acealthebes

Question: which setup would you rather have and why?

Option 1:
CAAD12 Ultegra http ://www.cannondale.com/en/Europe/Bike/ProductDetail?Id=410c91f3-d283-4996-99c1-f46ffd6d37f0&parentid=undefined

+
ENVE SES4.5
https ://enve.com/products/ses-4-5/

OR

Option 2:
https ://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/tcr-advanced-sl-2-kom

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The CAAD12 with the wheels costs maybe around $500 more?

I ride everything: Crits, hills, long group rides etc...

Curious about opinions. Thanks!

rubiksoval

34x34 low gearing? They expecting you to ride up a wall?

I'd go with option 1 10x over before option 2. Don't even know what the point of that TCR spec is. And ISPs are gross.

Hapsmo911

With those choices I would go with the Caad. Even staying with a Caad, you could get the Caad12 Etap @ that price. Around my area that kinda cash would get you a EVO HM with Ultegra Di2, or a TCR SL1. I am curious why those two choices.

Esthetic

The TCR gets you better everything for your money.


-Lighter carbon frame and the carbon compliance factor- can't upgrade this part on the CAAD
-Actual Ultegra crank, not some housebrand
-low 1400g climbing wheels out the box. I've used these with up a 27-28c tire, great wheels- technically don't need upgrading unless you want a deeper wheel.
-Tubeless 25c tires out the box
- BB86 bottom bracket vs the troublesome BB30 Cannondales go with which are prone to creaking.

But do you like the look of the Giant? IMO, you have to see these in person. Their color schemes of late seem to pop very differently than how they look in pictures on the website.
The Cannondale on the other hand is a clean look.

EricT80

To me it's a no-brainer; TCR Advanced SL KOM. I have one and it truly is amazing. Light, super stiff but comfortable....the bike truly is a dream imo.

EricT80

Plus, what you're really paying for with that CAAD is the name ENVE.

Dean V

+1

Caliwild

+2

rubiksoval

And that name is on some of the best wheels you can buy.

redfooj

Giant

mercator

Not a fan of the ISP, but I'd still vote giant.

K4m1k4z3

Giant no question.

TMonk

I've owned multiple CAAD frames over the years and am currently on a TCR Advanced ISP. The TCR is a nicer frame to ride, no question about it, just as stiff and sharp handling as the CAAD but it's more comfortable. The ISP is a stupid design idea that gave me some headaches for a while, but at least it looks cool and high-tech . Having said that I won't be purchasing another ISP frame unless it's a screamin' deal.

So my vote is TCR. I agree that the gearing and ISP are stupid, but it's just a better bike. The CAAD is no slouch and there is a reason why it has had such a cult following over the years, so either bike will be good.

NYMXer

I have a Cannondale SuperSix Evo w/ the high modulas frame. It is a great bike and I have about 5,000 miles on it without any problems other than an occasion sticky brake.
I once borrowed a TCR to join in on a ride and for whatever reason, I beat so many of my segment times with it. I was not trying to beat anything, just a regular ride as I usually do but I was noticeably faster on the Giant TCR. My next bike will be the very Giant you are considering.

Dean V

What is the problem with ISP?
I have had it on a couple of bikes and like it.
Only 2 issues I can think of is,
- not packing down as small for travel.
- No resale to anyone with a seat height much more than yourself.

dim

Giant without a doubt

Danny01

Kind of strange that you have to have ENVE's on the CAAD. The Super Six Evo DA would be a better comparison to the TCR. Either way, the Giant is the better bike. But it is ugly. Aesthetics aside, never met anyone who rode a TCR and disliked it. The murdered out CAAD with ENVE's would be a head turner though.

Dean V

Or TCR Advanced Pro? Then you don't get the ISP which is good if you don't like them and save some money.
Just a bit heavier, but would still be lighter than the CAAD.

Banzai

The CAAD is hot. And I'm a Cannondale fan all day, every day, particularly after the way they handled my warranty claim years ago.

Even if I curse them for BB30, and more for BB30A, I'm still a Cannondale fan.

redfooj

No setback range (?)

What if you change saddle and/or shoes and/or pedals which affects stack

The 1-way immutability of post height is a bit senseless imo

Bomb Komodo

I switched from a CAAD to a TCR advanced disc. The TCR is a lot better to me. Rides so much stiffer and faster. Bottom bracket is insane strong. It feels like it can take anything you give it and transform it all into speed instead of absorbing it.

If you want a fast bike, the TCR is incredibly fast and the frames are very light.

Mine does not have an ISP, so I can not comment on that.

I put a lot of research into it plus talking with other riders and Giant is really the most bang for the buck right now. I got an ultegra equipped TCR advanced with Disc brakes on sale for under $2k. The main upgrade I put in is carbon wheels.

For perspective, I rode an ultegra BMC Team Machine that was twice as expensive, and I could not notice a difference, besides preferring the tires and stock wheels a little. I preferred the fit and ride of the Giant.

My opinion is that cycling can be insanely expensive sometimes just due to name brand. Giant gives you so much for the money, but I will say that the base wheels are probably the weakpoint there.

Noctilux.95

The TCR, and its not even close.

Dean V

The set back adjustability is adequate to cover any reasonably normal fit.
There is approx 3/4" of height adjustment available. Enough for saddle/shoe/pedal changes.

acealthebes

Thank you for all the opinions. Will probably go with the TCR per suggestions. Will post a pic when it comes in