goose70

I need help with a bike upgrade decision. The LBS has a CAAD9 5 demo in my size (allegedly less than 100 miles, appears to be in new shape). I had previously thought that I would upgrade to a Trek 2.3, but the local race team really talks-up their CAAD9s. My current bike is an ’09 Trek 2.1 Pilot (purchased new in ’10) with Ultegra rear derailleur, 105 everything else and carbon seatstays in addition to the carbon fork and seat post. So, I’d technically be going down a bit in components for either the 2.3 or the CAAD9, but since I think that I might want to race a bit next year, and to my surprise, I actually prefer a bit more aggressive posture than the Pilot offers, I would still consider either the 2.3 or CAAD9 to be an upgrade.

In terms of use, aside from the possibility that I might explore racing now that I’ve been busting my butt for over a year to get in bike shape, I also enjoy centuries. One concern I have is whether the CAAD9, which appears to have a slightly more aggressive design than the 2.3, would be too aggressive to do a century in reasonable comfort. I know, I know….that probably depends on the individual.

Both the 2.3 and CAAD9 use a 105 group, but I need help comparing the following different components:

Wheels: The CAAD9 uses Shimano RS10, the 2.3 uses Bontrager Race. Which is better (faster) out of the box? Which is likely to last longer?

Seat post: The CAAD9 5 uses uses a C3 carbon wrapped post. Higher CAAD9 levels use a C2 post. I have no idea what the difference is, or if it really matters. The 2.3 uses a “Bontrager Carbon.”

Crank: 105 for the Shimano, FSA Gossamer BB30 for the CAAD9. I’m guessing Cannondale wins here, but not really sure.

The Trek is normally about $100 more then the CAAD9 5 and $500 more than this specific demo, but I’d like to ignore price for now and concentrate on performance and component comparisons.

Thanks very much for your insight.

Accordion

Surely this is a rhetorical question.

The CAAD9 is THE best aluminum framed bike ever built. 30 years of experience. THE best race bike you can purchase.

I have one. A 2010 CAAD9-5.

To steal a line from Porsche - THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE

gus6464

speedemon

My friend just purchased a 2010 CAAD9-5 just over this weekend, I would definitely pickup the Cannondale over the Trek, if it was my choice!

colombo357

I've got a CAAD9 and went from zero to hero overnight. I was lonely boy before, but now I'm a supersexual man with more women than I have spokes.

Dilberto

Here is my 2009 non-BB30 CAAD 9/7 at 16 pounds:



I also have a Madone 5.2 and this CAAD gets WAY MORE love...

indybiker01

I love my caad 9...I recently purchased a Tarmac SL3 and have no intentions of selling the caad 9 or letting it collect dust........

goose70

Thanks for the replies. This is definitely not a rhetorical question, since I've tried a 2.3 and really liked it, as does a friend who is an accomplished local racer. That said, I have not yet tried a CAAD9 (plan to do so this week), and the guys that own them seem to love them.

But what I am trying to determine is WHY the CAAD9 is supposedly better....in other words, to cut through the brand loyalty and figure out, are the wheels better (if so, in what way), the cranks, geometry, stiffer bike, lighter bike? Those are the things that can help me make my decision, since I have yet to find the owner of either a 2.3 or CAAD9 who doesn't think that their bike is the best thing since sliced bread.

I doubt I'd go wrong with either choice, but I'd still like to make the best choice.

Thanks again.

goose70

Dilberto, that's actually a very useful comparison, since the 2.3 is essentially an aluminum Madone. Colombo, I think that settles it for me. Looks like I'm leaning towards the CAAD9.

intence

Cannondale used a proprietary aluminum blend on the CAAD9s, also look at the welds, the cruved seatstays and for the formed tubes.

intence

Also, while Treks hold their value quite well, if you can find a CAAD9 in your size, i'd suspect it would also keep up its value as it would be one of the last USA built Cannondales. I'm not starting a US vs. Asia debate, just that if/when you decide to upgrade, you should be able to sell the frame relatively easily.

tsohg

I'd ride one first and decide. The geometry on the 2.3 is more relaxed than the CAAD9. See this:

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes..._and_geometry/

The 2.3 has the Performance fit. I believe the CAAD9 is more like the "Pro Fit" you can choose on a Madone.

gtrwanka

I just got a Caad9 4 2 weeks ago. I was coming from a full carbon synapse and for me what made me change was that the caad was mucho stiffer. I definitely felt the power from each stroke go through the ground better than the synapse. So it was stiffness and the feeling that the aluminum on the caad would last longer than the carbon the synapse. The caad is a more aggressive ride and I felt it in my lower back on my first long ride. But with adjustments and continual riding, it shouldnt be a problem anymore.

