputs? I will be forever grateful

Thanks!

freedomrider1

I like the Caad, Not sure how you buy a Cannondale online.

Homebrew01

Usually from a scammer afaik
Indonesian ones are popular now.

andreasp

In Norway there isnīt just one importer of Cannondale-bikes. When I said online I meant buying it from the webshop for a dealer on the other side of the country.

WestPablo

I like both the GTR and the CAAD. However, I do prefer Ultegra to 105...

dvdslw

It seems riding your friends Caad10 sparked your interest in road biking so why not go for a Caad10? You should be able to judge your sizing needs off of the bike you have been using (already test ridden) and the Caad10 is just a better bike compared to both bikes you listed in both design and weight. Around here, the Caad10 105 retails for $1,500 so its not a huge leap from the Caad8 pricing you listed? I also believe that when you're shopping down in the entry level your better off buying the best frame for the money as opposed to components, you can always swap out a 105 rear d or sti levers for ultegra or dura ace whenever you want. Here's what I would get if I were shopping in the $1,500 range Cannondale CAAD10 5 105 D - Orange Cycle - Orlando - OrangeCycleOrlando.com - bicycle - bike - store - shop - bike fit

andreasp

Thank you for your response dvdslw! I think you have a point there. The best offer I find in Norway on Caad10 is the same price as I get on the GTR, so my next question is: Will I get more from the Caad10 than from the GTR?

As a tall and fairly heavy rider (193 cm and 110+ kg) the local dealer said the GTR was one of my best choices, but he might say that just because he doesn't carry Cannondale in his store..

rms13

Although a lot of people always say support the LBS, the truth is that especially with new riders they try to push what they have in stock on you and not necessarily the best bike. Being a newbie and at your weight the difference between 105 and Ultegra is negligible. Get the CAAD10 with 105 and you'll have no regrets. After all , that is the bike that you have been riding around that sparked your interest in riding.

The CAAD8 is not the same as a CAAD10. It is a different bike with different frame, different materials and more of a comfort geometry then an aggressive race bike.