JBC

So I started a thread a couple weeks ago while deciding between 2 bikes, but I ended up deciding to keep looking since I wasn't completely sold. So I've decided on a 2013 caad8 105. It was by far my favorite bike I tried and I'm totally sold on it.

What I'm wondering about is what is a good price for this bike. I just want to make sure I'm getting a good deal because it is slightly out of my range. Is 1300 a good price? It is the best I could find from the LBSs in my area.

I'm also debating moving down to the tiagra to get closer to my price range, but I don't want to regret that later. Any advice or thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!

vesteroid

I can tell you that finding a bike shop you trust, one who treats you well now, and one you expect to treat you well after the sale is much more important than 50-100 bucks.

99Klein 

I found a 2012 105 for $1000.00 so that sounds about right for a 2013.

JBC

Thanks for the replies. I live in an area with several LBSs that carry Cannondale, and I have an idea of which I like off the bat considering I've called and asked their prices which varied from full MSRP 1450 down to 1300. But still before pulling the trigger I wanted to make sure that 1300 is a good price for that bike. After all, I can still take the bike anywhere once I've bought it.

Also wanted opinions on buying the Tiagra instead of 105 to save a few bucks. I'm still a relative novice. I've been riding a borrowed bike for awhile - one that isn't my size, and finally decided it's time to buy my own. So this is my first real road bike. I just don't want to buy one and then in 1 year wish I had paid the extra 200 to get the 105s.

Thanks again.

roadwarrior

Question....can you spend a couple hundred more? The reason I ask is that the ride on the CAAD 10 is a lot bteer with the same components. Of not, the 8 is very nice. And your price is right in there.

CenturionIM

Agree with roadwarrior. In my opinion, you are better off looking for a 2012 CAAD 10 5. That bike has a better frame and 105 components. As your LBS see if they can find one; you might even pay less than 1300 (assuming it is pre-tax price) if they give you a good deal on previous year bike. My LBS in a major city asks for 1275$.

JBC

Unfortunately I'm pretty much at the top of my budget. I wanted to spend around 1k, but I've decided that I won't be happy in a year if I go totally entry level, so something like a caad8, trek madone 2.1, domane 2.0 seems like the sweet spot. Those were the bikes I was deciding between.

The caad10 i could get for 1550, caad8 1300. Each with 105. $250 doesn't seem like a big deal, but I guess when I'm already stretching I have to draw the line somewhere. Or I can wait a couple months, but if you play that game something new always comes along and you can wait forever.

Thanks for the help!

JBC

That's a great idea. The LBS I was at and about to buy the caad8 at has a 2012 caad10 for 1350 left only in my size! Did these change much from 2012 to 2013?

CenturionIM

As far as I can tell (via bikepedia, 2012 and 2013), there is absolutely no difference besides paint.

Personally, I would get the 2012 team color in a heart beat even if it costs more.

99Klein 

The CAAD 10 is a completely different frame than the 8. Not much weight difference and the ride is probably negligible for most people, but an entirely different frame with a full carbon fork (be that good or bad).

If that's a 2013 CAAD 10 it's a nice price and you probably don't have to worry about availability waiting (though they do sell quickly in some areas.)

Do you need the 10? Probably not but resale will be better down the road.

Tiagra vs 105 - Lighter weight with the 105. Looks different and I personally think the 105 shifts better. If you've never had it you'll never be disappointed. I friend of my has Tiagra on his cross bike (several years old) and it works just fine. He's had no problems and again, it's an older version that has been improved over the years.

Get the one you like as long as it doesn't put you in a financial bind. I just bought a CAAD 10. Wanted an EVO but couldn't justify the expense. I could have gotten a SuperSix, but prefer the CAAD under my weight. One day I may justify an EVO, who knows:-)

roadwarrior

Nope...same frame. Differnet colors.

seymour1910

If you found a CAAD8 for 1300 and there is a CAAD10 for $50 more it is worth it to stretch that $50. Now, all things considered, the CAAD8 is a fine bike and will serve you well. A lot of guys love 105 or better but the truth i Tiagra is fine for a recreational cyclist. It takes experience to notice a difference in the two. Itis your money and these are our opinions, if it serves your household better to get a CAAD8 6 then do that.

99Klein 

That seems a bit high. Try and talk them down a bit. In November I purchased my 2012 CAAD 10 105 for either $1100.00 or $1200.00.

lenny866

Spend now or spend more later......go with the 105s or you will regret it.

JBC

Thanks for the advice. The bottom line was 1300. Another place had a white one for 1230. Embarrassed to admit that I might spend an extra 70 for the black. Both are from reputable LBS and come with professional fitting. I'm deciding tomorrow morning and pulling the trigger. Any last minute advice appreciated!

seymour1910

If you can stretch for the CAAD10 go for it, if not the CAAD8 5 will serve you well. You must post pics and update your thread when you get the bike.

JBC

Update: 10 months later!

Thanks to all the replies encouraging me to step up to the CAAD10, I spent another 10 months saving (the CAAD8 was already outside my budget when I started this thread 10 months ago!) and I'm excited to say that I picked up a 2013 CAAD10 105 on closeout last night from my LBS for $1,299. I was getting pretty impatient and almost pulled the trigger on a Scattante a few months ago, but now I'm so glad I waited. No knock on Scattante - the CAAD was just by far the best-feeling bike for me, so I'm sure the wait was worth it. I go back to pick it up and bring it home this weekend, and hopefully get a ride in too.

Thanks for all the advice in this thread.

seymour1910

really, no pics? yeah we all know what it looks like already but it's still customary to post at the minimum a cell phone pic of the new bike.....c'mon man

JBC

I know, I know - was waiting for that one. Don't have the bike in my possession yet and left my phone in the car last night when I bought it. Pics will be coming this weekend after I get it home!

DEW21

2 wheeler

CAAD 10 for the WIN!