Sorry for the second post, but I just got an email from the LBS that I wanted some opinions on.

The stock '05 R700 comes with an Ultegra RD and the Shimano WH-R550 wheelset with a total price of $1838.85 CDN (w/o pedals). I asked them about swapping some stuff out to lower the price and they can put a 105 RD and Shimano WH-R500 wheels on to lower the price to $1632 CDN total.

Worth the downgrade? Technically, I could afford the price of the stock layout, but will it make a huge difference going between the two set ups? I prefered the CAAD7 frame of the R700 to the CAAD5 on the R500 after riding both back to back. I don't plan on racing extensively; I just wanted a quality road bike for club rides and solos that will last me for a while. Will mostly be on smooth roads along the Rideau Canal and Gatineau Park.

The read d/r swap will make no difference. Don't know about the wheels.

Did you look into the Cannondale Six13 R3000. It's only $500 CND more

I just bought the r500 few weeks ago as my starter bike.
I'm planning on getting the Six 13 R5000

Far too much out of my budget range. The R700 is as high as I'm willing to go, and probably as much bike as I'll ever need.

that price is about $200 over what i paid for my stock R700.
I actually paid about the price that they would give you for the C'Dale with the 105 r/d and WH-R500 wheelset.

The place is called Re-My Sport and it's in Mississaugua a bit of a drive from Ottawa. But just letting you know you may be getting ripped off a little

Here's there site check it out


Peace
Tyler

I don't have much of a choice. They're the only C'dale dealer in my area. It is only the tag price so I may be able to get them to come down a little, or at least give me a nice discount and/or lifetime service on the bike.

I see the stock R700 on remysport.com for $1629, and I'm assuming that's before taxes. The tag price at Rebec&Kroes here in Ottawa is $1599 for the stock setup.

Mate got the WH-R500's on his Orbea. Had a terrible time with the spokes on his rear wheel loosening off and going out of true after only 20 or so kms. Had thing thing back at the shop 4 times trying to fix it until the shop just gave him a new wheel. This one seems okay though. Limited experience I know, but in that experience they are running at 50% dodgy back wheels so I'd just stick with the better wheels.

Ok, so at this point I'm thinking about keeping the WH-R550 wheels. Is it worth the small savings to downgrade to a 105 RD?

Dukes on queen is the best LBS in toronto.
they are always 50 - 100 less and give you a deal on top.
https://www.dukesonqueen.com/

I bought an R500 from them too, and I have to say that even before I bought my bike from them I've always had great service. They built my R500 up for me, built my wheels, did it on time AND gave me a deal on the sticker price. If you can, go to Dukes

Duke's is all well and good, but the point is that I'm in Ottawa...

While it may save me $100 on the initial purchase price, the hassle of having to travel to Toronto to purchase it, and the fact that I won't be able to get after-purchase servicing/tune-ups from them defeats the point.

$500?!?! From my bike shop it would be over $2000 USD difference

Well I dont know about changing the parts out, but I recently purchased a r700 and really love it. I have put about 550 miles on it in a bit over a month, it's my first road bike. I havent had any problems with the wheels and I'm 6'6 and about 230. I would just go with it as it comes and not worry about the savings if you can afford it.

haha i am from Ottawa.......great place, but for the most part you can't get anywhere unless you have a car... it's great downtown and in the gatineau though

anyway - I got my old cannondale at dave's bike dump on st.catherine's. I guess it's up to you whether or not you want to endorse places that turns over questionable bikes........but if you dig hard enough you'll find something worth buying that they've completely underpriced.. i got a used R900 for $550

-buyer beware, they're there to make money so make sure you're not getting ripped off. take a friend with you.

What model year on your R900?

not 100% sure, but I think it's a 96/97 It's dark blue/purple with white text. shifters on the downtube. It's just sitting in my room waiting to be fixed up

I've got a 56cm Saeco Optimo CAAD7 frame I bought but it turned out to be too big. So I bought a 54cm frame instead and built it up. I'm probably going to list the frame on ebay in a few weeks, probably once the Giro begins.

I test rode the R700 and a 54cm seemed to fit me fine. Will probably be going back to the shop this weekend to see if a 56cm would fit me, but I doubt it. If everything goes to plan, I should be putting a deposit down on a Patriot Blue R700 this Saturday.