Hello friends,

I am just getting into roadbiking and would love to get some recommendations on bikes below and/or if you have suggestions for other bikes. Quick overview of my bike usage and future needs:

- 5'9 - 175 lbs (need to lose some weight too )
- I just started biking to work (4 miles RT) a day and had a decent Marin hybrid. However, I sold it 2 days back to get some money and upgrade to a roadbike
- I plan on commuting to work on this "new" roadbike (4 miles RT almost flat) plus do longer weekend rides
- I live in the Bay Area and looking to explore hillier areas on the weekend
- Would like to buy something in the 1000-1500 range
- I don't have a whole lot of time for century rides/club rides (just had a newborn) but want to perhaps spend 2-4 hours on Sat and/or Sun riding the beautiful bay area paths. Perhaps do the more intense rides in a year or so

So far I've seen the following bikes and here are the prices (pre tax) I'm being offered. Also, should I do a 54 or 56 or it all comes down to feel?

2012 Cannondale Supersix 5 (54" only) - Closeout and for $1500 - full carbon
2014 Cannondale CAAD10-5 - $1200
2014 Cannondale CAAD 8-5 - $1000
2014 Trek Domane 2.0T - 1300

I am a rookie and really can't tell a whole lot of difference yet. However, the cannondale's did seem lighter. These bikes might be more than what I need at the moment, but if it's a good deal, I might as well buy it for the long terms.

Thoughts/advice? Also, any other bikes to consider in this range?

AR

go to a good bike shop to be measured for the right size, I am your height, a bit lighter, with a 31 inseam, and typically ride a 54, but your arms, torso and other factors would dictate the correct size. I don't usually recommend names, but the CAAD10 is a very popular suggestion, any bike with either Shimano 105 or SRAM Apex/Rival will be good for years to come, consider wider tires, 25mm or greater to make your commute more comfortable

I live in the Bay Area as well. All I can say from previous entry level experience is to try and purchase used if your ego allows you. Why? More than likely you will get a $2k bicycle and components for the $1k budget you have. Craigslist is your holy grail.

If you are just using this for commute and occasional weekend ride, even all the more reason to buy used. There are some seriously good used bikes out there.

The main difference in price points are the components and the frame material. Do some basic research and then tell us what kind of frame material you prefer (Steel, Alum, CF). What about those Cannondale's attract you? Another reason why I recommend used is so you can have a good idea after 6 months of cycling what it is / isn't you like about your bike that you'd like to change. Allows you some wiggle room to help define what kind of bike you are seeking by actually owning one. It's comparable to "What should my first car be?".

After my first road bike purchase, personally I feel the better the component quality is, the more you can surpass the quality of the frame (I'd rather have high-end campy or SRAM components with a heavier frame).

I have searched craigslist extensively but I felt I was getting a little more value based on the discounts from the CD store. Also, I don't know anything about bikes at the moment (and will learn over time), so having the LBS warranty/help is valuable.

I don't have a preference but I have only tested Alum frames as carbon wasn't in by budget. But as I was leaving the CD store, the guy said we also have this Supersix 5 (105 components) for 1500 if you're interested in upping your budget.

Right now, I want a bike that could have a good resale value later (appreciated by amateur bikers like myself) and also something that's within my budget 1000-1500. And yes kinda brand conscious, so looking at Trek, Specialized, Cannondale and Giant. So far Cannondale is giving me most value/component.

Also, Caad 8/10 is a more race inspired geometry as well as the Supersix. The Domane is an endurance geometry which will be more more comfortable for longer rides. The Caads and Supersix are more comparable to the Madone/Emonda in the Trek line. Try them and see what fits you best. I would really suggest seeing if any dealers have a 2013 model left in your size, you save huge and typically only different color schemes.

Here's what I being offered vs MSRP

2012 Cannondale Supersix 5 (54" only) - $1500 ($2500)
2014 Cannondale CAAD10-5 - $1200 ($1600)
2014 Cannondale CAAD 8-5 - $1000 ($1400)
2014 Trek Domane 2.0T - 1300 ($1400)

Can I get a better deal with the 2013 versions?

short answer is YES! That Supersix is a great deal, but it has to fit for it to be a good deal for you! Good exams is a dealer by me has a 2013 Domane 2.0 for $999 or a carbon Domane 4.0 for $1500.

