CharlesD

Hello all-

Have always admired riding. Finally making the move to get involved. Excited! Searching a posting site I found a nice bike (or what I think is a nice bike) for a good price. Has anyone ever had a 2014 Cannondale CAAD8? Any insight would be great. Is this too advanced for a beginner rider? What should I look out for or keep in mind? Thank you ahead of time. I will try to attach a picture and some specs it has.



2014 Cannodale Caad8 in size 54cm 54 cm, less than 300miles on it, still looks like new. Always store inside and wipe down after each ride. Glossy paint and nice color combination, upgraded with fast and light FSA RD 600 wheelset. The wheels itself cost $800 when new FSA RD-600 Wheelset - Americancycle.com USA

Frame: CAAD8, Optimized 6061 Alloy, SAVE
Fork: Cannondale Ultra, Carbon blades, 1-1/8"
Pedals: Wellgo w/ Clip and Strap
Crank: Shimano, 50/34
Bottom Bracket: FSA Cartridge
Chain: KMC Z89, 8-speed
Rear Cogs: Sunrace 12-28, 8-speed
Front Derailleur: Shimano Claris, 31.8 clamp
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Claris
Shifters: Shimano Claris
Handlebar: Cannondale C4 Compact, 6061 alloy
Grips: Cannondale Bar Tape w/Gel, 2.5mm
Stem: Cannondale C4, 31.8, 6 deg.
Headset: Tange Seiki Integrated, 25mm top cap
Brakes: Tektro R315, dual pivot
Brake Levers: Shimano Claris 2400
Saddle: Cannondale
Seatpost: Cannondale C4, Alloy, 27.2mmx300mm
Wheels: FSA RD 600, compatible with 10speed cassette
Front Tire: Continental Grand Prix 4000 700x23
Rear Tire: Michelin Lithion 2 700x25

TriDanny47

Yes, it is a nice bike. I don't subscribe to "too advanced for a beginner" theory. I say buy what you like that you can afford.

CharlesD

Good deal. Thanks

NormanF

Nice bike for someone 5'7-5'8".

If you like it and it fits, buy it! The specs for that entry level Cannondale CAAD8 look good.

caloso

Nice bike. If it fits.

RushFan2112

If you like it and it fits, it's a good bike. "Good" is very subjective.

ColaJacket

Agree with this. Ride it before you buy it. A lot of CAAD's are used for racing, so you want to check that the fit isn't too aggressive for you. Since it's an AL alloy bike, any frame damage should be observable, so check it over for that.

Make sure to check out Bicycle Blue Book to make sure that the price isn't too high.

It does have Claris components, which are the lowest level of the decent Shimano groupsets. They're still a decent groupset, which is acceptable for beginners.

GH

CharlesD

Awesome insight. I will definitely check the frame when I go to see it, and test ride it. I didn't know fit was such a big part in the purchase didn't think of that. I will also check the Blue Book, thanks again.

Tulok

Fit is the most important thing of road bikes by a long shot. It will make, or ruin your experience. The lower the bars, the more important fit is. As a rule of thumb, cruisers are 1 size fits all, road bikes come in 2cm increments.

Maelochs

Buy it and give it to me. I will test it thoroughly and let you know if it is good enough for you.

You could also buy it and enjoy riding it, but what;s the good in that? (For me, I mean.) Yeah, depending on what shape it is in (300 miles, unless it was wrecked it should be great) and most important, so long as it fits you ... Well, everyone else here already gave you the important advice.

RonH

You have a great bike. From the picture it looks like you need to level the saddle. Did you get fitted for the bike? After you get used to riding it you may want to lower the handlebars.
One more minor point. Folks like to see the bike from the drive side.

CharlesD

Have not gotten fitted, going this weekend to test it out. I will definitely adjust it and make sure it fits. Seeing alot of emphasis on fit so I will factor that into the purchase. Thanks!!