dstrkt

New rider here, getting ready to graduate from a crappy beater to the beloved CAAD9. Now the problem is whether i should go for the SRAM Rival or save some money for other upgrades and just get the 105s that are on 9-5?

I've still got to buy a lot of other stuff as well: pedals, new shoes, helmet, etc.

Weigh-in Please!

KiuBWhy

If you're tight on cash...stick to the 9-5. However, if you can get a deal similar to Performance's Team Discount....dish out for the Rival and use your points for the accessories.

JacoKierkegaard

It really depends on how significant the price difference is relative to your budget. If it would be tough to afford all the other gear you need if you spent the cash for the 9-4, then perhaps the 9-5 is a better option. Still, a lot of people prefer SRAM's system and really dislike Shimano, so before purchasing I would go try out each system. If you prefer Shimano, then the 9-5 is a no-brainer. If you like SRAM better, then you get to decide whether that preference is worth $300 (MSRP), and that again depends on your budget.

knucklesandwich

If you look around, you can get Rival shifters for about $250 and a Rival r/d for $75.
That plus a CAAD 9-5 puts you at $25 more than the 9-4, and then you can sell the Shimano 105 shifters and r/d for maybe $175 or so, leaving you at about $1650 net. You'd then need to decide whether it's worth it in terms of doing the work yourself, buying more bar tape, which frame color you like, etc.

poptart38247

Buy American, get a 2009 CAAD9-5.

rangerdavid

I say get the most bike for your money, that you can afford. you're not going to swing and miss here. Both are CAADs. with the 9-5 you can get better accessories, or even more of them, so that may be the better choice. I really love my 2009 CAAD 9-6, but am currently looking to dump the triple crank.

Good luck, and let us know what you pick! (and of course, post some pictures!!)

echappist

you mean the 9-4. Shimano is not an American company last time i checked.

as for the OP, you could probably part out your shifters & derailleurs for $225, and get rival shifters & derailleurs for a bit more than $300. if you have the bike mechanic skills needed, then i'd go with the parting out & swapping route as you may end up not having to spend too much. the opportunity cost of just trolling for deals, however, may be quite a bit.

as for accessories, new shoes could be had for ~60-70. check sierratradingpost for deals. the chepeast carbon shoes, however, will set you back about $125. pedals will set you back $20 if you get the LOOK Delta compatible ones; they aren't light, but are definitely serviceable. cleats can be had from probikekit for $12. a new road helmet is about $50-60. so all in all, you won't need more than $175 for shoes & helmets. it is recommended, however, you get some spare tubes (at least 4), a pump, bottle cages, bottles, a set of hex keys, and a saddlebag. those might set you back another $100. check performancebike regularly as they often have 20% off sales.

Tapeworm21

Caad9 5. Full Sram Rival and Shimano wheels is blasphemous. Shame on you Cannondale!

dstrkt

@mcjimbo - I'm pretty new to biking, so as much as I'd like to tinker with my bike, I don't think I have the necessary skills to do so.

@tapeworm21 - Maybe i'll end up getting the CAAD9-4 and getting wheels that are not so blasphemous. I see you're from Berkeley, so am I!....Well, went to school there at least.

Thanks guys. I'll have to go back and try both out a few more times.