The super six sounds like a good deal and a very nice bike. However it is not considered a commuter bike in that it is not the kind of bike that you would put a rack on or leave outside in the elements.I think that is why some posters are saying buying used for your commuter bike. I would get the super six ride and have fun.Put commuting on hold for a minute and then you soon will sort it out maybe finding the right commuter bike or you could use the super six under the right conditions, such a a secure place to put it.

The nice part is, I only lug a laptop (Macbook air) in my bookbag and also take my bike to my desk

Congratulations on your new hobby! Seriously! [:

I don't want to burst your bubble but make sure you really want to stick to this new hobby.
Bikes are cool, yeah

But all those people selling their bikes on CL used to think they were cool too.
And for you starting to learn how to roadbike, I suggest you get a lower quality bike. You don't want to learn how to get your clips out while taking a tumble on a full carbon bike or learn the rules of the road and deal with ******* drivers.

etc etc.
my .02

**This website is pretty cool!

What do we know...A friend's buddy is selling his CAAD 2011 10-5 for $800. He was a weekend rider only and has less than 1K miles. Steal? Or should I go for the newer one at 1200 + tax.

If your friend's CAAD fits and is comfortable for you (it has the racing rather than endurance geometry), that would be a great first bike!

Good luck!

wow take bike to your desk.GO 4 IT sounds like you got a couple of nice bikes to pick from. Now pick one. LOL

I do agree that if you are brand new and not used to clipless pedals you may want to wait on a full carbon. When you are learning to ride clipless pedals odds are you will fall at least once. All it takes is one fall and bad luck of your bike landing the wrong way to damage your carbon frame and make it unrideable. The CAAD 10 for $800 sounds like a good deal. I would offer a little less. $800 is a fair price but it's 4 model years old now and has older 105 now that 2015 with 5800 105 are out. You may be able to haggle....but CAADs of all generations are always in demand and SF is a hot market so if it costs $800 than that's what it costs. It is a great beginner bike and one you won't grow out of fast. Plenty of riders with years of experience are more than happy to ride a CAAD

That Supersix is by far the best bike in that lot. Especially for that price. At your height, you should fit a 54 Supersix very well. The only downside to it is there are no mounts for racks or fenders, though for 4 miles you can do a backpack or messenger bag very comfortably. If you go new, then you get all of the frame warranties, bike shop services/perks, etc, which can easily add up (especially if the frame is defective in some way...and that happens occasionally). My theory is get the best bike you can afford, and the supersix 5 is by far and away better than any of the others you have listed.

And if he crashes or drops it at a red light while trying to learn to use clipless pedals the warranty wont' cover that. The only coverage is Cannondale frame replacement which will give him about 20% discount on a new frame

Do the $800 friend bike for $750 and a beer and spend the other $250 on accessories like padded shorts, shoes, bottles, underseat bag with tubes, tools, etc. It'll get spendy quickly.

That CAAD10 is a great bike and basically the same components as the 2014 one. At 2015, the introduce the new 105 components, so you're just looking at a slightly older bike. If the friend is being honest and it's not got more miles than he's saying, you're saving a couple hundred for living with a few minor paint knicks and the other stuff that has, no-doubt, happened to the bike sitting around for the last few years.

You arent going to seriously damage a bike falling over trying to unclip. And YOU DON'T NEED TO START WITH CLIPLESS PEDALS. A beginner is perfectly capable of handling a carbon bike. Plenty of beginners with the means to do so start that way. It isn't a revolutionary idea

Definitely the Supersix. It's a great deal on a bike your wont regret. If it fits, that is. Get the LBS to make all the necessary adjustments, including the right stem for you, and be happy.

Thanks everyone. I tested out a used 2012 sectuer elite today and I really liked the ride. Yes it's tiagra (vs 105) and a bit heavier but I felt great on it. Also, snagged it for 675 (originally 1400) which will leave room for me to take classes, upgrade, accessories, etc. The bike was in great condition and minor external wear. Had regular tune ups and the only reason owner sold is because he upgraded to the same bike but carbon.

Congrats on your new ride! Now post a picture and ride it like you stole it!