Any reason I shouldn't upgrade my CAAD5 frame?
04-27-16, 05:38 AM
#1
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Any reason I shouldn't upgrade my CAAD5 frame?
Here's my CAAD5 w/ 9-speed 105 (I've made some fit/stem/handlebar changes since this photo):
This bike is my first foray into Cannondale bikes, so I really don't know much about them. I use this bike almost exclusively for commuting to work (17 miles each way). I think it rides and handles well (certainly good enough for beater bike / commuting duty), and with 25s + latex tubes has pretty decent smoothness.
But I loathe Shimano. I've got it tuned perfectly and it shifts flawlessly, but I just really, really dislike Shimano. So I'm thinking about putting a Sram Force22 group on it (because it's only ~$150 to $200 more than Rival22). My plan would be to use my 11-speed Bontrager RXLs w/ Schwalbe Pro One tubeless setup from my Emonda until I'm able to procure an additional set of wheels for this bike.
So my question for those wiser and more knowledgable than me is this: is there any reason why I shouldn't upgrade this frame? Should I try to procure a better CAAD frame? Would I be better served with some other alternative?
This bike is my first foray into Cannondale bikes, so I really don't know much about them. I use this bike almost exclusively for commuting to work (17 miles each way). I think it rides and handles well (certainly good enough for beater bike / commuting duty), and with 25s + latex tubes has pretty decent smoothness.
But I loathe Shimano. I've got it tuned perfectly and it shifts flawlessly, but I just really, really dislike Shimano. So I'm thinking about putting a Sram Force22 group on it (because it's only ~$150 to $200 more than Rival22). My plan would be to use my 11-speed Bontrager RXLs w/ Schwalbe Pro One tubeless setup from my Emonda until I'm able to procure an additional set of wheels for this bike.
So my question for those wiser and more knowledgable than me is this: is there any reason why I shouldn't upgrade this frame? Should I try to procure a better CAAD frame? Would I be better served with some other alternative?
04-27-16, 05:47 AM
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04-27-16, 06:28 AM
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I love that bike and color, it's perfectly upgrade worthy. You could sell the Shimano group in the vintage section. Though I would go with Campy.
04-27-16, 09:28 AM
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Would short course therapy on how to learn to love Shimano be cheaper? If the bike fits well and is otherwise sound I'd say upgrade, possibly look for used Campy or SRAM? Only other option is to look for similar non-Shimano used bikes but finding one suitable that fits might take a while or be a hassle and not sure re relative costs.
04-27-16, 09:44 AM
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04-27-16, 06:44 PM
#7
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Thanks all for the input.
I don't think I could get a used Force22-equipped bike for the same ~$700 it would cost me to buy the group. I just wanted to make sure the frame was upgrade-worthy
I don't think I could get a used Force22-equipped bike for the same ~$700 it would cost me to buy the group. I just wanted to make sure the frame was upgrade-worthy
04-27-16, 07:04 PM
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You say you don't like Shimano but don't say why. Was it mean to you? J/K. If you have the cash just get the group:
Campagnolo Athena 11 Speed Groupset | Chain Reaction Cycles
If not go buy a donor bike with a group you want and sell the frame.
Campagnolo Athena 11 Speed Groupset | Chain Reaction Cycles
If not go buy a donor bike with a group you want and sell the frame.
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