labas

I'm shopping around for my first road bike and have found a 2010 CAAD 9 that I may take a look at. The bike is a couple of hours away, so before I make the trip I thought I'd glean a little advice here. I'm 5'-11.5" and have a 32.5 inseam. I currently ride hybrids that are 20 and 21 inches ( too large a frame size for me according to LBS) and prefer the 21 inch because I feel less "cramped". Here is my question: the CAAD 9 that I'm considering is 58cm, and I'm wondering if it will be too big, even though I prefer a slightly larger frame than what my size calls for?

Thanks

beatlebee 

56

bikerjp

I ride a 58 Caad9 and I'm 6'3" with about a 34 cycling inseam. A 58 may be a bit small for me but the next size up is a bit large.

hendrick81

I have the exact situation with cdale. I ride a 58cm thats a tad to small, but the 60cm is to large. For the OP, I also would agree that a 58cm is too large...

FPSDavid

I'm the same height and had a 58 CAAD8 that was too big, and now a 56 CAAD10 that is perfect.

neospazzy

I'd say 56cm as well. I am 5'10 with a 30in inseam and normally ride a 54cm. However, I found that the 56cm actually fit me better. I'd go to your local Cannondale dealer and have them give you an initial bike fit/sizing and a test ride.

fureshi

I'm 5'11" with a 30" inseam and I find that I'm more comfortable on a 54cm as I'm less stretched out. On the other hand, my back is also slightly flatter since the saddle to bar drop is more.

NRZ

5'10" here with just under 32 inseam, ride a 56cm Caad9 and feel very good on it for extended trips and short bursts.

bigbadwullf

6'1" 32" pants inseam. 58. Very comfortable. 56 was too small for me. I could see you going either way, depending on the bike build. Ride them all before buying!!

I go against the grain here. I'd rather be slightly stretched than slightly cramped.

hls811

I'm 6' and I just got a 56cm, 58 seemed too big.. Do you have a Cannondale dealer close by? It might make sense to stop on just to see if they have a 56 or 58cm bike you can sit on..

Parson

I'm 6 feet and felt too stretched out and too "on top" of the bike with a 58 Supersix. The fitter at the shop agreed that the 58 was too big for me. I got a 56 and it feels good.

on the path

5' 11" here w 34" inseam. My 58cm CAAD 10 is an extremely good fit for me. 58 could possibly work for you..

halfspeed

You might not like the standover on a 58 with your short legs.

caloso

This.

Ruby13

I'm 5"10 with 31" inseam and ride a 54 Cannondale. Any larger was just uncomfortable for standover and reach. My opinion (which is worth little) would be a 56.

BentLink

I'm about your size and my old C'dale measures 56. My 6'2" wife rides a CAAD 5 in 58, and while I can ride it, it ain't comfy.

I know, in my youth I thought "trophy wife" meant "the biggest you can catch"....too bad I can't use her as an excuse for another 56 or two.

labas

Thanks to all for the input. Went to my LBS today, got fit tested and road 4 bikes. The 58cm was good in terms of leg extension and "roominess" but I felt somewhat overextended with my arm reach. I'm sure I could make the 58 work, but all in all the 56 just seemed a better fit. I'm going to pass on the used CAAD9. New development: Today at the LBS I test rode both the CAAD10 and the Synapse, which has created another conundrum. The Synapse, with it's more relaxed geometry, was to some degree more comfortable than the CAAD10 and probably more conducive to my non-racing riding needs. However, my LBS is located in a little village with lots of winding streets and turns and when I test rode the CAAD it was way to cool as to how nimble and responsive that bike was. Gotta think this one through.

Lexi01

Ya huh - if the CAAD geometry is naything like the supersix (and I believe it is) they have a nicely horizontal top tube - none of this new fangled, sloping tubes...so the standover may squash your little friends.

on the path

Stop thinking and get the CAAD already! (sorry, wrong thread.. )

halfspeed

Cannondale hasn't made a road bike with a true horizontal top tube since 2005. They don't slope as much as some others, but slope they do.

hls811

I gotta agree here.. I went into my LBS looking to pick up a Synapse, one ride on a CAAD8 and I was sold.. (I wouldnt let myself even ride the CAAD10, I knew it was out of my budget and didn't want to make the decision any harder than it already was..). I'm not knocking the Synapse but the CAAD just seemed to "fit" me.

bikerjp

How much riding experience do you have? I found that when I first started I felt this way too. Eventually put a 90mm stem on (stock was 110). then after riding a while I went back to 100mm and now I'm at 120mm. Not saying a 56 might not be the better fit for you but keep in mind you current level of flexibility and where you might be in a year or so.

Re the caad vs synapse dilemma yep, you gotta think it through. Ride each one several times in several types of rides. Pick the one that you enjoy the most. Don't buy too much into the marketing hype. Sure, they are different but not that different. If you are looking at the alloy synapse vs the caad I'd get the caad. That's what I did originally. I thought the caad was just snappier and more fun. I like my carbon synapse though too but use it more as my longer distance bike.

The newer caad8 is not a cheaper caad10. It's a different bike.

Lexi01

Yep - I'm aware...was just saying in comparison to some other popular makes (eg Specialized) it has a comparitively horizontal top tube.

labas

I highly resemble that statement.

qcpmsame 

I think you will like the 56cm in which ever bike you choose. Either the CAAD 8/10 or the Synapse are all good bikes. It will depend on what kind of riding you are going to do. Synapse is a more relaxed geometry and has more comfort engineered on to the stays. CAAD 10 is more stiff and better suited to fast training or racing. That said I chose the CAAD 10 4 this year and ride it on long rides with out problems as far as vibration or overly stiff feeling. Mine is the 56cm, I am 6'-1" but have a 31" inseam, the 56cm fits better all the way around. Both of my C'Dales are 56cm so it seems to be the size for my short legs and long torso.