Cannondale CAAD9 R5

Price Paid:  $1200.00 at Nytro

Favorite Ride:
San Diego Roads

Bike Setup:
Stock with Shimano 105 group.

Summary:
Super stiff but not harsh. A lot of bike for the price. Bike is very responsive.

Strengths:
Price, stiffness.

Weaknesses:
Not a BB30.

Similar Products Used:
Tried them all.

Price Paid:  $1300.00 at Williamson Bicycle W

Favorite Ride:
Any on a CAAD9

Bike Setup:
Triple chainring, Ultegra 6600 SPD-SL pedals. Otherwise stock.

Summary:
2008 Cannondale CAAD9 R5

I bought this as my first road bike for $1,200 on sale ($1,500 out the door with pedals, shoes, bottle cages, and tax).

This bike climbs, accelerates, turns, and brakes with ease. Hills seem flat. It handles like a dream at all speeds. Power transfer is unbelievable.

Strengths:
- Stiff, light frame
- Good handling
- Amazing power transfer

Weaknesses:
- Rough ride

Similar Products Used:
Test-rode Trek 2100, Scott Speedster S40, and Trek 1.5

Price Paid:  $1100.00 at Elixxir Cycles, Waln

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
GMR

Bike Setup:
Cannondale Caad 9 R5 ultegra/105 mix.
Mavic open pro w/ dura ace hub in the rear. Open pro w/ Syncros Magnesium in the front.
Bianchi titanium seat post.
Fizik Arione saddle
Deda Zero 13cm stem
Deda Zero bars

Summary:
I spent 3 months reading countless comparisons between different rigs in this price range. I ended up with Caad 9 R5, based primarily on the components and geometry best suiting my body structure vs price. I am extremely happy with this bike, I'm a larger rider (6'3" - 205lbs) and this rig takes all of the punishment in stride and 500 miles later still rides like the day I got it, if not better. The alum. is definitely a harsher ride than most carbon however the sturdiness of the frame more than makes up for it. I know this bike will be with me for a very long time.

Strengths:
Super Stiff
Relatively light
Geometry is perfect for my stature.
Components are great for price
It's a rocket.

Weaknesses:
The "carbon" (or aluminum w/ a carbon veneer) seat post had to go, switched it out with a titanium post which feels much better. The wheel set on the bike was also fairly subpar, having the nipples on the hub is nice in theory but extremely cumbersome when it comes to a truing the wheel. Stem also developed a creek whenever I would get out of the saddle, replaced that anyways so not a problem anymore.

Similar Products Used:
Medici Pro Strada
Specialized Allez
Cannondale Caad 8

Price Paid:  $1300.00 at LBS

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
The 4 hills

Bike Setup:
Ultegra sl kit, rolfs, easton carbon bits

Summary:
Outstanding frame. I had originally bought a 56 optimo 2 but decided to drop a frame size to 54 so LBS traded be to this years version the R5 (identical save graphics as far as I know). This bike never ceases to amaze me. The power transfer is immediate and sudden. This bike leaps forward without the slightest hesitation. Thought about mid range carbon but they all felt like mush compared to this frames outstanding stiffness and power transfer. Even though it rides a tad harsh (not a comfort bike) and has a more traditional geometory I am still perfectly willing to do centuries on it. The hourglass rear seatstays really do seem to work with regards to soaking up some of alu's inherant roughness.

Strengths:
Stiff stiff
Climbing
Power transfer
Bang for the buck
Crazy fast steering

Weaknesses:
rear end is a tad stiff on the bumpy stuff...will pop your butt up

Similar Products Used:
All sorts

Price Paid:  $1300.00 at Joe Fix It's

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Heritage Trail

Bike Setup:
Stock

Summary:
I purchasd the 2008 R5 Caad9 this weekend and I am really impressed with the responsivness of this bike. The 105/ultergra mix really work well. All of your power goes directly to the rear wheel. I really did not see the need to spend twice as much for a full carbon bike.

Strengths:
Frame, components, looks...

Weaknesses:
none so far

Similar Products Used:
specialized allez, fuji