Trueblue3044

So I'm looking to buy a road bike. I'm looking to do a few charity rides, group rides, and eventually some racing. I know the CAAD 10 is a better frame for racing, but why? And how much better is it than the 2.3? Is the 2.3 even good to race on?

renton

2.3 has the H2 geometry which should be OK for racing. I have a 2.1 with H3 geometry and it doesn't handle that well, especially cornering.
CAAD 10 from what I read it's a class above 2.1 and even 2.3.

Hapsmo911

Ride them both, if you cant decide based on that, get the Caad

tkm

Trek seemingly gave up making good aluminum frames a few years back. At one time, they had three different grades of aluminum. Right now, they only seem to offer the "middle" grade on pretty much everything they make now (in Al).

At least on the 2 series bikes they are somewhat copying the Madone geometry, so it should handle pretty well. And, the 2.3 comes with full 105 I believe, so the groupset is solid.

But yeah, ride both and see what you like. Nothing wrong with either bike so any choice will be ok.

ArchEtech

IMO Cannondale makes the best Aluminum frames. The base CADD is a really nice bike. I rode their mountain bikes and hybrids for years, but decided to jump to carbon when I got into road bikes. I have been on the CADD with full 105 (whichever that is) and it was cheaper and hands down way better than any aluminum trek, even nicer riding than alumin bikes with carbon rears I've ridden. I'm not an expert, but the trek aluminum models really seem like budget department store bikes and are way over priced. I owned a carbon Madone, and this was not the case - their carbon frames are top notch even if slightly higher priced.

bikejrff

The CAAd is a LOT better than my 3.1 MAdone (H2). Lighter, quicker, faster, more stabil. If not for more vibration in the handlebars than my Project 1 (only noticeable on long rides, 60 miles+), the CAAd would be it's equal. imho

DGlenday

Buy the June issue of the Road Bike Action magazine.

It has a cover article comparing those 2 bikes. (They rate the CAAD above the Trek.)

Read it for an informed opinion - but but buy the one that feels the best - for you.

Trueblue3044

Thanks guys. And the reason I'm asking is because idk if the CAAD 10 is even available. Would the 2.3 be a good substitute? Or would a CAAD 8 with 105 be a better option?

Golfster

I'm quite happy with my carbon Trek Madone, but if I were buying an aluminum bike, I would go with the CAAD10.

Elduderino2412

After much research i bought the CAAD10, and I love it. Only thing i did wrong was get 105 instead of SRAM rival.
Trek aluminum isn't very good. Only thing that is close to CAAD for the money is specialized Allez, but i liked the CAAD much better

DGlenday

Depends on what kind of riding you'll be doing.

The CAAD 10 has racing geometry, while the CAAD 8 has a more relaxed geometry.

For spirited riding, I'd go with the CAAD 10 - and it would be worth the effort to hunt one down.

For touring - as much as I like Cannondale's products - I'd go with a Giant Defy or a Specialized Roubaix rather than a CAAD 8.

'Course, YMMV...

Hapsmo911

SuperSix can be had for not much more if not nothing extra. Another option. if they are out of Caads in your size.

tkm

Frankly, that doesn't surprise me. You're comparing Trek's cheapest carbon bike vs. one of the best AL frames still made today. I think the general consensus on here is that good AL is better than cheap carbon every day of the week.

PhotoJoe 

OK, please read this in the light I mean it. I'm not doubting nor debating. I am truly curious. I've seen several posts lately, and not just in this thread, that puts down TREK aluminum, though I have yet to see any reason other than "CAAD is way better" or "TREK aluminum sucks". I haven't seen anything like "I rode both and the TREK beat me up so much worse", "TREK aluminum has a long documented track record of cracking". Is their aluminum line truly inferior? If so, why? Or, is it simply the reputation the CAAD on the 41?

The disclaimer is noted. Thank you.

How many grades does Cannondale offer?

"IMO" noted.

Generally speaking, not about these specific posts:

We all make generalizations.....but what are they based on?

Disclaimer - I know the CAAD has a great reputation and I would have no issues buying one if that was what I was interested in. I'm truly just curious why TREK's aluminum has a bad reputation, or at least considered inferior to many.

bikerjp

The first bike I test rode when I was looking to get a road bike was the 2.3. The shop that carries it is really nice and they spent a good 30 minutes getting me fit and it was just a test ride. My recent riding experience was on a Trek full suspension mtb and the 2.3 was very disappointing. It was a harsh ride and I found the bars to be constantly vibrating. I figured that was just how road bikes were when compared to a cushy full suspension mtb. Then I rode a Secteur and realized that not all bike were like the 2.3. I also rode a caad9. The secteur might have been slightly more forgiving than the caad but I found the caad to be the most fun and the least pain.

dwellman

Based on price alone: CAAD10.

Personally I'll take the Cannondale over the Trek 100 times out of 100. The 2.3 should be slightly more "comfortable" out of the box; however, the CAAD 10 should feel more nimble, responsive-- aggressive. That's it. it's a more "aggressive" ride. None of my LBSs seem to sell new Treks anymore. Cannondale, Raleigh, Specialized, Cervelo is basically it at the moment.

pdxtex

hating on trek is easy for alot of people, and for most i bet it just because they are the big american bike company. well who cares?? apparently, fredish hipsters who think trek sucks. hey, at least its still an american company. and to say that cannondale is the absolute master of aluminum frames is goofy. maybe the caad 10 has a bit more of an agressive stance but trek has been in the aluminum game nearly as long as they have. ive been riding their bikes in some form or another for more then 20 years and have always been happy with them. so that being said, its probably apples and oranges when you get to a bike of this level. to say one 2000 bike is infinitely better then another is probably just brand allegiance. ride them both and see which one you like. ta dah....

Kojie

^^ this. I wonder how many here have tested both

DGlenday

Educate yourself: Cannondale is also American!

I did.

And so did the editors of that magazine I described in post no. 7 (above). And as much as the blowhards in the 41 may criticize the magazine, I'll bet that the editors of that rag know a f***ing lot more than anyone here.

Oh, I see - you're pissed that everyone doesn't like your favorite bike. Have YOU ridden both?

Please re-read the thread. No one is "hating on Trek", as you put it. I'll summarize the thread for you: People (including me) are simply saying that 'the CAAD appears to be better, but the OP should ride both'.

Igo

Actually, Treks 1 series has the lesser aluminum frame. The 2 series is quite fine

Karcas

Actually it is a Canadian company. It was bought out by Dorel https://www.dorel.com/product.htm. Click the link and look at the Recreational/Leisure section, it mentions them buying Cannondale in 2008. Click the contact us link and it will give their address in Canada.

DGlenday

It is an American company owned by Canadians.

alexaschwanden

Caad10 is awesome.

Dilberto

CAAD 10 can easily be built to crazy-light, sub UCI weights too. Cannondale knows their aluminum tubing, better than many people know Carbon. It's not only the 41's own favorite....but it's the best bang for your buck bike around, hands-down.

Karcas

It was an American company that got bought out by Canadians.

Can't have something owned by a Canadian company, built in Taiwan, and call it American. They don't say handmade in the usa anymore for a reason.