Guillotine007

I say go with the CAAD and leave an extra 3/4 inch of steer tube above the stem...when you go for a century ride switch out the spacers to below your stem and boom, more relaxed position without the humiliation of having an upturned stem. Eventually you'll get used to always being in the more aggressive position and trim the tube fully.

Blackdays

Uh, did you just recommend a Trek...over a CAAD9...on BF? Do you also hate GP4000's and Psimet wheels?

Dead man walking.

Guillotine007

CNN Breaking News: Local Kansas City man beaten to death with frame pumps...local authorities believe the Infamous BF-41 Gang is connected in some way.

Accordion

Cannondale Deity FAIL.

apaterso

The CAAD9 4 is built out with SRAM Rival. How does that compare to 105? I also heard that the newest 105 is just the old Ultegra being rebranded...

goose70

Update: bought the CAAD9 5 a few weeks ago. Thanks for the encouragement. Put 880 kms on it so far and love it more each time I ride it. Upgrades I plan in the fall are (1) Ultegra 6700 rear derailleur; (2) Ultegra 6700 cassette; (3) new, red bar tape (this was so critical to my performance that I already did it); and (4) new tires (Schwalbe Ultremo..red, of course) paired with new wheels (leaning towards Soul S3.0 ....w/red spokes, obviously....but will be mining the forum for ideas on that).

Once it’s done, I’ll post the standard garage door or foyer pic for all to critique.

P.S.: Maybe this is too obvious, but I was surpirsed by how much my cadence increased on the CAAD9 from the Trek 2.1 Pilot. On the Pilot, I mostly stayed in the low 90s while cruising on the flats, but had to concentrate a bit. On the CAAD9 when I was cruising comfortably, I noticed that I was in the 100-105 range. My speed was also up by 1.5-2 mph. The speed doesn't surprise me, but I'm not sure why the cadence changed so much (maybe lighter bike = less effort?). I'm actually wondering whether I should change gears until I dial the cadence down a bit, or just live happily where I am. Maybe it's just the adrenaline of the new bike. Always something...

aham23

^^^^ you should share pics. we love pics around here. later.

bhdavis1978

For what it's worth- I test rode out a Trek 2.3, a Cannondale CAAD9-5, and a Specialized Allez Elite. I found the Cannondale and the Specialized to be much more comfortable than the Trek 2.3. I didn't try them out at the same store, but I did try them out in the same afternoon. I think it's easy to over-interpret what this means though, since they each also had different tires and wheels on it, so it's impossible for me to ascribe any perceived differences in comfort solely to the frame. I preferred the Specialized over the Cannondale, but not by much- and the Trek was okay, but I wouldn't buy it, when the Cannondale ane the Specialized where cheaper.

bonz50

mmmmm, nice guitars, laphroiag single malt, and a hot roadbike... nice combination bro...

aboss3

And a Sunpak tripod for SLR Great trio lol

knucklesandwich

You have a year old bike. If it's not aggressive enough, remove the spacers under the stem, put on a longer stem, or one with a higher degree of drop.

muttsbutts

I just got my CAAD9 4 about 1 month ago. I really enjoy the bike. I'm coming from a 1983 Mondia Super. The CAAD9 is definitely a better bike because of its technological advances: BB30, modern drive-train, stiff lite frame. The rides are comparable in that each bike rides very comfortably. The CAAD9 is much stiffer and lighter, superior in climbs and acceleration, while the Mondia is a little less twitchy, confidence inspiring at speeds (as is the CAAD9), and much more urbane while riding hands-off. Each bike absorbs pavement rattles well. And each bike is pleasing to the eye; although, the Mondia has more aesthetic construction features to it. There is much beauty in the CAAD9's sparse appearance. CAAD9, me gusto mucho!